Transcribed from "An Illustrated History of The
Big Bend Country, embracing Lincoln, Douglas, Adams and Franklin counties,
State of Washington", published by Western Historical Publishing
Co., 1904.
CHARLES M. SPRAGUE, one of the
leading and well known stock men of Douglas county, has his headquarters
about seven miles south from Coulee City. He was born in Sagadahoc
county, Maine, on January 16, 1858. His father, William Sprague,
was also a native of Maine and descended from an old New England family
of renown. The mother, Jane (Morrison) Sprague, was born in Maine.
Charles M. studied in the common schools of the lumber state and his early
life was spent on the farm. At the age of seventeen he shipped on
a merchant steamer that was doing a coast trade and for two years he sailed
before the mast. After that, he went into the butcher business at
Bath and one year later, disposed of his interests and turned his attention
to ship building. He learned the ship joiner's trade in the employ
of William Rogers and for five years wrought there. Then he desired
to see the west and so disposing of his interests in the east, journeyed
toward the setting sun until he arrived in Washington. He at once
selected his present place and took it by government right. Then
he entered the employ of George Urquhart and two years later began raising
stock for himself. He progressed very nicely until the winter of
1889-90 when the severe storms and wind swept his entire band of cattle
and almost all his horses away. He purchased other stock and began
once more the business of raising cattle and horses. He has now a
fine band of well bred horses and cattle and is one of the prosperous stockmen
of the entire country. In 1894, Mr. Sprague was elected commissioner
on the Republican ticket and did excellent service for two years, being
instrumental in having the indebtedness on the county wiped out by bonds.
Mr. Sprague has the following brothers and sisters: George A., who came
to this country with our subject and is now a joint owner with him in the
stock business; Franklin P., a lawyer in Bath, Maine, who represented Sagadahoc
county in the state legislature when twenty-two; William L., a mechanic
at Bath; Bradford, living on the old homestead in Maine; Mrs. Martha L.
Percey, living in Portland, Maine; Mrs. Alonzo Kitridge, living in Bath,
Maine; and Mrs. Clara Bowker in Boston, Massachusetts.
Mr. Sprague is a member of the A. O. U. W.
and a genial and capable man.
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