W H Sprague

SPRAGUE

Posted By: County Coordinator
Date: 3/11/2009 at 15:00:52

W H Sprague who is filling the office of city weigher, is far separated from the place of his birth, for he is a native of the Empire state, having been born in Jefferson county, New York, in 1844. His parents were Israel and Eunice Ann (Noble) Sprague, both of whom were also natives of New York, where they spent their entire lives. Of their family, H H Sprague, who is a brother of the subject of this review, and W H Sprague came to Boone county, Iowa, the former in 1869 and the latter in 1870. For a time they were associated in business as proprietors of a grocery store, and later engaged in farming for a period of ten years. In 1837 Mr Sprague of this review came to Boone, Iowa where he has since made his home. For fifteen years he has been city weigher, filling the office in a most capable manner, his duties being discharged with promptness and fidelity.
Mr Sprague has ever been a loyal and patriotic citizen and when the country was engaged in Civil war he responded to the call for aid, enlisting on December 30, 1861, as a member of Company I, Ninety-second New York Infantry. He remained at the front through the period of hostilities, being mustered out on January 12, 1865. He has been wounded in front Petersburg, June 24, 1864, having been shot through the wrist , the bones thereof being shattered. On account of his disability he was sent to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where he remained in the hospital until honorably discharged. He took part in twenty-four engagements in all, including many of the leading battles of the Army of the Potomac.
In 1871 was celebrated the marriage of Mr Sprague and Miss Elizabeth Mitchell, a daughter of William Mitchell, of Boone county, Iowa. Their children are: Anna May , the wife of Charles Clark, Arthur H, Bert and Benjamin. Of this number Bert enlisted for service in the Spanish-American war as a member of Company I, Fifty-second Iowa Infantry. The regiment was called to Chickamauga, but was never called to active field service, and eventually he was discharged.
Mr Sprague is identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Improved Order of Redmen, and with the Grand Army Post, whereby he maintains pleasant relations with his old army comrades who whore the blue in in defense of the Union cause. Local advancement and national progress are both dear to his heart and he carefully considers and supports all measures which he believes will contribute to the general good.

1902 Boone County History Book