J. M. PRATT

J. M. PRATT, an enterprising farmer of Shelby County, was born in Warsaw, Wyoming County, New York, December 29, 1834. He is the son of Asa and Emaline (Kidder) Pratt. The father was born in Vermont and the mother was a native of the State of New York. J. M. was but ten years of age when his parents removed to Lake County, Illinois, where he passed his youth. He was trained to the occupation of a farmer, and at the age of eighteen years started out for himself, with no capital but energy and ambition. He first went to the copper mines of Michigan, and there engaged in teaming. He remained in this place one year, and then went on the lakes as a sailor; he followed the water at broken intervals for several years. In the great Rebellion he enlisted in Company I Forty-fifth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and served his country faithfully for three years and two months. He participated in the following noted battles: Vicksburg, Fort Donelson, Shiloh, Chattanooga, and went with General Sherman on his famous march to the sea. He served as Corporal from his entrance into the service, and was afterward promoted to the position of Sergeant. After the close of the war he came to Jasper County, Iowa, and remained there a year and a half. In the fall of 1867 he came to Shelby County, and settled in what is known as Greeley Township; he purchased eighty acres of wild land and erected the first house in the township, a log-cabin; here he resided three years, making many improvements. At the expiration of this time he removed to Atlantic, Iowa, where he spent one winter. He then returned to Shelby County, purchasing eighty acres of wild land in Douglas Township; this he improved, residing upon it four years, when he sold it and came to Greeley Township, where he still resides; his first purchase was eighty acres, and he has added to it until he now owns a quarter section of as good farming land as lies in the borders of Shelby County. He has opened up three different farms in the county, and made many improvements, which have all been first-class. Mr. Pratt has held many positions of honor and trust, and has been identified with his township officially, as assessor, and has served as secretary of the school board for twelve years. He has done much to promote education in the county, and has assisted in the erection of every school-house in the township. Politically he is a staunch, active Greenbacker, being one of the organizers of the party in the county; from the founding of the party he has been a member of the central committee. He is a member of the Farmers' Alliance. Mr. Pratt was married November 12, 1861, to Lydia L. Thompson, a daughter of Jasper and Ludia A. (Graham) Thompson ; she was born in Canada, July 16, 1844. Mr. and Mrs. Pratt are the parents of six children -Clarence, deceased at the age of thirteen years; William, Nellie, Cora, Florence, and Vera.

Source: 1889 Biographical History of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 572 & 575. Transcribed and submitted by Marthann Kohl-Fuhs