Gaston, Joseph. "Portland, Oregon Its History and Builders." Vol. 2. Chicago and Portland, S. J. Clarke Publishing Co., 1911. p. 520. MARSHALL R. SPARKS One of the enterprising business interests of Vancouver is the general hardware store owned and conducted by Marshall R. Sparks. While a native of the Mississippi valley, Mr. Sparks has spent the greater part of his life in the northwest and has ever been imbued with the spirit of industry and progressiveness which is characteristic of this section of the country. He was born in Dubuque, Iowa, October 7, 1860, and when fourteen years of age was brought to the west by his parents, who came direct to Vancouver and soon afterward settled upon a farm in this locality. Marshall R. Sparks remained upon the homestead farm with his father until twenty years of age and during that period gave his attention largely to the development and improvement of the fields. He then served an apprenticeship to the tinsmith's trade under G. H. Daniels, for whom he worked for twelve years. At the end of that time he purchased Mr. Daniels' stock and engaged in business on his own account, later increasing the stock to include a full line of general hardware. He has since conducted the business under his own name and now has one of the well appointed stores of Vancouver, in which connection he has built up a large and growing business that is entirely satisfactory. On the 10th of April, 1884, Mr. Sparks was united in marriage to Miss Alice Thorpe, a resident of McMinnville, Oregon. They have four children, Clay, Harry, Reine T. and Norma, all at home. Mr. Sparks belongs to the lodge, chapter and commandery of Masons in Vancouver and to Afifi Temple of the Mystic Shrine in Tacoma. He is likewise connected with the local lodges of the Knights of Pythias and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. His political allegiance is given to the republican party and he has served for two terms as a member of the city council, during which period he exercised his official prerogatives in support of many progressive measures for the general good. He withholds his cooperation from no movement which he deems of value to the community at large and at the same time he carefully superintends his private business interests, wherein he is winning substantial and gratifying success. ******************* Submitted to the Oregon Bios. Project in July 2017 by Diana Smith. Submitter has no additional information about the person(s) or family mentioned above.