Hon Ethan Allen Pray was a native of Killingly,
Windom [Windham???] co. Conn. Born June 15, 1813. In about 1817,
his father, Jacob Pray a native of Providence R.I. removed with his family
to cayuga caounty NY and permanently settled there. Here the subject
was reared and received a
liberal education. Soon after the conclusion of his attendance of Skaneateles Academy he began a very successful career as an instructor in the public schools. In 1839 he came to Huron county and soon after located in Fitchville township, where he remained until 1855, when he was appointed superintendent of the Huron county infirmary, a position he filled with great credit until 1861. He was then elected justice of the peace in Norwalk township and served twelve years. During the war he was elected Mayor of Norwalk. While fulfilling the duties of the office, assited in laying out many of its streets. He was admitted to the bar in 1873, and for two years held the office of city solicitor, after which he devoted himself to commercial law. After a long and valuable life, replete with deeds of kindness, Mr. Pray died in June 1895. |