Background
Sprague, Robert Chapman was born on August 3, 1900 in New York City. Son of Frank Julian and Harriet Chapman (Jones) Sprague.
electric components company executive
Sprague, Robert Chapman was born on August 3, 1900 in New York City. Son of Frank Julian and Harriet Chapman (Jones) Sprague.
Graduate, Hotchkiss School, 1918. Bachelor of Science, United States Naval Academy, 1920. Graduate, United States Naval Postgraduate School, 1922.
S.M. Entertainment, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 1924. Doctor of Engineering (honorary), Northeastern University, 1953. Honorary Doctor of Science, Williams College, 1954.
Honorary Doctor of Science, Lowell Technology Institute, 1959. Honorary Doctor of Science, North Adams State College, 1972. Honorary Doctor of Science, University Massachusetts, 1975.
LL.D (honorary), Tufts University, 1959. LL.D (honorary), University New Hampshire, 1967.
Commissioned lieutenant United States Navy, 1922, resigned, 1926. Founder Sprague Electric Company (originally Sprague Speciality Company), Quincy, Massachusetts, 1926, president, 1926-1953, chairman, chief executive officer, 1953-1971, treasurer, 1954-1965, honorary chairman, chairman executive com, 1971-1976, honorary chairman, director, 1976-1991. Director Draper Laboratory Division (now Charles Stark Draper Laboratory Inc.), 1970-1978, member emeritus, 1979-1991.
Director security resources panel (Gaither Committee) of science advisory committee Office Defense Mobilization, 1957-1958. Member various governmental committees. Trustee MITRE Corporation, 1958-1981, chairman, 1969-1972, honorary trustee, 1981-1991.
Former senior warden St. John's Episcopal Church, Williamstown, Massachusetts, senior warden emeritus, 1968-1991. Chairman Pine Cobble School, Williamstown, 1942-1968, trustee emeritus, 1968-1991. Trustee Hudson Institute, 1961-1971.
Member corporation Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 1953-1955, life member, 1955-1975, life member emeritus, 1975-1991. Member corporation Northeastern University, from 1953. Board governors Massachusetts Science and Technology Foundation, 1970-1978.
Fellow Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (senior member, life fellow), American Academy Arts and Sciences. Member Associate Industries Massachusetts (board directors 1945-1973, honorary chairman 1973-1991, member executive committee 1957-1973, president 1951-1953), Electronic Industries Association (president 1950-1951, board governors 1943-1980, chairman 1950-1952, 53-54, honorary governor 1980-1991, medal of honor 1954, 1978), National Academy Engineering Clubs: Algonquin, Union (Boston). Metropolitan (Washington).
Married Florence Antoinette van Zelm, May 24, 1921 (deceased June 1987). Children: Robert Chapman Junior (deceased), John Louis.
