William Sprague III

William Sprague III was an American politician and industrialist from Rhode Island, serving as the 27th Governor of Rhode Island from 1860 to 1863, and later as a United States Senator from 1863 to 1875. He was a member of the Republican Party and played a significant role in the American Civil War, supporting the Union effort. Sprague was also a successful businessman, with interests in the Aetna Insurance Company, Providence and Worcester Railroad, and Atlantic and Pacific Railroad. His family was prominent in Rhode Island society, with connections to notable figures like Stephen A. Douglas and Abraham Lincoln.

● Early Life and Education

William Sprague III was born in Cranston, Rhode Island, to William Sprague II and Caroline Sprague. He was educated at Phillips Academy in Andover, Massachusetts, and later attended Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island, where he graduated in 1840. During his time at Brown University, Sprague developed close relationships with fellow students, including Henry B. Anthony and Thomas A. Jenckes. After completing his education, Sprague traveled to Europe, visiting cities like London, Paris, and Rome, where he met influential figures such as Napoleon III and Queen Victoria. Upon his return to the United States, Sprague became involved in the family business, working closely with his father at the A. & W. Sprague Manufacturing Company in Providence, Rhode Island.

● Career

Sprague's career in business and politics began to take shape in the 1850s, as he became increasingly involved in the Republican Party and its efforts to prevent the spread of slavery. He was a strong supporter of Abraham Lincoln and the Union cause, and played a key role in organizing the Rhode Island Union Army regiments during the American Civil War. Sprague's business interests expanded to include the Providence and Worcester Railroad and the Atlantic and Pacific Railroad, which connected Rhode Island to other parts of the country. He also served on the board of directors for the Aetna Insurance Company and was a member of the New York Stock Exchange. Sprague's connections to prominent figures like Jay Gould, Jim Fisk, and Cornelius Vanderbilt helped him navigate the complex world of Wall Street and Finance.

● Personal Life

William Sprague III married Kate Chase, the daughter of Salmon P. Chase, in 1863, in a highly publicized ceremony attended by notable figures like Abraham Lincoln, Ulysses S. Grant, and William Tecumseh Sherman. The couple had four children together, including William Sprague IV and Ethel Sprague. Sprague was known for his lavish lifestyle, hosting extravagant parties at his estate, Canonchet, in Narragansett, Rhode Island. He was also an avid sportsman, enjoying activities like Horse racing and Yachting. Sprague's personal life was marked by tragedy, including the loss of his wife Kate Chase in 1879, and his subsequent remarriage to Fannie Kay Sprague.

● Politics and Legacy

Sprague's political career spanned several decades, during which he served as a United States Senator from 1863 to 1875, and as the 27th Governor of Rhode Island from 1860 to 1863. He was a strong supporter of the Reconstruction Era and the Civil Rights Act of 1866, working closely with figures like Thaddeus Stevens and Charles Sumner. Sprague's legacy is complex, with some historians viewing him as a champion of Civil Rights and Labor rights, while others criticize his role in the Crédit Mobilier scandal and his connections to corrupt businessmen like Jay Gould and Jim Fisk. Despite these controversies, Sprague remains an important figure in Rhode Island history, with his family's legacy continuing to shape the state's politics and economy.

● Later Life and Death

William Sprague III died on September 11, 1893, at his estate, Canonchet, in Narragansett, Rhode Island. He was buried in the Swan Point Cemetery in Providence, Rhode Island, alongside other notable figures like Stephen A. Douglas and H. P. Lovecraft. Sprague's death marked the end of an era in Rhode Island politics, as the state transitioned from the Gilded Age to the Progressive Era. His legacy continues to be felt, with his family's name remaining synonymous with Rhode Island history and politics. Today, the Sprague Mansion in Cranston, Rhode Island, serves as a museum, showcasing the family's history and contributions to the state. Category:Governors of Rhode Island