MR. OWEN P. PRITCHARD. RACINE, RACINE COUNTY, WISCONSIN.
One of the valued citizens of Mount Pleasant township of Welsh birth was Owen P. Pritchard, who during the pioneer epoch in the history of the county cast in his lot with the early settlers here and continued his residence in this locality until his death. He was born in Wales on the 11th of May, 1827, and was a youth of fifteen when in 1842 he crossed the Atlantic with his parents, Robert and Margaret Pritchard. The father purchased one hundred acres of land in Mount Pleasant township, Racine county, and continuously and successfully engaged in general farming up to the time of his death, which occurred in 1882. Owen P. Pritchard became the active assistant of his father in the farm work and so continued until 1855, when he married and began farming on his own account. He purchased one hundred and twenty five acres of land in Mount Pleasant township and he, too, devoted his energies to the work of tilling and soil until his life's labor were terminated September 13th, 1894. He early realized that diligence is the basis of all honourable success and he based his prosperity upon indefatigable energy and close application. In 1855 occurred the marriage of Mr. Pritchard and Miss Sallie Ann Bell, who was born September 6th, 1827, a daughter of Captain John bell, of West Allis, Wisconsin, who came to this state in 1842. Two children were born of this marriage : Stella, whose birth occurred August 14th, 1856, and who passed away September 7th, 1898 : and Ginevra, who was born September 29th, 1862, and became the wife of Thomas R. Williams. Mrs Pritchard died October 2nd, 1908. and rests in Mound cemetery, where her husband and daughter, Stella, are also buried. The family home was a log cabin until 1871, when this was replaced by a more commodious brick residence. There were difficulties and obstacles to be encountered in the early days, but in time these gave way before persistent effort and unremitting diligence. Before purchasing his farm Mr. Pritchard was in partnership with Daniel Slosson in the work of getting out ship timber, which they sent by way of the water route to Buffalo, New York. In religious faith Mr. Pritchard was a Congregationalist, while his political belief was that of the republican party. He was always interested in everything pertaining to the general welfare and for years was a member of the school board. He also served as town treasurer for one term and for several years was supervisor. That he was regarded as a man of honor and integrity is indicated in the fact that he was chosen administrator of various estates. Those who knew him entertained for him the warmest regard and no trust reposed in him was ever betrayed in the slightest degree.RACINE, BELLE CITY OF THE LAKES AND RACINE COUNTY.
MR. OWEN P. PRITCHARD. RACINE, RACINE COUNTY, WISCONSIN.
IN MEMORIAM.
Mr. Pritchard whose funeral occurred last Sunday afternoon, September 16th, as previously announced in the JOURNAL, was a native of North Wales, being one of nine children born to Robert and Margaret Pritchard of Garthdderwen, near Pen-y-groes, Carnarvonshire. He was born in the year 1827, and before he was fifteen years of age for he was only that old when he came to America, he took to sailing on the ocean.But he gave up sailing when he emigrated with his parents to this country in 1842, and settled on a farm in Mount Pleasant, which farm he owned at the time of his death. Some time after he settled on the farm there he came to Racine city and entered the lumber business, and was very successful while in it.
When he was married to Miss Sallie A. Bell, of North Greenfield, Milwaukee, he gave up the lumber business and bought the place in Mount Pleasant, where he made his home ever since. It is a nice farm of 80 acres.
He was one of the old settlers who was well known and respected in the neighbourhood. He was a man of good morals, upright and honest in his dealings with his fellow men, and kind to his neighbors. Before his health failed he attended regularly the Welsh Congregational church at Pike Grove. The pastor of the above church officiated at his funeral. Mr. Lewis Evans, conductor; Mr. Hugh Whittington, Mrs. O. V. Jones and Miss Elizabeth Jones, of Racine, formed the quartette which sang at the house. The selections were very appropriate, well rendered and deeply appreciated by the family and all. The funeral was largely attended.
Mr. Pritchard leaves behind him in deep sorrow a wife and two daughters, Miss Stella and Mrs. Ginevra Williams, wife of Mr. Herman Williams of Mount Pleasant. They have the sympathy of all their friends in their bereavement.