Pratt, Thomas J. 1858-1917

PRATT, BAINBRIDGE

Posted By: Viv Reeves (email)
Date: 12/2/2007 at 17:12:32

From the LeMars Sentinel, Friday, July 27, 1917, Page 1, Columns 3-4:

Thos. J. Pratt, a well known farmer of Elkhorn township, died on Tuesday July 24, at a hospital in Sioux City, of Bright's disease. Mr. Pratt had been ailing for some time and had been (next few words are unreadable) where he farmed a half section of land. He was born in Wisconsin on May 7, 1858, a son of John and Elizabeth Pratt, who came from England when they were children.

Reared on the home farm in Wisconsin, Thomas J. Pratt grew to manhood there, receiving his education in the public schools and assisting his parents on the farm until the time of his marriage in 1886, on September 29, when he was united in marriage with Mary Bainbridge, and to this union five children were born, William, Wesley, Alvin, Ernest and Velma. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Pratt rented a farm and began farming on their own account, later coming to Plymouth county where they rented a farm in Elkhorn township and very shortly afterwards bought the place which has been their home since.

Mr. Pratt was a successful grain and stock farmer. He took great interest in the affairs of the community and held office in the township at various times. He was a member of the Methodist church and with his family took an earnest interest in church affairs as well as in the general concerns of the community, helpful in promotion of all movements having to do with the welfare of the community.

In addition to his wife and children, he leaves to mourn his death two brothers, James Pratt, of Kingsley, and George Pratt, living in Minnesota.

The funeral was held at the First Methodist church in Kingsley yesterday afternoon.

------------

From the LeMars Sentinel, Friday, August 3, 1917, Page 2, Column 7:

Union--The funeral services of Thos. Pratt were very largely attended. At the home a short prayer was offered by Rev. J. W. LaGrone, of the M. E. church of Kingsley. At the church Rev. LaGrone was assisted by Rev. Schroeder, of the Presbyterian church of Union township and Rev. Phillips, pastor of the United Brethren church. The funeral cortege was one of the largest ever seen in this community. A number of relatives from a distance were present.