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The Langport and Somerton Herald. 29 Mar 1930
DEATH OF MR. JAMES SPARKES.
SOMERSET'S OLDEST BLACKSMITH.
Believed to be the oldest blacksmith in Somerset, Mr. James SPARKES, of Cheddon Fitzpaine, near Taunton, has died in his 97th year. He retired from business at 85, but in the succeeding years he continued to do odd jobs in the village, and at the age of 90 repaired the post office clock for his daughter, Miss Ellen SPARKES, sub-postmistress of Cheddon. Excepting for nine months' absence in his youth, Mr. SPARKES had lived in Cheddon all his life, and six years ago he and the late Mrs. SPARKES celebrated their golden wedding. He leaves one son and one daughter.
<NOTES: James SPARKS or SPARKES son of Joel SPARKS and Mary MILLS, married Laetitia PLEASS>