Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1897-09-28
DEATH OF OR. JOHN r. PRATT.
FOR MANY YEARS HE WAS AN OC-
cAsIoNAL CONTRIBUTOR TO THE
DEMOCRAT.

DR.. John Frank Pratt, . well-known
physician OF Chelsea, Mass, who for
many years occasionally contributed to
the columns Of the Democrat, transcripts
Of interesting old documents and records
bearing upon local history and kindred
subjects, died at his residence, 63 Wash
lngton Avenue, Chelsea, on the evening
Of Sunday, Sept. 8. About three years
ago the doctor suffered stroke OF
paralysis, which rendered him a con-
firmed invalid, and from last May to the
time OF bis death he was confined to his
house. About two weeks before hia
death he suffered hnal shock, and
from this he never rallied.
DR.. Pratt WAS born in Greene, Maine,
on August 3, 1880. His medical educa-
tIon was finished at Bowdoin College,
aud Immediately after his graduation (in
1866 he began the practice OF his pro-
fession In New Sharon, Me. He remain
cd In New Sharon I'LL 1861, when he en-
listed In the military service as surgeon,
serving till the close Of the civil war.
During the next year he was connected
with the Freedmen's Bureau, and then
returned to New Sharon and resumed
the practice Of his profession, being, af
the time OF his death, \ member OF the
Franklin Lodge OF Free and Accepted
Masons In New Sharon. lie removed TO
Chelsea In lS73. lie had wide practice
for many years, and for quite while
was surgeon at the Soldiers Home In
Chelsea. lie was q great student OF
local history and Of photography, and
Was considered an expert and authority y
In these lines. He had fine collection
Of rare volumes and prints, and attained
considerable skill ss an illustrator,
spending his leisure hours Ia illustrating
his books with his own drawings, and
many Of his books being profusely II.
lustrated In this way. He had charge oi
the Archlve Room at the Massachusetts
State House, Boston, for two years, dur.
ing which time he had the states old
maps, three or four thousand In number,
mounted, with a view TO their better
preservation. This work, being OF a
kind OF which he had made specially,
WAS done 10 the most approved manner.
The funeral, which was at the doctors
late residence. took place Wednes-
day forenoon. Rev. Il. Perry Bush OF
the Chelsea Universalist church. OF
which the doctor was member, ofiiciAt-
ed, and In his remarks spoke particular
ly OF the well.known cordIslity, hos
pitality and generosity Of the deceased.
A special quartette sang "Thy Will Be
Done and "COnsolation." Many beau
tiful floral emblcms were sent by the
doctors friends and BY the organizations
with which he was connected, the prin.
cipal piece being large design repre-.
senting the gates sjar, which was sent
by the physicians Of Chelsea. Among
those who attended the funeral services
were several physicians and other
prominent residents OF Chelsea, to-
gether with representatives Of the fol-
lowing organizations with which the
deceased was connected: BostOnian So
ciety; Club OF Odd Volumes; Prince
Society; Alphs Lodge, N. K. o. p
Clelsea Lodge, Knights Of Honor; SUI.
folk Colony IN. +. =. F.; Priscilla Club
The interment Was at Woodlawn Gene
terry, Chelsea.
Besides the organizations mentioned
above, DR.. Pratt was q member OF the
Maine Historical Society, the Maine
Genealogical Society, the Massachusetts,
Chapter Of the Sons of the American
Revolution, and the Association OF Act.
Ing Assistant Surgeons Of the United
States Army.
The doctor left q widow and three
adopted daughters, one OF the latter
being married.