Death of Rev. B.S. Pratt

Pastor of Local Methodist Episcopal Church for Many Years

Rev. Byron S. Pratt was born in Lanesborough, Berkshire county, Massachusetts, March 13, 1836, and died at his residence at Gougac Lake, near Battle Creek, June 17, 1910, aged 74 years.

He was the youngest of a family of 11 children. When a child his parents moved to New York State, and when he was 14 years of age the family moved to Riley Township. He was licensed to preach by do it quarterly conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church July 9, 1859, and did much work for the church when it was most difficult to reach his charges, often riding 10 to 20 miles through new country holding meetings. He was ordained a Deacon invited to full membership in the Michigan conference October 2, 1864, and was ordained an elder September 9, 1866.

The deceased was united in marriage to Elsie J. Tapley, June 15, 1869, at Clay Banks, Oceana county, while pastor at that place. To them were born four sons and two daughters: doctor George B Pratt of Portland, Ore., Sadie Elizabeth, wife of Lewis Leisenring; Rufus, of grand ledge; Mrs. Catherine Taylor, of Battle Creek; Arthur of Battle Creek; J. Russell, of Boise Idaho, all of whom are living with the exception of Mrs. Leisenring.

Mr. Pratt had preached at the following charges: Duplain circuit, Elk Rapids, Benona, White River, Hart, Bengal circuit, Athens, Grand Ledge, Vermontville, Leroy and Mosherville.

The family lived here until 4 1/2 years ago, when they moved to San Jose, California, returning to Battle Creek three years ago and made their home on the banks of Gougac Lake, near his only daughter, Mrs. W. E. Taylor, and his son, Arthur.

For years he had been in delicate health but was always filled with good cheer and manifested a sweet spirit of faith and confidence in the Christian religion. His health had recently been quite critical but he improved so that he was about And usual home duties, and while sitting in an easy chair on the porch of his pleasant cottage home passed quietly away, going the way he had often expressed his desire to do.

The remains were brought here on Wednesday and services held at the M. E. Church by Rev. J. H. Wilcox, assisted by Rev. W. A. Taylor and Rev.Charles Haywood. Mr. Pratt was a highly esteemed member of the Masonic fraternity and services under their auspices were held at the grave under the direction of D. M. Taylor, past master, and James Boaker, W. M., of Battle Creek.

The stores were closed during the hour of the funeral, as a mark of respect for the memory of a former businessman of the city.