New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1896-08-04


had a stroke Of paralysis about FIVE weeks ago.
M, his recovery was thought TO be only mat
fer of time He was sixty-eight years old last
February His last appearance In public was
when he made address a dinner given in
honor Of Justice Neu April IS.
In his death the Second Judicial District of
the Supreme Court loses OF it's most promi-
nent members. 1t was thought yesterday that
Governor Morton will fll the vacancy by pro-
noting one of the Justices from the Circuit Divi-
sion Of the Supreme Court. He has the power
TO All the vacancy so formed in the Circuit Divi-
sion by appointing man 10 serve until the next
election. 1t is probable that he will do this. as
the man whom he selects, il believed would
have the better chance for election if he wishes
10 run for the place in the fall
A prominent lawyer and Democrat of this city
said TO a Tribune reporter yesterday: Il had
the pleasure Of presenting Justice Pratts name
10 the convention which nominated him. Since
news OF his death reached to-day discov-
cred that had he lived until tomorrow his sue
cessor could not have been elected this fall, and
as consequence the appointee OF the Governor
would have held Office till January. 1898.
THE PRATT FAMILY
The Pratt family. to which the Justice be-
descending from Phneas and Joshua Pratt. who
landed at Plymouth in 1922
Calvin Edward Pratt was born in Princeton,
Mass on January 23, 1875. His father
Edward H. Pratt. and his mother was Mar
Anne Stratton. daughter Of Deacon Samuel
strattons Of Princeton. In Justice Pratts early
childhood. the family removed to Sutton. near
Worcester There he went TO school and
worked on his fathers farm.
When sixteen years old young Pratt went
10 Wesleyan ACADEMY at Wilbraham. and while
pursuing his studies there spent a part Of his
time assisting in the survey of the Worcester
and Providence Railroad. During his vacations
he taught district school in Uxbridge Sutton.
and for three successive winters In Worcester.
Finishing his studies at Wilbraham. he fitted
himself for college at Worcester Academy
In the spring of 1S49 he began the study Of
law with Henry Chaplin. leading member Of
the Worcester Bar. and in 1882 he was admit
ted 10 the Bar in the same city During his
apprenticeship the young student was known
FOR his uniting zeal in attempting 10 gain a
broad knowledge Of the principles which form
the foundation Of the law. In 1850 he became
clerk of the Criminal Court. Soon after his ad-
mission 70 the Bar he was retained in many I'm
portant cases. several of which were trials for
murder He was associated with ex-Judge
Dwight Foster in the celebrated Barker muir
der trial. the prosecution being conducted by
Judge P E Aldrich and Rufus Choate.
STUDYING MEDICINE.
Approaching the value Of a medical knowledge
IN many criminal cases. Mr. Pratt took up the
study Of anatomy and other medical branches
and pursued them with vigor.
Although actively engaged with his law prac-
,ic4 Mr.. Pratt's love of physical exercise induced
him TO devote great deal Of his time TO athletic
sports He became an expert in boxing and in
the use OF the broadswords small swords and
bayonets.
In 1851 he Joined the Worcester Light lnfan-
try. was elected successfully 10 several OF its
prominent Offices and finally became major Of
the 10th Regiment Massachusetts, Infantry and
was appointed member of the staff of Major
General Hobbs.
Nh Pratt was interested in politics al this pc
Rod o. his life. being in demand as campaign
speaker throughout NewEngland. He held sew
eral Offices in the Democratic State political or
ganization Of Massachusetts. and received the
appointment of Justice OF the Peace which he
held until his removal 10 Brooklyn In 1919
Immediately coming 10 this city he opened
Law Office IN New-York, with Lew H. fuIier.
When the war broke out In 1861 he decided 10
raise regiment He hired quarters at NO sou
Pearl-st. and soon had seven full companies re-
cruited. These companies. joined with tntee
others became the regiment known as the ols'
New-iork Volunteers, and Mr.. Pratt was APP
pointed its colonel This regiment was mustered
INTO the State service on May -. and was lInme-
oiatey ordered 10 Riker's Island In East River
mere Colonel Pratt devoted himself assiduousiy
~ drilling and equipping his men The regiment
vas mustered into the United States service on
, ,ne IL. and was ordered 10 report TO C'eherai
'icDoweI. in Washington On June "a the regl-
maeht started for the front. marching through me
i'' OF Baltimore. This was the nrst regiment ~
~ through the city since the 9th Massachu-
r. Us mad been attacked on the streets by inop.
ne men were not mOlested and on the folloWlhs
adS they Camped In Seventh-st., Washington.
7Von the regiment moved across the river ana
dria "
III July 10 the regiment was consolidated WIN
M ibth and SD New-York. under comH!ano
81 colonel Thomas A. Davies. The regiments
baptism Of war" was in little skiimish at
4 alrfax Courthouse on July II. AT the famous
oatue OF Bull Run. II was in the reserve force
Under General Miles After skirmishing AROUND
al DAY al the extreme left Of the line or Dattie
No!onei Pratts command received sudden at
tack from stray column of rebels. which was
CALAMITY repulsed. Receiving orders 10 retreat |
ne withdrew in good order, and drew up for the |
night At midnight Colonel Pratt withdrew 20 |
MS old camp near Alexandria. without the loss
oi single man.
RECOMMENDED FOR PROMOTIONS.
His conduct during the manoeuvres at Bull |
Run displayed so much ability and sagacity that |
ne was strongly recommended for promotion.
Colonel Pratts regiment was soon after Joined ,
70 the brigade under General John Newton. The !
'all and winter was spent In camp. Colonel |
Pratt was president of a Board Of Examiners ]