Henry O. Pratt

PRATT

Posted By: Diane Wilson (email)
Date: 7/29/2002 at 21:17:37

In 1870 it was found the population of the State had increased to a number entitling it to nine Representatives in Congress. In re-districting, Butler county became a part of the 4th district. It was first represented by Henry O. Pratt, of Charles City, in the 43d Congress. Mr. Pratt was re-elected in the 44th, and thus served until March, 1877.
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Mr. Pratt is a native of Maine. He was admitted to the bar in Mason City, Cerro Gordo county, Iowa, in June, 1862. Soon afterward a call was made for 600,000 men by the President. He enlisted as a private in Co. B, 32d Iowa Infantry. He became completely broken down in health in less than a year, and was discharged in the spring of 1863. The following summer, while regaining his health, he taught a small school in Worth county, Iowa. His health being restored, Mr. Pratt commenced the practice of law at Charles City.
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As a lawyer he is very candid in the trial of a case; he never tries to defeat the ends of justice, never resorts to clap-trap, and never forgets the dignity of his calling. He is a fluent speaker, and excels as a jury advocate. His record in Congress was creditable to himself and constituents.
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Source: History of Butler and Bremer Counties, Iowa
Union Publishing Co., Springfield, IL, 1883
Page 288