| Death of Joel Pratt.
Joel Pratt died at his residence, 64 Lancaster street, Saturday afternoon at 1:45, after an illness of little more than a week. Friday morning, Oct. 6, about 6:20, while going to work, Mr. Pratt fell to the sidewalk near Reed's grocery store on Central street. He was removed to his home, and a physician found him suffering from neuralgia of the heart. Opiates were administered to alleviate his suffering. Under this treatment Mr. Pratt gradually ralliedm until Thursday, when the administration of opiates was deemed no longer necessary. Friday, the prospects for his recovery seemed encouraging. He continued to improve until Saturday morning at 9 o'clock, when he began to have fainting spells, and all efforts of the attending physician proved futile. He sank rapidly, and the end came peacefully at 1:45 with his wife, Abbie N., at his bedside. Previous to the neuralgia shock, Mr. Pratt had enjoyed the very best of health, being of strong physique and possessing a robust constitution. Mr. Pratt was born at Gardner, Jan. 9, 1840. Here he received his early education. He was a moulder by trade, and followed that occupation till his death. His last employers were the Wellington Piano Case Co. Soon after their marriage in 1864, Mr. and Mrs. Pratt moved to Leominster. Besides his wife, deceased leaves a sister and two brothers: Mrs. B. F. Brown, William Pratt and Walter Pratt, all of Gardner. Few men served their country in the Civil war with more efficiency, or more valor than did Mr. Pratt during his three years of service. He enlisted in the service, July 12, 1861, at Fitchburg, as a private in Company B, 15th regiment. Nov. 13, 1862, he was transferred to Company I, 1st Regiment, United States artillery. On July 12, 1864, he was honorably discharged near City Point, Virginia, by reason of the expiration of his term of service. He was engaged in the battle of Ball's Bluff, and afterwards at the siege of Yorktown, Fair Oaks, and Seven Pines. He accompanied his regiment in McClellan's famous seven days' retreat; fought in the battles of Malver Hill, South Mountain, Md., Antietam, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Gettyburg, Wilderness, Cold Harbor, White Horse Landing, St. Mary's Church and Petersburg. In an engagement near Bristow Station, Virginia, in 1863, he had his leg broken. He was taken prisoner at Ball's Bluff, Oct. 21, 1861, and was held in Richmond until Feb. 21, 1862, when he was sent home on parole. He was never exchanged, but returned to service after 20 days' furlough, with Capt. Clark S. Simonds of Fitchburg. Mr. Pratt's most intimate comrades in the service were James H. May, Marcus R. Johnson, Henry Bemis and Horace T. Pope, all of Fitchburg, and Charles H. Bemis of Worcester. The only surviving member of Charles H. Stevens Post, 53, G. A. R. who enlisted in Co. B, 15th regiment is C. A. Wheeler. Mr. Pratt has been a member of the G. A. R. since its organization, and was always ready to do his share of the work at the Post's annual rememberance of Memorial Day. He was also a member of the United Workmen. Mr. Pratt was very simple in habits. His genail unobtrusive manner and suave disposition, won for him many friends, who extended their sincere sympathy to his widow. The funeral will be held Tuesday afternoon at 2:30, in the Universalist church, Rev. C. Guy Robbins officiating. According to the deceased's wishes the (?? smear ??) service. |