Multnomah County OR Archives Biographies.....Pratt, Martin T. August 20, 1880 - ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/or/orfiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Ila L. Wakley iwakley@msn.com June 9, 2009, 7:39 pm Author: The S. J. Clarke Publishing Company MARTIN T. PRATT. No public office in Multnomah county has functioned more efficiently than has that of sheriff, due in part to the loyal and capable service rendered by the sheriff's deputies, chief of whom is Martin T. Pratt, who has been connected with the office continuously for sixteen years. Mr. Pratt was born in Portland, August 20, 1880, and is a son of Irving Washington and Sophia C. (Taylor) Pratt. His father was born in New York state in 1838, received a good education and in an early day came to Oregon. Here he taught school for many years, being one of the pioneer educators of this section of the country. His first school was in an old log schoolhouse on the Columbia River road. Altogether he taught here for forty years, during twenty years of which period he was principal of the Harrison street school in Portland and also served as superintendent of the city schools. He was one of the prominent early members of the Masonic order here, and organized Washington Lodge, No. 42, of which he was the first master. Later he became a member of Portland Lodge, No. 55, which he served as master and secretary, and he was inspector-general of Oregon for the supreme council of the southern jurisdiction of Scottish Rite Masons. In his political views he was a republican and was greatly interested in matters affecting the public welfare. He died July 1, 1908, respected and beloved by all who knew him. His wife was born in Ohio and was a daughter of Peter Taylor, who crossed the plains to Oregon in 1852, being followed in the next year by his wife and family, who came by way of the Isthmus of Panama. Mr. Taylor founded the Willamette Iron Works in Portland and remained connected with that business up to the time of his death. Mrs. Sophia Pratt passed away April 1, 1911. Martin T. Pratt received a good public school education, graduating from the Portland high school in 1898, and then enlisted for service in the Spanish- American war. He was sent to the Philippines, where he served until the following year, when he returned to Portland and was honorably discharged. In January, 1901, he was appointed deputy assessor, in which capacity he served until 1912, when he became deputy sheriff under Thomas Wood, and two years later was appointed a deputy under the present sheriff, Tom M. Hurlburt. In 1916 he became chief deputy sheriff and has served as such to the present time. Thoroughly familiar with every detail of the sheriff's office, and prompt and thorough in everything he does, he has proven well qualified for the position which he holds and commands the respect of all who have had dealings with him. On May 17, 1917, Mr. Pratt was united in marriage to Miss Bertie Waidt, of Minneapolis, Minnesota. He is a member of Portland Lodge, No. 55, A. F. & A. M.; Portland Chapter, R. A. M.; Oregon Commandery, No. 1, K. T.; and is a life member of Al Kader Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S. He also belongs to the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and the Spanish-American War Veterans. He gives the republican party his political support and has been active in its behalf. A man of strong individuality, sterling character and straightforward manner, he makes a favorable impression on those whom he meets and is held in high regard. Additional Comments: History of the Columbia River Valley From The Dalles to the Sea, Vol. II, Pages 818-819 File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/or/multnomah/bios/pratt744gbs.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.org/orfiles/ File size: 4.0 Kb