Sprague Ancestry

*The Spragues formed one of the most notable and historically prominent of Rhode Island families since the beginning of the seventeenth century. Members of this family were leaders in practically every department of the life of the State throughout two centuries. They, together, founded and developed one of the greatest, if not the greatest, of the cotton cloth industries in Rhode Island.

Edward Sprague was born about 1577 in Fordington, St. George Dorset, England. He lived in Fordington in his early life, and was a fuller by trade. He married Christina, and died in 1614. His will was proved June 6, 1614, in the prerogative court at Canterbury, and copies of the document made at this time are still in possession of the family. Three of his sons, Ralph, Richard, and WILLIAM, came to America. In Prince's Chronology I found the following mention of the brothers: Among those who arrived at Naumkeag are Ralph Sprague, with his brothers Richard and William, who, with three or four more, were employed by Governor Endicott to explore and take possession of the country westward. They traveled through the woods to Charleston, on a neck of land called Michawum, between Mystic and Charles Rivers. Ralph Sprague was about twenty-five years of age when he came to New England in 1631. Captain Richard Sprague commanded a company of the train band. On Feb. 10, 1634, the order creating a Board of Selectmen was passed, and Richard and William Sprague signed it. Richard Sprague left no posterity. His sword, which is named in his brother William's will, was extant in 1828.

William Sprague, son of Edward, was born on Oct, 26, 1609 in Dorsetshire, England. He was christened there on June 6, 1614. He married Millicent Eames, born 1615 in England, in 1635. He settled first in Charleston, Mass., where he lived until 1636. He then removed to Hingham, where land was granted to him by he town. He was one of the first planters there. His house lot was said to be the best situated in the town. He was active in public affairs, and was the constable and fenceviewer. Millicent as the daughter of Anthony and Margery (Pierce) Eames. They had 8 children, namely, Anthony, Samuel, William, Joan, Jonathan, Persis, JOHANNA, and Mary. William died on Oct. 26, 1675 in Hingham, Plymouth, Mass., and was buried their on the 28th. Millicent died on Feb. 8, 1695 in Hingham, Mass.

Johanna Sprague, daughter William, was born on Dec. 16, 1644 in Plymouth, Mass. She was christened in 1645. She married Caleb Church on Dec 16, 1667 in Hingham, Mass. They had 8 children, namely, HANNAH, Ruth, Lydia, Caleb, Joshua, Abigail, Isaac, and Rebecca. Johanna died on July 11, 1678.

To see the rest of my Sprague line, please click here, and scroll down a bit.