Sidney C. Sprague (1868-1948)

SPRAGUE, MARANDA, DAY, METTLIN, VAN DENOVER, ALLISON, KRAFT, CLARK, BORLAND

Posted By: Dorothy Gosse (email)
Date: 6/20/2008 at 11:45:10

Sidney Chamberlain Sprague, son of William Wallace and Betsy Maranda Day Sprague, was born on March 7, 1868, on a farm two miles east of Oelwein and died January 14, 1948, just one month and 24 days less than 80 years old.

He grew to young manhood on the farm, receiving his education at a rural school in the neighborhood. His first years of life were spent in farming with his brother, Sam, on his father's farm.

On November 13, 1895 he married Edith Celestia Mettlin, she died May 29, 1946.
After two years of farming one-half mile south of his birthplace, he with his family, moved to the homestead which was their home for 21 years.

They had eight children; Mrs. Harold Van Denover, Ralph A., Mrs. George Allison, Dorothy, all of Oelwein, Mrs. Peter Kraft of Stanley, Jack M. of Bellingham, Washington, Howard W. of Worcester, Mass., one daughter Grace died in 1916 at the age of 14.

In 1919 they left the farm and established their home in Oelwein and he worked for four years at various positions; in 1923 he entered the feed and grain business, in which he was an active owner until 1932, at which time his son, Ralph took over the ownership, but he was actively engaged in the business until January, 1947.

After his marriage, he united with the First Presbyterian church of Oelwein.

He was the last member of his family and besides his four daughters and three sons he leave to mourn his passing, fifteen grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

Funeral services were held at the First Presbyterian church on Saturday afternoon, January 17, at 1:30 o'clock in charge of the pastor, Dr. L. W. Hauter. Casket bearers were Gailen Sprague, Randal Van Denover, Marvin Sprague, Eldred Sprague, Merle Clark and Harry Borland. Burial at Otsego.

Oelwein Daily Register - 20 January 1948