Histories, pedigree charts, maps and more...
Family stories are interwoven dramas with many threads of triumph and tragedy. How do we convey the energy and uniqueness of these narratives to future generations? The intent of this site is to preserve and share our Sparks' family story for posterity.
Our branch of the Sparks family descends from the British Isles - primarily from England with later generations migrating to Ireland. Sparks descendants began to arrive in Upper Canada, from Ireland, in the early 19th-century with others following years later. Turbulent times in the old country and new life opportunities waiting in Canada were the push and pull to our forebearers.
This site assembles a collection of searchable genealogical records for the antecedents, descendants, siblings and cousins of Nicholas Sparks of Bytown. An extensive genealogical collection for Nicholas, his younger brother George Sparks of Bells Corners and his second cousin George Sparks of Gloucester is credited to the research work of family historians.
The collection will continue to evolve with the help of family and friends. There will always be some undiscovered family member, fact or story. Your contributions of local historical interest related to the Sparks family are welcome, such as old vintage photographs, published and online sources, etc., with be credited. Simply click the "Contact Us" at the bottom of this page, submit your comments, and we can exchange emails to arrange for submissions. All submissions will be answered.
Enjoy searching for your Sparks relatives and ancestors.
K. Wayne Lester
Registration and Privacy Policy
Sparks Family Researcher and Site Author
The Sparks family heritage is rooted in the history of England and Ireland. A published source asserts that the Sparks name comes from the Old English term "sparrowhawk". Another source says the Sparks surname is derived from old Norse "sparkr or spraek" and adopted into Olde English in the Middle Ages. In the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, the Olde English versions gradually morphed into Spark and its West Country patronymic forms Sparke, Sparkes and Sparks.
Sparks lineage is traced back to Tudor England with two of the strongest monarchs sitting for 118 years on the English throne: Henry VIII and his daughter Elizabeth I. John Sparke, born about 1500 and living in Devon County, England, is the earliest known Sparks ancestor. John would have lived a more peaceful and richer life during England's transformation from Medieval to Tudor times, but still a tough life nonetheless.
Nicholas Sparke, a fifth-generation descendant of John Sparke, also a native of Devon County, is the legendary “founder of the Irish branch”, as told in Herbert Todd’s 1913 narrative of prominent pioneering Canadians. Nicholas and his family continued to prosper in his ancestors footsteps during the stormy reign of Charles I.
Joining the eighteenth-century British colonization of Ireland, the Sparke family of Devon County emigrated to County Wexford, Ireland. Nicholas's grandson Samuel Spark chose to move with his family from Devon County to County Wexford, Ireland, most likely to take possession of leased-land awarded to his grandfather Nicholas for his military service.
A fourth-generation grandson of Samuel Sparke, Nicholas Sparks of Bytown, Upper Canada, and for whom Ottawa's Sparks Street was named, journeyed from England in 1816 and settling as a prominent landholder and timberer in early 19th-century Carleton County, Upper Canada.
Publications
Click More to view updated LOOKING BACK charts, and other publications.
On the Lighter Side
Until 1950, local department stores discouraged the entry of most national chains.
Costing £822,804 which is $1B in todays' money, the Rideau Canal was completed in May 1832.
Enjoy some Inspirational Quotes
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