Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1899-03-30
RICH HARVEST OF DEATH.
J.. A. Spratler and James M. Toay-Two
Prominent Citizens Suddenly Cut
of by the Ruthless Reaper.

~ NlSililiOl VI dtdAil has tNtl
more painfully shocked and saddeL-
ed this community than in the uneX
pected calling of Mr.. j. A. Spratler,
at 2 o'clock Sunday morning. And
when on "Wednesday morning it was
announced that James NJ. Toay had
been also called to the further shore"
the shadow of sorrow d%eepened.
MR. sPRATLER
was at his place Of business as usual
on Saturday, When going to supper
he was seized with a pain in his side.
but it passed away, and although he
ate no supper and was urged by his
wife to remain at home, returned to
the store and remained there until
after 10 o'clock, when he walked
home, being met on the way by Mrs.
Spratler, who was solicitous OF ac-
count Of his indisposition at supper
time. After reaching home he APP
peared better and sat up for an hour,
reading. Retiring about II 30 he fell
into a light sleep, but soon awoke
with a return of pain in his side. The
wife gave him a little water and pro-
cured hot applications, and he again
grew easier and dozed. This ex-
perience vas soon repeated, and Mrs.
Spratler wanted to call "a physician,
but he objected, saying he would be
all right soon. About O'Clock, while
she was heating some tiannels at the
stove Mrs. Spratler noticed a change
in his breathing, and going to the
bedside found him insensible. Their
son Walter being present lifted his
father up and tried to arouse him, but
in vain. A physician and other assist
ance was quickly at hand, but only
in time to learn that the noble spirit
had fled beyond recall.
James Albert Spratler was born in
Bavaria, Germany, July 8, 1886. In
1852 he came to America, first settling
at Freeport, Ill. In 1856 he came to
Mineral Point, and resided here con
tinuously thereafter. For "A time he
was employed as a baker, and in 1860
formed IA partnership with his broth
er in-law, Edward Kline. in the ba-
kerry and grocery business. Several
years ago he bought out his partner,
and continued business at the same
stand until his death.
In 1859 he was married to Miss Anne
liza f. Flick, of this city, who survives
him. There are six sons and three
daughters surviving from this union,
namely: Albert, Lawrence, Rudolf,
Frederick, Louis and Walter, Mile,
(NIrs. VIM. Lauyon Jr., of Pittsburg,
Kansas,) Bertha, Mrs. J. NJ. Reese of
Dodgeville,) and Miss Laura. All
these were present at the funeral on
Tuesday except Albert, who resides
in Kansas, and Mrs. Lanyon.
No man of purer life and higher
integrity than Mr.. Spratler dwells
among us. For many years he has
been a Jealous free mason, being sec
rotary of the Chapter and treasurer
of the Lodge when he died. In his
dealings and social relations he re-
hected the best teachings Of the Or
der that he so much loved and so
faithfully $ rived. The rule of doing
INTO Others as he would have them
do to him." but, few men so closely
adhere to as did he. The procession
of so brothers and half as many sis
tiers in masonry that escorted the re-
mains TO its last resting place, despite
the dangerously inclement weather,
expressed the love they bore him.
Services at the residence were con-
Quoted by Rev. NJ. Chase, of Trinity
Episcopal church, Mr.. Spratier hav-
ing been a regular attendant and
choir singer o. that church for many
years. Masonic funeral ceremonies
were impressively conducted ut the
grave - j. +. Pryor, of D~odgevlile,
in response to special request Of Mrs.
L,r.+l.r