Warren Pratt Obituary
Had jewelry store at Clark Hotel
March 31, 1909
Death of Warren Pratt 1909 Warren Pratt died Wednesday, March 31st, after a protracted and long suffering illness engendered by a malignant disease, He was born in Fitzwilliam. N. H., and was a member of a family of seven children, whose parents were Joseph and Sarah (Hunt) Pratt of Fitzwilliam. There is only one survivor of this family, a sister, Mrs. Elizabeth Ingalls, who resides in Marlboro, Mass. Mr. Pratt's early education was secured in the public schools of his native town. His age was 88 years, four months, 14 days. He learned the trade of a blacksmith but later became a clerk in a grocery store in Fitzwilliam. Next he was engaged as a machinist in Winchendon, Mass. After pursuing this vocation for a time he returned to Fitzwilliam and entered the jewelry business. He was married twice; firstly to Miss Susan C. Beard, a daughter of Artemis and Mary (Chapin) Beard, who died Aug. 16, 1853, Four children were born to them, namely: Francis Warren, Susan Maria, Abbie Frances and William H. Pratt of whom only the latter survives. Secondly, he married Miss Seraph E. Miles, a daughter of Noah and Sophia (Nichols) Miles, Aug 17, 1854, who died Aug. 10, 1887. Since his arrival May 4, 1854, he has e resided in this town; first he lived in k the Brickett house in 1854 and '55. then he moved to the house which he has occupied ever since. This is an old fashioned historic residence. It was the boarding house for the students of the first New Ipswich academy, the first academy building oсcupying the site of the present residence of William H. Wilson, on the same street which was remodeled into a dwelling house. When he came to town he opened a jewelry store in the portion of Clark's hotel next to the Old Corner store and conducted this business for some time. Then he engaged in carpentering; still later he opened a cigar box manufactory and did an extensive business for years. For the past 20 years Mr. Pratt has not been engaged in active business on account of enfeebled health. September 25, 1855, he joined Bethel lodge which he has since been affiliated. holding the office of treasurer at the time of his death. It is said that he was the best acquainted with the ritual of this order of any one in this section. Not another member of the lodge who joined six years later is alive. He was elected to office just after becoming a member. He was S. S. in 1856; J. D. in 1857-58; S. D. in 1859 to 1875; master 1860 to 1866; tyler, 1876; resigned in 1877, having a vacation of one year from office; treasurer from 1878 to his death. Mr. Pratt first voted for president in 1844, and has cast his vote at each presidential election ever since. In the time of William H. Harrison he served as an escort to Daniel Webster at political rallies, at that time being a member of a local artillery company. Whenever he referred to these stirring days, he eulogized the name of this eloquent orator, for whom he had great admiration. Mr. Pratt was a quiet, unobtrusive gentleman, reticent but blessed with it good sense and good judgment. He was very independent and did not wish to trouble others, whenever he could attend to details. In his conversations with his medical advisor he showed 0 more knowledge than a layman, proving that he had been both a good reader and a good thinker. But above all he was patient and courageous to the end of his career. For months he has not appeared upon the streets. His funeral took place at his late residence, last Friday at 9 o'clock in the morning. The neighbors and members of Bethel lodge were present at the obsequies. Rev, Charles R. Peacock, pastor of the Congregational church, conducted the services. The is pastor strongly emphasized the patience of the deceased, which he said may become proverbial here as the "patience of Warren Pratt." The remains were transported to Fitzwilliam, N. H., for interment, with if his ancestors, his grandfather being one of the early settlers of that town.
One Hundred Formulas -
George Carmichael donated a copy of Stephen A. Thayer’s “One Hundred Formulas” which was published in 1883. It contains recipes from everything from printing ink to pain killers. Today we will share the formula for another ink concoction. Nutgalls are still used for ink.
This book sold for a dollar and was one of the many enterprises that Steven A, Thayer was involved with (He had a cigar factory too). He had some advice for preparing the recipes.
James Roger diary entry
October 11th 1908 (Sunday)
Dull cool day. Church fire lit. Salvation Army folk preached morning and night also at Baptist church. No S.S. nor C.E. Hamish arrived last night Rain fell during night.