Augustus B. R. Sprague facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Augustus Brown Reed Sprague
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| 30th Mayor of Worcester, Massachusetts |
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| In office January 6, 1896 – January 3, 1898 |
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| Preceded by | Henry A. Marsh |
| Succeeded by | Rufus B. Dodge Jr. |
| 17th sheriff of Worcester County, Massachusetts | |
| In office July 5, 1871 – January 1890 |
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| Appointed by | William Claflin (appointed to fill vacancy) |
| Preceded by | John S.C. Knowlton |
| Succeeded by | Samuel D. Nye |
| Personal details | |
| Born | March 7, 1827 Ware, Massachusetts |
| Died | March 17, 1910 (aged 83) Worcester, Massachusetts |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance | United States of America Union |
| Branch/service | Union Army |
| Years of service | 1861–1865 |
| Rank |  Colonel Brevet Brigadier General |
| Unit | 3rd Massachusetts Rifle Battalion 15th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment 25th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment |
| Commands | 51st Massachusetts Infantry Regiment 2nd Massachusetts Heavy Artillery Regiment |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
Augustus Brown Reed Sprague (born March 7, 1827 – died May 17, 1910) was an important American leader. He was a successful businessman, a politician, and a brave soldier. Sprague served as the Mayor of Worcester, Massachusetts, and as the sheriff of Worcester County, Massachusetts. He also fought as an officer for the Union Army during the American Civil War.
Fighting in the Civil War
Augustus Sprague joined the Union Army on April 17, 1861. This was right at the start of the American Civil War. He became a captain in the Third Massachusetts Rifles.
In September 1861, a new group of soldiers was formed. It was called the 25th Regiment Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry. Sprague was chosen to be their Lieutenant Colonel.
Sprague and the 25th Massachusetts Infantry fought in North Carolina. This was part of a mission led by General Burnside. Sprague was recognized for his courage. He showed bravery at the Battle of Roanoke Island and the Battle of New Bern.
He served in many states during the war. These included North Carolina, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Virginia.
In November 1862, he became a colonel. He led the 51st Massachusetts Infantry Regiment. This group served in the Carolinas. They were under the command of General John G. Foster. Sprague left the service with his regiment in July 1863.
He was then made a lieutenant colonel. This was for the 2nd Massachusetts Heavy Artillery Regiment. He started this role on February 1, 1864. He left the army in September 1865. After the war, he was given a special honor. He was made a brevet brigadier general. This was for his "gallant and meritorious services" during the war.
In March 1868, Sprague became a founding member. He joined the Massachusetts Commandery. This was part of the Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States (MOLLUS). It was a group for Union officers. He served as a leader in this group. He was its first junior vice commander in 1868. Later, he became its commander in 1908.
Sprague was also a member of the Grand Army of the Republic. This was another group for Civil War veterans. He led the Department of Massachusetts in 1868.
Public Service and Career
Augustus Sprague held several important public jobs. From 1867 to 1872, he worked for the government. He collected internal revenue for the 8th Massachusetts District.
Sprague served as the sheriff of Worcester County. He held this position from July 5, 1871, until 1890. He was also a member of the Worcester City Council.
On January 6, 1896, Sprague became the Mayor of Worcester, Massachusetts. He served as mayor until January 3, 1898.
Outside of his public service, Sprague was a successful businessman. He was the president of Worcester Mechanics Savings Bank. He also served as president of the Worcester Electric Light Company.
About His Family
Augustus B. R. Sprague was born in Ware, Massachusetts. His parents were Lee and Lucia (Snow) Sprague. His family had a long history in Massachusetts. They were descendants of William Sprague. William settled in Massachusetts in the early 1600s. Sprague was also related to some famous Mayflower passengers. These included Stephen Hopkins, John Alden, and Priscilla Mullins.
In 1846, he married Elizabeth Janes. They had five children together. Elizabeth passed away in 1889. In 1890, he married Mary Jennie Barbour. They had one child.
Augustus B. R. Sprague died at his home in Worcester, Massachusetts. He passed away on May 17, 1910.
