For
many years, Sprague Mansion, now the home of the Cranston Historical
Society, has been reputed to be haunted. Visitors have reported
hearing footsteps or seeing an astral presence. The apparition
is often observed or heard descending the main staircase or is
felt as a passing breath of icy air. Likely candidates are plentiful.
Until several years ago, many believed that the ghost was that
of John Gordon. Besides Gordon and Amasa Sprague, himself, other
suggestions have included Amasa's father, William Sprague II,
who died after a chicken bone lodged in his throat during a family
breakfast; Kate Chase Sprague (daughter of Lincoln's Treasury
Secretary, Salmon P. Chase, and wife of Amasa's son, Governor
William Sprague IV), who lost her reputation and her beauty as
she frittered away a fortune; and Kate's son, William Sprague
V, who committed suicide in 1890.
Text © Dr. Michael Bell |