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Below is a family biography included in The History of Jasper County, Missouri published by Mills & Company in 1883.  These biographies are valuable for genealogy research in discovering missing ancestors or filling in the details of a family tree. Family biographies often include far more information than can be found in a census record or obituary.  Details will vary with each biography but will often include the date and place of birth, parent names including mothers' maiden name, name of wife including maiden name, her parents' names, name of children (including spouses if married), former places of residence, occupation details, military service, church and social organization affiliations, and more.  There are often ancestry details included that cannot be found in any other type of genealogical record.

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JOSEPH J. SPRAGUE, miller, Sarcoxie, was born in Duquoin, Perry county, Ill., Sept. 17, 1859. His parents, Alva J. and Mary E. Sprague, were natives of the Empire State. When about ten years of age subject moved with parents to Springfield, Mo., and one year thereafter to Marionville, Lawrence county. There he engaged in agricultural pursuits and attended the common schools for a time. In 1871 he entered the Marionville Collegiate Institute and pursued his studies for a half decade, completing his education in June, 1876. After quitting college he commenced to learn the trade of printer, serving an apprenticeship in the office of the South Missourian. He subsequently became foreman of that paper. Continued in that business two years, then went to Colorado, but one year thereafter returned and engaged in agricultural pursuits near Marionville. Came to Sarcoxie in 1881 and engaged at milling, in which employment he has since remained. Mr. Sprague was married in Sarcoxie Oct. 17, 1881, to Miss Lora M., daughter of J. P. and Elizabeth (Haggard) Boyd, of this county. They have one child, Nellie May, born Sept. 8, 1882. Mrs. S. is a member of the M. E. Church. Subject is considerable of an artist having several excellent specimens of sculpture work. He is at present leader of the Sarcoxie brass band.

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This family biography is one of more than 1,000 biographies included in The History of Jasper County, Missouri published in 1883.  For the complete description, click here: Jasper County, Missouri History, Genealogy, and Maps

View additional Jasper County, Missouri family biographies here: Jasper County, Missouri Biographies

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