Biographical Sketch of Rev. John A. Prather, Lafayette County, Missouri

>From "History of Lafayette County, Mo., carefully written and compiled
from the most authentic official and private sources" St. Louis, Mo.
Historical Company, 1881.
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Rev. John Albert Prather, pastor of C. P. Church, P. O. Odessa.  Son of
John and Mary Prather, was born in North Carolina, January 24, 1840, he
came with his mother, three sisters and one brother, to Missouri, Clay
county.  His father died while the family still lived in North Carolina.
He joined the Barnett Presbytery in 1843, as a candidate for the minis-
try.  Was licensed April 12, 1845, and ordained April 5, 1846, by the
Platte Presbytery.  Mr. Prather spent several years in the northwestern
counties of Missouri, preaching to different congregations.  He conducted
the first religious service ever held in Maryville, Nodaway county.  In
the spring of 1860, he came to Lafayette county and located in Washington
township, where he now resides, having in charge several of the churches
in the neighborhood.  He was actively engaged in the ministry during the
war.  February 14, 18__, he was united in marriage to Miss Tennessee
Johnson, of Tenn.  Their union is blessed with eight children: Mrs. Cyrus
Pettus, William T., Joseph A., Chatham Ewing, Edwin Lee, Nora Johnson,
Clarence Alvin, Mary Kavanaugh.  He is a member of the A. F. & A. M.  Was
appointed judge of the county court, by Gov. Hardin; then elected for two
years, and upon the expiration of the term, was re-elected for a term of
four years; conclusive evidence of the confidence of his fellow citizens
in his ability and integrity as judge.  During his residence of 20 years 
in the county, as pastor and judge, he has endeared himself in the hearts
of his fellows, and rendered himself a most invaluable citizen.

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