Person

Elvin L. Sprague

Individual Identifier: ind_SpragueElvin

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DescriptionBorn in Gill, Massachusetts, December 22 1830. Moved to Michigan with family in 1836, first in Dexter Michigan. Attended Albion College before moving to Elk Rapids in 1854, working on constructing a sawmill then managing the sawmill in the summer months until 1860. In winters, worked in lumbering and as a school teacher. Elected supervisor and justice of the peace. 1860-1865 worked as salesman for Hannah, Lay & Co. store in Traverse City, holding office as supervisor of Traverse Township for three years and as superintendent of Union Sunday School from 1860-1965. Physically incapacitated from infancy, unable to perform military duty, but assisted in securing enlistments for the Civil War. Returned to Elk Rapids in 1865 until 1872 started the Eagle, a newspaper, married Sarah E. Spence of Elk Rapids in 1865. 6 years treasurer for Antrim County and 7 years as Antrim County postmaster. The family returned to Traverse City in 1872. Was postmaster of Traverse City, member of the board of education, board of Library trustees. Daughter Gertrude M. and Son Edward E. a pioneer of 1853 and founder and editor of Traverse Bay weekly and daily.

Source of descriptionPortrait Herald edition, 1894, Old Settlers Historical and Chronological record by Wait: settled in GT Region