Bio of Thomas PRESTIDGE (b.1834 d.1913), Wright Co., MN
Pages 997
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997           HISTORY OF WRIGHT COUNTY

John Wesley Prestidge, one of the active and progressive farmers of 
Rockford township, was born in the township where he still resides,
November 5, 1882, son of Thomas Prestidge, the pioneer. He learned 
agricultural pursuits from his father, and started out in life for 
himself at the age of seventeen. For a time he was in partnership 
with his brother Arthur. Later he farmed alone. On September 12, 1913, 
he purchased eighty acres in section 21, where he is establishing a 
splendid farm. He is energetic and industrious, and follows the latest 
approved methods in all his operations. His good wife, Dena Thompson, 
a native of Goodhue county, this state, whom he married July 20, is 
an able helpmate in all his undertakings. It is interesting to note 
that the farm occupied by Mr. Prestidge has many historic associations. 
When the Indians swarmed this part of the country, they had a camp in 
a hollow back of his barn, skins stretched across the top protecting 
it from the elements. While thus encamped they fished in a nearby lake. 
Tradition states that once when they were fishing on the lake, an 
earthquake or other disturbance of nature broke the ice, and thirty 
of the braves perished in the water. Mr. and Mrs. Prestidge attend 
the Methodist Episcopal church at Melrose. 

Thomas Prestidge, a pioneer, was born in England, December 21, 1834, 
and was there reared. At nineteen years of age he came to the United 
States, and after traveling in various parts of the country settled 
in Wright county in 1856. He homesteaded the south half of the northeast 
quarter, of section 8, range 24, township 119, and started pioneer 
life in the wilderness. He built first a log cabin and then started 
clearing the land. His first crops were planted in the virgin sod 
with the aid of a hoe. Gradually he attained success and developed 
a good place. Mr. Prestidge was a strong worker in the Methodist 
church, and being a good singer, led the worship in many places 
throughout the community. He died May 16, 1913, after a long and 
useful life. His wife, Margaret Holliday, was born January 7, 1844,
and died January ll,1894. They were married July 4, 1861. Their sixteen 
children were as follows: Ann, born June 30, 1863; Malinda Jane, born 
March 15, 1865; Juliette, July 29, 1866; Ulysses Walter, October 28, 
1868; Charles Henry, January 28, 1870: William Emerson, June 26, 1871; 
Mary Harriett, February 12, 1873; Burton T., born May 5, 1874; Ida May, 
December 16, 1875; Cora Belle, November 21, 1877; Ruth Rose, February 
14, 1879; James Arthur, September 19, 1881; John Wesley, November 5, 
1882; Effie F., April 15, 1884; Izella, December 19, 1886; and Franklin, 
June 12, 1888.