C. W. Pratt Obituary

November 1900

The Late C. W. Pratt

Take a minute to appreciate how obituaries were written in the early 20th century.

Transcription

BANK VILLAGE - THE LATE C. W. PRATT.

Thirty-four years ago Charles Willard Pratt was born at Furnace Brook farm and his first 20 years were passed under the parental roof. As a pupil in our schools he was obedient, studious and anxious to excel in his classes, and outside a good playfellow be cause of his cheerful, happy disposition. In boyhood and youth he was prompt to do whatever was required and could be trusted whether at school or attending to the lighter work on the farm. The health-giving influences of outdoor life helped to develop a physique which looked the very synonym of strength. 

Possessed of health and youthful ambition he left the home farm at 20 years of age to seek his own livelihood, and in course of time, married and settled in the adjoining town of Greenville as an employee of the Columbian Mfg. company. Compelled by illness to give up work he came back to his father's about a year ago, the victim of an incurable disease. Here his energy and fondness for work led him to open a repair shop and deny himself the absolute rest that nature demanded. 

The best medical skill was employed and in the early summer he was taken to the Mass. general hospital in Boston, from which he was advised to return after a brief stay for the benefit of country air. 

Ten weeks of this fall he spent in Keene with his only brother, Fred J. Pratt, where he again sought relief at the hospital, besides consulting two physicians outside the institution. 

Neither time, money or effort have been spared to relieve him of the disease, which he bore without complaint, and with the courage and hopefulness characteristic of youth. Politically he was a Republican and one of the last days he was able to be out he walked to the town hall and cast his vote for President McKinley.

James Roger diary entry

March 7, 1909 (Sunday)

Frosty fair with snow showers in afternoon wind W to S.  Mr. Peacock preached on the “Ethiopian Eunuch”.  Communion after 19 partook, no Sabbath School.  C.E. Leader Mrs. Thayer. Topic 46th Psalm.  Hamish came per afternoon train.