Ebenezer Sproat facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Ebenezer Sproat
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Ebenezer Sproat (aka Sprout)
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| Born | February 9, 1752 Middleborough, Massachusetts |
| Died | January 7, 1805 (aged 52) Marietta, Ohio |
| Place of burial | |
| Allegiance |  United States of America |
| Service/ |
 Continental Army |
| Rank | Colonel |
| Battles/wars | American Revolutionary War |
| Relations | Abraham Whipple (father-in-law) |
| Other work | pioneer to the Ohio Country, surveyor, militia officer during the Northwest Indian War, first sheriff in the Northwest Territory |
Ebenezer Sproat (born 1752, died 1805) was an important person in early American history. He was a brave officer in the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War. After the war, he became a pioneer in the Ohio Country. He even helped start Marietta, Ohio, which was the first American town in the Northwest Territory.
Sproat served in the war from 1775 to 1783, becoming a colonel. Later, he worked as a surveyor and led the local army (called a militia) in Marietta. He was also the very first sheriff in the Northwest Territory. He served as sheriff for 14 years in Washington County, Ohio.
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Early Life of Ebenezer Sproat
Ebenezer Sproat was born in Middleborough, Massachusetts, in 1752. His parents were Bathsheba and Ebenezer Sproat. His father owned a farm and a tavern. Young Ebenezer helped his father on the farm.
Even when he was young, he cared about what was happening in the colony. Like his father, Ebenezer grew up to be a very tall and strong man.
Serving in the Revolutionary War
Ebenezer Sproat fought in the Continental Army for the entire American Revolutionary War. He was part of important battles like Trenton, Princeton, and Monmouth. He was known for being disciplined but also cheerful. Both officers and soldiers liked him a lot.
He started as a captain in April 1775, right after the Battles of Lexington and Concord. He was promoted to major in June 1775. Later, he became a lieutenant colonel. He served with General George Washington at Valley Forge during the cold winter of 1777-1778. People said he was the tallest man in his regiment.
In 1781, Colonel Sproat had a difficult duty. He was part of a group sent to stop a mutiny (a rebellion) by some soldiers. He had to lead the court-martial (military trial) for the soldiers who started it. This was very hard for him, and he often said it was the most painful thing he ever had to do. He became a full colonel in September 1783, just before the war ended.
Colonel Sproat was kind to his soldiers. Once, when he was visiting home, three soldiers came to his parents' tavern for lunch. Instead of making them pay, he gave each soldier a shilling and wished them well. He was also good friends with important officers like General Von Steuben and General Washington.
Life After the War in Rhode Island
After the war, Ebenezer Sproat moved to Providence, Rhode Island. There, he married Catherine Whipple. Her father was Commodore Abraham Whipple from the Continental Navy. Sproat tried to be a merchant, but it didn't work out well.
In 1786, he became a surveyor for Rhode Island. In this job, he helped survey (measure) the Seven Ranges area in the Ohio Country.
Moving to the Ohio Country
Ebenezer Sproat became a part-owner of the Ohio Company of Associates. He worked as a surveyor for them. On April 7, 1788, Sproat and other pioneers arrived at the Ohio and Muskingum rivers. They started Marietta, Ohio, which was the first permanent American town in the Northwest Territory. His wife, daughter, and father-in-law joined him there the next year.
Colonel Sproat was a very noticeable person in Marietta because he was so tall and had a strong presence. The local Native Americans were impressed by him. They called him "Hetuck," which meant "eye of the buck deer" or "Big Buckeye." Some people think this is why Ohio is called the Buckeye State today.
During the Northwest Indian War, Sproat was in charge of military matters in Washington County. He also helped start the first Freemasons lodge in Marietta.
Ebenezer Sproat was the first sheriff in the Northwest Territory. He served for 14 years, from 1788 to 1802. At that time, Washington County was huge. It stretched from the Ohio River all the way to Lake Erie. Sheriff Sproat was cheerful and enjoyed company. He loved horses and dogs. He always rode a horse on his long trips, with two or three large dogs by his side. He was a fair sheriff and showed great kindness. He was even known to pay a poor family's debt himself instead of arresting them.
Later Years
In his later years, Ebenezer Sproat enjoyed working on the land. He died in Marietta in early 1805. He is buried next to his father-in-law, Commodore Whipple, at Mound Cemetery in Marietta. Many other Revolutionary War soldiers and pioneers are also buried there.
