Pritchard, Nathan A.

Nathan A. Pritchard

Nathan A. Pritchard, deceased, was formerly a lawyer, and a farmer on section 29, in Clinton Township. His parents, Reuben and Maria (Mason) Pritchard, natives of New York State, had four children, who in order of birth were Reuben M., Ethan A., Ira and Maria.

He was born in Malone, N.Y., Nov. 8, 1832, and came in 1845 to this county with his parents, who settled in Clinton Township. In the fall of 1857 Ethan A. moved to Aurora, IL. In April, 1861, he enlisted for the war in defense of his country, in the 13th IL Vol. Inf., and served three years, participating in the sieges of Vicksburg and Jackson, Miss., and other heavy engagements, as well as in many skirmishes, etc. He was promoted from the private ranks to the position of First Lieutenant. After his term of enlistment expired he returned to Aurora, and in March, 1865, to Clinton Township, and died the following 29th of July, of consumption. When about 24 years of age he took up the study of law, and practiced that profession with marked success. At the time of his death he owned 353 acres of land in Clinton Township. In religion he was a member of the Congregational Church, and in politics a Republican, and at the date of his death he was a nominee for County Treasurer.

He was married July 20, 1856, at Linwood, Benton Co., Iowa to Miss Sarah E., daughter of Josiah and Locena (Hodges) Wilkins. Her parents were natives of the State of New York, had a family of 13 children: Elizabeth, Anson T., Dayton, Alfred T., Josiah, Sarah E., Araminta, Ursula, Newton J., Mary A., Hannah J., and two who died in infancy. Mrs. Pritchard was born in Ontario Co., N.Y., Jan 24, 1833, and is the mother of three children, – Ethan A., who was drowned when about seven years old at Aurora on Fox River, Elotia A., and Elliott A. Mrs. Pritchard is a member of the Congregational Church.

Source: Portrait and Biographical Album of DeKalb County, Illinois: Chapman Brothers, 1885, Chicago, IL