David married Ann Vanderveer, daughter of Aaron Vanderveer and Mary P. Conover, on Dec 13, 1866.

      Joseph Augustus Vanderveer was born on Jan 11, 1840 at Monmouth County, New Jersey. He was the son of Aaron Vanderveer and Mary P. Conover. Joseph married Rachel Mount Rue, daughter of Daniel J. Rue and Eleanor M. Mount, on Jan 8, 1863. Joseph Augustus Vanderveer died on Oct 14, 1917 at age 77.
     He resided at at Marlboro, Monmouth County, New Jersey.

      Rachel Mount Rue was born on Apr 1, 1844. She was the daughter of Daniel J. Rue and Eleanor M. Mount. Rachel married Joseph Augustus Vanderveer, son of Aaron Vanderveer and Mary P. Conover, on Jan 8, 1863. Rachel Mount Rue died on Dec 21, 1942 at age 98. Rachel was buried at Old Brick Church Cemetery, Marlboro, Monmouth County, New Jersey.

     Daniel married Eleanor M. Mount.

     Eleanor married Daniel J. Rue.

      Frank E. Vanderveer was born on Nov 19, 1866. He was the son of Joseph Augustus Vanderveer and Rachel Mount Rue. Frank married Laura Glena Bleakney on Dec 25, 1898. Frank E. Vanderveer died on Jun 28, 1913 at age 46. Frank was buried at Old Brick Church Cemetery, Marlboro, Monmouth County, New Jersey.

     Laura married Frank E. Vanderveer, son of Joseph Augustus Vanderveer and Rachel Mount Rue, on Dec 25, 1898.

      Daniel Rue Vanderveer was born on Sep 10, 1870. He was the son of Joseph Augustus Vanderveer and Rachel Mount Rue. Daniel Rue Vanderveer died on Sep 13, 1873 at age 3
He was playing with a dog alongside a moving wagon. The dog caused him to fall beneath the wagon where his neck and head were crushed, causing almost instant death. Daniel was buried at Old Brick Church Cemetery, Marlboro, Monmouth County, New Jersey.

      Aaron D. Vanderveer was born on Dec 21, 1876. He was the son of Joseph Augustus Vanderveer and Rachel Mount Rue. Aaron married Eleanor Baker on Oct 13, 1906.
     Aaron D. Vanderveer resided at at Yonkers, Westchester County, New York.

      Eleanor Baker was born on Feb 17, 1873. Eleanor married Aaron D. Vanderveer, son of Joseph Augustus Vanderveer and Rachel Mount Rue, on Oct 13, 1906.
     Eleanor Baker was also known as Ella Baker.

      Eleanor R. Vanderveer was born on Aug 3, 1881. She was the daughter of Joseph Augustus Vanderveer and Rachel Mount Rue. Eleanor married Frank R. Parker on Nov 8. Eleanor married August Johann Kendrick on Sep 23, 1948.
     Eleanor R. Vanderveer was also known as Nellie Vanderveer. She resided at at Marlboro, Monmouth County, New Jersey.

     Frank married Eleanor R. Vanderveer, daughter of Joseph Augustus Vanderveer and Rachel Mount Rue, on Nov 8. Frank R. Parker died on May 4, 1914.

     August married Eleanor R. Vanderveer, daughter of Joseph Augustus Vanderveer and Rachel Mount Rue, on Sep 23, 1948.

      Mary Conover Vanderveer was born on Sep 13, 1873. She was the daughter of Joseph Augustus Vanderveer and Rachel Mount Rue. Mary married Frank McCabe on Dec 28, 1893.
     Mary Conover Vanderveer resided at at Trenton, Mercer County, New Jersey.

      William Augustus Vanderveer was born on Apr 27, 1864. He was the son of Joseph Augustus Vanderveer and Rachel Mount Rue. William married Grace Francis Sleght, daughter of Lyman Ellsworth Sleght and Elizabeth Leah Thorpe, on Aug 26, 1891. William married Freida Hoffman on Aug 14, 1934. William Augustus Vanderveer died on Mar 27, 1952 at Kingston, Ulster County, New York, at age 87. William was buried at Riverview Cemetery, Port Ewen, Ulster County, New York.

      Grace Francis Sleght was born on Dec 22, 1870. She was the daughter of Lyman Ellsworth Sleght and Elizabeth Leah Thorpe. Grace married William Augustus Vanderveer, son of Joseph Augustus Vanderveer and Rachel Mount Rue, on Aug 26, 1891. Grace Francis Sleght died on Apr 24, 1933 at Port Ewen, Ulster County, New York, at age 62.

     Lyman married Elizabeth Leah Thorpe.

     Elizabeth married Lyman Ellsworth Sleght.

      Freida Hoffman was born on Jul 28, 1881. Freida married William Augustus Vanderveer, son of Joseph Augustus Vanderveer and Rachel Mount Rue, on Aug 14, 1934.

      Joseph Ellsworth Vanderveer was born on Jul 30, 1892. He was the son of William Augustus Vanderveer and Grace Francis Sleght. Joseph married Marion Hull Crosby, daughter of Marvin C. Crosby and Frances Hull, on Sep 14, 1912. Joseph Ellsworth Vanderveer died in Oct, 1966 at Kingston, Ulster County, New York, at age 74.

      Marion Hull Crosby was born on Oct 10, 1892. She was the daughter of Marvin C. Crosby and Frances Hull. Marion married Joseph Ellsworth Vanderveer, son of William Augustus Vanderveer and Grace Francis Sleght, on Sep 14, 1912. Marion Hull Crosby died on Jul 29, 1960 at age 67.

     Marvin married Frances Hull.

     Frances married Marvin C. Crosby.

      Barbara Crosby Vanderveer was born on Dec 30, 1914 at Kingston, Ulster County, New York. She was the daughter of Joseph Ellsworth Vanderveer and Marion Hull Crosby. Barbara married William John Anderson, son of William Augustus Anderson and Ada Lydia Metzler, on Jan 25, 1941 at Kingston, Ulster County, New York. Barbara Crosby Vanderveer died on Feb 10, 1991 at Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, at age 76. Barbara was buried at Port Ewen, Ulster County, New York.

      William John Anderson was born on Feb 15, 1911 at Buffalo, Erie County, New York. He was the son of William Augustus Anderson and Ada Lydia Metzler. William John Anderson was baptized on Mar 5, 1911 at Buffalo, Erie County, New York. William married Barbara Crosby Vanderveer, daughter of Joseph Ellsworth Vanderveer and Marion Hull Crosby, on Jan 25, 1941 at Kingston, Ulster County, New York. William John Anderson died on Mar 31, 1988 at Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, at age 77. William was buried at Port Ewen, Ulster County, New York.

     William married Ada Lydia Metzler.

     Ada married William Augustus Anderson.

      Augusta Jane Anderson was born on Mar 29, 1942 at Easton, Northampton County, Pennsylvania. She was the daughter of William John Anderson and Barbara Crosby Vanderveer. Augusta married Thomas Joseph Ganzhorn. Augusta Jane Anderson died in Nov, 1987 at Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, California, at age 45.

     Thomas married Augusta Jane Anderson, daughter of William John Anderson and Barbara Crosby Vanderveer.

      Tara Serena Ganzhorn was born on Sep 9, 1967. She was the daughter of Thomas Joseph Ganzhorn and Augusta Jane Anderson. Tara married Kieth Brancella.

     Kieth married Tara Serena Ganzhorn, daughter of Thomas Joseph Ganzhorn and Augusta Jane Anderson.

     Sage Brancella was the daughter of Kieth Brancella and Tara Serena Ganzhorn.

      Chloe Brancella was born on Apr 8, 1955. She was the daughter of Kieth Brancella and Tara Serena Ganzhorn.

      Gretjen Vanderveer Anderson was born on Sep 25, 1944 at Kingston, Ulster County, New York. She was the daughter of William John Anderson and Barbara Crosby Vanderveer. Gretjen married Bruce Richard Guerin, son of Walter R. Guerin and Lenore Kass, on Mar 24, 1968 at Honolulu, Honolulu County, Hawaii. Gretjen married James Donald MacKay Yeaw, son of Ernest Donald MacKay Yeaw and Marguerite Elizabeth Joan Hayward, on Oct 21, 1983 at Laguna Beach, Orange County, California.

      Bruce Richard Guerin was born on Nov 5, 1942 at East Orange, Essex County, New Jersey. He was the son of Walter R. Guerin and Lenore Kass. Bruce married Gretjen Vanderveer Anderson, daughter of William John Anderson and Barbara Crosby Vanderveer, on Mar 24, 1968 at Honolulu, Honolulu County, Hawaii.

     Walter married Lenore Kass.

     Lenore married Walter R. Guerin.

      James Donald MacKay Yeaw was born on Oct 14, 1943 at Pictou, Pictou County, Nova Scotia, Canada. He was the son of Ernest Donald MacKay Yeaw and Marguerite Elizabeth Joan Hayward. James married Beverly Jean Grigsby. James Donald MacKay Yeaw and Beverly Jean Grigsby were divorced in 1983 at Torrance, Los Angeles County, California. James married Gretjen Vanderveer Anderson, daughter of William John Anderson and Barbara Crosby Vanderveer, on Oct 21, 1983 at Laguna Beach, Orange County, California.

     Ernest married Marguerite Elizabeth Joan Hayward.

     Marguerite married Ernest Donald MacKay Yeaw.

     Beverly married James Donald MacKay Yeaw, son of Ernest Donald MacKay Yeaw and Marguerite Elizabeth Joan Hayward. Beverly Jean Grigsby and James Donald MacKay Yeaw were divorced in 1983 at Torrance, Los Angeles County, California.

      Daniel William Anderson Yeaw was born on Jan 27, 1984 at Santa Monica, Los Angeles County, California. He was the son of James Donald MacKay Yeaw and Gretjen Vanderveer Anderson.

      Katrina Elizabeth Anderson Yeaw was born on Jan 27, 1984 at Santa Monica, Los Angeles County, California. She was the daughter of James Donald MacKay Yeaw and Gretjen Vanderveer Anderson.

      William Augusts Anderson II was born on Aug 15, 1946 at Kingston, Ulster County, New York. He was the son of William John Anderson and Barbara Crosby Vanderveer. William Augusts Anderson II was baptized on Nov 17, 1946 at Port Ewen, Ulster County, New York. William married Lois Marie Boisvert, daughter of Louis Rosario Boisvert and Doris Castelein, on Jul 17, 1971 at Woonsocket, Providence County, Rhode Island.
     William Augusts Anderson II resided at at 704 Brafferton Drive, Mount Lebanon, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, in 2000.

      Lois Marie Boisvert was born on Dec 10, 1947 at Woonsocket, Providence County, Rhode Island. She was the daughter of Louis Rosario Boisvert and Doris Castelein. Lois married William Augusts Anderson II, son of William John Anderson and Barbara Crosby Vanderveer, on Jul 17, 1971 at Woonsocket, Providence County, Rhode Island.

     Louis married Doris Castelein.

     Doris married Louis Rosario Boisvert.

      Devan Mark Anderson was born on Jan 8, 1976 at Rochester, Monroe County, New York. He was the son of William Augusts Anderson II and Lois Marie Boisvert.

      Maijah Jane Anderson was born on May 23, 1978 at Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania. She was the daughter of William Augusts Anderson II and Lois Marie Boisvert.

      Alaina Christine Anderson was born on Apr 5, 1981 at Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania. She was the daughter of William Augusts Anderson II and Lois Marie Boisvert.

      Aric John Anderson was born on Nov 10, 1983 at Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania. He was the son of William Augusts Anderson II and Lois Marie Boisvert.

      Jerrod Lewis Anderson was born on Mar 19, 1985 at Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania. He was the son of William Augusts Anderson II and Lois Marie Boisvert.

      Augustus Frances Vanderveer was born on Aug 8, 1918 at Kingston, Ulster County, New York. She was the daughter of Joseph Ellsworth Vanderveer and Marion Hull Crosby. Augustus married Don Ellison.

     Don married Augustus Frances Vanderveer, daughter of Joseph Ellsworth Vanderveer and Marion Hull Crosby.

     Scott Ellison was the son of Don Ellison and Augustus Frances Vanderveer.

     Jeanne Ellison was the daughter of Don Ellison and Augustus Frances Vanderveer.

      Frank McCabe was born circa 1864. Frank married Mary Conover Vanderveer, daughter of Joseph Augustus Vanderveer and Rachel Mount Rue, on Dec 28, 1893. Frank McCabe died on Jan 31, 1946.

      Samuetella McCabe was born on Jul 2, 1895. She was the daughter of Frank McCabe and Mary Conover Vanderveer. Samuetella McCabe died on Aug 12, 1945 at age 50.

      Joseph E. McCabe was born on Oct 23, 1899. He was the son of Frank McCabe and Mary Conover Vanderveer.

      George R. McCabe was born on Mar 27, 1906. He was the son of Frank McCabe and Mary Conover Vanderveer. George married (Unknown) (Unknown).

      Frances Braton McCabe was born on Jan 17, 1897. He was the son of Frank McCabe and Mary Conover Vanderveer. Frances married Hilma (Unknown).

     Hilma married Frances Braton McCabe, son of Frank McCabe and Mary Conover Vanderveer.

      Joanne Hilma McCabe was born on May 28, 1933. She was the daughter of Frances Braton McCabe and Hilma (Unknown). Joanne married William Joseph Maher Jr., son of William Joseph Maher, on Jan 22, 1953.

      William Joseph Maher Jr. was born on Jan 11, 1924. He was the son of William Joseph Maher. William married Joanne Hilma McCabe, daughter of Frances Braton McCabe and Hilma (Unknown), on Jan 22, 1953.

      William Joseph Maher III was born on Oct 29, 1953. He was the son of William Joseph Maher Jr. and Joanne Hilma McCabe.

     (Unknown) married George R. McCabe, son of Frank McCabe and Mary Conover Vanderveer.

      George John McCabe was born on Aug 9, 1940. He was the son of George R. McCabe and (Unknown) (Unknown).

      Harry Frank McCabe was born on Jul 26, 1942. He died young after Jul 26, 1942. He was the son of George R. McCabe and (Unknown) (Unknown).

      Marie Elizabeth McCabe was born on Jan 23, 1944. She was the daughter of George R. McCabe and (Unknown) (Unknown).

      Sarah S. Vanderveer was born on Apr 13, 1854. She was the daughter of Aaron Vanderveer and Mary P. Conover. Sarah married Abram J. Beekman on Aug 26, 1874. Sarah S. Vanderveer died on May 29, 1884 at age 30.

     Abram married Sarah S. Vanderveer, daughter of Aaron Vanderveer and Mary P. Conover, on Aug 26, 1874.

     Liddie Beekman was the daughter of Abram J. Beekman and Sarah S. Vanderveer.

      William Conover Perrine was born on Apr 16, 1855 at Freehold, Monmouth County, New Jersey. He was the son of David Clark Perrine and Hannah Matilda Vanderveer. William Conover Perrine died on May 6, 1856 at age 1.

      John Rhea Perrine was born on May 22, 1857 at Freehold, Monmouth County, New Jersey. He was the son of David Clark Perrine and Hannah Matilda Vanderveer. John Rhea Perrine died on Mar 23, 1861 at age 3.

      Mary Conover Perrine was born on Apr 17, 1863 at Freehold, Monmouth County, New Jersey. She was the daughter of David Clark Perrine and Hannah Matilda Vanderveer. Mary Conover Perrine died on Feb 5, 1873 at age 9.

      Arthur D. Perrine was born on Apr 28, 1868 at Freehold, Monmouth County, New Jersey. He was the son of David Clark Perrine and Hannah Matilda Vanderveer. Arthur D. Perrine died on Aug 13, 1869 at age 1.

     Ruth Josephine Conover was the daughter of Charles Boice Conover and Ruth Julieete Fitch. Ruth married Edward Truman Bartram.
     Ruth Josephine Conover resided at at Round Lake Center, Ontario, Canada, in 1990.

     Edward married Ruth Josephine Conover, daughter of Charles Boice Conover and Ruth Julieete Fitch.

      Lucia Hull was born on Nov 29, 1804 at Bridgewater, Oneida County, New York. She was the daughter of Laurens Hull and Dorcas Ambler. Lucia married Rev John Berrien Fish, son of Rev. Peter Fish and Hannah Hankinson, on Aug 9, 1826 at Bridgewater, Oneida County, New York. Lucia Hull died on Jul 1, 1836 at Hartwick, Otsego County, New York, at age 31.

      Rev. Edward Fowler Fish was born on Sep 23, 1828 at Monticello, Sullivan County, New York. He was the son of Rev John Berrien Fish and Lucia Hull. Edward married Anna Johnson Hinsdale, daughter of Elizur Hinsdale and Hannah Johnson, on Sep 6, 1856 at Iowa City, Johnson County, Iowa. Rev. Edward Fowler Fish died on Jan 20, 1906 at Evanston, Cook County, Illinois, at age 77.
     

      Anna Johnson Hinsdale was born on Aug 21, 1830 at LeRoy, Genesee County, New York. She was the daughter of Elizur Hinsdale and Hannah Johnson. Anna married Rev. Edward Fowler Fish, son of Rev John Berrien Fish and Lucia Hull, on Sep 6, 1856 at Iowa City, Johnson County, Iowa. Anna Johnson Hinsdale died on Dec 13, 1898 at Evanston, Cook County, Illinois, at age 68.
     

      Lucia Hull Fish was born on Apr 14, 1859 at Panama, Chautauqua County, New York. She was the daughter of Rev. Edward Fowler Fish and Anna Johnson Hinsdale. Lucia married Charles Gracchus Neely, son of Isaac M. Neely and Mary Elstun, on Sep 9, 1880 at Saint Louis, Missouri. Lucia Hull Fish died on Oct 30, 1952 at Claremont, Los Angeles County, California, at age 93.
     

      Charles Gracchus Neely was born on Jun 11, 1855 at Benton, Franklin County, Illinois. He was the son of Isaac M. Neely and Mary Elstun. Charles married Lucia Hull Fish, daughter of Rev. Edward Fowler Fish and Anna Johnson Hinsdale, on Sep 9, 1880 at Saint Louis, Missouri. Charles Gracchus Neely died on Oct 16, 1930 at Selma, Fresno County, California, at age 75.
     

      John Hinsdale Neely was born on Dec 18, 1881 at DuQuion, Perry County, Illinois. He was the son of Charles Gracchus Neely and Lucia Hull Fish. John Hinsdale Neely died on Apr 11, 1917 at Claremont, Los Angeles County, California, at age 35; did not marry.

      Mary Ruth Neely was born on Sep 10, 1884 at DuQuion, Perry County, Illinois. She was the daughter of Charles Gracchus Neely and Lucia Hull Fish. Mary married Allan John Carter on Jan 29, 1916. Mary Ruth Neely died on Jan 21, 1968 at Claremont, Los Angeles County, California, at age 83.

      Allan John Carter was born on Sep 11, 1885 at Morris, Grundy County, Illinois. Allan married Mary Ruth Neely, daughter of Charles Gracchus Neely and Lucia Hull Fish, on Jan 29, 1916. Allan John Carter died on Jul 2, 1949 at Pasadena, Los Angeles County, California, at age 63.

      Clara Grace Neely was born on Aug 14, 1886 at Evanston, Cook County, Illinois. She was the daughter of Charles Gracchus Neely and Lucia Hull Fish. Clara married Claude Wyman Payne on Jun 21, 1917. Clara Grace Neely died on Jan 21, 1972 at Claremont, Los Angeles County, California, at age 85.

      Claude Wyman Payne was born on Jun 12, 1886 at Diagonal, Ringgold County, Iowa. Claude married Clara Grace Neely, daughter of Charles Gracchus Neely and Lucia Hull Fish, on Jun 21, 1917. Claude Wyman Payne died on Jul 7, 1949 at San Bernardino, San Bernardino County, California, at age 63.

      Lucia Helen Neely was born on Sep 15, 1888 at Evanston, Cook County, Illinois. She was the daughter of Charles Gracchus Neely and Lucia Hull Fish. Lucia Helen Neely died on Oct 23, 1889 at Evanston, Cook County, Illinois, at age 1.

      Philip Montgomery Neely was born on Apr 17, 1891 at Evanston, Cook County, Illinois. He was the son of Charles Gracchus Neely and Lucia Hull Fish. Philip Montgomery Neely died on Jan 28, 1902 at Evanston, Cook County, Illinois, at age 10.

      Anna Charlotte Neely was born on Feb 28, 1893 at Evanston, Cook County, Illinois. She was the daughter of Charles Gracchus Neely and Lucia Hull Fish. Anna Charlotte Neely died on Dec 31, 1980 at Claremont, Los Angeles County, California, at age 87; did not marry.

      Dorothy Louise Neely was born on Feb 28, 1895 at Evanston, Cook County, Illinois. She was the daughter of Charles Gracchus Neely and Lucia Hull Fish. Dorothy married Lowell Clark Pratt, son of Harry S. Pratt and Alice M. Clark, on May 18, 1918 at Claremont, Los Angeles County, California. Dorothy Louise Neely died on May 22, 1974 at Holy Cross Hospital, Silver Spring, Montgomery County, Maryland, at age 79.
     

      Lowell Clark Pratt was born on Dec 31, 1894 at parents house on Orange Ave. near, Pomona, Los Angeles County, California. He was the son of Harry S. Pratt and Alice M. Clark. Lowell married Dorothy Louise Neely, daughter of Charles Gracchus Neely and Lucia Hull Fish, on May 18, 1918 at Claremont, Los Angeles County, California. Lowell Clark Pratt died on Jun 6, 1979 at Wheaton, Montgomery County, Maryland, at age 84.
      Lowell Clark Pratt was born December 31, 1894,[1] in his parents' house on Orange Avenue near Pomona, Calif.[2] He was the son of Harry S. Pratt and Alice M. Clark. His birth was a terrible ordeal for his mother, and when he was born the young inexperienced doctor thought he was dead and put him in a pail. His mother's good friend Hattie Cutler saw that there was a spark of life in the baby and wrapped him in warm towels, saving his life. The family kept in touch with "Aunt" Hattie through the years.[3]

Lowell was the "apple of his mother's eye" all her life.[4] When he was three years old he won a contest for having the curliest hair; the prize was having his picture taken.

While still in high school he was an unpaid "leg man" for the Pomona Progress. After graduation in 1913 he was hired at $10 a week to cover local news and he continued working there while attending Pomona College. One of his first duties was to go to the railroad station to ask people where they were going.[5] This provided material for a "Personals" column. In the fall of 1915 he entered the Columbia University School of Journalism. His teachers included Walter Pritchard Eaton, Carlton J. H. Hayes, Charles Cooper, Walter B. Pitkin and Charles A. Beard. While at Columbia he often attended New York Philharmonic concerts and went to the Metropolitan Opera House -- once, in March 1916, he appeared as an extra in Aida.[6]

While at Columbia, he was involved with a group of students who opposed U.S. involvement in World War I. He went to Washington D.C. in February 1917 and attended a meeting and also was present at a hearing before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. Afterwards they lobbied some of the senators.[7] War was declared April 6, 1917.

Lowell Pratt was drafted in September 1917.[8] He was inducted into the army October 4, in Pomona.[9] During World War I he served 18 months in the Army, including seven months of non-combat duty in France. He was a corporal and clerk of company B, 160th infantry. Later he was promoted to first sergeant. He first went to Camp Lewis in Washington state in October 1917 and within a few weeks was at Camp Kearney, in San Diego, where he remained until the summer of 1918.

On May 21, 1918, while still in the Army, he married Dorothy Louise Neely, whom he had met in high school. She was the daughter of Charles Gracchus Neely and Lucia Hull Fish. The marriage took place in Claremont. They had become engaged June 5, 1917, the same day he had registered for the draft.[10]

On August 8, 1918, Lowell and his company sailed for England on the S.S. Mentor, arriving in Liverpool on the 19th.[11] By August 25 they had landed at Le Havre, France, and in September they marched to Sancoins. The company was a replacement unit and some soldiers had been sent to battle.[12] When the war ended they were on their way to the front.[13] After the Armistice, they spent about a month in Alliancelles, a small town about 10 miles north of St. Vrain. It often rained and there was little for the men to do to occupy their time.[14]

In January 1919 the troops relocated to Bordeaux, where they remained until March 14 when they left France on the U.S.S. Matsonia. After a short time in New York City, they arrived in Los Angeles April 12, where they were greeted by a festive parade.[15]

Pratt was discharged April 16, 1919, at Camp Kearney.[16] He then continued his studies at Columbia, graduating in June 1920. He worked for two months on the Springfield (Mass.) Republican before returning to California to accept a position as city editor of the Pomona Progress.[17] In 1923 he joined the staff of the Pasadena Star-News where he started as a general assignment reporter and finally became the make-up editor.[18]

In 1926 he began looking for a weekly newspaper to buy. He had dreamed of owning a small-town paper and had admired William Allen White of the Emporia (Kans.) Gazette. He bought The Selma (Calif.) Enterprise for $13,000, of which about $4,000 was borrowed from his wife's brother-in-law Allan Carter.[19]

With a young man named Ernest Rapley, whom he brought from the Progress, he plunged into the life of a small town and had to learn facets of newspaper publishing which were new to him, such as job printing, advertising, circulation and promotion. He and "Rap" worked seven days a week, sometimes long into the night. They joined clubs, reported meetings that had previously been ignored, and promoted community projects. The Great Depression soon hit the town and the paper.

In February 1929 The Enterprise was consolidated with the other Selma paper, The Irrigator. Hard times in Selma had made it impossible for two papers to survive. "There was not a single job of printing in either shop," Pratt wrote. "We had hit bottom."[20] Ed Byfield, who had been the owner of the Irrigator, became business manager and Pratt continued as editor. The partners got along well -- each did what he was best suited for and they did not interfere with each other's duties. Because one of their creditors insisted on it the new paper was called the Selma Irrigator; when the debt was paid off ten years later the name reverted to The Selma Enterprise.[21]

In June 1929 the partners bought the Parlier Progress, and the Fowler Ensign was purchased in the early 30's. The commercial printing operation was christened the "Triangle Press." One year they printed over 30 high school annuals from all over the San Joaquin Valley.[22]

In August 1931 a fight broke out between a group of white youths and Filipino grape pickers. Although the whites admitted to starting the fight, only the Filipinos were charged and fined $10 -- a lot of money in those days. In an editorial called "Dollar Justice," Pratt criticized the judge's handling of the case. "If justice means anything at all, it means all shall be treated alike and that is exactly what was not done in the present case," he wrote.[23] The judge cited him for contempt of court. The story was reported in newspapers across the state, as well as in the Christian Science Monitor and Editor and Publisher. The charge of contempt was dropped a few days later. The Selma judge, police chief and traffic officer lost their jobs.[24]

Because of his stance that a judge is a public servant and should not be immune from public criticism, he was placed on the all-American journalism "team" of John H. Casey of the University of Oklahoma as editorial writer of the year in 1932.[25]

The newspaper also gained recognition in 1936 when it won a front page contest for weeklies, sponsored by the California Newspaper Publishers' Association.[26]

Pratt had served on the California Democratic Central Committee in 1932 and was a staunch supporter of Roosevelt. His work for the party and his prominence in town affairs led him to be appointed as Selma's postmaster in May 1934. As postmaster, Pratt received a salary of $2600 a year, his family's sole means of support. On Christmas mornings he volunteered to deliver packages. One of his official duties was supervising a move to a new Post Office building in 1937. During his years as postmaster he covered meetings and wrote editorials for the paper at night and on weekends. Eventually the strain of combining the Post Office job with his newspaper duties became too much, and he resigned in October 1939.[27]

During World War II, Pratt opposed the relocation of Japanese-Americans to internment camps. He also spoke out for their safe return after the war had ended. The Enterprise was one of the few newspapers in the west that stood up for the rights of Japanese-Americans at this time.

Pratt emphasized that Americans of Japanese ancestry were law-abiding U.S. citizens and had constitutional rights. His editorials were a voice of reason during a time of anti-Japanese hysteria. For example, a Fresno district attorney publicly stated that if a returning soldier shot and killed a Japanese-American it would be "hard to prove that he had killed a human being."[28]

In August 1943 Pratt testified before a committee appointed by the California State Senate. In his statement Pratt noted that the physical characteristics of Japanese-Americans made them easy targets for discrimination and that German-Americans and Italian-Americans were not treated similarly. Pratt felt anti-Japanese sentiment was racially motivated and emphasized that the vast majority of Japanese-Americans were loyal. Senator Donnelly, who presided over the committee, repeatedly referred to the "yellow race" and asked Pratt if he would want his daughter to marry a Japanese.[29]

When Selma's Japanese-Americans finally returned their reception was for the most part peaceful, although in May 1945 four shots were fired into a home, narrowly missing a five-year old girl.[30]

Because of Pratt's editorials on Japanese-Americans, Dr. Hubert Phillips, a teacher at Fresno State College, nominated him for a Pulitzer prize in journalism in 1943.

In May 1947 Mr. and Mrs. Pratt were guests of honor at a dinner hosted by the Japanese-American Citizens League in appreciation of Pratt's stand.[31] By late 1946 Pratt had begun thinking about selling The Enterprise. His partner, Ed Byfield, wanted to retire, forcing Pratt to make a decision on the matter. He considered buying Byfield's share in the paper, but that would have meant going into debt. He felt that it would be a relief not to have the responsibility of getting out a paper every week. "I somehow feel that I have fulfilled my 'mission' here and that it is time that someone else took over," Pratt wrote.[32] A buyer was found and announcement of the sale of The Enterprise surprised the town in March 1947.

In September 1947 Pratt became an assistant professor of journalism and director of public relations at San Jose State College. He was the first public relations director there.[33] He taught a newswriting course during his first semester and continued teaching until 1956.[34] He was also president of the San Jose Advertising Club. He retired in 1965 with the rank of full professor.[35]

In 1968 poor health led Lowell and Dorothy to move to Wheaton, Md., where they could be near their daughter. In 1975 he completed a 65-page book, A Weekly Miracle, which describes his experiences publishing the Selma Enterprise.

Dorothy Neely Pratt died May 22, 1974. Their marriage had been a happy one. Dorothy's father once had remarked that he'd never seen anyone "more thoroughly married."[36] Daughter Lucia has no memory of them ever raising their voices at each other. Dorothy had high ideals and supported Lowell's views on matters such as the fair treatment of Japanese-Americans during the war. Her advice and support undoubtedly helped him many times in his newspaper work.

After several years of heart problems Lowell Pratt died June 6, 1979, in the University Nursing Home in Wheaton, Md. He and Dorothy are buried in the Oak Park Cemetery in Claremont.

He had led a busy, active life. In Selma he had been president of the Chamber of Commerce and the Rotary Club, and was also involved with the Boy Scouts and Community Welfare Fund.[37] He spent about 15 years as treasurer and fundraiser for the Red Cross.[38] During summers Pratt and family often took day trips to Yosemite or Sequoia National Park. He and Dorothy visited Europe in 1951[39] and Mexico in 1960. His hobbies included reading and collecting stamps.

Lowell Pratt was an honest, hard working man who had high ideals and put them into practice. He was outgoing, always friendly and interested in people and well-liked by others. This trait he shared with his father and grandfather, and it undoubtedly served him well in his careers as newspaperman and teacher.

At his memorial service a telegram from a former student, Peggy Major, was read. It said, in part: "Probably no single person has influenced my professional life more than a journalism professor named Lowell Pratt, whom I met in 1947... Lowell Pratt was the kind of teacher you never forget: intellectually quiet, patient, disciplined, thoroughly professional. Always there, right there, and nothing ever seemed to disturb his 'cool'... As a teacher of writing, Mr. Pratt tired to teach us to be factual, accurate, interesting, and concise. I hope that in my brevity I have not failed to give you some idea of what this wonderful teacher, counselor and friend has meant to me and how grateful I am to God for giving me the richness of knowing him both when I was a student and as an adult. I have been thanking the Lord for Lowell Pratt every day now for many years. I don't plan to stop now."[40]

     Lucia Alice Pratt was the daughter of Lowell Clark Pratt and Dorothy Louise Neely. Lucia married Kenneth Gordon Gilbertson, son of Henry Walter Gilbertson and Maud Lunette Hubbard.

      Kenneth Gordon Gilbertson was born circa 1918 at Virgina. He was the son of Henry Walter Gilbertson and Maud Lunette Hubbard. Kenneth married Lucia Alice Pratt, daughter of Lowell Clark Pratt and Dorothy Louise Neely.

      Elisha Shephard Schenck was born on Jan 4, 1794. He was the son of Peter Vorhees Schenck and Sarah Shepherd. Elisha married Idah Schenck, daughter of Peter Schenck and Rhoda Ogborne, on Feb 16, 1818 at Pleasant Valley, Monmouth County, New Jersey. Elisha Shephard Schenck died on Jan 6, 1871 at age 77.

      Sarah Schenck was born on Apr 30, 1791. She was the daughter of Peter Vorhees Schenck and Sarah Shepherd. Sarah married Hendrick Van Brunt Schenck, son of Capt. John Schenck and Maria Denise, on Dec 1, 1812 at Matawan, Monmouth County, New Jersey. Sarah Schenck died on Dec 31, 1871 at Rochester, Monroe County, New York, at age 80.

      Henry Schenck was born on Jan 24, 1805 at New Jersey. He was the son of Peter Vorhees Schenck and Sarah Shepherd. Henry married Mary Ann Mount, daughter of Samuel Mount, on May 27, 1829.