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Submitted by Cheryl VanWormer


				AARON B. AND PLUMA (FOX) PRATT

	Aaron B. Pratt, one of the pioneers of Ionia County, was born in the town of Newstead, 
Erie Co., N. Y., June 16, 1813.  His father, Jacob Pratt, was a native of the eastern part of the 
State, and by occupation a carpenter and joiner, and an energetic and successful business man.  
He emigrated to Michigan in 1838, and settled in Bloomfield, Oakland co.  Here he remained two 
years, when he removed to Saranac, where he resided until his decease, which occurred in August, 
1849.  He was an exemplary man in all respects, a prominent member of the Methodist Church, and 
was highly esteemed for his kindly nature and manly virtues.
	Aaron acquired a good common-school education, and, being of a mechanical turn, learned 
the trade of a millwright.  In 1837 he came to Michigan, and for three years worked at his trade 
in Oakland County; he then removed to the town of Lyons, Ionia Co., where he built the first mill
within the present limits of the town.
	Mr. Pratt resided in Lyons twenty-six years, and identified himself largely with its 
development and material interests.  In 1866 he came to Saranac, and after a residence of seven 
years removed to his farm in Keene, where he has since resided.
	In 1839, Mr. Pratt was married to Miss Pluma Fox.  She was born in Niagara Co., N. Y., 
March 28, 1820, and came to Michigan in 1825 with her parents, who settled in Auburn, Oakland Co.
They have eight children,--Amanda, Walter E., Frank W., Lydia M., Dora C., Truman J., Mary A., 
and George C.
	Both Mr. and Mrs. Pratt are prominent members of the Church of Disciples, and are highly 
respected by all who know them for their real worth.



This biography is taken from "HISTORY OF IONIA AND MONTCALM COUNTIES, MICHIGAN" 
by John S. Schenck. Philadelphia:  D. W. Ensign & Co., 1881.  Facing page 236.  Keene.