Effingham County IL Archives Biographies.....Sprinkle, Michael 1848 - 
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File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by:
Joy Fisher http://www.genrecords.net/emailregistry/vols/00001.html#0000031 October 20, 2011, 6:09 pm

Source: See below
Author: Lake City Publishing Co.

MICHAEL SPRINKLE, who is engaged in agricultural pursuits on section 19, Watson
Township, was born in this township, Effingham County, November 26, 1848, and
both his paternal and maternal ancestors were of German descent. His parents,
Michael and Mary (Auld) Sprinkle, were natives of Pennsylvania. The father was a
farmer by occupation and followed that pursuit throughout his entire life. About
1830 he left the Keystone State and emigrated Westward to Ohio. He there made
his home until the autumn of 1841, which year witnessed his arrival in Illinois.
The trip Westward was made by team. He located in what is now Watson Township,
Effingham County, trading his farm in Ohio for two hundred acres of unimproved
land, mostly covered by timber, on section 30. Erecting a log cabin, he there
made his home for a few years, but subsequently removed to Ewington, where he
purchased a gristmill and engaged in milling for a time. Later he traded his
mill in Ewington for a tract of partially improved land on section 19, Watson
Township, which he further developed and cultivated until 1856. In that year he
went to Mason and engaged in carrying on a hotel for about three years. On the
expiration of that period he removed to Watson, where he spent a year, and then
returned to his farm on section 19, where he carried on agricultural pursuits
until 1885. In that year he again took up his residence in Watson, where he
lived a retired life until called to the home beyond. He died December 18, 1891,
and his remains were interred in the Watson Cemetery. He was a member of the
Baptist Church for many years and led an upright, honorable life. In politics he
was a stalwart Republican, but never an office-seeker. From a business point of
view his life was also successful, and he gained a comfortable competence. Mrs.
Sprinkle died October 25, 1882. She also held membership with the Baptist Church.

  This worthy couple had a family of eleven children, namely: Mary J., wife of
Edward Loy, a retired farmer residing in the village of Watson; James H., a
farmer residing near Grand Island, Neb.; Elizabeth, who died in childhood;
Jarret, who died in 1861; John, who follows farming in Watson Township; William,
whose death occurred in 1839; Catherine, who died in 1872; Martha, wife of
American Cronk, a farmer of Watson Township; Caroline, wife of W. L. Funkhouser;
Vincent, who is living on the old homestead; and Michael of this sketch.

  We now take up the personal history of Michael Sprinkle, who is well known in
this community as one of its leading citizens. He did not receive very excellent
educational privileges, but managed to acquire a good knowledge of the practical
branches, and by reading, experience and observation in later years has made
himself a well-informed man. The first school that he attended was held in a log
house. He was early inured to the labors of farm life and gave his father the
benefit of his services until lie had attained his majority, when he began
working ou the old homestead for wages. He was thus employed for nine years, at
the expiration of which time he removed to the farm on which he is now living,
and which he has made his home continuously since.

  On the 1st of September, 1872, Mr. Sprinkle was married to Miss Laura Ward,
daughter of Robert and Lucinda Ward. Six children graced this union, four of
whom are living, while two died in infancy. Those who yet survive are Arthur L.,
born June 15, 1874, and now engaged in teaching school; Mary L., born June 11,
1876; Willie J., born July 23,1880; and Charles L., born August 11, 1882. The
family have a pleasant home and are well-known people of this community.

  Socially, Mr. Sprinkle is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and in politics
is a supporter of the Republican party, hut has never been an aspirant for
public office, preferring to devote his time and attention to his business
interests. He carries on general farming on section 19, Watson Township, where
he owns two hundred and seven acres of valuable land. His fields are well tilled
and yield to him a golden tribute in return for his tare and labor. He is
recognized as one of the leading agriculturists of the community.


Additional Comments:
Extracted from:

Portrait and Biographical Record of Effingham, Jasper and Richland Counties
Chicago: Lake City Publishing Co.
1893

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