Robert Prall

PRALL, BOTKIN, BRADFORD, FOWLER, SINGLETON, CRAIG

Posted By: Fran Hunt, Volunteer
Date: 10/5/2001 at 21:45:21

From the Portrait and Biographical Album of Jefferson and Van Buren Counties – 1890
ROBERT PRALL
Robert Prall, who is engaged in farming and stock raising on Section 23, Des Moines Township, Van Buren County, was born in Muskingum County, Ohio, August 7, 1832 and is of German, Irish and English descent. The founder of the Prall family in America was the grandfather of our subject, Thomas Prall, a gentleman of German birth who left his native land and immigrated to America in the early part of the eighteenth century. His son, Asa, father of our subject, was born in Pennsylvania where he grew to manhood and in 1828 wedded Asenath Botkin, also a native of the Keystone State. Her parents were Robert and Sarah Botkin, the former a native of Ireland and the latter of England. They came to America during Colonial days and settled in Greene County Pennsylvania, where they continued to make their home until called from this life. For two years after his marriage Mr. Prall and his wife continued in Pennsylvania but the year 1830 witnessed their removal to Ohio. He was a farmer by occupation and followed that pursuit in Morgan County until 1842, when accompanied by wife and children he went to Clark County Indiana. Ten years were spent and in the winter of 1852 he went to Van Buren County Iowa, where he purchased a partially improved farm. At once beginning the work of improvement he soon had a comfortable home, which continued to be his shelter form the storms of life until 188o, when he was called to his final rest. His wife, who had proved to him a true helpmate, survived her husband some six years. Their family once numbered ten children, of whom the following are now living—Thomas, who is married and resided in Des Moines Township; Robert of this sketch; Cornelius, who is married and makes his home in Coles County Illinois; Mrs. Sarah Bradford, of Schuyler County Missouri; Mrs. Matilda Fowler, of Harper County Kansas; and C.C. who is married and living in Ringgold County Iowa.
In the usual manner of farmer lads our subject spent the days of his boyhood and youth, and in the common schools of Ohio and Indiana he acquired his education. On attaining to mature years, he left the parental roof and began life for himself. Farming has been his chief occupation and his success has proved that his choice of labor was a wise one. His first purchase of land consisted of a one hundred and sixty-acre tract of timber but he cleared away the trees and brush, plowed the broad acres, planted crops and soon had a fine farm, the value of which he also greatly increased by the erection of a commodious residence and good barns. As time passed and his financial resources were increased, he also extended the boundaries of his land, his possessions now aggregating three hundred and eighty acres, part of which is under a high state of cultivation, while the remainder affords excellent pasturage to the fine stock, which he raises in considerable numbers. Mr. Prall is practically a self-made man, having acquired his possessions by industry, energy and good management, which in almost every instance will bring about success.
In Van Buren County, October 11, 1855, Mr. Prall led to the marriage altar Miss Aliza Singleton, a native of Ohio, born October 25, 1831, and came to this county with her grandparents in 1836, and a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Singleton, both of whom died in Ohio some years ago. To this union have been born four children—Asa William, who is married and resides in Bonaparte, Iowa; Frances now Mrs. Craig, of Des Moines Township; Carrie and Della at home. Mr. Prall manifests considerable interest in political affairs and casts his ballot with the Republican Party. He held the office of Township Trustee, serving with credit to himself, and satisfaction to all concerned.
I am not related, and am only copying this for the information of those who might find this person in their family