William Sprague (1609–1675) facts for kids
William Sprague (born October 26, 1609 – died October 26, 1675) was an early settler in the American colonies. He came from a town called Upwey in England. He traveled across the ocean to a new land that would later become part of the United States.
William Sprague arrived in a place called Naumkeag (which is now Salem) in July 1629. He came with his brothers, Ralph and Richard. They were hired by Governor Endecott to explore the land to the west. They explored areas like present-day Charlestown, Massachusetts, which is between the Mystic and Charles rivers. While exploring, they made peace with the local Native American tribes.
Life in the New World
William Sprague was an important person in the early settlements. On February 10, 1634, an important rule was made to create a group called the Board of Selectmen. This group helped manage the town. Both Richard and William Sprague signed this important order.
Moving to Hingham
William Sprague lived in Charlestown until 1636. After that, he moved to Hingham, where he was one of the first people to settle there. His house lot was on Union Street. People said it was a very nice place in Hingham.
Public Service
William was very active in helping his community. He served in public jobs like Constable and Fence Viewer. A Constable was like a police officer who kept order. A Fence Viewer made sure fences were built correctly.
His Family
William Sprague's will, which is a legal document about his property after he died, named his wife, Millicent (Eames). It also named their children: Anthony, Samuel, William, Joan, Jonathan, Persis, Johanna, and Mary.
Famous Relatives
The Sprague family became quite well-known. Some of William Sprague's relatives later became soldiers in the American Revolutionary War. This was a big war where the American colonies fought for their freedom from England.
Two of his descendants, William Sprague III and William Sprague IV, became governors of the state of Rhode Island. A governor is the leader of a state.
Even more recently, the famous actress Lucille Ball and her brother, Fred Ball, were also direct descendants of William Sprague.
