Industrialist. In 1836 he bought land on the Autuaga Creek in Alabama where he built a cotton gin factory, cotton mill, grist mill, woolen mill, and a foundry. The area became known as Prattville. Pratt was one of the first people to develop Alabama’s coal and iron ore mines, and he helped establish the North and South Alabama railroad. When the Civil War broke out, he supplied the “Prattville Dragoons” of the 3rd Alabama Cavalry with Confederate uniforms and bought thousands of bonds to support the South. He is also credited for creating the first free school in Alabama.  Instead of the students’ desks being placed along the walls, he set them up in rows how they are today. Pratt is nicknamed “Alabama’s First Great Industrialist”. (bio by: Heather from VA)  Family links:  Spouse:  Esther Ticknor Pratt (1803 – 1875)  Children:  Ellen Pratt DeBardeleben (1844 – 1894)* *Calculated relationship