Biographical Sketch of

Owen Pritchard

Transcribed by Joan Benner for the Marquette Co WI Pages



Owen Pritchard, one of the leading farmers of Green Lake County, residing 
on section 27, Manchester township, is a native of Wales. He was born in 
the month of January, 1846, and is a son of William and Laura (Hughes) 
Pritchard, whose family numbered six children, three of whom are now 
living. One child died when the fmaily were residents of Wales, the other 
two dying after the emigration to America. David at the age of twenty-one 
years, and William at the age of four. By occupation the father was a 
farmer and followed that business throughout his entire life in 
connection with the operation of a stone quarry, which he owned in his 
native land. He was a man who took great interest in his home and did all 
in his power to provide for and place them in comfortable circumstances. 
With a view to bettering his condition and providing homes for all, he 
left his native land and crossed the broad Atlantic to America, where he 
continued to pass the remainder of his days. On reaching the shores of 
this country, he came direct to Green Lake County. He procured land which 
was entirely destitute of improvements and upon which not even a furrow 
had been turned. While a house was being erected the family lived in a 
wagon and during those early days underwent many of the hardships and 
difficulties such as are incident to pioneer life. At length a log cabin 
was completed, at being situated within a few rods of where now stands 
the comfortable home of our subject. Mr. Pritchard had already entered 
sixty acres of land and shortly afterward purchased ninety acres adjoining
his farm then comprising 150 acres. It was indeed no small task to 
transform that wild and uncultivated tract into one of great fertility, 
but with untiring zeal the father labored on until his work was 
accomplished. His hope of procuring homes for his children was also 
fulfilled. He lived to see them all comfortably settled in life, knowing 
that they had become useful and valued citizens of the communities in 
which they resided. Henry wedded Sarah Roberts, and is now engaged in 
farming in the town of Randolph, Columbia County, Wisconsin. Richard is 
also a prosperous farmer of the same community and of Owen we will speak 
hereafter. Success attended the efforts of Mr. Pritchard and when called 
from this life he was the owner of 230 acres of land which wa shighly 
cultivated and improved. He died in 1881, at the ripe old age of seventy-
seven. He was a member of the Calvanistic Methodist Episcopal Church, to 
which his wife, who still survives him and is now making her home with 
our subject also belongs. 

The subject of this sketch has passed almost his entire life in Green 
Lake County. He was but a babe when his parents emigrated to America and 
amid the scenes of this then wild and uncultivated region he was reared 
to manhood, receiving his education in the district schools. When he had 
attained his majority he was united in marriage with Miss Laura Howell, 
their union being celebrated in 1882. The lady is a native of this county,
and to them have been born three children -- Howell, helen A. and David.

Mr. Pritchard several years prior to this father's death took charge of 
the old home farm. He is now the proud possessor of 220 acres, comprising 
one of the best farms in the county. His home is complete in all its 
arrangements. The stock which he raises, including horses, cattle, hogs 
and sheep is of good grades and his broad acres all under a high state 
of cultivation indicate his thrift and enterprise. He takes a deep 
interest in all public affairs and is well informed on the leading issues 
of the day, both political and otherwise. He is an advocate of Republican 
principles, having supported that party by his ballot and influence since 
attaining his majority. He has held various township offices, including 
that of Clerk and Town Treasurer, having occupied the latter position for 
years. He and his wife are members of the Calvanistic Church, and by their
many friends are held in high regard.






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