CSA 11, 10¢ blue leaning to milky blue (large to huge margins all around) tied MONTGOMERY ALA AUG 2 circular datestamp on clean cover to Mrs. Merrill E. Pratt Prattville Ala. Very Fine+. Ex Paul Boschung. $130.

MERRILL E. PRATT (1828-1891) a native of Temple, N. H., was born to Edward and Dorcas (Pevey) Pratt, the former a brother of Daniel. The father died when Merrill E. was a little boy. Merrill E. received a sound, but somewhat limited education at the north, and when about fourteen years old went south and made his home with his uncle, with whom he later became associated in the cotton-gin works. On the demise of Daniel Pratt, he fell heir to half the estate at Prattville, and assumed charge of the gin factory, later purchasing the interest of Mrs. DeBardeleben therein and becoming sole proprietor, which he continued to successfully conduct until his death. He, like his uncle, was a man of extraordinary business ability. He once served in the state legislature and was a Knight Templar, advanced degree.