Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1899-03-30
on foot to unhorse Mckinley and set
up the Rough Rider in his place?
Death of j. A. Spratler.

The community was startled OF
Sunday morning, on hearing that Mr.
J. A. Spratler had died, at one
o'clock that morning. His death wal
most unexpected, as he was Away,
known to be man OF robust health
Up to six O'Clock on Saturday
evening, he was In his usual health
Later, he did not feel we'll; but this die
not keep him from his place of bust
ness, which he left about 1890 p. m
Shortly after his return home, he was
taken violently Ill, and died before
medical aid arrived.
For many years Mr.. Spratler has
been engaged in business here; and
all who have had business relations
with him bear willing testimony tc
his honest and upright dealings. For
years the firm of Kline & Spratlel
did very large business. The part
ner ship was dissolved, and the bust
ness divided, some years ago. Mr.
Kline, on account OF Ill health
retired a few years afterward, but Mr.
Spratler continued In business.
About thirty years ago Mr.,
Spratler became q Mason. No one
was more enthusiastic and loyal In
his support OF the order and a better
posted Mason would be hard to find
He filled the various offices In Blue
Lodge, Chapter and Council. In the
latter he served rs Thrice Illustrious
Grand Master. When Mineral Point
Chapter OF the Order OF the Eastern
Star was organized, he not only
became charter member, but was its
first Patron, which position he held
for five wears. He was also Grand
Associate Patron, and always zeal
ously labored to advance the inter-
ests OF the order.
Mr.. Spratler took an active interest
In public affairs, and the city from
time to time entrusted him with its
interests. For a number OF years he
was alderman, and for two terms, a
member of the board of education.
For years he has been identified
with Trinity Episcopal church, and OF
It's choir he was not only very vall-
able but a most faithful member. II
was the exception when he was away.
In all of the places which he was
called upon to fill, In the lodge and in
the church he made himself felt for
good, and he will be most sincerely
mourncd and missed. OF his personal
character there may be no need to
speak, except to add, that while he
was positive In his opinions, yet he
was tolerant, and SO among his
friends all schools of theology and
politics furnished their number, and
they were many. His Rector, on
Sunday said ut the close of his SER
mon to his people: 'You have been
generous, but none more so than he,
according to his means. You have
been faithful and loyal to this church
for the eighteen years Of my rector
ship, none more so than he" This
tells the truth and comes from one
who knew him we'll.
Mr.. Spratler was % native OF Ger
many; born In Bavaria; came to
the United States In 1852, to be with
his brother In Freeport, who died
some years ago; came to Mineral
Point In 1866, where he resided for
nearly 43 years. In 1859 he was united
in marriage to Miss Amelia II. Flick,
who with three daughters and six sons,
mourn his death.
The funeral took place from the
family residence on Tuesday afternoon
Mt two o'clock. Rev. M. Chase oflic-
lated ut the house. and made u short
address. The Masons then took
charge of tho services. The members
of the Eastern Star attended in II body
and at the home each member placed
on tho coffin IL floral tribute, and
formed an escort to the cemetery there
the Masonic services were conducted
by Rev. j, II. Pryor, of Dodgeville,
There was II very large Masonic
attendance, delegations from neigh
boring cities and towns being present.