Pratt Hale Stedman 1851-1923

STEDMAN, GRANT, WILLIAMS

Posted By: Merllene Andre Bendixen (email)
Date: 2/24/2012 at 15:54:23

An Old Pioneer is Called Home
P.H. Stedman Answered Final Summons Last Friday – Immigrated to This Section in 1865
We are sorry indeed to be called upon to chronicle the death of P.H. Stedman which occurred at his home in this city at 10:30, Friday evening, November 30.

He had been ill a long time and toward the last he suffered intensely. Death came as a relief at the last. Funeral services were conducted by Rev. J.E. Brereton in the Congregational church at 2:30 p.m. Sunday. The high regard in which he was held was shown by the large attendance at the funeral, notwithstanding the fact that very many had not learned of his death.

Pratt Hale Stedman was born in Adams, state of New York on Oct. 3, 1851. Came west in 1865 and settled on a claim with his brother in Minnesota a few miles north of Estherville, in 1872 he moved to Estherville and worked for Edward Wells, who was in the harness business, and owned the stage line from Estherville to Emmetsburg. From him he learned the harness trade. He drove the state between those two towns in 1873 and ’74. Oct. 31, 1874 he was united in marriage to Miss Sarah L. Grant of Estherville. They moved to Emmetsburg in June 1875. He engaged in the harness business with his brother Warren B. Stedman, who in later years moved to Kansas. The firm was known as Stedman Brothers. When his brother left here Mr. Stedman took over the business alone which he conducted until recent sickness. In early days the harness business was very good, orders for harness were taken in advance, and would be taken from the store as soon as finished. Mr. Stedman often had many customers on the waiting list. He worked six men in his shop and store room which was all in one 18x20. He and his men worked many nights by the lights of an oil lamp. He would take an order for harness late in the afternoon and deliver it the next morning.

He was ambitious and energetic and made good.

The writer has known Mr. Stedman as long back as memory will serve, and can truthfully say that he ranked very high indeed among the honest, honorable, upright men that we have ever known. He was kind, generous, helpful and was a true friend. There was no ostentation, no deception in his nature. He was just what he appeared to be. His word was as good as his bond. He was one of the men whose integrity was never questioned. Any one who knew Pratt Stedman would vouch for him. He was a man who believed in living and letting live. He was not selfish or overbearing. He was frank, open and honest. In his home he was a model of kindness, a most devoted husband and father. He provided well for and added cheer and comfort to the entire household. He will ever be remembered as a gentleman, a Christian, a good citizen a helpful neighbor and friend.

He is survived by a wife, one daughter, Mrs. Inez Williams of Cedar Rapids, and two sons, Simm R. of Mason City and Charles G. of this city. The Tribune extends to them sincere sympathy in their sorrow, and recommends them to find their consolation in the splendid memory they have to cherish. (Palo Alto Tribune, Emmetsburg, IA, December 5, 1923)