JOHN FREDERICK PRITCHARD

J.F. Pritchard Retired Doctor Dies on Sunday
Aided Early Transportation Development In City; Funeral Tuesday
Dr. J.F. Pritchard, 89, practicing physician in this city for nearly half a
century and identified prominently with the early transportation development
of Manitowoc and utility expansion in nearby cities, died Sunday evening at
the Holy Family Hospital, where he has been a patient for 10 days.
Removed to the hospital from his home, 540 North Eighth street, when his
condition became critical Dr. Pritchard rallied for a time but his advanced
age precluded recovery.
Aided Rail Development
Passing of Dr. Pritchard terminates the career of a pioneer whose efforts
aided greatly in bringing railroad facilities to Manitowoc and surrounding
territory.When the Wisconsin Central road sought entrance to the city more
than 40 years ago Dr. Pritchard took an active part in aiding road officials
to acquire needed land on the north and west sides.
Eighteen years ago Dr. Pritchard retired from active medical practice and
also relinquished personal contacts with his business holdings.
Born in Canada
John Frederick Pritchard was born in Norwich, Ontario, Canada in 1846. After
completion of his common school education he entered Toronto university and
later enrolled in Rush Medical college, Chicago, from which he was graduated
in 1869. He located for a time at Oakfield, Wis., and came to this city in
1872.
On January 1, 1873 Dr. Pritchard married Miss Emily Hill of this city. In
1933 the couple observed the 60th anniversary of their marriage at their
home here.
When he located in Manitowoc the Milwaukee Lake Shore and Western road had
been completed here from Milwaukee. He became chief surgeon on the line and
when the North Western road absorbed it, continued as division surgeon. Later
he was also named division surgeon for the Wisconsin Central, when the road
extended to Manitowoc.
Interested in Utilities
In the closing years of the last century the Central road sought a carferry
terminal and outlet to the east, through Manitowoc. Dr. Pritchard assisted
agents of the line in obtaining options on needed real estate. The road,
later taken over by the Soo line, purchased extensive holdings on the north
side between Tenth street and the west city limits.
The veteran physician also became interested in building and operation of
utilities in other cities. For a period of 30 years he with H.F. Whitcomb,
Milwaukee, was one of the principal owners of the electric and gas utility
companies in Fond du Lac and Oshkosh. These holdings included the interurban
line between the two cities.In 1917 Dr. Pritchard sold out his utility
holdings.
Prominent in Masonic Circles
Dr. Pritchard was prominent in fraternal circles in the city. He joined the
Masonic order in 1869 and was one of the organizers of
(continued on page 9)
the Manitowoc Chapter No. 16, Royal Arch Masons. He was head of the chapter
for 20 years and was also a Knight Templar. He was a member for years of the
Wisconsin Medical society and served a term as president.
Dr. Pritchard found time to devote to advancement of education. He served
several terms as a member of the board of Joint School District No. 1, having
charge of the high school and grades on the north side. He was a member of the
First Presbyterian church.
Survivors are his widow; three daughters, Mrs. A.L. Nash, city, Mrs. R.H.
Hubbell, River Forest, Ill., Mrs. D.C. Jones, Appleton; a son, J.F. Pritchard,
Kansas City, Mo., 11 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
Private funeral services will be held Tuesday afternoon from the Pritchard
home on North Eighth street. Interment will be in Evergreen cemetery. Friends
are requested not to send flowers.
Manitowoc Herald Times, Manitowoc, Wis. May 18, 1936 P. 1 and 9
********
[bur. 5-19-1936/age 89 yrs/cause: senility]