Nelson Chronicle, Colne Observer and Clitheroe Division News - Friday 20 June 1902

THE LATE MR. T. PRATT, OF BRIERFIELD. DEATH AND FUNERAL.
It is our sorrowful duty this week to record the death and funeral of Mr. Thomas Pratt, drysalter and jam manufacturer, of Brierfield. The deceased gentleman, who has been in failing health for the past 12 months, resigned his official position as Overseer of the Poor about three months since, and left Brierfield for the benefit of his health, taking up his residence at St. Anne's. It was hoped that the change would do him good, but the condition of his health has fluctuated since then, sometimes there being grounds of hopes for his recovery, while at others there were none. That Mr. Pratt bore his declining strength with great patience and fortitude, there can be no denying, for he was serene and cheerful to the last, sometimes even writing to the friends he had left behind that he never felt better in his life. But notwithstanding all his courage, the last few weeks began to be extremity trying, and his family were thus gradually prepared for the worst. A severer attack than usual of bronchitis, with complications, entirely prostrated Mr. Pratt during the early part of last week, and for over a day before the end came, he was practically unconscious. About half-past seven o'clock on Friday night, surrounded by his wife and four daughters who had lovingly attended him during the whole of his illness, he passed peacefully away in the 58th year of his age, the primary cause of death being officially certified as heart failure.
  The late Mr. Thomas Pratt was a native of the district, having been born near Little Marsden Church, having practically lived in Brierfield all his life. For many years he carried on the business of a preserve boiler and drysalter, and had also been most actively associated with public work. He served for about 21 years as Overseer of the Poor, and his services in that capacity were highly appreciated on all hands. He only resigned that position three months ago, his reasons being that he was leaving the district on account of ill-health. In the note to the Council, he stated that he had been elected Overseer for 21 years in succession. On that occasion the Chairman, Vice-Chairman, and other members of the Council testified in warm terms to the services that he had rendered to the district. Mr. Pratt was also for many years a very active and able member of the Brierfield Local Board, and afterwards of the District Council. He brought to bear upon the work of that body, not only great natural ability and shrewd common sense, but a keen interest in the progress and well-being of the town in which he lived, and it was a distinct loss to Brierfield when he retired from active participation in the work. He had filled the office of Chairman of the Urban District Council for several years, and also had occupied a similar position in connection with the old Local Board, and few men had done more towards the furtherance of sound local government in Brierfield than had Mr. Pratt. He was an ardent Liberal and had been a very active supporter of the cause in that district.
  The funeral of the remains of the deceased gentleman took place on Tuesday. The body arrived at Brierfield by the 9-20 train from St. Anne's, on Tuesday morning, and was met by a number of the workpeople of the deceased gentleman, who acted as bearers. The body was conveyed in a hearse to Hollin Bank, where a short service was held, conducted by Rev. G. Byron, of Brierfield. This, over, the cortege proceeded to St. John's Church, Great Marsden, where Rev. G. A. Fry, M.A., conducted the service at the graveside. The funeral procession was composed as follows:
  1st carriage: Mrs. Pratt (widow), and the Misses Adelaide, Florence, Hannah, and Beatrice Pratt (daughters).
  2nd carriage: Mrs. Dent, Alderman R. Pratt (Bradford), Miss Clara Dent, Mr. F. Hargreaves, and Mr. R. W. Dent.
  3rd carriage: Mrs. Stanworth, Mrs. Whalley. Mrs. Dugdale (Cardiff) (sisters), Mr. T. Waddington, and Mr. R. Waddington (nephews).
  4th carriage: Mrs. Pratt, Miss Mary Pratt, and Mrs. Clark.
  5th carriage: Mr. T. Bayne, Mr. S. Smith, Mr. Eckersley, Mr. J. Blezerd, and Dr. Jackson.
  6th carriage: Miss Ashworth and Mrs. Holt.
 The bearers were Messrs. Binns, Shields, Crabtree, Heiden, Walmsley, Wiseman, Hopkinson, Nutter, and Graham. Amongst the floral tributes were a wreath from the family, and others from Mr. and Mrs. R. Pratt, Mr. and Mrs. T. Bayne, Mrs. W. Hartley (Colne), Supt. and Mrs. Barnett, Miss S. Luxton, Mr. and Mrs. Blezard and family, Mr. and Mrs. H. C. Crabtree, and Miss Stott.