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Mary Catherine "Mollie" (McKnight) Pratton was born on Aug. 23, 1875 in Fayette City, Fayette County, PA, the daughter of Henry and Martha (Nutt) McKnight. 

On Christmas Eve 1895, when she was age 20, Mollie married 24-year-old Joseph Benjamin Pratton Jr. (June 20, 1871-1944) at Brownsville, Fayette County. Rev. W. Scott Bowman performed the ceremony.

A native of England, Joseph was the son of Joseph B. and Martha (Badman) Pratten Sr. who had settled in Wheeling, Ohio County, WV. He had emigrated to the United States in about 1887, when he was age 16, first residing in Brownsville, Fayette County.

(The spelling of "Pratton" and "Pratten" alternates in this branch.) 

The Prattons together produced a family of 11 children -- Alice Hogg Christoff, Joseph Henry Pratten, John Wilgus Pratten, Dora Constance Kimmel Beadling, Theodore Roosevelt Pratten, Gertrude Stevens Boyd, Eleanor Coulter White, Edward Freeman Pratten, Elizabeth Valerie Beust, Mary "Viola" Uram and William Quinton Pratton.

Sadly, son Edward, born on March 13, 1912, contracted acute indigestion at the age of two years, nine months. He succumbed in his mother's arms at 5 a.m. on Christmas 1914, with his tender remains buried in Canonsburg at Oak Spring Cemetery.

The Prattons initially resided at Fayette City near Brownsville. Later, in about 1913, they moved to Canonsburg, Washington County, PA.

Joseph was employed at the Budke steel mill, and they were members of the St. Thomas Episcopal Church of Canonsburg. 

During World War I, Molly suffered through the tragic death of her brother William, killed in a railroad accident in France, and the devastating poison-gas and shrapnel wounding of her brother Charles. When brother Charles returned stateside, he sent Mollie a letter from a convalescent hospital in New Jersey, writing: "I done my best, but I will never be able to do another day's work." 

Then, during World War II, the family worried as son William Quinton Pratton and several grandsons served overseas with the U.S. Armed Forces. The Prattons' address in the 1940s was 212 Gowern Street in Canonsburg.

Suffering from senility at the age of 72, Joseph died at home on March 8, 1944. Pallbearers at his funeral included Roy Pratton, James Boyd, Theodore Christoff, Richard Beadling, Francis Beadling and William Radcliffe. Musical selections were performed by Mrs. Charles Taylor, Mrs. Frank Grimm, Amy Crawford and Ralph Steiner, accompanied by Mrs. Fred Townrow. Son William was away in military service at the time, stationed in Oklahoma.

As a widow, Mollie moved into the home of her married daughter Viola Uram in Strabane and then Canonsburg. 

When she became ill in the 1950s, she moved in with daughter Eleanor White in a home on Main Street in Wampum, Lawrence County, PA. She enjoyed returning to Canonsburg for visits. She remained in the Whites' residence in Wampum for the final three years of her life.

Burdened with hardening of the arteries, Mollie was stricken by a cerebral hemorrhage and died on Jan. 12, 1961, at the age of 86. Her remains were returned to Canonsburg for burial beside her husband at Oak Spring Cemetery. In her obituary, the Connellsville Daily Courier said she was survived by 37 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren.

Nursing runs deep in this family. Daughter Viola Uram was a nurse, working at Canonsburg General Hospital and later at the Washington County Health Center. Daughter in law Evelyn (Wooliscroft) Pratton, a graduate of the first class of Canonsburg General's nursing school, was a nurse at Canonsburg General and was the school nurse in the Canonsburg school system. Daughter Eleanor White was a registered nurse in Canonsburg and after raising children went back to work full time at the Ellwood City Hospital. 

~ Daughter Alice Hogg (Pratton) Christoff ~ 

Daughter Alice Hogg Pratton (1897-1981) was born on Dec. 30, 1897 in Fayette City.

On March 20, 1916, when she was age 19, Alice married Charles Joseph Christoff Sr., the son of John and Anna (Weiser) Christoff. 

They bore six children -- Anna Catherine Moskal, Charles Joseph Christoff Jr., Grace "Irene" Harding, Theodore Honus Christoff, John Francis Christoff and Elizabeth "Valerie" Hutchison. 

Seen here: Alice poses with her daughter Anna Catherine and son in law Harry Moskal and new baby granddaughter Mary Alice Moskal.

Their home was on Iron Street in Canonsburg.

Alice died on June 22, 1981 at Cambridge Springs, at the age of 84. She rests for eternity in Forest Lawn Cemetery in McMurray, PA. 

Daughter Anna Catherine Christoff wed Harry Moskal. Circa 1992, she lived in Baltimore, MD.

Son Charles Joseph Christoff Jr. (1918-1970) married Mildred K. Custer (1927-2012), daughter of George H. Custer of Pittsburgh. They had at least two children -- Charles J. Christoff III and Nancy Masterovsky.  Charles Jr. passed away in Canonsburg on March 22, 1970, at the age of 52. Mildred outlived her husband by 32 years. She was a librarian with Greater Canonsburg Public Library for more than half a century. She retired in 1999, having begun her career as a page at the age of 12, and retiring as head librarian, a position she held for 31 years. She also was active with the Canonsburg Hospital Ladies Auxiliary and Canonsburg United Presbyterian Church. In her later years, Mildred moved to Arizona to be closer to her married daughter. She died in Chandler, AZ on Nov. 4, 2012, at the age of 85. Her remains were returned to Western Pennsylvania for burial in Oak Springs Cemetery.

Daughter Grace "Irene" Christoff (1923-1992) was born on Aug. 28, 1923 in Canonsburg. On Nov. 9, 1947, when she was age 24, Irene married John W. Hardy ( ? - ? ). Together, they produced a family of five children -- John Charles Hardy, Joseph M. Hardy, Mike J. Hardy, Bruce A. Hardy and Teddi Hagerman Drews. Irene and John spent most of their married lives in Greensboro, where they attended Faith Church of the Nazarene. Later, in 1988, they relocated to Carmichaels, Greene County. Irene died at the age of 68 on March 19, 1992, in Monongalia General Hospital in Morgantown, WV. At her passing, she was survived by 11 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Son Theodore Honus Christoff (1925-1995) was born on Dec. 2, 1925 in Canonsburg. He married Irene Rozanc (1927-1969), a native of White Valley, Westmoreland County, PA, and the daughter of Anthony and Josephine (Luzer) Rozanc of Houston, Washington County. They lived in Houston, Washington County and had four children -- Charles Anthony Christoff, Janet Lynne Christoff, Josie Christoff and Theodore Christoff. Theodore served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. Irene was employed at Mayview State Hospital as an attendant. Circa 1968-1969, son Charles served in the U.S. Armed Forces in Vietnam. Sadly, Irene died at age 41, at Canonsburg General Hospital, on Jan. 10, 1969. Theodore outlived his wife by 26 years, and moved from Houston to the city of Washington. He was employed for many years as a crane operator at Universal Cyclops Steel Corporation in Bridgeville. (Seen here: the Universal Cyclops office building in Bridgeville.) Theodore passed away at the age of 69 on Feb. 24, 1995, with burial in Forest Lawn Gardens in McMurray.

Daughter Elizabeth "Valerie" Christoff ( ?- ? ) wed Vincent Hutchison ( ? - ? ). They resided in Washington, Washington County.

~ Son Joseph Henry Pratton ~ 

Son Joseph Henry Pratton (1898-1933) was born on July 31, 1898 in Fayette City. He married Irene Agra Bruce on June 3, 1922. 

They had four children -- Marjorie Louise Stratton, Mary Ellen Pratton, Carolyn Pratton and Joseph Henry Pratton Jr.

Tragically, Joseph died at the age of 34 on Jan. 6, 1933, leaving behind his widow and four young children. 

Daughter Marjorie Louise Pratton married John H. Stratton Jr. on Oct. 17, 1943. They lived at 350 Manson Street (in Canonsburg?) and had at least one son, John H. Stratton III. Circa 1945, John was employed by IBM, "where he is learning to be a tool maker," said a newspaper. 

Daughter Mary Ellen Pratton (1927-1969) died on Oct. 14, 1969 at the age of 42.

~ Son John Wilgus Pratten Sr. ~ 

Son John Wilgus Pratten Sr. (1900-1979) was born on Oct. 18, 1900 in Fayette City.

He was a college teacher and painter whose work decorates Sea World's entrance in Florida. 

John married Daisy Bruce in Canonsburg on Sept. 2, 1924, when he was age 24. They had four children -- John Pratton, Barry Pratton, Bruce Pratton and Wayne Pratton. 

The Prattons moved to the Hudson Valley, NY in 1929, settling in Poughkeepsie. They were very active in the Duchess County Art Association, and he worked creating display advertising, and teaching portrait and landscape painting. During the 1940s and early '50s, they managed the Wayman Adams summer art school in Elizabethtown, NY, in the heart of the Adirondack Mountains. They later moved to St. Augustine, FL, where John conducted art classes and was active in local art association. In 1955, he authored the book Portrait Painting for Beginners.  It was reprinted at least twice.  In July 2000, a search of the Internet identified six booksellers in the U.S. and Canada who had this rare volume on their shelves. 

John passed away on March 30, 1979, at the age of 78.

Son John Wilgus Pratten Jr. (1925-2005) married Marjorie Benschoten. He served in the US Navy during World War II as a gummer on the destroyer Hulsey Powell. After the war, in 1956, they moved to Rochester, NY. He worked for IBM in Rochester for 43 years. He was active in the Boy Scouts, Kiwanis and Big Brothers Big Sisters. He also sang in the IBM Male Chorus and in barbershop quartet groups.

~ Daughter Dora Constance (Pratton) Beadling Kimmel ~ 

Daughter Dora Constance Pratton (1903- ? ) was born on Jan. 26, 1903 in Washington County, PA. 

Her first husband was John William "Wild Bill" Beadling (1897-1976), a native of Coal Bluff, Washington County.

Their five children were William Curtis Beadling, Charles Thomas Beadling, Francis Jerome Beadling, Richard Vernon Beadling and Shirley June Coffey Junkins.

In the late 1910s and early 1920s, they made their residence in Pittsburgh. By 1923, they apparently had moved back to Canonsburg, Washington County. The family address in 1942-1944 was 207 Bernstein Avenue.

During World War II, their sons Charles and Francis served in the U.S. Armed Forces.

By 1970, the couple had divorced.

William passed away in October 1976, at the age of 79. 

Dora wedded Frank Kimmel ( ? - ? ). She was employed for a time by the Clark Candy Factory, Pittsburgh, maker of the famed "Clark Bar." She also earned a living as a clerk for Gimbels Department Store and retired in 1970. She belonged to St. Thomas Episcopal Church, Canonsburg.

Dora suffered through the tragic stabbing death of her 49-year-old son Charles on Aug. 5, 1970, in an argument at her home in the Dolanch Trailer Court in Canonsburg.

In retirement, Dora moved to Pasadena, TX. Suffering from cancer, she passed away there in Pasadena General Hospital, at the age of 72, on Jan. 9, 1975. Her remains were brought back to Canonsburg for interment in Oak Spring Cemetery. She was survived by 21 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. 

Circa 1975, all of Dora's adult children lived in Pasadena. 

Son William Curtis Beadling (1919- ? ) was born in May 1919 in Houston, Washington County, PA. On Jan. 3, 1942, when he was about 22 years of age, he married Ethel Leona Wicks ( ? - ? ), daughter of Edgar Wicks of Eighty-Four, Washington County, PA. Their wedding was held in the manse of the South Canonsburg Church, officiated by Rev. Evelyn H. Kemper, and announced in the Canonsburg Daily Notes. "The bride wore an aqua blue street dress with black accessories and a corsage of yellow rosebuds," reported the Daily Notes. The went on to become the parents of four known children -- Ethel Leona Beadling, Charles Thomas Beadling Jr., June Lee Beadling, Leona Mae Beadling and Joseph William Beadling. The newlyweds made their home at 240 Grace Avenue in Canonsburg. They were plunged into mourning when, on May 1, 1942, their daughter Ethel Leona died of a premature birth in Canonsburg General Hospital, with interment of the remains in Oak Springs Cemetery.

• Granddaughter June Lee Beadling

• Granddaughter Leona Mae Beadling

• Grandson Joseph William Beadling died on Sept. 2, 1983, at the age of 37. 

Son Charles Thomas Beadling (1921-1970) was born on May 14, 1921 in Pittsburgh. He married Geneva Neadeanne Conn (1927- ? ), the daughter of Joseph and Edna (Augustine) Conn of Confluence, Somerset County, PA. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II, seeing activity in the European-African-Middle East campaign. Charles and Geneva had six children -- Constance Eileen Gibbs Kinnick, Charles Thomas Beadling Jr., John Francis Beadling, Richard Stanley Beadling, Joseph Ryan Beadling and Jeffrey Dean Beadling. Domestic tragedy descended upon the family on Aug. 5, 1970 when the 49-year-old Charles was stabbed at his mother's trailer home in Canonsburg and was rushed to Washington Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival. "The altercation began inside the trailer and when they lunged outside the stabbing followed," said the Canonsburg Daily Notes. His son Charles Jr. pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter and was imprisoned. Geneva married again by 1972 to (?) Cowden.

• Granddaughter Constance Eileen Beadling ( ? - ? ) was born in (?). She was joined in wedlock with Curtis Allen Gibbs ( ? - ? ), a Vietnam War veteran. One known daughter born to this couple was Jamie Gibbs. They made a home in Kentucky in 1970 and then moved to Germany in 1973 where Curtis was stationed in the U.S. Air Force. Later, they dwelled in the Meadowlands section of Washington. The family was plunged into grief when Curtis was killed in a motorcycle accident in Key West, FL on Aug. 27, 1976. Constance married a second time, to (?) Kinnick.

• Grandson Charles Thomas Beadling Jr. (1952- ? ) was born in about 1952. At the age of 18, having been honorably discharged from the U.S. Armed Forces during the Vietnam War, he resided in the Meadowlands section of Washington, Washington County. On the horrific night of Aug. 5, 1970, when arguing at his grandmother's home, he stabbed his father, who died soonafter. The Canonsburg Daily Notes reported that Charles initially was imprisoned in Washington County Jail. Less than a month after the killing, he was united in holy matrimony with Angela Lee Rubis ( ? - ? ), daughter of Mesdeo and Mary Rubis. The nuptials were held in the Canonsburg United Presbyterian Church, with Rev. Richard Berggren officiating. At the time of marriage, Angela was employed by Gimbel Bros. department store. The couple became the parents of Crystal Marie Beadling. The newlyweds' first address was 119 Greenwood Drive in Canonsburg. Within the year, Charles pled guilty to voluntary manslaughter and was sentenced to a correctional institution at Camp Hill, PA. In making his ruling, a judge noted Charles' "good military service record and testimony by character witnesses..."

• Grandson John Francis Beadling ( ? - ? ) was born on (?). On May 20, 1972, in nuptials held at the Canonsburg United Presbyterian Church, he was united in matrimony with Donna Urbas ( ? - ? ), daughter of Ella Urbas. Rev. C. Richard Berggren presided over the ceremony. Reported the Canonsburg Daily Notes, Donna wore a "floor length demi bell gown of pure italian silk organza, fashioned with a molded hi-rise bodice featuring a Victorian neckline enhanced with a dainty bow centered with a rosette, and long full Bishops sleeves. Vertical rows of whipped appliqued Venise lace hanced the gown from shoulder to hemline and down the sleeves. A detachable back train fell from the back waist into a full chapel sweep." At the time, John was making plans to enroll in Allegheny County Community College. The couple is believed to have been the parents of Audra Beadling.

• Grandson Richard Stanley Beadling

• Grandson Joseph Ryan Beadling ( ? -1992), a graduate of Washington & Jefferson College, and an employee of Mellon Bank, died on March 14, 1992 after a long illness.

• Grandson Jeffrey Dean Beadling

Son Francis Jerome Beadling (1924-1998) was born on Dec. 15, 1924 in Canonsburg. (His birthdate also has been given as Jan. 23, 1923.) Francis served in the U.S. Air Force during World War II. In December 1944, he and his brother Richard were arrested for allegedly siphoning gasoline from the fleet of Beatty Trucking Company in Washington, PA. Again during the Korean War, Francis was a member of the U.S. Armed Forces. In 1955, at the age of 31, he married Mary Sevenson ( ? - ? ) in 1955. They bore one daughter, Mary Beadling. Francis passed into eternity on Jan. 11, 1998 at the age of 73. His ashes were placed into rest in Houston National Cemetery.

• Granddaughter Mary Beadling ( ? - ? )

Son Richard Beadling ( ? - ? ) was born in (?). As a teenager in December 1944, he and his brother Francis were arrested for allegedly siphoning gasoline from the fleet of Beatty Trucking Company in Washington, PA. Richard relocated to Texas and was there in 1970.

Daughter Shirley June Beadling (1932-1987) was born in 1930. She was married twice. Her first spouse was Korean War veteran Jack Hayden Coffey (Nov. 24, 1929-1964), son of Guy and Max Coffey and a native of Georgia. They lived in Noblestown Allegheny County and produced five children -- Christine Coffey, Jacqueline Coffey, Lawrence "Larry" Coffey, Steven Joseph Coffey and John Coffey. Jack earned a living as a painter for the industrial contracting firm of Johnson Bros. Tragically, on Nov. 11, 1964, the 34-year-old Jack drowned when his homemade canoe upset while fishing in the Allegheny River at the mouth of Cowanshannock Creek, two miles from Kittanning, Armstrong County, PA. As the canoe flipped over, his cries were heard by his father-in-law John Beadline, who had accompanied him on the trip but remained onshore. American Red Cross volunteers as well as firemen from Kittanning, West Kittanning and Worthington-West Franklin searched for the body in high winds and choppy current until it was recovered in 20 feet of water. The accident received front-page coverage and photograph in the Kittanning Daily Leader-Times. The remains were interred in Oak Springs Cemetery in Canonsburg. Shirley later married (?) Junkins ( ? - ? ) and by 1970 relocated to Houston, Harris County, TX. There, they dwelled at 927 Ahrens, and Shirley worked as an assistant druggist for Crest Drugs. The family grieved once more when, at the age of 44, she died in Pasadena General Hospital on Aug. 22, 1976 after suffering a heart attack. Her remains were cremated.

• Granddaughter Christine Coffey

• Granddaughter Jacqueline Coffey

• Grandson Lawrence "Larry" Coffey

• Grandson Steven Joseph Coffey (1957-2016) was born on July 26, 1957. He relocated to Houston, Harris County, TX. Steven was married to Elaine ( ? - ? ). His children were Thomas Coffey, Mary Coffey and Katrina Coffey. They belonged to St. Bartholomew Catholic Church of Katy, TX, where he worshipped in the Adoration Chapel. Steven had many interests and liked to fish, hunt, grill, work in his yard and root for the Pittsburgh Steelers. He also served with the Knights of Columbus and participated in the rite of Christian initiation of adults. Sadly, at the age of 58, Steven succumbed to death in Houston on March 30, 2016. A funeral mass was celebrated in the family church, led by Rev. David Garnier.

• Grandson John Coffey

~ Son Theodore Roosevelt Pratton ~ 

Son Theodore Roosevelt Pratton (1904-1979) was born on Dec. 7, 1904 in Fayette City. 

On May 22, 1926, at the age of 22, he married Evelyn Bell Wooliscroft (1907-1986), the daughter of Frank and Lily (Jakeway) Wooliscroft of Canonsburg.

They procuded five children -- Freeda May Greer, Theodore Roy "Bub" Pratten, Lily Marlene Kelly, Frank Ronald Pratten and Carol Louise Fetkenhour.

Federal census enumeration records for 1940 show the family in Canonsburg, with Theodore employed as a draftsmen for a bridge works.

Evelyn, a graduate of the first class of Canonsburg General's nursing school, was a nurse at Canonsburg General and was the school nurse in the Canonsburg school system. They were members of the First United Methodist Church of Canonsburg.

Theodore passed away in Canonsburg Hospital, two days before his 75th birthday, on Dec. 5, 1979. He is buried at Oak Spring Cemetery in Canonsburg. 

Evelyn outlived her husband by seven years. She went to live in the Canon House in Canonsburg. During a visit to her daughter Marlene in St. Louis, she fell ill and died at the age of 79 on Oct. 8, 1996. A newspaper reported that among her descendants were 15 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Daughter Freeda May Pratten (1927-2022) was born on April 18, 1927 in Canonsburg. On April 30, 1948, at 21 years of age, she was united in holy matrimony with Lawrence "Bus" Greer (1924-2008). They resided in Canonsburg and bore three children -- Lawrence F. Greer, David W. Greer and Kristine Manfredi. Lawrence was a U.S. Army Air Force veteran of World War II, and as a tail-gunner on B-17 aircraft was shot down three different times. Freeda earned a living as a butcher, working for more than four decades for The Tiny Store. Said the Washington Observer-Reporter, Lawrence was "a truck driver for Railway Express for 25 years and, prior to his retirement, was a dispatcher for Grief Brothers for 10 years. He was last employed at Thompson Hardware in Washington Crown Center." They held a membership in the Canonsburg United Presbyterian Church, where she was active in gatherings and events. She also belonged to the Pythian Sisters, and liked to repeat her motto, "Lived, laughed, loved." Lawrence died at the age of 83 on Jan. 16, 2008, and was laid to rest in Forest Lawn Gardens in McMurray. The widowed Freeda outlived her spouse by more than 14 years and remained in Canonsburg. Toward the end, she became a resident of the Canon House. The angel of death carried her away at the age of 95 on Aug. 18, 2022. Her obituary was printed in the Observer-Reporter.

• Lawrence F. Greer

  Grandson Lawrence Frederick Greer ( ? -1060) was born in (?) and grew up on Canonsburg. During the Vietnam War, he became a U.S. Marine. Tragically, he was killed in action in Quang Tri Province, Vietnam, on Feb. 2, 1969. His remains were returned stateside, and he is buried in Canonsburg, PA. Over the years, he has been named and pictured in Washington Observer-Reporter articles about the war. The most recent was on Memorial Day 2005, when a photograph was printed showing a close-in view of his name on the Vietnam War Memorial in Washington, DC. 

• Grandson David W. Greer married Sandra Lynn Pleskovich of Canonsburg in 1981. They had two children -- Jennifer Gordon and Adam Greer. Sandra was a graduate of the Washington Hospital School of Nursing and California University of Pennsylvania, where she received a bachelor's degree in nursing. She worked as a documentation specialist at Canonsburg General Hospital. Sadly, at age 51, Sandra passed away on Oct. 23, 2011, in the Cleveland Clinic. Following mass of Christian burial in Holy Rosary Roman Catholic Church, she was laid to rest in the Queen of Heaven Cemetery in Peters Township.

• Granddaughter Kristine Greer wedded "Patsy" Manfredi. They dwelled in Washington, PA in 2022.

Son Theodore Roy "Bub" Pratten (1929-2006) was born on Feb. 11, 1929. He was the 1947 senior class president of Canonsburg High School, and a chemical engineering graduate of the University of Pittsburgh. The Observer-Reporter once observed that he served as a pilot in the U.S. Army Air Corps for two years, from 1947 to 1949. As a young man he resided in Chicago, where he met his future wife. He was united in the bonds of wedlock with Beverly Marie White (March 4, 1936-2012), daughter of Bud and Dorothy White of Medford, MN. The couple produced four offspring -- Gregory Pratten, Theodore Pratten, Lisa Pratten and Trace Pratten. The family relocated in 1969 from Chicago to San Jose, CA, where they remained for the balance of their lives. He was employed in San Jose with Underwriters Lab and retired in 1994." He passed away on May 30, 2006, and was laid to rest at Mission City Memorial Park in Santa Clara, CA. Beverly survived as a widow for another six years. Death spirited her away at the age of 76 on July 14, 2012. Her obituary was published in the San Jose Mercury News and San Mateo County Times.

• Grandson Gregory Pratten

• Grandson Theodore Pratten

• Granddaughter Lisa Pratten

• Grandson Trace Pratten may be affiliated with Blue Whale Films of Northridge, CA.

Daughter Marlene Pratten (1932- ? ) was born in about 1932. She married Thomas W. Kelly (Feb. 8, 1930-2004). He was a U.S. Army veteran of the Korean War. The Kellys made their home in St. Louis, MO and were the parents of Pastor Kim Kelly, Kevin Kelly and Timothy Kelly. Thomas was employed as a district sales manager for many years by Emery Worldwide, a national cargo carrier. He volunteered his time as vice president of the Affton Historical Society and, in retirement, as president of the Indian Hills chapter of the American Association of Retired Persons. Sadly, Thomas died at the age of 74 on Aug. 19, 2004. His funeral service was held in the Eden United Church of Christ, with burial of the remains in Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery. Marlene remained in St. Louis as of 2022.

• Granddaughter Kim Kelly ( ? - ? ) served circa 2004 as pastor of St. Paul United Church of Christ in Columbia, MO.

• Grandson Kevin Kelly married Mary.

• Grandson Timothy Kelly wedded Francie.

Son Frank "Ronald" Pratten (1936- ? ) was born in about 1936. He lived in Canonsburg circa 1986-2022. Ronald entered into marriage with Shirley. 

Daughter Carol Louise Pratten (1937- ? ) was born in about 1937. She received a nursing education at Washington Hospital School of Nursing and was a registered nurse employed at both Canonsburg General and Washington Hospitals circa 1959. In a candlelight wedding ceremony held on June 20, 1959, she wedded Dr. Carl Lee Fetkenhour ( ? - ? ), son of Carl E. and Phonsie Fetkenhour and stepson of Francis D. "Debs" Barbour. Rev. Dr. John T. Brownlee officiated at the nuptials in the Chartiers Presbyterian Church. The Monongahela Daily Republican reported that Carol wore "a gown of silk organza fashioned with a fitted bodice, jeweled sabrina neckline and long sleeves pointed at the wrist. The bouffant skirt featuring lace inserts at the sides and back, fell into a court train. Her fingeretip veil of pure silk illusion was caught to a jeweled lace cap and small pearl earrings were her only jewelry." Carl was an alumnus of Washington and Jefferson College and Jefferson Medical College of Philadelphia. At least one child was born to this union, Carla Ann Fetkenhour. They have made their home in Philadelphia (circa 1962) and in Winnetka, IL (1966). Carl has specialized his medical practice over the years in ophthalmology. Circa 2022, the Fetkenhours were in Tucson, AZ.

• Granddaughter Carla Ann Fetkenhour (1962- ? ) was born in 1962 in Philadelphia. News of her birth was printed in her mother's hometown newspaper, the Canonsburg Daily Notes.

~ Daughter Gertrude Stevens (Pratton) Boyd ~ 

Daughter Gertrude Stevens Pratton (1907-1979) was born on March 18, 1907 in Fayette City. 

In 1927, Gertrude married James Admul "Ad" Boyd (June 14, 1905-1973), the son of James and Cora (Stillwell) Boyd of Washington, Washington County, PA.

They bore an only son, James A. Boyd Jr. 

The family made its home in Canonsburg, Washington County at 4 South Central Avenue and 132 East Pike Street.

For 36 years, Gertrude was employed by Bell Telephone Company, starting in 1923 as an operator in Canonsburg. She advanced within the organization over time, with assignments in McMurray, Sewickley and Washington. Her final position was as a general office clerk for the southwest district office in Washington. She retired in April 1962 and was pictured in a related story in the Canonsburg Daily Notes.

James earned a living with Fort Pitt Bridge Works in Canonsburg and later with American Bridge Company in Ambridge, Beaver County. He belonged to the Labor Temple and Russian Club in Canonsburg.

As James' health declined, he was admitted to Mercy Hospital in Pittsburgh. He died there at the age of 68 on Dec. 14, 1973. His funeral sermon was preached by Rev. David Kinsey. An obituary appeared in the Daily Notes.

She passed away on Nov. 1, 1979, at the age of 72. As with many members of the Pratton clan, she is interred in Canonsburg's Oak Spring Cemetery.

Son James A. Boyd Jr. ( ? - ? ) was born in (?). During World War II, he joined the U.S. Navy and was stationed aboard the escort aircraft carrier USS Block Island in the Pacific Theatre and took part "in the Okinawa campaign and the invasion of Borneo," reported the Canonsburg Daily Notes. On Oct. 7, 1948, he was united in the bonds of wedlock with Mary Jean Moore ( ? - ? ), daughter of William Moore. The wedding was held in Baltimore, MD, where the couple established a residence. They are known to have been there in 1962 and by 1973 were back in Canonsburg.

~ Daughter Eleanor Coulter "Sue" (Pratton) White ~ 

Daughter Eleanor Coulter "Sue" Pratton (1910-1975) White was born on March 14, 1910 in Fayette City. 

On May 29, 1934, when she was age 24, Eleanor wed Louis Emmerson White (June 10, 1907-1966), son of Joseph F. and Myrtle (Pierce) White of Wampum, Lawrence County, PA.

The couple had four children -- Audrey Lou White, David Emmerson White, Susan Ria Patterson and Gertrude Myrtle "Trudy" White.

Eleanor graduated from Canonsburg General Hospital's School of Nursing in 1931. She worked as a registered nurse in Canonsburg and after marriage did some part time nursing, and then in 1949 went back to work full time at the Ellwood City Hospital.

Louis earned a living as a welder.

Diagnosed with cancer of the right lung, with lesions on the right shoulder, Louis endured the illness for three months. At the end, he was admitted to St. Francis Hospital in New Castle. The Angel of Death carried him away at the age of 58 on April 6, 1966. His remains were lowered into eternal rest in Clinton Cemetery in Big Beaver Township, Lawrence County.

As a widow, Eleanor continued her work in health care and retired in 1975 as a nursing supervisor with 26 years of service.

Her final years were spent living on Main Street in Wampum.

She was stricken by a heart attack and admitted to Ellwood City Hospital, where she passed away on July 29, 1975, at the age of 65. The funeral service was officiated by Rev. Charles Shaffer. An obituary appeared in the New Castle News.

Daughter Audrey Lou White (1935- ? ) was born in 1935. She received a degree from Slippery Rock State Teachers College and circa 1975 taught at Lockley School. On Thanksgiving Day 1957, she wedded William Burr Patterson ( ? - ? ), son of Robert E. Patterson of Hollow Road in New Castle. Their nuptials were held in the Wampum Methodist Church, led by Rev. William Metz. In reporting on the event, the New Castle News said she "wore a gown of white tulle with antique lace and a finger tip veil. She carried a bouquet of white fall flowers." Three children were born to this union. William also was an alumnus of Slippery Rock. In his early career, William taught at Croton Avenue School in the Mercer County School System. He joined the Lawrence County Regional Planning Commission as assistant director and in 1965 was tapped to be executive director of the New Castle Redevelopment Authority, a position he held until 1970. He also served as director of program development for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's Office of Renewal Assistance in Washington, DC. Then on June 14, 1971, he was sworn in as director of HUD office in Philadelphia. The couple thus relocated to eastern Pennsylvania where they made a home in Warrington, Bucks County, PA. After two years with HUD, William joined the private-sector Town Consultants Inc. as a stockholder and executive vice president, opening an office in Doylestown. An article in the News said that Town Consultants provided "professional services to apartment developers and municipalities with needs in planning and redevelopment."

Son David Emmerson White (1937- ? ) was born in 1937. He was married and lived in Wampum in the mid-1970s. In 1977, husband and wife were named as municipal auditors by the Borough of Wampum.

Daughter Susan Ria White (1939-living) was born in 1939. She married Morgan E. "Ed" Patterson ( ? -2007), son of H. Morgan and Helen (Duff) Patterson. Their union endured for more than half a century. The four offspring born to this marriage were Randy Patterson, Scott Patterson, David Patterson and Ria Scheuren. Morgan earned a living for more than 43 years with Medusa Cement Company, retiring as a shift supervisor. He loved beagles and was active with beagle field trials and over time groomed two American Kennel Club champion dogs. He held memberships in beagle clubs of Shenango Valley, Beaver Valley and Coraopolis. The Pattersons resided for many years along Old Route 18 in Wampum, Lawrence County, PA. They belonged to Wampum United Methodist Church, where Morgan was a trustee. Sadly, Morgan died on Aug. 20, 2007 as a patient in West Penn Hospital in Pittsburgh. Rev. Tina Keller led the funeral service, followed by interment in Clinton Cemetery. His obituary was printed in the New Castle News.

• Grandson Randy Patterson has lived in Wampum. He is married to Shelly.

• Grandson Scott Patterson wedded Laurie. They have made a home in Hudson, OH.

• Grandson David Patterson was joined in marriage with Diane. Their home is in Edinburg.

• Granddaughter Ria Patterson was united in wedlock with Herbert Scheuren. Circa 2007, they dwelled in Philadelphia.

Daughter Gertrude Myrtle "Trudy" White (1942- ? ) was born in 1942. She wedded David Houghton ( ? - ? ). Gertrude was a member of the Wampum Methodist Church and its Women's Society of Christian Service. In the early 1960s, the Houghtons made a home in Texas, but returned to Wampum in about 1964. Circa 1975, they dwelled in Wampum. Gertrude was approved by the Ellwood City Area School Board in 1976 as a full-time substitute teacher. A year later, in 1977, she was named as a municipal auditor of the Borough of Wampum.

~ Daughter Elizabeth Valerie "Libby" (Pratton) Beust ~ 

Daughter Elizabeth Valerie "Libby" Pratton (1914-2007) was born on June 1, 1914 in Fayette City. 

She married Vernon Lee Beust (1903-1990) on July 6, 1935, when she was 21, and he was 32. There was an 11-year difference in their ages.

They had two daughters, Bonnie Lee Beust and Lynn Diann Beust. 

Circa 1944-1995, Elizabeth resided in Poughkeepsie, NY. 

Vernon is believed to have died at the age of 86 on April 3, 1990.

Elizabeth survived him by 17 years. She passed away on Jan. 10, 2007, at the age of 92.

Daughter Bonnie Lee Beust (1936- ? ) was born in 1936.

Daughter Lynn Diann Beust (1952- ? ) was born in about 1952.

~ Daughter Mary Viola (Pratton) Uram ~ 

Daughter Mary Viola Pratton (1916-1995) was born on Nov. 14, 1916 in Manifold, Washington County. 

Viola married Harry Uram, Jr. (1912-1993), also a native of Manifold, and the son of Harry and Mary (Kecs) Uram Sr. The wedding was held on March 31, 1933, when Viola was age 17, and Harry 21.

Their four children were Harry H. Uram, David J. Uram, Judith Setto and George Uram.

Viola was a nurse, employed at Canonsburg General Hospital and later at the Washington County Health Center. She also served as a Democratic committeewoman for the Third Ward of Canonsburg. 

Harry "spent most of his life in Canonsburg, where he was a member of St. John the Baptist Russian Orthodox Church," said the Washington Observer Reporter. "He was a registered plumber and a member of Plumbing Local 27 of Pittsburgh. [He] was a member of the Russian Brotherhood Organization, the Labor Temple and the Canonsburg Sportsmen Association."

Harry passed away on Aug. 6, 1993, after six decades of marriage. He was survived by 12 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. At the time, all of his adult children lived in Canonsburg.

Viola died on Jan. 29, 1995, at the age of 79. Burial was in Oak Spring Cemetery.

Son Harry H. Uram (1934-2006) was born July 29, 1934 in Canonsburg. He marred Loretta E. Espy (1938-2016) on April 23, 1960, when he was age 26 and she 21. They had one daughter, Rhonda Lea Uram. Harry as employed for two decades as a crane operator for Taylor-Wilson Manufacturing of McKees Rocks, near Pittsburgh. He also was a member of the South Canonsburg Church, Canonsburg Fire Department and, like his father, the Labor Temple and Russian Club. In addition, he served with the Pennsylvania National Guard. Loretta graduated from the Presbyterian Hospital School of Nursing in Pittsburgh and went on to a four-decade career as a nurse in the Washington Hospital operating room. The family enjoyed vacations to the shore, with a special love for Lake Erie and Ocean City, MD. Harry died at age 72 in Washington Hospital on Nov. 16, 2006, with burial following in Forest Lawn Cemetery in McMurray. Loretta survived for about a decade as a widow. She died in UPMC-Mercy Hospital in Pittsburgh at the age of 78 on July 16, 2016. An obituary was published in the Washington Observer-Reporter.

Son David J. Uram married Judy and lived in Canonsburg. 

Son George Uram married Earlene and resided in Canonsburg. 

Daughter Judith Uram wed William Setto and they made their home in Canonsburg.

~ Son William Quinton Pratton ~ 

Son William Quinton Pratton (1918-1993) was born on Oct. 20, 1918 in Fayette City, the youngest of 11 siblings. 

He was twice-wed. On Sept. 3, 1936, at Canonsburg, William entered into marriage with his first bride, Alice Mae Gossett (1922- ? ). She was the daughter of Morris Gossett of Grace Avenue Extension. Their nuptials were conducted at the Souith Canonsburg Church, by the hand of Rev. Evelyn H. Kemper, and only immediate relatives present.

The Prattons are known to have resided in 1942 on Third Street in Houston, Washington County, PA. 

The first marriage produced two sons -- William M. Pratton and Joseph Henry Pratton.

Grief enveloped the young family on Nov. 11, 1942, when son Joseph was stillborn at Canonsburg General Hospital. An examining physician noted that the cause of death was "atresia" (a blockage or closure) of the trachea breathing passage. The tender remains were placed into eternal sleep in Oak Spring Cemetery in Canonsburg.

William joined the U.S. Marines during World War II. While in training in Oklahoma, he received word of the death of his father. In time he was deployed to the South Pacific Theatre.     

He was pictured in a wartime newspaper article, seen here, saying his "assault group landed on the western Okinawa coast, close on the heels of the Infantry, and moved 1,200 yards inland where they established operations on the site of the former Jap bomber strip at Yontan airport." 

While in the service, he enjoyed writing thoughtful letters to relatives back home, among them his cousin, Wilbert "Bic" Horstman. 

The couple initially made a separation in their marriage on July 19, 1943.

In an ironic twist, on D-Day, June 6, 1944, William published a notice in the Canonsburg Daily Notes, saying he would not be responsible for any debts contracted by anyone other than himself . Just six days later, Alice filed for divorce, having moved to 349 Grace Avenue Extension in Chartiers Township, citing "cruel and barbarous treatment." News of the case was printed in the Daily Notes.  

After the war's end, William returned home to Houston. His address at that time was 303 Vercheck Drive in the community's Boon Terrace. 

The couple was unable to work out their differences, and in August 1948 they separated again, with Alice moving to Niagara Falls, NY. In September 1950, William sued for divorce on grounds of desertion. He was granted the divorce in April 1952 in Washington County court.   

Sometime before 1957, William married a second time to Shirley R. Bonzo (1923-1997), daughter of Ruth Bonzo. Shirley brought a stepdaughter into the marriage, Carole (McGee) Tyre.

One daughter born to the pair was Susan Denise Pratton. 

The Prattons appear to have moved to Ellwood City, PA, where William earned a living as a welder for a manufacturing company. They attended the Episcopalian church. 

In 1966, they relocated to Bradenton, FL, where they spent the remainder of their lives together. William held memberships in the Palmetto post of the American Legion and the Campbell post of the Veterans of Foreign Wars in Bradenton.

The family again was plunged into mourning at the tragic automobile accident death of daughter Susan, at age 16, in July 1974.

William died at home in Palmetto on Dec. 30, 1993, at the age of 75. An obituary in the Bradenton (FL) Herald said there would be no visitation or funeral services.

Shirley lived for another four years. She passed away in 1997.

Son William M. Pratton (1938- ? ) was born in 1938. Circa 1974, he lived in Canada, and in 1994 is known to have resided in St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada.

Daughter Susan Pratton (1957-1974) was born on Christmas Eve 1957 in Ellwood City, PA. In girlhood she moved with her parents to Bradenton, FL and was a student at Palmetto High School. At the age of 16, on the fateful day of July 26, 1974, while a front-seat passenger riding with two friends driving to buy stone crabs for dinner, their vehicle collided with a truck at the intersection of 75th Street West and Manatee Avenue. She was badly injured when impaled on the car's gear shift and was pronounced dead on arrival at Blake Memorial Hospital. A grisly photograph of her being removed from the wreckage was printed in the Bradenton Herald, which said that marijuana had been involved in the accident. The Tampa Bay Times published a moving article about the struggles she had with her parents, and rebellious nature as she had become a teenager, entitled "A Late Baby, Their Only Baby... and Now She's Gone." 

Copyright © 2000, 2002, 2005-2006, 2008, 2010, 2015, 2019, 2021, 2022 Mark A. Miner