The well known representative of business in Ontario, whose name initiates this paragraph is a man of enterprise and intelligence, being at the present time the incumbent of the post office, where he has served the interests of the people since March 20, 1899, and has demonstrated, as also, in all his career, his ability, faithfulness, and integrity. Mr. Sproul was born in Annapolis County, Nova Scotia, on February 18, 1863, being the son of Samuel and Mary (Litch) Sproul. He was favored with a good education from the common schools and at the age of fourteen went to sea, and at the age of seventeen years he was promoted to the position of captain, his vessel being the David J. Adams, plying between Digby and Boston. Later, he and his brother purchased the same vessel and rechristened it the Annie M. Sproul, having a sister of that name. The brother still owns and operates the vessel. At the age of twenty-three our subject sold his interest in the ship and came west to Grant County, Oregon, arriving there in the spring of 1887. He located near Dayville and went into the sheep and horse business, which he continued uninterruptedly until 1895. At that date he sold his sheep, but still owns a hand of horses. He had acquired real estate interests in various places in Malheur County, and has made this County his home since 1892.
On March If, 1893, Mr. Sproul took to himself a wife, the lady being Miss Ella, daughter of Lewis and Martha Dale, of Missouri. Mrs. Sproul was teaching in Caldwell, Idaho, previous to her marriage. In 1894 Mr. Sproul removed with his family to Ontario and there opened the Ontario Livery and Feed Stable, which he successfully operated until 1899, when he sold, being appointed postmaster at that time. Mr. Sproul was one of the locaters of the Owyhee ditch, being one of the incorporators of the company and filled the office of director until he sold his interests. He owns considerable real estate in Ontario, and also improved property and is one of the prominent men of the town, being always interested and active in political matters. He has served as councilman of the town and at the present time has received the nomination on the Republican ticket as sheriff of the County and he is well’ liked and highly esteemed wherever he is known. Mr. and Mrs. Sproul have one child, Harold.