Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1897-10-08
DUMMERSTON,
Richard Morton Pratt.

Richard Morton Pratt was born in New
fame, Dec. 6, 1888 and died in Dummers-
ton, Sept. 80, 1897. His father, Deacon
r. p. Pratt, died March 80, 1897, age
80 years. His mother, whose maiden
name was Millcent Fisher, is still
living at the age of 81 years. His com
mon school education was supplemented
by 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 I'm
ion in May, 1861; was member of Com
pany c, I'd Vt. Regiment, and was severe
ly wounded in his right elbow, early in the
first battle Of Bull Run, July q, 1861. In
attempting TO go to the rear, he tainted
from fatigue and loss of blood, and not
recovering until the battle was lost, he
was captured by the victorious Confeder-
ates and taken to Libby prison, where he
remained IL weeks and then was exchanged
with other prisoners. His arm was ampu-
tated near the shoulder while he was in
prison. He was discharged Nov. l, 1861,
and in company with his comrade, Urban
A. Woodbury., afterwards governor of Yer
mont, 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 dis
charge was spent in lecturing in various
towns of 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 fathers farm
in Newfane until 1873, when he was APP
pointed by the government Indian agent
at the Red Lake reservation, in northern
Minnesota, where he remained until 1878.
After spending few months at his faith
er's home in Dummerston, he and his wife
returned to Minnesota in 1879 and located
at Champlin, where Mr.. Pratt went into
partnership with others in the manufac.
ture of -four and continued in the business
until Oct. l, 1886, when he moved to Dunn.
merston and became the manager of his
fathers farm it this town.
He was a man of firm Christian charac-
ter, having joined the Congregational
church when residing in Newfane. He
was very helpful member of the church
at Champlin and strong support of the
church in Dummerston.
Mr.. Pratt was a tall muscular man Of
remarkable strength and power of endur
ance. He never complained of hardships
exposures and msfoItunes in life. of which
he had many. The malady which termi
mated his life originated, probably, from
Overe- xertion, or lifting in the performance
of labor with one arm only. Skilful sur
geons failed to stay the progress of hii
disease which caused him great suffering
and intense pain many months after treat
ment in the hospital at New York las
December. The end came peacefully anC
life closed in brilliant sunshine beckoninl
him from earth to heaven where sorrow
and pain are no more. All was done fo
his comfort that loving hands could do.
The funeral services were held on Sun
day from the church, Rev. p. F. Barnart
officiating. Leavitt Stark, Miss Mar!
Miller and sister aided in the service o
song. The attendance was large ant
about 80 veteran soldiers were present, tw
of whom were members of Mr. Pratt
company and one of them his terminate il
the army. Several members of the Won
ans Relief corps were in attendance. TIL
fioar tributers were very beautiful.