My Genealogy Hound

CHESTER S. PRATT. The simple record of the life of a man who has quietly pursued his calling is the best testimonial that can be given to his worth of character. In general, the life of a farmer is an uneventful one, marked by no startling incidents, although its usefulness may be felt throughout an extended circle of acquaintances and exert great influence. The subject of this notice is one who has followed the even tenor of the farmer’s life, taking an active part in matters pertaining to the interests of the development of the section in which he resides. He owns and operates one hundred and sixty acres of land, which is in a well-cultivated condition, and part of which is given to the raising of Norman and Hambletonian stock.

Before entering upon the history of our subject, it will not be amiss to devote a paragraph to that of his respected ancestors. His grandfather, Aaron Pratt, was born in Massachusetts and was a farmer by occupation, but early in life he was a drover and a hotel-keeper. In 1806, he settled in Wayne County, N. Y., on one hundred and seventy acres of land along the shore of Lake Ontario, where he lived the rest of his life. His wife was a Miss Jerusha Smith and the result of her marriage with Mr. Pratt was the birth of these children: Jonathan, Alva, Almond, Rachael, Emeline and Mary. The father of our subject was born in Deerfield, Mass., in September, 1796. He, too, was a farmer, and moved to Webster, Monroe County, N. Y., where he died in 1873. Politically, he was a Democrat in his early life, then turned Abolitionist, and finally cast his ballot for the Republican nominees. His widow still survives, and has reared a family of ten children, namely: Cornelia A., Jane A., Alva S., Emeline J., Justine B., Chester S., Mary E., Almond J., Jerusha B. and Oscar. Almond and Oscar were soldiers, the former having served in the Ninth New York Heavy Artillery, and later in the colored regiment as Captain. The latter enlisted in the Fourth Heavy Artillery, and also served as captain and lieutenant of the colored regiment. Our subject’s father was a Free-will Baptist, while the mother was of the Presbyterian faith. The latter was born in New Haven County, Conn., in February, 1799. Her father, Chester Peck, was a native of Connecticut, and in his youthful days emigrated to Oneida County, thence to Wayne County, N. Y. He was a carpenter and joiner by trade, and died at the ripe old age of seventy years. He was a member of the Baptist Church, and worked zealously for the advancement of his religion. His wife was a Miss Spery in her single state, and was of English origin.

The subject of this sketch was born in Wayne County, N. Y., on the shores of Lake Ontario, July 25, 1832, to Alva and Ann (Peck) Pratt. He was afforded the advantages of a good district education, and afterwards took an academic course which prepared him for a teacher. He taught in the district school and then concluded to try the farm for a time, so returned to his home and worked there till the fall of 1857. At this juncture he went to Dixon, Lee County, Ill., where he farmed four years, and then again attended his father’s farm, which he continued to do until 1878. Mr. Pratt was married to Mary Whitcombe December 13, 1854. Mrs. Pratt was born in Granville, Washington County, N. Y., and is the daughter of Dr. L. and Deborah (Wells) Whitcombe, both natives of Vermont. After their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Whitcombe moved to Washington County, thence to Stafford in 1831, and finally located in Wayne County in 1832, where Mr. Whitcombe died March 10, 1875, at the age of seventy-seven years. His wife was born October 6, 1795, and after her union became the mother of nine children, five of whom reached their majority, viz.: Edson F., Laura, Mary, Catherine and James D. The parents of these children were both members of the Presbyterian Church, and the father was prominent in political affairs, serving in the New York Assembly one or two terms. The Doctor was of Scotch origin, a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and in politics was a warm supporter of the Whigs, until the organization of the Republican party, when he cast his influence and ballot in the interests of that body.

Five children blessed the union of Mr. and Mrs. Pratt, all of whom are living but one. They are Frances, wife of William S. Holt, of Portland, Ore.; Bryan C, Hattie M. and Alva L. Our subject’s wife is a consistent member of the Congregational Church, in which she has worked since she was sixteen years old. Mr. Pratt has good judgment in conducting his affairs, and his success in life is attributed to his many fine qualities of head and heart.