Galena Weekly Gazette of 9/27/1878:


"Death of an Early Settler"

Robert Sproul, aged 78, and old and well known citizen of this County, died at the residence of Mrs. Kirk, on Franklin Street, on Friday evening about 11 o'clock, of disease of the heart.  Mr. Sproul came to Galena on Wednesday last, from his residence near the farm of R.S. Norris, in West Galena, and being taken suddenly ill, was conveyed to the residence of Mrs. Kirk, a relative, and failed rapidly until death came to his relief.  He was born in Ireland in 1800 and came to the United States in 1827, settling in Philidelphia where he resided eleven years.  He journeyed West in 1838, and took up his residence that year in Galena.  In 1849 he immigrated to the Gold Coast, and returned to Galena about the year 1852.  He was a farmer by profession, and an exemplary member of the First M. E. Church.  Deceased leaves besides his wife, four children, viz; Andrew R., John J. and Saml. W. Sproul, residing in West Galena; Mrs. Ann E. Wilson, residing in Scott County, Iowa.