Major William Sproat, son of the Rev. James Sproat, D.D., and Sarah Smith. He was born was born at Guilford, Connecticut, in the year 1757. His father, was a Presbyterian minister, preached in Philadelphia twenty-five years, dying there of yellow fever in 1793, surviving his son William only a few days. The latter received a classical education, but before being allowed to enter a business or professional life, the mutterings of the coming storm of the Revolution arrayed him on the side of his country. While temporarily residing with some of his relatives in Maryland, he enlisted, July 26, 1775, in the Associated company, of which he was afterwards an ensign.

Returning to Philadelphia, after the expiration of his tour of duty, he was commissioned first lieutenant in the Fourth Regiment of Pennsylvania Line, January 3, 1777; promoted captain lieutenant and subsequently captain, April 17, 1779. Captain Sprout was transferred to Third Regiment of the Line, January 15, 1781, and participated in all the campaigns of the army until his retirement, January 1, 1783. Under the act of Congress granting retiring officers a brevet rank one grade above last rank held, he was breveted a major. He was one of the original members of the Society of the Cincinnati.

On October 11, 1792, Major William Sproat married Maria Thompson. To this union, one son was born: James William Sproat.

They were residing in Philadelphia during the fall of 1793, when that terrible scourge, the yellow fever, desolated the city. Both Mr. and Mrs. Sproat succumbed to that dread disease, leaving their young son, James
only a few months old.

Note: William was first interred at Second Presbyterian Church Burial Ground (Arch Street Location) and was removed in 1867 to Laurel Hill (South Section)

Tombstone Slab:
In Memory of
The Rev. James Sproat, D.D. pastor of the Second Presbyterian Church of Philadelphia. He died October 18, 1793, in his 73rd year. During the epidemic of which he became one of the last victims, he refused to leave
the city while one of his congregations remained.
Also of Sarah Sproat, his wife, of St. George Manor, Long Island, who died November 14, 1793.
Also of their children, Annie Sproat, who died September 22, 1793, in the 26th year of her age.
William Sproat, late captain in the third regiment Pennsylvania line in the Revolutionary War, who died October 18, 1793, in the 36th year of his age. He was at Valley Forge, and in the battles of Brandy-wine, Germantown and Monmouth.
Maria Sproat, his wife, of Maryland, who died October 17, 1793, aged 26.
John Sproat, a merchant of this city, who died November 2, 1795, aged 29.
Olive Sproat, who died after a life of piety an usefulness, January 26, 1836, in the 84th year of her age.
Also of Col. James William Sproat, only child of William and Marie Sproat who died August 15, 1821, in his 29th year.

∼Bvt. Major William Sproat born 1757 Guliford, Conn.
died Oct. 11, 1793 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania,
son of Rev. James Sproat and Sarah Smith.
Married Oct. 11 1792, Marie Thompson daughter of Col. John
B. Thompson.
William and Marie Sproat were the parents of

1. James William Sproat born July 3, 1793 Philadelphia, Pa.
who died August 15 1821 Philadelphia, Pa.

Bvt. Major William Sproat in 1775 was esign in a company of
Maryland Associators. In 1777 he was Lieutenant in the Fourth Regiment, Pennsylvania line, and on retirement in 1783
by act of congress was commishioned Brevt. Major and was
member of the State Society of Cincinatti.