The Wisconsin tobacco reporter. (Edgerton, Wis.) 1877-1950, 1910-06-03
REUBEN SPRAGUE.

Reuben Sprague was born in the town
of Alfred, Allegany county, New York,
May %, 1886, and died in the city of
Beloit, May rs, 1910, aged IA years. He
was a pioneer of Rock county, having
come to Milton with his parents in No
vember, 1888. He was the fifth child
and fourth son of Orrin and Amelia
Sprague His father was the first
blacksmith in that township and he fol-
lowed that occupation for many years.
His parents and all of the elder broth
ers and two sisters have preceded him
to the better land Of family of 13
children there are still living five broth
ers and two sisters-David L., John r.,
Isaac, Orrin and Austin, Mrs. Louisa
Bliven and Mrs. L. A. Stewart. He
also leaves to mourn his loss an invalid
grandchildren. He received his educa-
ton in the district schools and in Milton
college, which was then an academy.
When his country called for soldiers he
enlisted in the 22nd Reg. Wis. Vol. on
Aug. II, 1862 On March Is, 1863, he
with part of his regiment were taken
prisoners and confined in Libby prison
where they suffered the pangs of hum
ger and privations incidental to prison
life. He became afflicted with varicose
vein of the left leg and when they were
exchanged he could no longer march
with his regiment, so he was trans
ferred to the inv alid corps in the Ma
rine hospital at ST. Louis, from which
he was honorably discharged Nov. 23,
1864 He was married to Eliza e.
Chamberlain Dec. II, 1868. To them
were born eight children, three OF whom
died in infancy. The living are Henry
N. of Portage, Edith c. Titus Of Belolt,
at whose home he died, Elnora Il.
Blankenheim of Crandon, Wis, Harold
A. of Alton, and Delos r. of Shirland,
I'll. He united with the M. e. church
in old Milton in 1879, Rev. w. L. Millar
being his pastor. He remained true to
his principles until death. After say
ing he was ready to go and wishing
death would come and relieve him of
his sufferings, he underwent an opera
ton at the Peloit hospital, which was
marvel of surgery, June, 1903, which
prolonged his life about two years, but
his advanced age and complication OF
diseases caused him to fail rapidly. The
last three months were full of suffering
but the end came peacefully. He was
a strong advocate of temperance, and
a charter member of the II. S. Swift
Post G. A. r. of Edgerton. He was a
blacksmith by trade, but because of his
disability he preferred to be carpen-
ter. He was very Industrious and was
never contented unless he was at work
doing something useful. In the long
months of his illness he often expressed
a regret that he was not able to work
or do something to help and bless some
one. He loved his home town and was
never more contented than when locat-
ed there. Four years ago last Novem-
Der, on account of failing health of
himself and wife, he went to live with
his daughter, Mrs. D. A. Titus, who
has kindly cared for them since. We
feel deeply the loss of kind husband
and affectionate father, but we know
our loss is his eternal gain. The fun
eral services were held at his late home
Friday, May 27, conducted by Rev. e.
P. Andrews, and the remains were TAX
en- to Milton Junction where service
was held in the M E. church, conduct
ed by the pastor, Rev. Andrew Porter,
assisted by the Rev. w T. Millar. The
floral offerings were many and beautl-
full. He was tendeTiy laid to rest IN
the Otter Creek cemetery.