HENRY PRATT
The death of Mr. Henry Pratt, which took place at mid-day on Sunday, shortly after completing his eighty-seventh year, removes a veteran, who, in his time, discharged a number of public functions as schoolmaster and borough official. It was in the former capacity that his name is more particularly associated and his name venerated by several generations of Newbury men, who benefited by his sound teaching and benevolent interest in their school careers and after life. He was indeed a patriarch, a long white beard imparting an appearance of greater age than his activities warranted. He was wonderfully agile up to a few months of his death, and has only been confined to his house for a few months. Reviving an ancient custom, the funeral knell was tolled on Sunday, three times five for a man, and eighty seven to indicate the age.

Henry Pratt was born in Wisbech, Cambridgeshire, on December 18th, 1831, and after receiving his early education in a private school, was apprenticed as a pupil teacher at Wisbech St Peters' Boys' School. He gained a first-class Queen's College scholarship, and entered St John's College, Battersea, for two years' training.

His first appointment was headmaster of Newbury National Boys' School. He often told the story of his first acquaintance with the town on the last night of 1857. He travelled from Wisbech in the morning and reached Newbury late in the evening, a distance of 160 miles, quite a feat of travelling in those days. The Rector, Rev. J.I. Randall was then living in lodgings in Northbrook-street. Both were young men, one 29 the other 23. The Rector said “Are you prepared to to make a school!” Mr. Pratt replied “I would much rather do that than work on another man's ground.” “Then we shall get on well together.” Having to return to London the same evening, he took his first meal in Newbury at the “Jack” Hotel, and nearly came to grief by falling into the Northbrook ditch, then flowing uncovered.

Mr Pratt started after the Christmas holidays. He and a curate canvassed the courts of the town for scholars, and began in an old building on the site of the Temperance Hall, where Richard Chance had been conducting a school for Kimber's and Cowslade's Charity boys. Later it was removed to the building in Bartholmew-street now used as the Church Army Hostel. The Enborne-road school was opened in September 1860 and regarded as the latest.....

The Funeral

There was a large attendance at the funeral yesterday (Wednesday), including representatives of civic and official life, Oddfellows, old scholars and townspeople. The body was conveyed on a hand-bier from the house in West Mills to the Parish Church, where he had been a worshipper for so many years, the interment being at the Cemetery. The Rector (Rev. L. R Majendie) conducted the service in church and at the graveside. The Oddfellows' oration was impressively read by Bro. David Geater.

The mourners were Mr. J.E.Pratt, Mr. H.C. Pratt (sons), Miss Pratt, Miss G.A. Pratt, Miss P.M.Pratt, Miss K.E. Pratt (daughters), Mrs. R.C. Pratt (daughter -in-law), Nurse Roche, Mr. G. Pavier, Mr. A.J. Wright (Reading), Mr. C. Munday.

Among those present were the Mayor (Mr. George Griffin), Ald. A. Jackson, Councillors Adrian Hawker, A.D. Cater, Mac.[?] F. Davies, C.W. Burns, W.J.Butler,

J.H. Witts, J.H. Thompson, Mr. W.R. Pettifer (Assistant Town Clerk), Mr. W.R. Davey (Gas Manager), Mr. R. J. Jeeves (Borough Accountant), Mr. J.W. Rosling (Education Secretary), Mr. J.S. Herbert (Rate Collector), Rev. C. V. Pike, Mr. E. Black-Hawkins.

The Oddfellows were represented by Sister M.A. Geater (District Grand Master), Bro. E.G. Kimber, Deputy G.M., Bro. D. Geater, Prov. C.H., A. Wellington, G. Walters, B.D. Curwood, H. Smart, S. North, W. Taylor, F. Burton, J.F. Pyke, W. Noakes, J. Cousens, G. Ford, J. Russell, W. Gamble, R. Wickens, F.J. Geater, E.lipscomb, T. Perrett, H. Twissell, W. E. H. Twissell, W. R.Goodman, A. Jackson, C. Langton, J. ...

HENRY PRATT, P.P.G.M.
BRO. HENRY PRATT, whose portrait fills the place of honour in this month's Magazine, was born at Wisbech, Cambridgeshire, on December 18th, 1834. After receiving his early education in a private school, his parents removed him to St. Peter's School with a view to his becoming a pupil teacher. He was apprenticed in July, 1850, being the senior of the two first pupil teachers employed in the Wisbech St. Peter's Boys' School.

Having completed his apprenticeship of five years, he sat at Christmas, 1856, in the examination of candidates for admission to training colleges, and, gaining a first-class Queen's College scholarship, entered St. John's College, Battersea, for two years' training.

On leaving college he was appointed headmaster of Newbury National School, which post he filled for 20 years with credit to himself and satisfaction to the managers. On his resignation at Christmas, 1877, he was presented with a purse of £30, a lever watch, and gold albert chain. The watch was engraved: " Presented with a purse of £30 to Mr. Henry Pratt by friends, teachers, and scholars connected with the Newbury National School on his resigning the mastership after 20 years' faithful service. March 4th, 1878, J. L. Randall, Rector.'' "

In 1859 Bro. Pratt was married to the daughter of a tradesman of his native town. Miss Priscilla Bannister, whose happy companionship he enjoyed for 43 years, until her death in 1902. Nine children were born of the marriage, five sons and four daughters; two sons and the four daughters are still living.

Shortly after giving up the teaching profession Bro. Pratt was appointed Inspector of Weights and Measures for the borough of Newbury and secretary and manager of the Corn Exchange, both of which appointments he still holds.

It was in 1860 that Bro. Pratt's connection with the Manchester Unity began, he being initiated in July of that year a member of the Britons' Pride Lodge, '3475, Newbury district.

He at once took a keen interest in the working and welfare of the lodge, and the lodge was not slow to take advantage of his usefulness. In July, 1861, he was elected elective secretary; in December of the same year he became Vice-Grand, and in December, 1862, Noble Grand of the lodge. In March, 1863, the marriage of the Prince of Wales (late King Edward VII.) took' place, and Bro. Pratt was an energetic member of the committee appointed by the district for carrying out in Newbury the demonstration of loyalty on that auspicious occasion.

Bro. Pratt was many times called upon to fill the post of lecture master, and as frequently to audit the lodge accounts. He first attended as delegate to a district meeting in July, 1865, and from that time he has almost invariably been elected as one of the representatives of his lodge at these half-yearly gatherings.

In 1868 he was elected on the investment committee, where his services were much appreciated, he being always especially careful to see that the funds of the lodge were properly and safely invested. There were few committees in connection with his lodge or district on which he did not have a place.

At the close of the year 1870 Bro. Pratt was unanimously elected permanent secretary of the Britons' Pride Lodge; he proved to be a most efficient and painstaking secretary, always most courteous and obliging, ever ready to " give his best counsel and advice " to any who sought it. He gained and retained the universal respect and esteem of the brethren of the lodge and district. '

Bro. Pratt was the first delegate ever sent to an A.M.C. from the Newbury district. This was in 1874 to Richmond, .Surrey, where he had the pleasure of making the acquaintance of several of the veterans of the Order at that day, such as Henry Ratcliffe (then C.S. of the Order); Samuel Daynes, Norwich; James Schofield, Bradford; Henry Buck^ Birmingham; James Curtis, Brighton; Wm. Lovesey, Worcester; Reuben Ginn, St. Ives; John Geves, Leeds; Reuben Watson, Nottingham, etc. He also attended the Middlesbrough A.M.C. in 1899, but has since declined in favour of younger candidates.

In 1874 Bro. Pratt was elected Prov. D.G.M. of the Newbury district, and Prov. Grand Master in the following year. He filled both these offices with much ability, and to the entire satisfaction of the district. On their completion a complimentary dinner was given in his honour, which was attended by a large company of the officers and leading Oddfellows of the district, who thus testified their esteem and regard. The subject of our sketch has taken an active part in the establishment and inauguration of five lodges in the district, viz. : The Kintbury Pride, Kintbury, 1872; The True Briton, Hungerford, 1879; Pride of Woolhampton, Woolhampton, 1908; Rock of Friendship, Thatchman, 1912; and the Newbury Female Lodge, Newbury, 1912; for the latter he acted as the first Noble Grand.

Since 1866 he has filled, and still holds, the post of examining and relieving officer for the district. He is a trustee of his own and also of the female lodge.

Much regret was felt by the members of the Britons' Pride Lodge when, in 1912, our old friend felt compelled (though very reluctantly) to resign the -secretaryship which he had held for 42 years. It was well known that this step was not taken from any lack of interest in the good work of Oddfellowship, but from the fact that the demands of the National Insurance Act, together with increase of work in connection with his other appointments and advancing years, made it absolutely necessary for him to take the step. During his term of office he had the gratification of seeing the membership almost trebled, and the funds increased from £1,400 to £6,500. On his resignation he wag the recipient of a very handsome present subscribed for by the members of the lodge, supplemented by amounts from members of the Jack of Newbury and other lodges in the district. The present consisted of a P.P.G.M.'s jewel, a beautifully-illuminated address (the work of his son, Bro. J. E. Pratt) handsomely bound in album form, gold-mounted umbrella, a gold-mounted walking stick, a case of silver-mounted pipes, and a pouch of tobacco.

To the address were appended the names of the officers of the lodge and over 200 members. He expressed himself as being proud of this fact.

Notwithstanding his advanced age, Bro. Pratt is hale and hearty, and still takes an active part in the business of his lodge, and is a regular attendant at the fortnightly meetings. As recently as 1914 he again went through the chairs, completing his term of Noble Grand in his 80th year. His two sons are both members of the Britons' Pride Lodge. He has been for many years one of the managers of the Newbury Savings Bank.

In politics he has always been a warm supporter of the Conservative cause, and has been for many years on the committee of the Newbury Conservative and Unionist Club, being now senior member of that body. Bro. Pratt has many warm and admiring friends among all classes in the neighbourhood, .besides those in the ranks of Oddfellowship. The earnest hope of all is that our dear old friend may be spared yet a little longer to continue his good work and to enjov the fruits of his labour.

Newbury Weekly News and General Advertiser - Thursday 07 March 1878

TESTIMONIAL TO MR. H. PRATT

A gratifying presentation was made on Monday evening, to Mr. H. Pratt, late master of the Newbury National Schools, a position he had filled for 20 years with much ability and success; gaining the affection and esteem of all with whom he has come in contact. The presentation, which consisted of a handsome silver lever watch and purse of 30 sovereigns, was made in the Infant Schoolroom, West-street., in the presence of the clergy of the parish, the school managers, a number of subscribers, parents of scholars and old pupils. The chair was taken by the Rector, (the Rev. J. L. Randall), Mr. Pratt being seated upon his right. 

The Rector said—Ladies and Gentlemen, you will not require a very long speech from me tonight. The truth is I am merely the mouthpiece of this assembly in presenting this testimonial to Mr. Pratt. Perhaps the fewer words on such an occasion as this the better, because it is not a pleasant thing to be praising a man straight to his face however much he may deserve the praise which may be given him. I take this testimonial to be an expression of feeling on the part of a very varied class of people—on the part of us who have been almost fellow-workers with Mr. Pratt; on the part of those who care for the education of youth; on the part of some who are parents, and others who have been educated by him and have been under his hand in various ways—sometimes in ways of pleasantness, sometimes not equally pleasant, but perhaps more profitable (laughter and applause)— when they have been not at the point of the bayonet, but at the point of another implement used in driving in stores of useful knowledge and discipline (applause). 

All of us have a desire to express to Mr. Pratt the feelings which are the property of these different classes, some of gratitude some of good fellowship, and some of something higher—the recollection of favours received, some of which left their mark at the time, and in others the marks remain, permanently fixed (laughter and applause). It is juat such men as Mr. Pratt who make England what she has been and what she is (apphuse)—men who are content not to have a very prominent position, but who are found working out the duties of a useful position to the utmost of their ability. In Mr. Pratt's position a man if he was honest, could do a great deal of good ; but if he shirked and shuffled, damaged himself and all with whom he came in contact. The position of a schoolmaster, particularly a national schoolmaster, was almost entirely one of trust. There were certain inspections with which a schoolmaster, also the boys and school managers, are acquainted with, which are to a certain extent tests of the industry of the master; but no inspection except the inspection which comes from above, can test the reality of his work, and the good influence he exerts upon his scholars. 

l am not going to praise Mr. Pratt to his face ; this solid expression of praise is much more satisfactory both for us who subscribe, and for him who receives. We all wish that Mr. Pratt should receive this testimonial as an expression of gratitude on the part of those whom he has served, as an expression of personal kindly feeling from those who have known him many years, and we are glad he is not going to leave us altogether (applause). 

The rev. gentleman then presented the purse and the watch which was an English lever, and contained the following engraved inscription: 

PRESENTED

with a Purse of £30 to 

Mr. H. PRATT, 

By friends, teachers, and scholars, 

connected with the Newbury National Schools, 

on his Resigning the Mastertship, 

after 20 years of faithful service, 

March 4th, 1878. 

Rev. J. L RANDALL, Rector.

Mr. PRATT, who was received with round after round of applause, said that if he was good at public speaking, which was not the case, the high complimentt paid him and the kind words which had fallen from their worthy chairman would have taken out of him what little speaking power there was I left (laughter). He hoped they would give him every indulgence while he thanked them most heartily for this very handsome testimonial which had been placed in his hands. Whether he had deserved such a mark of their favour was not for him to say; it had been a matter for them to decide. They had been the judges and these proofs before him showed that the verdict had been in the affirmative (applause). As the grateful recipient of their kind gift, he could assure them the proceedings of that evening would rank amongst the highest marks of his life and he should never forget it (applause). It was a most gratifying thing having worked amongst them in the parish for the term of 20 years to find such a happy termination with the Newbury school (cheers). Doubtless their Chairman remembered 20 years ago when they had their first interview together, in the year 1857. From the time to Christmas last he had the happiness to work with their worthy rector as master of their National Schools, and it was almost unnecessary to say to those present that he had always found in their rev. chairman a kind friend and valuable counsellor (applause). If he were to attempt to speak of his good deeds, it would be quite out of place, because his honorable and generous deeds done in the parish, spoke far more forcibly than any words that he could utter. The list of subscribers was a most gratifying fact to him both from the number of names attached to it and its thoroughly representative character. He thought that it very fairly represented the feeling of the parish. First and foremost, as in every good work stood the name of their dearly beloved rector (hear hear) then, without mingling out or making , distinction, followed another kind friend the vicar of St. John's (cheers). He could not help referring to him because he had been most kind and taken an exceedingly great interest in the school. During the whole period of his residence in Newbury, the Rev. H T. Morgan had been a constant, almost daily visitor, and rendered him valuable assistance in connection with religious instruction of the scholars. 

He was pleased also to notice the names of the managers of the school (cheers). They were a body of men for whom he had always felt the greatest amount of respect, and his thanks were due to them for their kind co-operation wherever he had need to seek it. It was also a most pleasing thing to him to see the names of many parents of scholars who had been educated at the school. Throughout his long experience in Newbury, he could say that be had been always met by the parents of the children under his tuition with the greatest amount of respect (hear hear), and to the teacher of an Elementary school, there were few I things more gratifying than the thought and feeling that his work was appreciated by parents (hear hear). 

Last but not least came names of many past and present scholars. He took this, if necessary as an additional evidence of the good feeling which had always, he was happy to say, existed between himself and his pupils (hear hear). This bringing him to the end of the list they must allow him to tender them his most hearty thanks, for the handsome end valuable testimonial and to assure them he received it in the full feeling in which it was give as a mark of their approbation of his work in the parish for the past 20 years. Respecting the watch that led him to remark that it was suitable for such a presentation, because it was so frequent before the eyes of the receiver (applause). He would be reminded by it many times in the course of the day of their kindness, and he trusted, please God, that as he was guided with regard to his daily duties by this time keeper, he would also be reminded how much it indicated the approach of eternity. He thanked them one and all for their abundant kindness, and would wish to make special mention of the committee and their chairman (applause). 

The Rector said he wished to thank the committee for the pains they had taken in the matter. 

Mr. B. SMITH, the chairman of the committee who was received with applause, said that he scarcely knew which had proved most pleasureable in this instance—collecting the subscription or receiving the testimonial (laughter). The movement had been organised by Mr.Banting who was first and foremost in every good work (applause). They started with the view of calling upon a few friends for subscriptions, to present some memorial of their obligations and friendship to Mr. Pratt who had spent the best part of his working years in the parish of Newbury (hear hear). The result was they had been successful tar beyond their expectation. If in what they felt to be a pleasing duty, the committee had afforded gratification to school managers and others concerned in the Education of the young, they felt more than satisfied (applause). 

The total amount of subscriptions was £43 1s. 6d. The expenses were £1 6s. 6d, and the difference between that and the £30, which the purse contained, had been spent in the watch and chain (applause). 

The Rev. H. T. MORGAN said he could speak of the great respect felt for Mr. Pratt by all who were intimately associated with him in school matter; he had passed many pleasant hours in the school, and Mr. Pratt had always given hirn a kind welcome (applause). On the motion of Mr. Churchwarden Somerset, a vote of thanks was passed to the Rector for presiding ; the rev. gentleman, in reply, stating that to a certain extent as representative of the parish and as a personal friend of Mr. Pratt, he could not do other when asked than be the channel of the kind words and kind expressions which were meant for Mr. Pratt, whom he hoped had not been deluged.