My Genealogy Hound

James L. Sparks, Sr., editor and proprietor of the Ripley News, was born in Washington County, Va., October 9, 1813. His father moved to Jonesboro, Washington Co., Tenn., when he was still a small boy, and where he spent the greater part of his life. In 1836 Mr. Sparks, in connection with Lawson Gifford, established The Tennessee Sentinel, the first Democratic paper published in that county. When the war commenced he and Albert G. Graham were publishing the Jonesboro Union, which they continued until the paper-mills were closed and the supply of paper cut off. During the war Mr. Sparks was deputy circuit court clerk and postmaster. Soon after the war he moved to Ripley and took a position on the Ripley News as associate editor with his son, J. L. Sparks, Jr., and after his death became sole editor, which position he still holds, and by their united efforts have given the paper a high place in the Tennessee press. In 1836 he married Margaret C. Greer, who was born January 5, 1816, and nine children were born to them, two sons and two daughters still living. All of the boys have been printers. When James L., Jr., died, his brother, Thomas M., succeeded as local editor and business manager. His education has been chiefly acquired in the printing office, where he has worked from boyhood. Mr. and Mrs. Sparks are Presbyterians and the son a Methodist. Mr. Sparks is one of the oldest editors in the State, and is regarded as an able newspaper man.