Louisville (KY) Courier-Journal, January 12, 1878, p. 4.
PHILLIPS-SPARKS
Still more fun in Columbus, Indiana, with much love and some romance. A few
days since we mentioned that Miss Jennie Sparks and Miss Annie Howell of
this city had gone to Columbus on a brief visit. Early yesterday morning
intelligence was received in this city that Capt. James M. Phillips was
married to Miss Jennie Sparks the night previous. It happened this way:
Capt. Phillips and Miss Sparks have loved each other fond and true for
several years and have been engaged for two years, so concluded Thursday
evening to delay matters no longer, and they didn't. There was a card party
at the residence of Mrs. David Long, nee Miss Mollie Downs, of this city,
whose guest Miss Sparks was, and after a few hasty preliminary arrangements
the company was turned into a bridal party, Rev. A. Parker of the
Presbyterian Church tying the nuptial knot. Mr. Mike A. Sweeney and Miss
Annie Howell of this city stood up bravely with the happy pair. It was just
splendid. Capt. Phillips is one of the best fellows in the world,
whole-souled and genial with a heart in him as large as a bushel basket. He
is the best railroad man on one of the best railroads in the country, the J.
M. and I. As for Miss Jennie Sparks, the bride, she is good and noble, and
everybody in Jeffersonville loves her. She is a sister of the late General
Levi Sparks and of Thomas and Nathan Sparks of the well known dry goods
house of this city. Jim, we always want you to make Miss Jennie a good,
kind husband, and we believe you will, and Miss Jennie, we know that you
will be a loving helpmate to Jim. Go, my children. God bless you.