Grave Rededication for John Wilson Sprague

Major-General J. W. Sprague, that whom no name is more intimately associated with the development of Tacoma, justly deserves mention in the History of Washington, which State he helped to create. Sprague, John W., brigadier-general, was born in White Creek Washington County, N. Y. April 4, 1817. He was an attendant at the district school of his neighborhood and entered the Rensselaer polytechnic institute at Troy, N. Y., when thirteen years of age. He left school before graduation to engage in business, and in 1845 removed to Milan, Erie county, Ohio, where he continued the business of a merchant. He afterward settled in Sandusky and was for one term (1851-52) treasurer of Erie county. Upon the outbreak of the Civil war he raised a company of militia, was made its captain and with it joined the 7th Ohio infantry. He was rapidly promoted and in 1863 was colonel of the 63rd Ohio Infantry, brigadier-general of volunteers on July 21, 1864, and on March 13, 1865, was brevetted major-general of volunteers. He was mustered out of the service on Aug. 24, 1865. During his service as a volunteer officer he declined a lieutenant-colonelcy in the regular army. After the war he was appointed manager of the Winona & St. Paul railway. In 1870 he was general manager of the western division of the Northern Pacific railway and with Capt. Ainsworth established the city of Tacoma, Wash. In 1883 he had the honor of driving the golden spike on the completion of his division and soon afterward resigned on account of impaired health. He was active in building up the new city of Tacoma and was president of the board of trade and of various banks and corporations. Gen. Sprague died at his home in Tacoma, Wash., Dec. 27, 1893. General Sprague's whole life has been marked by responsibility, power, energy and ability, and he has left his impress indelibly upon the history of the State of Washington.

Mr. Ken Richmond, Commander of SUVCW Gov. Isaac Stevens Camp #1 opened the ceremony at 2:00 pm, welcoming all and recognizing cemetery volunteers.

Mr. Lee Corbin presented a sketch of MG Sprague's life and accomplishments

DUVCW and Ladies of the GAR presented a wreath

Taps was played following the wreath laying

Bruce Smith, Camp #1 Chaplain, delivered the benediction