Sprague, Charles A. (Charles Arthur), 1887-1969

Charles Arthur Sprague, the twenty-second governor of Oregon (1939-1943) was born in Lawrence, Kansas on November 12, 1887.

From the guide to the Charles A. Sprague papers, 1895-1969, (Oregon Historical Society Research Library)

Charles Arthur Sprague, the twenty-second governor of Oregon (1939-1943) was born in Lawrence, Kansas on November 12, 1887.

From his early beginnings, Charles Sprague was dedicated to education. After graduating from Monmouth College (Illinois) in 1910, he briefly became high school principal in Iowa at age 19. He soon went west to continue his teaching and at age 28 became the youngest assistant state superintentendent of public instruction in the state of Washington. Charles Sprague married Blanche Chamberlain on August 8, 1912. He became a superb writer and was editor of his college newspaper. In 1915, Charles Sprague became editor of the Ritzville, Washington Journal Times, a post he held until 1925. That year he moved to Oregon, first to the Corvallis Gazette-Times and then in 1929 to the Oregon- Statesman in Salem. It was his time at the Oregon-Statesman that he became well known for his forum. Being the editor in Salem, Sprague was a reliable source of information and many viewed Charles Sprague's opinions as precise ones.

From the description of Charles A. Sprague papers [manuscript], 1895-1969. (Oregon Historical Society Research Library). WorldCat record id: 722384638