City of Virden - Over the Years

1875 family portrait of Postmaster Sparks with wife and daughters Claudia and Elizabeth.

1875 Postmaster and Family

In a typical family pose appear Samson Green and Mrs. Elizabeth Sparks, and their two daughters, Claudia (rear) and Ella (front). Mr. Sparks was postmaster at Virden for two terms from 1875 to 1884, after which he entered the mail business again, moving to Greenfield, Ill., in 1884. In 1899 he was made state deputy for the Modern Woodmen, with headquarters at Springfield where the family then moved. In 1901 they moved to Camp Point, Ill., and resided there until his passing October 12, 1914.

Mrs. Sparks was the daughter of Rev. W. M. Reed, early local Methodist minister, filling an appointment in Virden in the 1860’s or 70’s. Rev. Reed passed away August 2, 1902, at Camp Point.

This photograph belongs to Miss Elizabeth Sparks, retired teacher since 1949 of Dewey school at Quincy. Miss Sparks says her parents were married in 1876 in Arcola, Ill., where her grandfather was pastor at the time. Miss Jennie Piper, of Virden, and Ed Virden attended the couple. Later Miss Piper became the bride of Ed Virden, son of one of the early founders of Virden.

Mr. and Mrs. Sparks and Claudia (Mrs. I. Walter Kesler) are deceased. Mr. Sparks was a brother of the late Henry C. and Levi S. Sparks, and a great-uncle of Charles E. Jones of Virden.

- Curator & Owner Kyle Heriford 2026

Newspaper clipping celebrating Virden's 100th anniversary and historical GAR reunion.

1875 Postmaster and Family Back Side of Paper

This is the reverse side of the original newspaper clipping, shown exactly as it appears with no writing, markings, or added notes. It is included for preservation and documentation purposes, offering a full view of the physical artifact as it exists today.

- Curator & Owner Kyle Heriford 2026