Joseph Sprague (July 25, 1783 – December 12, 1854) was an American businessman and politician who served as Mayor of Brooklyn.
[1] The son of a wealthy farmer, Sprague initially worked on his father's farm.
After spending some time back in Leicester Academy, his father deeded him a small farm.
[2] During the War of 1812, there was an increase in demand for domestic manufactures, and woolen card prices rose to unprecedented levels.
In 1823, he helped secure a charter for the Long Island Bank and the Brooklyn Fire Insurance Co.
During his first mayoral term, the Whig members of the Common Council refused to attend the board meetings, to which he responded by having them arrested on misdemeanor charges due to neglecting public business.