Pratt, Richard Morton
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MILITARY SERVICE Age: 22, credited to Newfane, VT Unit(s): 2nd VT INF Service: enl 5/1/61, m/i 6/20/61, Pvt, Co. C, 2nd VT INF, wdd, Bull Run, 7/21/61 (arm/amp.), pow, Bull Run, 7/21/61, prld 10/5/61, dis/wds, 11/1/61 See Legend for expansion of abbreviations VITALSBirth: 12/06/1838, Newfane, VT Death: 09/30/1897 Burial: Williamsville Cemetery, Newfane, VT Marker/Plot: Old Cemetery Gravestone photographer: Heidi McColgan Findagrave Memorial #: 116751512 MORE INFORMATION Alias?: None noted Pension?: Yes, 3/3/62, widow Laura A., 10/19/1897, VT Portrait?: Unknown College?: Not Found Veterans Home?: Not Found (If there are state digraphs above, this soldier spent some time in a state or national soldiers' home in that state after the war) Remarks: None DESCENDANTS (Are you a descendant, but not listed? Register today) |
BURIAL: Copyright notice   Williamsville Cemetery, Newfane, VT Check the cemetery for location/directions and other veterans who may be buried there. |
Obituary
DUMMERSTON
Richard Morton PrattRichard Morton Pratt was born in Newfane, Dec. 6, 1838, and died in Dummerston, Sept. 30, 1897. his father, Deacon R. P. Pratt, died March 30, 1897, age 90 years. His mother, whose maiden name was Millicent Fisher, is still living at the age of 91 years. His common school education was supplemented by a term of school at Monson, Mass., taught by Rev James Tufts, one at Westminster under the instruction of Prof. L. F. Ward, and one at Westfield, Mass. He enlisted in the war for the Union in May, 1861; was a member of Company C, 2d Vt. Regiment, and was severely wounded in his right elbow, early in the first battle of Bull Run, July 21, 1861. In attempting to go to the rear, he fainted from fatigue and loss of blood and not recovering until the battle was lost, he was captured by the victorious Confederates and taken to Libby prison, where he remained 11 weeks and then was exchanged with other prisoners. His arm was amputated near the shoulder while he was in prison. He was discharged Nov. 1, 1861, and in company with his comrade, Urban A. Woodbury, afterwards governor of Vermont, and who lost his right arm in the same battle with Mr. Pratt, came home to the Green Mountain state, arriving at Brattleboro as the first two soldiers from the seat of war.
A portion of the winter after their discharge was spent in lecturing in various towns in Vermont upon the horrors and sufferings of prison life at Richmond. On Mr. Pratt's return to Newfane he was chosen to important places of trust and served several years as lister, first constable and town superintendent.
On May 4, 1865, he married Laura A. Person of Newfane, who survives him. He was the manager of his father's farm in Newfane until 1873, when he was appointed by the government Indian agent at the Red Lake reservation, in northern Minnesota, where he remained until 1878. After spending a few months at his father's home in Dummerston, he and his wife returned to Minnesota in 1879 and located at Champlin, where Mr. Pratt went into partnership with other in the manufacture of flour and continued in the business until Oct. 1, 1886, when he moved to Dummerston and became the manager of his father's farm in this town.
He was a man of firm Christian character, having joined the Congregational church when residing in Newfane. He was a very helpful member of the church at Champlin and a strong support of the church in Dummerston.
Mr. Pratt was a tall muscular man of remarkable strength and power of endurance. He never complained of hardships, exposures and misfortunes in life, of which he had many. The malady which terminated his life originated, probably, from over-exertion, or lifting in the performance of labor with one arm only. Skillful surgeons failed to stay the progress of his disease which caused his great suffering and intense pain many months after treatment in the hospital at New York last December. The end came peacefully and life closed in brilliant sunshine beckoning him from earth to heaven where sorrow and pain are no more. All was done for his comfort that loving hands could do.
The funeral services were held on Sunday from the church, Rev. P. F. Barnard officiating. Leavitt Stark, Miss Mary Miller and sister aided in the service of song. The attendance was large and about 30 veteran soldiers were present, two of whom were members of Mr. Pratt's company and one of them his tentmate in the army. Several members of the Woman's Relief corps were in attendance. The floral tributes were very beautiful.
Source: Vermont Phoenix, October 8, 1897.
Courtesy of Tom Boudreau.