Edward Pratt's biography, Sheridan Township, Clare County, Michigan

Copyright ¬ 2000 by Dolores Pratt Davidson. This copy contributed for use in 
the MIGenWeb Archives.  

 

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EDWARD LLWELYN PRATT
May 19, 1842
December 26, 1912
In connection with the development of the natural resources of Clare Co.
Michigan, Mr. PRATT has attained the distinctive success during the long
years which marked his continuous residence in the county, of which he may
well be termed "PIONEER" and he is one of the most honored citizens and
representative farmers of Grant Co. where he owns and occupies a fine 
estate of over 400 acres representing the results of his own well directed
endeavors.

Mr. Pratt is a native of the Dominion of Canada, having been born in Elgin
County Ontario, may 19, 1842,He is a son of Edward T. PRATT and Nancy 
PARKER the former who was born in Vermont. a descendant of staunch old colonial
stock, while the latter , Nancy Parker was born in Canada.. Edward Sr. was
a blacksmith and cooper by vocation and he followed this occupation for the
major portion of his active life. Both he and his wife passed their
declining years in the home of our subject, Mr. Pratt. Sr. being summoned 
to his reward in the 88th year of his life (*1897) while on a visit to his old
home in Canada, while his wife died in the home of our subject, at the age
of 87. (*1895) The senior Pratt's were the parents of 10 children, of whom 
5 are living.
Edward L. Pratt whose name initiates this review, passed his youthful years
in Canada, where he received a good common school education and where he
learned the carpenters trade under the honored direction of his father. 
For several years he worked at his trade in connection with farming, and for a
number of seasons he sailed on the Great Lakes, his home, Port Stanley,
being a lake port.

In the autumn of 1860 Mr. Pratt came to Michigan and located in Saginaw,
where he entered the employ of the extensive lumbering firm of Miller &
Wright, & CO. becoming foreman of their mills in Saginaw, and later holding
a responsible position in their lumbering camps in that county. He
remained with this firm for 8 years, then came to Clare Co. to assume the
management and the improvements of the farm owned by A.W. WRIGHT, a member
of the firm. This place comprised 400 acres in Sheridan Township, and
within the ensuing 4 years, Mr. Pratt effected the reclamation of about 
half the same, the tract having been covered with native timber. About the year
1874 he purchased a portion of his present fine homestead, and much of this
property has been reclaimed from the primitive wilds, through his energetic
efforts. While residing on his farm and giving his attention to its
management, he was also engaged as foreman of the lumbering Co, og the
late, W. S. GREEN, In Saginaw County. His original land purchase 
comprised 320 acres, and later 80 acres were added, and he also gave no small
attention to the raising of livestock, On his farm he erected a 
commodious and attractive residence, and other well equipped buildings, and thrift and
prosperity are in evidence on every side. In the city of Saginaw on the 19th of May, 1868, 
was solemnized the  marriage of Mr. Pratt to Melissa TROMBLEY, who was born in 
Montreal Quebec, December 25, 1849, eighth child of 11 of Edgar Trombley and Mary 
Volley Trombley, They became the parents of 8 children, of whom 4 are living;
Farnum PRATT, who is engaged in farming, Clare Co MI. Maude, the wife of Howard
LEACH of Grant Twp, Clare Co MI Gertrude Ethel, a teacher, Arthur, married to ??? died 
1/1902 age 30 leaving a widow and 2 daughters, Clarabelle and Alvina 3 sons died in childhood.