PRATT, Alfred

Source: Syracuse Kansas Times 8 Dec 1927 Thursday p 1

Alfred Pratt was born on Jan 30th, 1839 near Georgetown, Scott County, Kentucky and departed this life on the 4th day of December 1927, aged 88 years 10 months and 4 days. His father, James Pratt was a native of Kentucky while his mother, Susan Adams Pratt, was born in England. He secured a good education having graduated from Georgetown College in 1850. He taught school for the next ensuing two years at the Great Crossings on Elkhorn Creek, near the home of his birth. In 1861 he went to Putnam County, Indiana where he continued to teach until the summer of 1862 when he enlisted in the 78th regiment of Volunteers, Indiana Infantry; and was mustered both in and out of the service at Camp Morton, Indianapolis, Indiana.

On February 25th, 1864, he was united in marriage to Mary L. McMurry of Putnam County, Indiana who was a daughter of James McMurry and Lavina Darnell McMurry, from which union were born five children: Clarence D; Malvina L; Ernest, died in infancy; Thurston H; James B, three of whom are still living. Elvina B, wife of Eugene Welch died Feb 5th in Los Angeles, Cal. Mrs. Alfred Pratt died in El Paso, Texas at the home of her daughter, on Sept 29th, 1902, being loved and respected by all who knew her.

In 1876, Mr. Pratt came to Kansas with his family settling in Shawnee County near Silver Lake, where they lived until 1885 when they came to Hamilton County. As an early settler he was prominent in the history of the county, having been appointed by Gov. Martin to take the enumeration of the county preparatory to organization, which was effected on Jan 30th, 1886 being the 25th anniversary of the states admission to the Union. He served this county as Representative in the Legislature from 1890-1896.

He leaves surviving him his 3 sons: Thurston H of Los Angeles, Cal; Clarence D of Dallas, Tex and James S of Syracuse, a nephew in Indianapolis, Ind; 12 grandchildren and six great grandchildren.

His sons following in his footsteps, are active members in the communities in which each resides and their achievements and successes were always the greatest source of satisfaction and delight to him.

Mr. Pratt was an active member of the Grand Army of the Republic. He was also a charter member of Syracuse Lodge No 309, AF&AM and Syracuse Chapter of Royal Arch Masons and as a recognition of his long years of service in the Masonic fraternity the local lodge some years ago had honored him with a life membership.

Because of his long residence here, and his participation in the organization and development of Hamilton County, this community was “home” to Mr. Pratt. He was always interested in every movement for the betterment of his home town and county, and he took an active part and maintained his interests in public affairs until his death.

the home surroundings a few months at most spent with one or more of his other children and then he would inevitably turn his steps to the home of his son Jim, that he might be among the old familiar scenes and with his old associates. Though long past the “three scores years and ten,” yet Mr. Pratt ever retained his interest in the young people and their activities. He was a familiar figure at the programs given by the children and at all the games and other athletic contests in which our young folks took any part. He was intensely patriotic and ardently supported every movement which tended to make for better citizenship, giving freely of his counsel and means. In the passing of Alfred Pratt, Hamilton County has lost a faithful citizen and her people a true friend. His death is an irreparable loss to all.

Same source, same page – next to last column

Alfred Pratt died Sunday at his late home here. He was one of the old timers and was well liked and respected. He was of a cheerful disposition and always had a kind word for all whom he chanced to meet. He was taken sick at the Cole rooming house where he had roomed for some time. He was removed to the home of his son, JB Pratt, the local postmaster where he received every care and attention.