David W. Spratt and his wife held ' open house' almost all year 'round....his brothers and sisters and their families returned to the homestead for childrens births; they sent their children for summer fun: came to be cared for in times of illness and sorrow.....This was the house that had a Family Wing for the older generation, and so there was plenty of room for all.

WILL OF DAVID W. SPRATT (parenthesis are mine)
" Be it remembered that I, David W. Spratt of Palermo in the county of Waldo, State of Maine, being of sound mind and memory but knowing the uncertainty of this life do make my last will and testament.

After the payment of my just debts, funeral charges and expenses of administration, I dispose of my estate as follows:

I give and bequeath to my son C. C. Spratt (this is Chesman Chadwick Spratt) seven hundred and fifty dollars. I give unto my daughter Alice E. Spratt (later to become Mrs. Tibbetts) five hundred dollars. I also give and bequeath unto my daughter, Alice E. Spratt the additional sum of two hundred and fifty dollars provided she desires same to meet expenses of her education. If it is not used for this purpose, I desire that this amount shall be given to my wife, Melissa C (Chadwick) Spratt in addition to the amount hereafter mentioned in this will as her share of my property. This sum of $250.00 is to be held in trust by my wife until expended at her discretion for the education of my daughter.

I give and bequeath unto my wife, Melissa C. Spratt all my furniture and household goods. I give and bequeath unto my wife, Melissa C. Spratt five hundred dollars.

These legacies or sums of money I will and order to be paid in one year after my decease.

I also give and bequeath unto my wife, Melissa C. Spratt one undivided half of my real estate situated in the town of Palermo. (Maine)

And lastly, the residue of my estate, personal and real, whatever after payment of my debts and the above legacies I give and bequeath to my son Fred E. Spratt (Fred Elmer) an undivided half of my real estate situated in the town of Palermo and all of my real estate situated in the town of Liberty. I also give and bequeath to my son, Fred E. Spratt all my farming implements, hay, grain, stock and whatever personal property I may possess.

I hereby appoint my son, Fred L. Spratt sole executor of this, my last will and testament. In testemony whereof I hereto set my hand and declare this to be my last will and testament this fifteenth day of February in the year one thousand eight hundred and ninety three.

Signed D. W. Spratt
Witnessed 15th day Feb. AD by J. R. Bradstreet and Amasa Cummings, and Minnie Lois Gardner (later to become Mrs. Chesman Chadwick Spratt). Will attested by Registrar, Jeremiah D. Parker (year appears here also, 1893)