Sproat, Ebenezer

Ebenezer Sproat was born in Middleborough, Massachusetts in 1752, where he received an education that included a knowledge of surveying. After service in the revolutionary war, Colonel Sproat was appointed Surveyor for Rhode Island in he territory northwest of the Ohio River. From the Indians he received the name of "Hetout", or "Big Bucheye", in token of their admiration of his commanding figure. This is said to have given rise to the name "Buckeye" as applied to natives of Ohio. By Governor St. Clair, Sproat was appointed the first Sheriff of Washington County. During the Indian troubles he was conspicuous in organizing militia. In later life he west into farming. He married Catherine Whipple, daughter of Commodore Abraham Whipple. Colonel Ebenezer Sproat died suddenly in Feb. 1805.

From the description of Ebenezer Sproat papers, 1787-1819. (Detroit Public Library). WorldCat record id: 298842688

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