Pratt, Hiram Austin - Montgomery InGenWeb Project

H. A. Pratt is now very much at home in the ex-bank building. He has more room for his friends to rest when they drop in to read the daily papers. When Bro. Pratt has time he reads the news to such as can't read themselves.

Hall of Waveland Lodge No. 217, IOOF Oct 19, 1914

Once more we are forcibly reminded that Death is in the world, the spoiler among the works of the Almighty. Be it resolved, that in the death of Brother Hiram A. Pratt, we lose a member who has always been grateful to his Creator, faithful to his country, and fraternal to his fellow men; exemplifying in his daily life the divine lessons of humanity; resolved, that we tender to his bereaved wife our sincere sympathy and the assurance that it is not only the duty but the pleasure of the Lodge to watch over her comfort and safety in her hour of trail; be it further, resolved, that these resolutions be spread upon the minutes and published in the local paper, and that the charter of the Lodge be draped in mourning for 30 days. Submitted in FL & T Alva Good, C R Williams, Frank Brown, Committee.

Hiram Austin Pratt, son of Mr. & Mrs. Erastus Pratt, was b. in Parke County, Indiana, April 20, 1840 and d. Oct 12, 1914, aged 74 Y 5M 22D. Mr. Pratt was first marr. Sept 6, 1866 to Eliza Franklin Shaw, who d. Oct 12, 1887. His second marr. Oct 8, 1888, was to Evaline McMains, who survives him. There also lives to mourn their loss, two brothers, Allen Pratt and Edward Pratt, one sister, Mrs. Eliza Donahue, and a host of other relatives and friends. An adopted son, William Franklin Pratt,(he was born May 9, 1873) died Oct 12, 1894. Mr. Pratt in youth became a member of the Baptist Church, but for several years has been an active and faithful member of the Methodist Episcopal Church in Waveland. Until the very last days of his life, he never missed an opportunity to show his love for the Church of his choice. He was a member of the Odd Fellows, Rebekah and Knights of Pythias Lodges. In 1862 when the call was made for men who would place their lives at the disposal of the nation in a fight, the end of which could not be foreseen, Mr. Pratt went gladly and gave 3 of the best years of his life in the service of his country. He saw activity upon the battlefield and paid the penalty required for many in Andersonville prison(sic- should read Tyler, Texas). At the close of the war he received honorable discharge and again took up his tasks in peaceful pursuance of duty. So long as he was able he worked diligently and even after he could but totter about he made effort to be still active in labour. After attending the funeral service of his friend, Mr. A J Wolfe, last Friday, he was stricken with paralysis on the porch of his home and never regained the power of speech. His spirit of loyalty to what he thought right will linger long as a benediction and inspiration to us. Funeral services were held at the home on Wed. morning by the Rev. Wm. W. Speer. The IOOF and Knights of Pythias Lodges attended in a body, and three pall bearers from each lodge accompanied the body to Farmersburg for interment.