M. W. Brother Sperra was born at Ravenna, Ohio, on July 24, 1853. He attended the Union Public Schools and Ravenna Academy; was a student at Butchel College, now Akron University. He attended the law school of the University of Michigan, from which he was graduated with full honors. He was admitted to the bar in 1878, and served as Judge of the Probate Court of Portage County from 1894 to 1903. From 1903 to 1911, he was Deputy State Inspector of building and loan associations, and supervisor of bond investment companies with offices in Columbus. He then resumed the practice of law in Ravenna, Ohio.
He was a public-spirited citizen, always active in civic affairs, rendering a service that has made him a permanent historical character for the community. On February 14, 1883, he married Miss Carrie Wagoner, of Akron, Ohio. To this union two daughters were born. She died January 27, 1918.
M. W. Brother Sperra was initiated an Entered Apprentice June 26,1876, in Unity Lodge, No. 12, F. & A. M.; passed to the Degree of Fellowcraft, July 10, 187.6, and he was raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason July 24, 1876. He served his Lodge as Worshipful Master in 1889-1890.
In the Grand Lodge, he was appointed Grand Orator in 1894, 1898 and 1899. He was elected Junior Grand Warden in 1900; Senior Grand Warden in 1901; Deputy Grand Master in 1902; and became Grand Master October 29, 1903. He served the Grand Lodge for many years as Foreign Correspondent. At the time of his death he was Representative of the Grand Lodge of Maine near the Grand Lodge of Ohio.
He was advanced to the Honorary Degree of Mark Master, September 16,1878; elected and presided in the chair, November 29, 1878; received and acknowledged Most Excellent Master, November 29,1878; and was exalted to the Most Sublime Degree Royal Arch Mason, January 20, 1879, in Tyrian Chapter No. 91, R. A. M. He served his Chapter as High Priest from 1889 to 1899. He received the Order of High Priesthood in Ohio Grand Council of Anointed High Priests at Marion, Ohio, and September 24, 1890. He served the Grand Chapter as Grand High Priest in 1899-1900. He was Grand Representative of the Grand Chapter of Maine near the Grand Chapter of Ohio.
He was a member of Akron Commandery, No. 25, Knights Templar, having received the Order of the Red Cross December 14, 1881, and the Knight of Malta and Knights Templar, December 28,1881.
In Lake Erie Consistory, A.A.S.R., his progress was as follows:
Eliadah Lodge of Perfection, 14°, June 15, 1894
Bahurim Council, 16°, June 15, 1894
Ariel Chapter Rose Croix, 18°, June 15, 1894
Lake Erie Consistory, 32°, June 22, 1894
He was crowned Inspector General, 33°, Honorary Member Supreme Council, Northern Masonic Jurisdiction, Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, at Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on September 17, 1901.
Funeral services, were held at his home Friday, December 22, 1933. His body was interred in the Maple Grove Cemetery, Section a, Lot 4, Ravenna, Ohio.