Evening Republican, Volume 17, Number 281, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 24 November 1913 — FRANCIS W. SPARLING DIED TWO WEEKS AGO [ARTICLE]

FRANCIS W. SPARLING DIED TWO WEEKS AGO

Greensburg, Kans., Paper Relates ' Life on Plains of Man Born In Jasper County. Greensburg, Kans., Signal. Francis W. Spraling, son of Samuel L and Julia Ann Sparling, was born in Jasper coun-’ ty, Indiana, Decemfber 2, 1844, and departed this life at Greensburg, Kans., November 11, 1913, aged 68 years, 10 mtfnths and 9 days. Early in life Mr. Spalling united" with the Free Will Baptist church, of which he was a member ,»t death. He was always interested in the church and church activities. During the latter days of his life he attended the churches, though laboring under the difficulty of hearing the spoken words. He always contended that it was a joy for him to go. December 15, 1866, Francis Sparling was united in marriage to Nancy M Hammond, to which union was born two sons and two daughters, the latter preceding their father in death. A daughter, Fannie, was adopted into the family, and she, together with the mother and two sons, Chas. and J. 0., remain to mourn his departure. A host of friends and acquaintances join with them in their sorrow. May 10, 1864, though a mere boy of nineteen, he heard the call of his country for volunteers and enlisted in the Grand Army of the Republic. For five months he served in the 135th Regiment Indiana "Voluncompany E, and was then honorably discharged because of disabilities incurred in the service.

There are very few of those remaining to this day who came to this county as early -as did Mr. Sparling. In 1884 he settled on A claim in the southeast part of the county and proved it up. That was 29 years ago, Not only did he serve his people during the War of the Rebellion, but he has also occupied offices and positions of honor since. For eight years he was probate judge of Kiowa county. Since then Judge Sparling has filled minor offices to satisfaction of all people regardless of political affiliations. Under the caption, ’The Man As I Knew Him,” Rev. J. H. Olinger’s remarks at the funeral service are published in the same paper, showing the very highcstcccro in which he was held. In part he said: I come not as administer to preach a sermon or to add anything to the sermon that has been preached, but I come as a neighbor and friend, to speak of a few of his virtues that made him great among us,

Brother Sparling came to this county or rather, what was then the north part of Comanche county some 29 years ago. He came here before there was any railroad, telegraph or telephone. He was here when we freighted our goods across the country from Kinsley. He has lived here ever since. Coming here 29 years ago in a company of 29 people, 24 of whom are present here today at his funeral service Two of that company are away temporarily and three having proceeded Uncle Frank to the Great Beyond. I have known him all these 29 years, but for the past seven years have lived a close neighbor to him. During that time I have been closely associated with him in business, religious and social circles. Many times he has come to our home on somfe errand, quite often he would have to lean heavily on his cane to walk the short distance from his home to ours. It was always a pleasure to meet him and talk over the affairs of life. To you oid comrades of the flag, another of your number has answered to the Great Commander. In the last sixty days three of our heroes have fallen in this county, one at Mullinville, one at Havil’and and one in our own city. You remember quite well how Brother Sparling marched down the aisle in this church last Memorial Day and planted the Stars and Stripes

near the pulpit, how out at the cemetery he gave to you hoys in blue the last command of “right about face, forward march.” An incident of a few Sundays ago will suffice to show the broad minded man that he was. On our way home from church we overtook Uncle Frank. We invited him to ride home; on the way I asked him, “Where have you been to church today?” He said at the Baptist today, last Sunday I was at the Christian church. I like to visit all the churches." Judge Sparling served this county as probate judge for several years, and no man ever had occasion to question any act of his either in public or private life. To illustrate how desirous he was of being true to a public trust, let me call your attention to one statement Brother Sparling made in the last political convention ever held in this county. He was then a candidate for probate judge. When called on to make a speech, he said in part: “Gentlemen, I am a candidate for probate judge. If elected I shall know no politics* but everyone shall be treated with absolute fairness.” No man ever kept his promise more faithfully than did he. I am glad that his casket is draped with the Stars and Stripes, the old flag for which he fought, the one he loved so well. To the ladies of the Relief Corps, I am glad you are here in a body