William W. Sprague 1829-1913

SPRAGUE, DAY, POWERS, HOWARD

Posted By: Dorothy (email)
Date: 12/15/2008 at 11:58:19

William Sprague passed away Sunday
at 4 p. m. at the home of his son,
S. C. Sprague, east of the city. Mr.
Sprague was a pioneer of the county
and died as the result. of the infirmities
incident to old age, the last
services will be held from the S. C.
Sprague residence at 2:30 p. m Tuesday
followed by interment in the Otsego
cemetery.

Oelwein Daily Register - 30 June 1913

OBITUARY
William Wallace Sprague was born in Essex county, New York, July 12, 1829. He came with his parents to Jackson county, Iowa, when he was a child. He was married to Miranda Day and came to Fayette county in 1856, locating on a farm two miles east of Oelwein. Here he lived till after the death of his wife which occurred Sept. 1, 1891. At the time of his death his home was with his youngest son, Sidney C. Sprague. Mr. Sprague was of the true pioneer stock, enduring with cheerfulness the hardships of pioneer life, and rejoicing in the strength that enabled him to bend the forces of nature to the good of humanity.

He was the father of seven children to whom he has left the priceless heritage of a good name. It was ever his proud boast that his given word was as good as a signed contract. He endeavored to rear his sons and daughters in the straight line of duty and truth, teaching them ever that virtue, honesty, and truth are the brightest jewels of life's crown. If sometimes in the struggle to be just he seemed to miss the law of kindness, those who knew his gentleness and unfailing patience during the helpless stricken years know that it was because of the firm belief that justice must be done at whatever cost. He was a Universalist in belief and a firm believer that God is just and loving.

In April 1899 he was stricken with paralysis of the left side, rendering him almost helpless, but yet able to be about the house until November, 1909, when he suffered a severe illness and a second stroke, since when he has never left his bed. During the trying years that would have driven less strong spirits into a state of nervous irritability, he never uttered one word of complaint. To friends who endeavored to sympathize with him, his unfailing reply was, "I have no complaint against the Almighty. He has left me my right hand and my eyesight." Four weeks ago he was stricken with a mortal weariness. He called his sons and daughters to his bedside saying he was dying. Asked if he felt badly, he answered, "No, I am so glad to go." But the gentle spirit was to be further purified by suffering and he lingered through the weary days till in the stillness of the Sabbath afternoon he fell peacefully asleep and "He was not, for God took him" June 29th at four o'clock. Three children have gone home before the father. Those left to minister to him in the last weary days are Mr. Lucretia Powers, Mrs. Lucy Howard, Samuel B. and Sidney C. There are thirty grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren.

Note - if buried at Otsego Cemetery, the grave is unmarked. He owned lot 133 where wife is buried. Son Samuel B. Sprague (1864-1935) is listed as Samuel Bealy Sprague in OAGS Woodlawn cemetery records.