95 1/2 years
Married
249 N. 10th Street, 10th Ward
1869-04-21; Paper: Philadelphia Inquirer
"IN MEMORIAM - THOMAS PRATT
The departure of the aged is in general less felt and deplored than when the young and vigorous are prematurely snatched away by the relentless hand of Death. Yet, nevertheless, though those whose brow have long been marked by the witherings of time, and whose steps were seen tottering in the shade of the emblematic cypress, indicating fitness for the summons of the grim messenger, not as victims, but as ready and willing sojourners, who, having seen and tasted all of Earth, and waiting to be wafted to the Promised Land in the world to come, still each departure brings sorrow and sadness to many a surviving friend, as memory recalls the scenes and associations enjoyed with him, the departed, before age and the grave closed their recurrence for ever. The death of Thomas Pratt, which took place on the 12th of April, instant, in the 96th year of his age, little less than a round century, illustrates in no common degree the sadness occasioned by the decease of the old worn-out pilgrims of time.
Mr. Pratt was born in the city of Philadelphia, and was the son of Matthew Pratt, a respectable artist, and a brother of the late Henry Pratt, of Lemon Hill, merchant. Long years ago, Thomas was in the mercantile business: subsequently he retired upon a snug little farm on the old Lancaster road, a few miles from Philadelphia, which he cultivated with much assiduity. In this retired, unpretending position he realized, I have heard him say, more contentment and happiness than he had ever experienced in the busy mart of trade. This could not surprise, for under the roof of his old-fashioned farm-house there was to be found more genuine hospitality than was ever witnessed, perhaps, in any of the stylish mansions that then skirted the city. Of these there are a few still living, including the writer of this simple memorial, who recollect the unaffected welcome that at once placed them within the home-circle of that well-remembered spot, untrammeled by cold formality or pompous ceremony. In the unmistakable characteristics of genial hospitality, he and his amiable lady were proverbial; their highest gratification next to having their children around them, seemed to be the reunion of friends and neighbors at their board and fireside.
Before giving up country life, Mr. Pratt erected a larger and more modernized dwelling than the farm-house alluded to, laid out the grounds tastefully with fruit and ornamental trees around it. In this residence he had intended to spend his remaining days; but the death of his wife led him to return to the city, where he afterwards lived until the day of his death. Until within the but two or three years he might have been seen almost daily at the Merchant's Exchange (of which he was for a time a manger), the centre of a group that would gather around discussing the news of the day, and listening to remarks elicited of him touching olden times; the reverse that broke down prominent merchants and the extinction of wealthy proud families; the marvelous changes in the style and splendor of dwellings, stores and warehouses; increase of population and outspread of the city; the degeneracy of the times in regard to morals; the standard by which men and measures used to be tried, compared with the rate applied now-a-days - themes upon which the aged are ever prone to expatiate. Mr. Pratt, however, bore these changes mildly; his complaisance and accommodating disposition inclined him to guide with rather than stem the current of events. So his habitual equanimity may be ascribed much of the length of days he enjoyed, and the remarkable preservation of his mental faculties, which seemed unimpaired to the last.
Few, very few, ever arrive at the age herein recorded: those who desire or hope for long life, should bear in mind that the most protracted term must have an ending, and that much of it will be subjected to cares and disappointments, and finally burdened with the infirmities of declining age, and that nothing is more certain than how long ever the day voucheated them may be, its sun by indubitable degree, is sure to set behind the hills of mortality, in the deep shadows of the valley of death.
Philadelphia, April 17, 1869 J. G."
1850 US Census, Philadelphia, North Mulberry Ward
PRATT, Thomas, 76y, born PA
McDONALD, Sarah, 50y, born PA
McDONALD, Mary, 38y, born PA
McDONALD, Jane, 30y, born PA
McDONALD, Christian, 28y, born PA
WOOLSEY, Martha, 17y, born PA
ROBBINS, Jessie Mcdonald, 19y, born PA
Married
249 N. 10th Street, 10th Ward
1869-04-21; Paper: Philadelphia Inquirer
"IN MEMORIAM - THOMAS PRATT
The departure of the aged is in general less felt and deplored than when the young and vigorous are prematurely snatched away by the relentless hand of Death. Yet, nevertheless, though those whose brow have long been marked by the witherings of time, and whose steps were seen tottering in the shade of the emblematic cypress, indicating fitness for the summons of the grim messenger, not as victims, but as ready and willing sojourners, who, having seen and tasted all of Earth, and waiting to be wafted to the Promised Land in the world to come, still each departure brings sorrow and sadness to many a surviving friend, as memory recalls the scenes and associations enjoyed with him, the departed, before age and the grave closed their recurrence for ever. The death of Thomas Pratt, which took place on the 12th of April, instant, in the 96th year of his age, little less than a round century, illustrates in no common degree the sadness occasioned by the decease of the old worn-out pilgrims of time.
Mr. Pratt was born in the city of Philadelphia, and was the son of Matthew Pratt, a respectable artist, and a brother of the late Henry Pratt, of Lemon Hill, merchant. Long years ago, Thomas was in the mercantile business: subsequently he retired upon a snug little farm on the old Lancaster road, a few miles from Philadelphia, which he cultivated with much assiduity. In this retired, unpretending position he realized, I have heard him say, more contentment and happiness than he had ever experienced in the busy mart of trade. This could not surprise, for under the roof of his old-fashioned farm-house there was to be found more genuine hospitality than was ever witnessed, perhaps, in any of the stylish mansions that then skirted the city. Of these there are a few still living, including the writer of this simple memorial, who recollect the unaffected welcome that at once placed them within the home-circle of that well-remembered spot, untrammeled by cold formality or pompous ceremony. In the unmistakable characteristics of genial hospitality, he and his amiable lady were proverbial; their highest gratification next to having their children around them, seemed to be the reunion of friends and neighbors at their board and fireside.
Before giving up country life, Mr. Pratt erected a larger and more modernized dwelling than the farm-house alluded to, laid out the grounds tastefully with fruit and ornamental trees around it. In this residence he had intended to spend his remaining days; but the death of his wife led him to return to the city, where he afterwards lived until the day of his death. Until within the but two or three years he might have been seen almost daily at the Merchant's Exchange (of which he was for a time a manger), the centre of a group that would gather around discussing the news of the day, and listening to remarks elicited of him touching olden times; the reverse that broke down prominent merchants and the extinction of wealthy proud families; the marvelous changes in the style and splendor of dwellings, stores and warehouses; increase of population and outspread of the city; the degeneracy of the times in regard to morals; the standard by which men and measures used to be tried, compared with the rate applied now-a-days - themes upon which the aged are ever prone to expatiate. Mr. Pratt, however, bore these changes mildly; his complaisance and accommodating disposition inclined him to guide with rather than stem the current of events. So his habitual equanimity may be ascribed much of the length of days he enjoyed, and the remarkable preservation of his mental faculties, which seemed unimpaired to the last.
Few, very few, ever arrive at the age herein recorded: those who desire or hope for long life, should bear in mind that the most protracted term must have an ending, and that much of it will be subjected to cares and disappointments, and finally burdened with the infirmities of declining age, and that nothing is more certain than how long ever the day voucheated them may be, its sun by indubitable degree, is sure to set behind the hills of mortality, in the deep shadows of the valley of death.
Philadelphia, April 17, 1869 J. G."
1850 US Census, Philadelphia, North Mulberry Ward
PRATT, Thomas, 76y, born PA
McDONALD, Sarah, 50y, born PA
McDONALD, Mary, 38y, born PA
McDONALD, Jane, 30y, born PA
McDONALD, Christian, 28y, born PA
WOOLSEY, Martha, 17y, born PA
ROBBINS, Jessie Mcdonald, 19y, born PA
95 1/2 years
Married
249 N. 10th Street, 10th Ward
1869-04-21; Paper: Philadelphia Inquirer
"IN MEMORIAM - THOMAS PRATT
The departure of the aged is in general less felt and deplored than when the young and vigorous are prematurely snatched away by the relentless hand of Death. Yet, nevertheless, though those whose brow have long been marked by the witherings of time, and whose steps were seen tottering in the shade of the emblematic cypress, indicating fitness for the summons of the grim messenger, not as victims, but as ready and willing sojourners, who, having seen and tasted all of Earth, and waiting to be wafted to the Promised Land in the world to come, still each departure brings sorrow and sadness to many a surviving friend, as memory recalls the scenes and associations enjoyed with him, the departed, before age and the grave closed their recurrence for ever. The death of Thomas Pratt, which took place on the 12th of April, instant, in the 96th year of his age, little less than a round century, illustrates in no common degree the sadness occasioned by the decease of the old worn-out pilgrims of time.
Mr. Pratt was born in the city of Philadelphia, and was the son of Matthew Pratt, a respectable artist, and a brother of the late Henry Pratt, of Lemon Hill, merchant. Long years ago, Thomas was in the mercantile business: subsequently he retired upon a snug little farm on the old Lancaster road, a few miles from Philadelphia, which he cultivated with much assiduity. In this retired, unpretending position he realized, I have heard him say, more contentment and happiness than he had ever experienced in the busy mart of trade. This could not surprise, for under the roof of his old-fashioned farm-house there was to be found more genuine hospitality than was ever witnessed, perhaps, in any of the stylish mansions that then skirted the city. Of these there are a few still living, including the writer of this simple memorial, who recollect the unaffected welcome that at once placed them within the home-circle of that well-remembered spot, untrammeled by cold formality or pompous ceremony. In the unmistakable characteristics of genial hospitality, he and his amiable lady were proverbial; their highest gratification next to having their children around them, seemed to be the reunion of friends and neighbors at their board and fireside.
Before giving up country life, Mr. Pratt erected a larger and more modernized dwelling than the farm-house alluded to, laid out the grounds tastefully with fruit and ornamental trees around it. In this residence he had intended to spend his remaining days; but the death of his wife led him to return to the city, where he afterwards lived until the day of his death. Until within the but two or three years he might have been seen almost daily at the Merchant's Exchange (of which he was for a time a manger), the centre of a group that would gather around discussing the news of the day, and listening to remarks elicited of him touching olden times; the reverse that broke down prominent merchants and the extinction of wealthy proud families; the marvelous changes in the style and splendor of dwellings, stores and warehouses; increase of population and outspread of the city; the degeneracy of the times in regard to morals; the standard by which men and measures used to be tried, compared with the rate applied now-a-days - themes upon which the aged are ever prone to expatiate. Mr. Pratt, however, bore these changes mildly; his complaisance and accommodating disposition inclined him to guide with rather than stem the current of events. So his habitual equanimity may be ascribed much of the length of days he enjoyed, and the remarkable preservation of his mental faculties, which seemed unimpaired to the last.
Few, very few, ever arrive at the age herein recorded: those who desire or hope for long life, should bear in mind that the most protracted term must have an ending, and that much of it will be subjected to cares and disappointments, and finally burdened with the infirmities of declining age, and that nothing is more certain than how long ever the day voucheated them may be, its sun by indubitable degree, is sure to set behind the hills of mortality, in the deep shadows of the valley of death.
Philadelphia, April 17, 1869 J. G."
1850 US Census, Philadelphia, North Mulberry Ward
PRATT, Thomas, 76y, born PA
McDONALD, Sarah, 50y, born PA
McDONALD, Mary, 38y, born PA
McDONALD, Jane, 30y, born PA
McDONALD, Christian, 28y, born PA
WOOLSEY, Martha, 17y, born PA
ROBBINS, Jessie Mcdonald, 19y, born PA
Married
249 N. 10th Street, 10th Ward
1869-04-21; Paper: Philadelphia Inquirer
"IN MEMORIAM - THOMAS PRATT
The departure of the aged is in general less felt and deplored than when the young and vigorous are prematurely snatched away by the relentless hand of Death. Yet, nevertheless, though those whose brow have long been marked by the witherings of time, and whose steps were seen tottering in the shade of the emblematic cypress, indicating fitness for the summons of the grim messenger, not as victims, but as ready and willing sojourners, who, having seen and tasted all of Earth, and waiting to be wafted to the Promised Land in the world to come, still each departure brings sorrow and sadness to many a surviving friend, as memory recalls the scenes and associations enjoyed with him, the departed, before age and the grave closed their recurrence for ever. The death of Thomas Pratt, which took place on the 12th of April, instant, in the 96th year of his age, little less than a round century, illustrates in no common degree the sadness occasioned by the decease of the old worn-out pilgrims of time.
Mr. Pratt was born in the city of Philadelphia, and was the son of Matthew Pratt, a respectable artist, and a brother of the late Henry Pratt, of Lemon Hill, merchant. Long years ago, Thomas was in the mercantile business: subsequently he retired upon a snug little farm on the old Lancaster road, a few miles from Philadelphia, which he cultivated with much assiduity. In this retired, unpretending position he realized, I have heard him say, more contentment and happiness than he had ever experienced in the busy mart of trade. This could not surprise, for under the roof of his old-fashioned farm-house there was to be found more genuine hospitality than was ever witnessed, perhaps, in any of the stylish mansions that then skirted the city. Of these there are a few still living, including the writer of this simple memorial, who recollect the unaffected welcome that at once placed them within the home-circle of that well-remembered spot, untrammeled by cold formality or pompous ceremony. In the unmistakable characteristics of genial hospitality, he and his amiable lady were proverbial; their highest gratification next to having their children around them, seemed to be the reunion of friends and neighbors at their board and fireside.
Before giving up country life, Mr. Pratt erected a larger and more modernized dwelling than the farm-house alluded to, laid out the grounds tastefully with fruit and ornamental trees around it. In this residence he had intended to spend his remaining days; but the death of his wife led him to return to the city, where he afterwards lived until the day of his death. Until within the but two or three years he might have been seen almost daily at the Merchant's Exchange (of which he was for a time a manger), the centre of a group that would gather around discussing the news of the day, and listening to remarks elicited of him touching olden times; the reverse that broke down prominent merchants and the extinction of wealthy proud families; the marvelous changes in the style and splendor of dwellings, stores and warehouses; increase of population and outspread of the city; the degeneracy of the times in regard to morals; the standard by which men and measures used to be tried, compared with the rate applied now-a-days - themes upon which the aged are ever prone to expatiate. Mr. Pratt, however, bore these changes mildly; his complaisance and accommodating disposition inclined him to guide with rather than stem the current of events. So his habitual equanimity may be ascribed much of the length of days he enjoyed, and the remarkable preservation of his mental faculties, which seemed unimpaired to the last.
Few, very few, ever arrive at the age herein recorded: those who desire or hope for long life, should bear in mind that the most protracted term must have an ending, and that much of it will be subjected to cares and disappointments, and finally burdened with the infirmities of declining age, and that nothing is more certain than how long ever the day voucheated them may be, its sun by indubitable degree, is sure to set behind the hills of mortality, in the deep shadows of the valley of death.
Philadelphia, April 17, 1869 J. G."
1850 US Census, Philadelphia, North Mulberry Ward
PRATT, Thomas, 76y, born PA
McDONALD, Sarah, 50y, born PA
McDONALD, Mary, 38y, born PA
McDONALD, Jane, 30y, born PA
McDONALD, Christian, 28y, born PA
WOOLSEY, Martha, 17y, born PA
ROBBINS, Jessie Mcdonald, 19y, born PA
Family Members
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