The Spratt Family of Buchanan County, Missouri

JOHN H. SPRATT, farmer and stock raiser, section 36, postoffice DeKaib, was born September 29, 1 8 14, and is a native of Wythe County, Tennessee. When ten years of age, with his parents, he moved to Green County, Kentucky, where he was raised on a farm, which occupation he has followed during life. In the spring of 1875, he came to Buchanan County, Missouri. Was married, January 22, 1878, to Mrs. Elizabeth V. Spratt. Her maiden name was Spencer, and she was born in Kentucky, November 4, 1836. When six months old her parents moved to Missouri, locating in Buchanan County. She was married, February lo, 1856, to James B. Spratt, a brother of her present husband, and he was born in the same county, September 26, 18 16, and also went to Kentucky at the same time as J. H. In 1837, he came to Missouri, and remained till 1840, when he returned to Kentucky. In 1850 he came to Missouri, and located in Buchanan County, where he remained until the time of his demise, February 3, 1875. His death was caused by a shot received from a revolver fired by Frank Brown, who is now in the state's prison for the remainder of his natural life. J. B. Spratt followed farming from boyhood and had a farm of 320 acres, conveniently located and moderately improved. He had a family of nine children, all of whom are living: John M., born November 14, 1856; Eugene H., born August 17, 1858; Mary H., born May 16, 1860; Isadore B., born August 7, 1862; William C, born October 29, 1864; Booth, born April 9, 1866; Nannie A., born August 8, 1869; Lula N., born January 12, 1871; Jimmie E., born March 5, 1875.

As printed in the source¹. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.

EUGENE H. SPRATT, collector of Buchanan county, is an example of what energy and enterprise is possessed by the native sons of Buchanan county. In Blooniington township, Buchanan county, on August 17, 1858, Mr. Spratt was born. He is the son of James B. Spratt, a wealthy farmer

1875. He attended the common schools of the district and for a time went to the Leavenworth, Kan., high school, which, with an extensive course of reading, and his natural keen observation, has qualified him for almost any business position. Mr. Spratt's first office was that of deputy and stock grower, who came to this county from Kentucky in 1843, a poor man, but who, by industry and good judgment, gained riches. His mother's maiden name was Elizabeth Spencer, a daughter of the late O. M. Spencer. Mr. Spratt's early life was spent on the homestead and he here gained a practical knowledge of all the details of farming, which enabled him to manage affairs after the death of his father, who was killed in sheriff under James L. Spencer, to which he was appointed in 1878, and which he held for two years. He then clerked for Woolworth & Colt, book dealers, for two years, returning to the farm in 1882, where he remained until 1888, when he was elected sheriff on the Democratic ticket, and to which office was re-elected by an overwhelming majority in 1890. On retiring from the sheriff's office he dealt in real estate till 1896, when he was elected county collector. He was re-elected in 1898, and is therefore now serving his second term in this important office. Mr. Spratt is an ideal campaigner. Of pleasant manners and extensive acquaintance he is an indefatigable worker, and never rests a moment from the day of nomination till the election is over. His administration of the public offices entrusted to him has been all that could be desired, and his books are scrupulously kept.

As printed in the source². Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.