| Notes |
- "The Sprague Family: From Dorset, to Massachusetts & Gibraltar", by Joan Watkins, 1992, correspondent.
(NOTE: Continued from John Sprague's Uncle William Sprague.)
Even before Ralph died, his eldest son John was following in his father's footsteps, concerning himself with the community and building up various enterprises. England at that time was recovering from the Civil War, and Cromwell had become Protector. Religion and the unsettled estate had encouraged more and more families to look to New England for a better way of life. In 1651 John married Lydia Goffe. Like John, she too had been born in England, and traveled to New England with her father arriving in 1635.
In 1653 John was made Freeman of the Massachusetts Colony and later appointed to be one of a committee of three to lay out the county's highways between new towns Redding (now Wakefield) and Winnesmett (now Chelsea and Rivers). He joined the Malden Militia, first as an Ensign in 1654, then promoted to Lieutenant in 1664. Finally he was commissioned Captain and remained with the Foot Company of Malden from 1685-89. During his lifetime he was also chosen Selectman for Malden, then Representative in the General Court 1685-89 and Moderator and Clerk of the Writs in 1687. John and Lydia lived in a property known as Pound Farm, Malden (now Melrose). The house stood near Barrett's Mound on the southerly side of Maple Street. They had ten children: John, Lydia, Jonathan (born 1656) Samuel, Mary, Edward, Phineas, Deborah, Hannah and Sarah. It is thought that Mary died in infancy. Captain John as he was known, had a long life and was a much respected citizen. He died in 1692 and was buried in the Bell Rock Cemetery.
(NOTE: continued in Capt. John's second son's notes for Jonathan Sprague.)
"The Genealogical Register", July 1954, page 227.
Capt. John Sprague was a member of the General Court from 1689 to 1691. He served with Major Simon Willard in King Philip's War.
"American Families--Genealogies and Biographical Information from Most Authentic Sources Including Much Valuable Material Drawn from Hitherto Unpublished Family Records with Accurate Reproduction--and Descriptions of Ancient Emblazonry Compiled by Masters of Genealogic and Heraldic Science", published by The American Historical Society, Inc., New York, 1921, pages 30-40.
John Sprague was 14 years old when he came to America, took the freeman's oath May 18, 1653, was tall of stature, and of fine appearance. He succeeded his father in his homestead, and was engaged in shipping foreign trade with his Uncle Richard. In 1689-91, he was representative to the General Court, and was selectman of the town many years. Some of the early town meetings were held at his house. He belonged to the militia in Malden, advancing from ensign to captain; was with Major Willard in 1676; served in King Philip's War. He was known as Captain John Sprague. In 1652 he bought the Ell Pond farm from his brothers Richard and Samuel (Richard's part being sixty-seven acres of tillage land), which he bequeathed to his two sons John and Phineas. He owned many parcels of real estate as recorded by "Wyman", and among theme were four acres near the top of Bunker Hill. His estate settlement (Middlesex Probate Court No. 16068) mentions Lydia, his wife, and sons John, Phineas, Samuel, Edward, Jonathan, and daughters Lydia Greenland, Hannah Stowers, Deborah Sprague, and Sarah Fosdick. On March 2, 1650-1, he married Lydia, daughter of Edward and Lydia (Joyce) Goffe, of Cambridge, Mass. She was born in England and died Dec. 11, 1715, in Malden, In the will of Mrs. Margaret Witchfield, of Windsor, Conn., made in Cambridge, Mass., proved Oct. 5, 1669, the children, John and Lydia, were each given five pounds.
"The Ralph Sprague Genealogy", by E. G. Sprague, page 31
John was four years old when he came to America, took the Freeman's oath May 18, 1653; was tall of stature and of fine appearance; succeeded his father in his homestead; was engaged in shipping in foreign trade with his uncle Richard; Representative to the General Court in 1689-91; selectman of the town many years. Some of the early town meetings were held at his house; belonged to the militia in Malden, advancing from ensign to captain, was with Major Willard in 1676; served in King Philip's War among others in those dark days. He was known as Captain John Sprague. He bought the Ell Pond farm from his brothers Richard and Samuel in 1652, (Richard's part being sixty-seven acres of tillage land), which he bequeathed to his two sons, John and Phineas. He owned many parcels of real estate as recorded by "Wyman" and among them was four acres near the top of Bunker Hill. His estate settlement Middlesex Probate Court No. 16068, mentions Lydia, his wife, and sons John, Phineas, Samuel, Edward, Jonathan, and daughters Lydia Greenland, Hannah Stowers, Deborah Sprague, and Sarah Fosdick. March 2, 1651, he married Lydia, dau. of Edward and Lydia (Joyce) Goffe of Cambridge, Mass.
In the will of Mrs. Margaret Witchfield of Windsor, Ct., made in Cambridge, Mass., proved October 5, 1669, the children, John and Lydia, were each given £5. [2]
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1624 - 1692 (68 years)
[2, 3] 
: Address
: Location
: City/Town
: County/Shire
: State/Province
: Country
: Not Set
1603 - 1680 (77 years)
