Pratt, Daniel

Pratt, Daniel, 1799–1873, American industrialist, b. Temple, N.H. He moved to Georgia at the age of 20, and after he had become a partner in a cotton gin he went (1833) to Alabama, where he founded (1835) Prattville, 12 mi (17 km) NW of Montgomery. Here he built up numerous industries, promoted business, and became one of the first important industrialists of Alabama. He became interested in coal and iron industries in Birmingham. As a representative in the Alabama legislature during the Civil War, he at first opposed secession but later ardently supported the Confederacy.

The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6th ed. Copyright © 2007, Columbia University Press. All rights reserved.

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