Franklin B. Sprague
| Franklin B. Sprague | |
|---|---|
| Born |
July 16, 1825 Delaware, Ohio |
| Died | February 7, 1895 (aged 69) Delaware, Ohio |
| Place of burial | Oak Grove Cemetery Delaware, Ohio |
| Allegiance |
 United States of AmericaUnion |
| Service/branch |
 Union Army
|
| Years of service | 1864 - 1867 |
| Rank |
 Captain
|
| Unit |
 1st Oregon Volunteer Infantry
|
| Commands held | I Company; Fort Klamath |
| Battles/wars |
American Civil War Indian skirmishes |
| Other work | Businessman and judge |
Franklin Burnet Sprague (July 16, 1825 – February 7, 1895) was an American military officer, businessman, and judge. He joined the Union Army during the Civil War, serving on the Oregon frontier. During his military service, Sprague explored much of Southern Oregon. While building a road near Fort Klamath, Sprague led a party into the Cascade Mountains to investigate Crater Lake. His party was the first to descend the 800-foot caldera wall to reach the lake's shore. A month later, Sprague published an article highlighting the lake's unique beauty. Today, the Sprague River in southern Oregon bears his name.
Sprague was born on July 16, 1825 in Delaware, Ohio. His parents were Pardon and Mary (Meeker) Sprague. His father was stockman, hotel keeper, county sheriff, and state legislator. Sprague received a private education in a small school near his home. He later attended Ohio Wesleyan University in his home town.
In 1850, Sprague moved to Oregon. He settled in Jackson County, where he opened a shop that built fanning-mills for winnowing grain. Sprague was the first manufacturer in the Pacific Northwest to produce modern winnowing machines. Like the majority of Oregonians at the time, Sprague was a strong supporter of the Union during the American Civil War.
In 1864, Sprague joined the Union Army, and was commissioned as a Captain in the 1st Oregon Volunteer Infantry Regiment. He was given command of I Company, and posted to Southern Oregon. He participated in a number of skirmishes with the Northern Paiute and other Indian bands in southeastern Oregon. In addition to fighting Indians, Sprague learned to speak their languages and counted many Indians among his friends, including the Modoc chief known as Captain Jack.
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