Thomas Spragg

Thomas Spragg was atypical of the men who served in the Loyal American Regiment. Older than most of his comrades in arms, he was born in 1729 in Hempstead, NY (in Nassau County on Long Island). Some time between 1756 and 1760 he moved with his wife (nee Mary Carman) and family (they eventually had ten children) to a large Dutchess County farm near the Wappinger creek.

A descendant contacted us and provided a link to some fascinating genealogical information: The Sprague Project

Our composite of muster rolls, covering multiple LAR companies from 1777-1783, lists both Thomas and his eldest son, Richard, who was captured at Stony Point on July 16, 1779.

Photo: Doug Knutson (Click the thumbnail to the left to display a larger image or click here to view a different photo that includes a marker placed by descendants for New Brunswick's bicentennial in 1983.)

This is the epitaph on his stone:

HERE LIES THE BODY
OF
CAP THOMAS SPRAGG
of this parish a Native of Hemp-
stead Long Island who departed
this life 22 February 1812.
In the 83rd year of his age.

Stop Traveller, if you have a tear to lend
Beneath these sods is interred a faithful friend
A loving husband and a father kind
A tender heart that felt for all mankind
We trust with all the Angelic host above
He is singing anthems of redeeming love

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