William Sprague (Michigan politician) facts for kids

William Sprague (born February 23, 1809 – died September 19, 1868) was an important person in Michigan's history. He was a minister, which means a religious leader, and also a politician. He served in the U.S. House of Representatives for one term, from 1849 to 1851.

Early Life and Work

William Sprague was born in Providence, Rhode Island. He was a distant cousin of another famous person named William Sprague, who became the Governor of Rhode Island.

He went to public schools in Providence. Later, he moved to Michigan and settled in a town called Kalamazoo. There, he studied theology, which is the study of religious beliefs. After his studies, he became an ordained minister.

Religious Leadership

From 1844 to 1848, Sprague was a leader in the Methodist Episcopal Church in the Kalamazoo area. He was known as a "presiding elder."

In the early 1830s, Sprague worked as a "circuit minister." This meant he traveled to many different communities in central and southwest Michigan to lead church services.

• He gave the very first gospel sermon in Van Buren County, Michigan. This happened in the first log cabin built there in 1829.
• In 1832, he helped start the first Methodist group in Niles. He was also the pastor there in 1862 when a beautiful Italianate style church building began to be built.
• In the fall of 1832, Sprague became the circuit pastor for Coldwater.

Serving as an Indian Agent

From 1852 to 1853, William Sprague also served as a United States Indian Agent in Michigan. This role involved working with Native American communities on behalf of the U.S. government.

Time in Congress

William Sprague decided to run for a political office. He was elected to the Thirty-first Congress from Michigan's 2nd District. He was part of the Whig Party. Sometimes, he was also linked to the Free Soil Party.

He won against the person who held the seat before him, Charles E. Stuart, who was a Democrat. Sprague served in Congress from March 4, 1849, to March 3, 1851. After his term, he chose not to run for re-election.

Later Life

After his time in Congress, William Sprague retired to his farm. His farm was located in Oshtemo Township, which is in Kalamazoo County.

He passed away in Kalamazoo on September 19, 1868. He was buried in the Mountain Home Cemetery.