1914 Biography - Robert C. Sparks

Sparks, Robert Clayton, a citizen of Monroe and prominent in the cotton trade of North Louisiana, is a son of B. C. and Mary E. (Garrett) Sparks, and was born in Cherokee county, Ala., Nov. 11, 1860. B. C. Sparks was a native of Putnam county,Ga. He moved to Alabama when a young man and for more than 40 years practiced medicine in that state. He died in Dec., 1894. Mary E. Garrett was also a native of Alabama, and bore her husband 7 children: Elvira, Mary E. (deceased), Sallie B.(deceased), Samuel J. (deceased), Lelia, Robert C. and Manly A. R. C. Sparks remained in Alabama until 18 years old, receiving his education in private schools and later in a business college at Nashville, Tenn. After returning, he accepted a position with Howell, Vandiver & Co., Rome, Ga., as bookkeeper, where he remained 18 months; then to Little Rock, Ark., and for 4 years was employed in the German National bank. At the end of that time he accepted a position with T. F. Howell & Co., cotton dealers, whose principal office was at Rome, Ga., with a branch at Little Rock. From the latter place Mr. Sparks was sent to Pine Bluff to manage the company's business there. He remained at that place a few years until, at the age of 33, he came to Monroe and engaged in business for himself as R. C. Sparks, Cotton, being a direct buyer for Southern and New England mills. Mr. Sparks was one of a half dozen men who were induced to take a position on the directorate of the Bank of Monroe when its affairs were not satisfactory, and he, with others, came forward and put up money. This act not only saved the depositors from loss, but also preserved a good name for the banking business of Monroe. Oct. 25, 1904, Mr. Sparks, with others, established the People's Warehouse and Compress Co., and he is still secretary of the company. In 1908 Mr. Sparks was one of the four to establish the Riverside addition to the city of Monroe, which is now one of its finest residence sections. Politically he has always endorsed the principles of the democratic party, but has never sought nor held public office. June 27, 1894, Mr. Sparks was married to Mary Louise, daughter of R. J. Nelson, of Monroe, and 4 children have been born to them: Robert N.(deceased), Margaret E., Robert, Jr., James Dilling.

Contributed 2021 Nov 04 by Mike Miller, from Louisiana: Comprising Sketches, edited by Alcee Fortier, published in 1914, volume 3, pages 574-575.