THADDEUS PRALL
Thaddeus Prall is among the prominent representative men of this county. He is a native of Pennsylvania, born October 22, 1826, his parents being Gabriel and Mary (Heaton) Prall. When Thaddeus was twelve years old the family removed to Guernsey county, Ohio, where his youth was spent, and where he was engaged as mail carrier and in various occupations, about eight years. When about twenty-one years of age, he removed to Clark county, Indiana, where, December 27, 1849, he was married to Rebecca J. Prather, a native of that county. They have had six children, five of whom are now living--Rosella born March 26, 185], now living in Atlantic; Columbus, born March 6, 1854, now a resident of this county; Leander A., born December 1, 1862, now living at home; Thaddeus Edmond, born January 28, 1868, now living at home; Elizabeth Arabell, born August 14, 1859, now living in Cass county; a son, Walter, was born November 17, 1856, and died March 9, 1875. In 1865, Mr. and Mrs. Prall went to Adams county, Illinois, where they continued to reside about sixteen years. In 1869, he came to this county and located on section 26, Atlantic township, which has since been his home. At that time this section of country was an unbroken prairie, the virgin soil was yet almost unvexed by the plow, the undulating prairie was one vast plain and to the casual observer there was nothing to encourage one to make a settlement, with the intention of securing a desirable, permanent home. Yet here Mr. Prall, guided by an unerring judgment, characteristic of the man, comprehended the possibilities for the future of this county, and the certain returns from the soil, when properly managed. His selection of land and its present condition show that he was not mistaken, and demonstrate what a true man, with pluck and energy, can accomplish. His farm consists of two hundred and forty acres of good land. He is now building a fine residence in the city of Atlantic, and intends to soon remove thither, where he can spend his declining years somewhat relieved from the more active duties of business life, in peace and happiness, and in the enjoyment of a home fairly won--a competence honestly gained. In the political affairs of the township, Mr. Prall has been quite prominent. Although somewhat reticent, and not at all inclined to push himself forward, yet he is a man whom the historian delights to honor, and one whose name must necessarily appear in connection with a true history of this county, among those who have aided most substantially in its development. He adheres to the principles of the Republican Party.
Contributed by Lisa Varnes-Rex from "History of Cass County, Iowa. Together With Sketches of its Towns, Villages and Townships, Educational, Civil, Military and Political History: Portraits of Prominent Persons, and Biographies of Old Settlers and Representative Citizens." Springfield, Ill.: Continental Historical Company, 1884, pg. 848.
