Sprague Family papers, 1853-1977
Scope and Contents
This collection contains correspondence, notes, manuscripts, charts and tables, official documents, programs, newspaper clippings, photographs, autographs, and miscellaneous material pertaining to the Sprague Family, and Harold W. Sprague in particular. The various documents encompass the time period of 1853-1971.
The collection is arranged in 6 series with additional subseries and totals approximately 1.6 linear feet of material.
Dates
- Creation: 1853-1977
Creator
- Sprague, Harold Wentworth (Person)
Conditions Governing Access
This collection is open for research.
Conditions Governing Use
Materials in this collection may be governed by copyright. It is the responsibility of the researcher to identify and satisfy the holders of all copyrights. Please contact the Archivist regarding permission to publish material.
Biographical / Historical
Harold W. Sprague (1887-1980) graduated from Dartmouth College around 1910 and later served in the U.S. Naval Reserve Forces during World War I. Harold married Olive Flemming in 1927 and worked as the Treasurer of the Kimball Brothers & Sprague company for much of his life. Throughout his life, Harold was an avid amateur historian as well as an active member in numerous fraternal and civic organizations, including the Masons and Knights Templar. The Sprague family can trace its history in the United States back to William Sprague (1609-1675), who arrived in Salem from England in 1629. William and his brothers were among the first to form an English settlement in Charlestown, Massachusetts. Among William's descendents are William Sprague III (1799-1856) and William Sprague IV (1830-1915) who both served terms as Governor of Rhode Island.
The ancestors of Harold's mother, Susan Furbush Taylor (1866-1918), include former presidents John Adams (1735-1826) and John Quincy Adams (1767-1848), as well as founding father Samuel Adams (1722-1803).
Full Extent
1.6 Linear Feet
Language of Materials
English
Abstract
This collection provides information about the history and genealogy of the Sprague family. The documents within the collection were primarily put together by Harold W. Sprague (1887-1980) during his efforts to learn more about his family's ancestry. Harold's interest in the Sprague family history resulted in the accrual of numerous genealogical studies and documents. Within this collection are written histories, family trees, and notations of family connections dating back to the 1850s. An autograph album in the collection, possibly put together by Harold Sprague, includes a signature from John Quincy Adams. This collection brings forth information about the history of the Sprague family, its connection to other significant families in New England, and presents a glimpse into the life of Harold W. Sprague.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Gift of Brita Flemming
Geographic
- Title
- Sprague Family Papers, 1853-1971
- Author
- Unknown author, lightly edited by Assistant Archivist Linda Woodland in 2025
- Date
- Unknown date between 2011-2016
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Latin
Repository Details
Part of the Scottish Rite Masonic Museum & Library Repository
33 Marrett Road
Lexington MA 02421 US
(781) 457-4109