Mr. Samuel Prettyman was born in the county of Suffolk, England, May 8th, 1829 and died in Atchison County, Missouri near Fairfax, April 10th, 1913, aged 83 years, 11 Months and 2 days.
Mr. Prettyman migrated from his native land, May 8, 1857. For a year he made his home in Canada. In the spring of 1858 he came to the state of New York, where he resided until 1872. While in New York he was married to Miss Phoebe Wiltse, Dec. 8th, 1858. Of this union two children were born, Mr. George Prettyman, of Fairfax, Mo., and Mrs. Susan Chaney, of Wadsworth, Texas, both of whom were present at his demise.
Leaving New York in 1872, he came with his family to Corning, MO., where he resided four years. Since 1876 his home has been on a farm a few mile northeast of Fairfax. This farm he improved in 1881 and here he resided almost uninterruptedly until his death. Here also the companion of his early youth died June 16th, 1910. They had lived together more than half a century. For a number of years before the death of his wife, on account of her failing health, they made their home with their daughter on an adjoining farm. Since her death his time has been divided between his son here and his daughter in Texas.
Mr. Prettyman, after a long absence, some years ago visited his native land, where he resided, at that time, four brothers and one sister. Since his visit there, two of these, one brother and the sister, have passed over, leaving three brothers living there at the present time. Besides these and his son and daughter, he leaves eight grandchildren and six great grandchildren, also many neighbors and friends, all of whom shall sorely miss him in his and their homes.
In early life in his native land, Mr. Prettyman became a member of the Episcopal (English) church and during all his subsequent life he maintained the communion and fellowship of his early choice. To be a member of a Christian church in his early day meant more than it does in these latter days. The obligations of a Christian life he held sacred and his daily walk was consistent with his sense of duty. One who knew him well has observed that his observance of the Christian Sabbath was in strict accord with the teachings of "Holy Writ".
His life needs no eulogy from print or anyone else. If he had any faults (and who has not?) let us cover them with the mantle of charity and imbibe his virtues (he had many); until they become a part of our lives.
His funeral services were conducted by Elder R. M. Rhoades, at the Pleasant Ridge church, and his remains laid to rest in the adjoining cemetery.