Homer Sprague facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Homer Sprague
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| Personal details | |
| Born |
Homer Baxter Sprague
October 19, 1829 Sutton, Massachusetts, United States |
| Died | March 23, 1918 (aged 88) |
| Alma mater | Yale University New York University |
| Profession | Educator, lawyer, University president |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Branch/service | Union Army |
| Years of service | 1861–1866 |
| Rank |  Colonel
 Captain |
| Commands | 13th Connecticut Infantry Regiment |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
Homer Baxter Sprague (born October 19, 1829 – died March 23, 1918) was an important American person. He was an author, a teacher, and a strong supporter of ending slavery. He also served as a Lieutenant Colonel in the Union Army during the American Civil War.
Sprague was born in Sutton, Massachusetts. When the Civil War began in 1861, he was a Captain in the 13th Connecticut Infantry Regiment. He quickly rose to the rank of Colonel. In 1864, soldiers from the Confederate Army captured him. He was a prisoner of war until 1865. He was released in a prisoner exchange and stayed in the military until the war ended.
After the war, Sprague became a leader in education. He was the President of Mills College in California from 1885 to 1887. Then, in 1887, he became the President of the University of North Dakota. He believed in new and better ways of teaching. At Adelphi Academy in New York, he helped the school welcome female students for the first time. While there, he also started the very first fire drills in American schools.
Homer Sprague's Education
Homer Sprague began attending Leicester Academy in 1847. He was the top student in his class. In 1848, he went to Yale University to study law and literature.
At Yale, he was the president of the Linonian Society. He also worked as an editor for the Yale Literary Magazine. He was one of the first members of the Scroll and Key Society. This group was formed after a disagreement within another society called Skull and Bones. Sprague was again the top student in his class. He earned his first degree in 1852. In 1854, he became a lawyer.
Homer Sprague's Early Career
After finishing university, Sprague worked as a lecturer and tutor. He also continued his studies. He wrote many articles, often for newspapers. These writings showed his strong feelings against slavery.
In July 1856, he got his first important job. He became the principal of the Worcester Classical and English High School in Worcester, Massachusetts. He also started an idea that later became the Martha's Vineyard Summer Institute in 1878. This was the first summer school for teachers in the United States.
Sprague worked as a lawyer for a few years. He practiced law in Worcester County and New Haven. He often joked that he did not practice law "long enough to do much harm!"
Homer Sprague's Family
Homer Sprague was a direct descendant of William Sprague. William Sprague was one of three brothers who helped start Charlestown, Massachusetts, in 1628. Charlestown later became part of Boston.
Homer Sprague married Nettie Pardee. Nettie was the sister of Sarah Winchester. Sarah Winchester inherited a lot of money from the company that made Winchester rifles.
