Spratt Memorial

The Spratt Memorial is an excellent example of the Mansard style of architecture. The mansard style also known as Second Empire allows another floor of living space above the cornice line. This style was popular in the U.S. after the Civil War from the 1860s to the 1880s and is also known as “General Grant Style”. Although it is painted white today it still retains many architectural details of the style. Note the decorative window surrounds, one story porch, quoins at the corners and balustrades.

This historic home is presently owned by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Ogdensburg, but was built on property once owned by landowner George Parish. He sold the property to Charles Payne in 1868, who sold the land to Charles Greer in 1870. James Bean acquired the property in 1883, then sold it to William Egert for $8,500. Finally Thomas Spratt purchased the property in 1891. The Spratt family resided in the house until 1968 when Miss Lucia Spratt died. She willed the property to the Roman Catholic Diocese as a seminary.

This grand house was the home of William Egert who was the manager of the Ogdensburg Bank, which was the largest bank in Northern NY. He was born in Gouverneur, NY in 1856, marrying Elizabeth Atherton in 1880. They had two daughters. Sadly he died at the age of 30 due to illness. Elizabeth Egert remarried in 1891 to Alric Herriman, who was a St. Lawrence County judge and surrogate for over 30 years.

The last family who lived in the home was the Spratt family. Patriarch,Thomas Spratt, was born in 1849 in Rossie, NY, son of Patrick Spratt and Margaret Vaughn Spratt. He studied law at the Foote and James Law Firm in Ogdensburg, becoming a prominent attorney. He worked for many years in the office of Daniel Magone. In 1876 he married Emily Lytle, daughter of N.H. Lytle, editor of the Ogdensburg Daily Journal and Jane Hamilton. They had 5 children. Mr. Spratt was admitted to practice in the U.S. Supreme Court and acted as counsel for the NY Central Railroad.

Spratt was very active in philanthropic activities until his death in 1928. He was on the State Hospital Board and City Orphanage Board and was active in the Democratic party, acting as a delegate to the national convention twice. His wife, Emily Spratt was active in St. Mary’s Cathedral parish, Swe-kat-si DAR and the Society of United Helpers.

The final member of the Spratt family to live in the mansion was Lucia Spratt. Miss Spratt entertained many dignitaries in her home, including Cardinal Spellman. While the Spratt Mansion did not become a seminary, it fortunately survives as offices for the diocese today.