Edith Chesbro was born on the family farm in Scotland, Connecticut. She was a paternal descendant of William CHESEBROUGH, Thomas MINER, Walter PALMER & Thomas STANTON, founders of Stonington, Connecticut, and maternally descended from Mayflower passengers William BREWSTER, Richard WARREN, Thomas ROGERS, his wife Alice (COSFORD) ROGERS, and their son Joseph ROGERS.
As a young girl, she loved to roam the property and knew where to find the most delightful aspects of nature - especially as they awakened in the spring. She enjoyed the comforts of a loving family who encouraged her interests in writing and poetry while they nurtured their own dreams of having her play piano in Carnegie Hall - something she never did, though an accomplished pianist.
They were a pious family, attending Sunday worship and Wednesday evening Bible study. Her father was most distressed that she was born on a Sunday, a fact that kept him from attending church, a long horseback ride away!
During her school years, she and her brother Harry drove the horse & wagon that was the "school bus" for their small village.
After high school she attended Mt Holyoke College, graduating in 1909 with a BA in English. Her roommate and close confidant was Dr. Mabel Hinde James, also a Connecticut native.
Following college, they went their separate ways as they pursued their careers in education. Edith lived in a boarding house in Bellows Falls, Vermont, where she met William Pratt. When a romance blossomed her father brought her back home to Scotland, as he did not approve of her choice of suitors.
Mabel, always a force, invited Edith for a seemingly innocent weekend, whereupon the couple eloped. Thanks to Mabel's intervention, Edith and William began their lives together in Newport, Rhode Island where their first child was born. They soon moved out of New England into New York State. Their next three children were born in Ithaca, New York where William was employed in the printing business.
In late 1917 Edith learned of the loss of Mabel's fiancé in WW I. With two children and twins on the way, she called upon Mabel for assistance, thus reciprocating the kindness offered in her own time of need. This action proved to be a major decision in both their lives. Mabel helped raise the 11 Pratt children, became "Aunt Mabel" to the 35 Pratt grandchildren, and remained an integral member of the family until her death in 1974.
Edith and Mabel never knew they were 7th cousins, although their deep roots in 17th century New England would indicate such was more probable than not. Their common Great Grandparents were:
7th GGPs: Capt George Denison [FAG# 11435695] & Ann Borodel Denison [FAG# 14911199]
8th GGPs: Joseph Loomis Sr [FAG # 19929272] & Mary White Loomis [FAG# 19929327]
Grammy's routines during the years I was blessed to know her, never varied, save for the very special family events. She would rise early to do her baking. Her cold pantry was always filled with the aromas of fresh-baked pies, cookies, and bread. Almost by heavenly grace, one had to pass through the pantry to access the back door! It was a testament to her great dry humor that every grandchild, upon arrival for a visit, heard "I don't suppose you'd like some old, stale brownies?" Never a sweeter question was uttered!
After her morning nap, she would prepare to go to market (5 doors down the street). After lunch, she once again retired for a nap and arose early enough to get in some reading and writing before dinner preparation.
In her lifetime she witnessed the advent of telephones, automobiles, and man on the moon. Though loathe to using a phone over a handwritten letter, she did enjoy an auto ride to view the splendid colors of autumn.
Edith was a prolific letter writer, oftentimes extending her message beyond a single day or writing utensil. It was not a surprise to hear many at her funeral remember how they had been blessed by a note, in a time of illness, sorrow, celebration or to express admiration for something they had said or done in her presence - probably at the market!
True to her nature and routine, my last birthday card provided a timely note, perfect for the occasion:
The stars come nightly to the sky,
The tidal wave unto the sea.
Nor time, nor space, nor deep, nor high,
Can keep my own away from me.
- John Burroughs
A lovely sentiment to leave for those she so loved!
As a young girl, she loved to roam the property and knew where to find the most delightful aspects of nature - especially as they awakened in the spring. She enjoyed the comforts of a loving family who encouraged her interests in writing and poetry while they nurtured their own dreams of having her play piano in Carnegie Hall - something she never did, though an accomplished pianist.
They were a pious family, attending Sunday worship and Wednesday evening Bible study. Her father was most distressed that she was born on a Sunday, a fact that kept him from attending church, a long horseback ride away!
During her school years, she and her brother Harry drove the horse & wagon that was the "school bus" for their small village.
After high school she attended Mt Holyoke College, graduating in 1909 with a BA in English. Her roommate and close confidant was Dr. Mabel Hinde James, also a Connecticut native.
Following college, they went their separate ways as they pursued their careers in education. Edith lived in a boarding house in Bellows Falls, Vermont, where she met William Pratt. When a romance blossomed her father brought her back home to Scotland, as he did not approve of her choice of suitors.
Mabel, always a force, invited Edith for a seemingly innocent weekend, whereupon the couple eloped. Thanks to Mabel's intervention, Edith and William began their lives together in Newport, Rhode Island where their first child was born. They soon moved out of New England into New York State. Their next three children were born in Ithaca, New York where William was employed in the printing business.
In late 1917 Edith learned of the loss of Mabel's fiancé in WW I. With two children and twins on the way, she called upon Mabel for assistance, thus reciprocating the kindness offered in her own time of need. This action proved to be a major decision in both their lives. Mabel helped raise the 11 Pratt children, became "Aunt Mabel" to the 35 Pratt grandchildren, and remained an integral member of the family until her death in 1974.
Edith and Mabel never knew they were 7th cousins, although their deep roots in 17th century New England would indicate such was more probable than not. Their common Great Grandparents were:
7th GGPs: Capt George Denison [FAG# 11435695] & Ann Borodel Denison [FAG# 14911199]
8th GGPs: Joseph Loomis Sr [FAG # 19929272] & Mary White Loomis [FAG# 19929327]
Grammy's routines during the years I was blessed to know her, never varied, save for the very special family events. She would rise early to do her baking. Her cold pantry was always filled with the aromas of fresh-baked pies, cookies, and bread. Almost by heavenly grace, one had to pass through the pantry to access the back door! It was a testament to her great dry humor that every grandchild, upon arrival for a visit, heard "I don't suppose you'd like some old, stale brownies?" Never a sweeter question was uttered!
After her morning nap, she would prepare to go to market (5 doors down the street). After lunch, she once again retired for a nap and arose early enough to get in some reading and writing before dinner preparation.
In her lifetime she witnessed the advent of telephones, automobiles, and man on the moon. Though loathe to using a phone over a handwritten letter, she did enjoy an auto ride to view the splendid colors of autumn.
Edith was a prolific letter writer, oftentimes extending her message beyond a single day or writing utensil. It was not a surprise to hear many at her funeral remember how they had been blessed by a note, in a time of illness, sorrow, celebration or to express admiration for something they had said or done in her presence - probably at the market!
True to her nature and routine, my last birthday card provided a timely note, perfect for the occasion:
The stars come nightly to the sky,
The tidal wave unto the sea.
Nor time, nor space, nor deep, nor high,
Can keep my own away from me.
- John Burroughs
A lovely sentiment to leave for those she so loved!
Edith Chesbro was born on the family farm in Scotland, Connecticut. She was a paternal descendant of William CHESEBROUGH, Thomas MINER, Walter PALMER & Thomas STANTON, founders of Stonington, Connecticut, and maternally descended from Mayflower passengers William BREWSTER, Richard WARREN, Thomas ROGERS, his wife Alice (COSFORD) ROGERS, and their son Joseph ROGERS.
As a young girl, she loved to roam the property and knew where to find the most delightful aspects of nature - especially as they awakened in the spring. She enjoyed the comforts of a loving family who encouraged her interests in writing and poetry while they nurtured their own dreams of having her play piano in Carnegie Hall - something she never did, though an accomplished pianist.
They were a pious family, attending Sunday worship and Wednesday evening Bible study. Her father was most distressed that she was born on a Sunday, a fact that kept him from attending church, a long horseback ride away!
During her school years, she and her brother Harry drove the horse & wagon that was the "school bus" for their small village.
After high school she attended Mt Holyoke College, graduating in 1909 with a BA in English. Her roommate and close confidant was Dr. Mabel Hinde James, also a Connecticut native.
Following college, they went their separate ways as they pursued their careers in education. Edith lived in a boarding house in Bellows Falls, Vermont, where she met William Pratt. When a romance blossomed her father brought her back home to Scotland, as he did not approve of her choice of suitors.
Mabel, always a force, invited Edith for a seemingly innocent weekend, whereupon the couple eloped. Thanks to Mabel's intervention, Edith and William began their lives together in Newport, Rhode Island where their first child was born. They soon moved out of New England into New York State. Their next three children were born in Ithaca, New York where William was employed in the printing business.
In late 1917 Edith learned of the loss of Mabel's fiancé in WW I. With two children and twins on the way, she called upon Mabel for assistance, thus reciprocating the kindness offered in her own time of need. This action proved to be a major decision in both their lives. Mabel helped raise the 11 Pratt children, became "Aunt Mabel" to the 35 Pratt grandchildren, and remained an integral member of the family until her death in 1974.
Edith and Mabel never knew they were 7th cousins, although their deep roots in 17th century New England would indicate such was more probable than not. Their common Great Grandparents were:
7th GGPs: Capt George Denison [FAG# 11435695] & Ann Borodel Denison [FAG# 14911199]
8th GGPs: Joseph Loomis Sr [FAG # 19929272] & Mary White Loomis [FAG# 19929327]
Grammy's routines during the years I was blessed to know her, never varied, save for the very special family events. She would rise early to do her baking. Her cold pantry was always filled with the aromas of fresh-baked pies, cookies, and bread. Almost by heavenly grace, one had to pass through the pantry to access the back door! It was a testament to her great dry humor that every grandchild, upon arrival for a visit, heard "I don't suppose you'd like some old, stale brownies?" Never a sweeter question was uttered!
After her morning nap, she would prepare to go to market (5 doors down the street). After lunch, she once again retired for a nap and arose early enough to get in some reading and writing before dinner preparation.
In her lifetime she witnessed the advent of telephones, automobiles, and man on the moon. Though loathe to using a phone over a handwritten letter, she did enjoy an auto ride to view the splendid colors of autumn.
Edith was a prolific letter writer, oftentimes extending her message beyond a single day or writing utensil. It was not a surprise to hear many at her funeral remember how they had been blessed by a note, in a time of illness, sorrow, celebration or to express admiration for something they had said or done in her presence - probably at the market!
True to her nature and routine, my last birthday card provided a timely note, perfect for the occasion:
The stars come nightly to the sky,
The tidal wave unto the sea.
Nor time, nor space, nor deep, nor high,
Can keep my own away from me.
- John Burroughs
A lovely sentiment to leave for those she so loved!
As a young girl, she loved to roam the property and knew where to find the most delightful aspects of nature - especially as they awakened in the spring. She enjoyed the comforts of a loving family who encouraged her interests in writing and poetry while they nurtured their own dreams of having her play piano in Carnegie Hall - something she never did, though an accomplished pianist.
They were a pious family, attending Sunday worship and Wednesday evening Bible study. Her father was most distressed that she was born on a Sunday, a fact that kept him from attending church, a long horseback ride away!
During her school years, she and her brother Harry drove the horse & wagon that was the "school bus" for their small village.
After high school she attended Mt Holyoke College, graduating in 1909 with a BA in English. Her roommate and close confidant was Dr. Mabel Hinde James, also a Connecticut native.
Following college, they went their separate ways as they pursued their careers in education. Edith lived in a boarding house in Bellows Falls, Vermont, where she met William Pratt. When a romance blossomed her father brought her back home to Scotland, as he did not approve of her choice of suitors.
Mabel, always a force, invited Edith for a seemingly innocent weekend, whereupon the couple eloped. Thanks to Mabel's intervention, Edith and William began their lives together in Newport, Rhode Island where their first child was born. They soon moved out of New England into New York State. Their next three children were born in Ithaca, New York where William was employed in the printing business.
In late 1917 Edith learned of the loss of Mabel's fiancé in WW I. With two children and twins on the way, she called upon Mabel for assistance, thus reciprocating the kindness offered in her own time of need. This action proved to be a major decision in both their lives. Mabel helped raise the 11 Pratt children, became "Aunt Mabel" to the 35 Pratt grandchildren, and remained an integral member of the family until her death in 1974.
Edith and Mabel never knew they were 7th cousins, although their deep roots in 17th century New England would indicate such was more probable than not. Their common Great Grandparents were:
7th GGPs: Capt George Denison [FAG# 11435695] & Ann Borodel Denison [FAG# 14911199]
8th GGPs: Joseph Loomis Sr [FAG # 19929272] & Mary White Loomis [FAG# 19929327]
Grammy's routines during the years I was blessed to know her, never varied, save for the very special family events. She would rise early to do her baking. Her cold pantry was always filled with the aromas of fresh-baked pies, cookies, and bread. Almost by heavenly grace, one had to pass through the pantry to access the back door! It was a testament to her great dry humor that every grandchild, upon arrival for a visit, heard "I don't suppose you'd like some old, stale brownies?" Never a sweeter question was uttered!
After her morning nap, she would prepare to go to market (5 doors down the street). After lunch, she once again retired for a nap and arose early enough to get in some reading and writing before dinner preparation.
In her lifetime she witnessed the advent of telephones, automobiles, and man on the moon. Though loathe to using a phone over a handwritten letter, she did enjoy an auto ride to view the splendid colors of autumn.
Edith was a prolific letter writer, oftentimes extending her message beyond a single day or writing utensil. It was not a surprise to hear many at her funeral remember how they had been blessed by a note, in a time of illness, sorrow, celebration or to express admiration for something they had said or done in her presence - probably at the market!
True to her nature and routine, my last birthday card provided a timely note, perfect for the occasion:
The stars come nightly to the sky,
The tidal wave unto the sea.
Nor time, nor space, nor deep, nor high,
Can keep my own away from me.
- John Burroughs
A lovely sentiment to leave for those she so loved!
Family Members
Siblings
Children
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Esther Dickinson Pratt Becker
1914–1988
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William Goss "Bill" Pratt
1916–2018
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PFC John Chesbro Pratt
1918–1982
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David Pratt
1918–2010
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Juliet Pratt George
1921–1988
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Priscilla "Si" Pratt
1921–2014
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Eleanor Morton Pratt Blackman
1923–1988
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Nancy Waterman Pratt Grafly Schuppenhauer
1926–1988
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Warren Lee Pratt
1929–1973
