The trouble with Harry Pratt b 1888
Diana Allen
Harold Pratt b 23 Sept 1888 (anecdotal), came to live with parents Mary
"May" nee Pashler and Robert Francis Pratt when no longer an infant. Maybe
older, during the 1880's there was active concern for children who were
often taken from 'undesirable situations'. We would like to know who his
parents were.
Details:
May and Robt PRATT m. Richmond 12.10.1887
one child George Robert Clarence "Clarrie" Pratt b 24.6.1892 Ringwood
May was not keen on Harold, ('not my son',source d'ter in law again, & he
didn't resemble his father)
The boys were close and Wm treated them equally, making a will one day when
he thought he 'was going to die' (have copy) leaving most of his land and
assets to his brother and wife and the 2 boys. Evidence in court said he
wanted especially 'to take care of Harry.'
May successfully appealed that the original will was burnt by her husband
who had 'second thoughts' & she had a witness.. Harold is not named with
those who have legitimate claims on Wm's estate.
Harold after it had been declared his father had died intestate got a
disbursement of 65 pounds in lieu of a number of acres at Mulgrave.
Mary Margaret (May) d 17.6.1933 (parents George/Margaret Dawson)is buried
at Box Hill apparently not with husband
*Robt. Francis d 20.7.1910 (parents George,farmer & Marg. Quinlan from
Tipperary) buried Box Hill with son
Harold railway labourer died 23.10.1950 "aged 62"
*Robert was the eldest of 5 children.- one brother died at 15, others
married in their 30s, one being Michael Henry "Harry" b 1864 married 1904,
5 children.
I have not checked actual Box Hill cemetery records.
Harold who married May Pasher was the father of Bob Pratt great footballer
of South Melb.
I have the AVR's and am trying to narrow the search down to Ringwood
births.
No luck with Catholic Adoption service.
May was Presbyterian but became devoted to the Catholic religion and
bequeathed them land for a church.
Would be grateful for any help or ideas anyone?
Regards
Di Allen
Lenore Frost
If I have followed the saga, the Harold Pratt, railway labourer, is the
bloke you're trying to identify - what about railway dept records? PROV
I would think would be the place to seek them out. Should have an
actual date of birth, which may help. (That of course, is if it was
known by his adoptive parents).
I wonder if it is feasible that he might have been enrolled at school
with original parents' names? (If May did the enrolling, she might have
made a point of it or something could have been noted in the
correspondence files.) School enrolment records are tricky, but
sometimes can be tracked down at the PRO or still at the school, if you
can work out which one. The Correspondence files should be at the PRO.
What about relations a bit further distant than the daughter-in-law who
may recall some ancient gossip? Getting back a bit, but it's amazing
what stays in family lore. Cousins and the like.
Good luck
Lenore Frost
Essendon, Vic
http://www.members.optushome.com.au/lenorefrost/photorescue.html