George Sprague

George Able Sprague (November 30, 1871 – November 8, 1963), businessman, was mayor of Dallas in 1935–1937.

For the plant geneticist, see George F. Sprague.
George Able Sprague
42nd Mayor of Dallas
In office
1937–1939
Preceded byGeorge Sergeant
Succeeded byWoodall Rodgers
Personal details
Born(1871-11-30)November 30, 1871
Preston, Minnesota, U.S.
DiedNovember 8, 1963(1963-11-08) (aged 91)
Dallas, Texas, U.S.
Resting placeOak Cliff Cemetery
NationalityAmerican
Political partyDemocratic
Spouse(s)Minna Schwartz
ChildrenGeorge S., Mortimer L., Elizabeth, Wilma, Howard Isaac, John F., Natalie, and Charles Cameron

Biography

George Able Sprague was born on November 30, 1871 in Preston, Fillmore County, Minnesota to Isaac Sprague and Anna Jeannette Plummer. He married Minna Schwartz, daughter of Ernest O. Schwartz and Elizabeth Gossman, on December 25, 1900 Preston, Fillmore, Minnesota. They had eight children: George S., Mortimer L., Elizabeth, Wilma, Howard Isaac, John F., Natalie, and Charles Cameron.

In Fillmore County, Minnesota, George Sprague taught school, operated a general store and was postmaster. As a traveling salesman, he came to Dallas where he eventually settled. He later managed a warehouse. He was active in the Oak Cliff area of Dallas and was active in the Oak Cliff Dads Club. He was involved in the formation of a Central Dads Club and headed it in its first year.[1] His sons were noted for their skills in football at the collegiate level bringing recognition to Dallas.

He was elected to the city council in 1936 and 1937; and as mayor in 1937. In the 1937 city council election, George Sprague received the largest number of votes citywide. The city council then selected him as its mayor. During his time as mayor, Sprague supported the merger of Dallas, University Park and Highland Park and the election of the mayor by the citizens instead of the city council. The Dallas School Board named its new football stadium in southwest Dallas "Sprague Field" in honor of the family.[2][3][4]

George Able Sprague died November 8, 1963 in Dallas, Texas and was interred at the Oak Cliff Cemetery, Dallas.[5]

References
  1. "George A. Sprague Heads Newly Formed Central Dads' Club." The Dallas Morning News. April 6, 1932, p. 7.
  2. "Sprague Selected Mayor at Caucus. The Dallas Morning News, April 28, 1937, p. 1
  3. "George Sprague Services Today." Dallas Times Herald. November 9, 1963
  4. "Sprague Stadium Readied for Use." The Dallas Morning News, August 16, 1956, p. 7
  5. Texas State Board of Health. Bureau of Vital Statistics. Standard Certificate of Death. August 26, 1971. No. 68927
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