Beneath the grounds of Evergreen Cemetery 80,000 stories are waiting to be told. Many of those secrets are easily discovered. Others take a little bit more digging and may prove more elusive than we planned.While researching burials during the 1930's, I discovered Charles H. Pratt who died in 1930. He is buried with his son, Eugene Pratt who died in 1939. Eugene Pratt served during WWI and has a Veterans stone.
His father, who rests behind him also served in the military, but unfortunately is
unmarked.
Charles H. Pratt enlisted on March 12, 1875 and was discharged on April 6th, 1881. He served in the 10th US Cavalry. What makes Mr. Pratt so unique and so special is he was a Buffalo Soldier. Sharing the history of the Buffalo Soldiers has been an integral part of Evergreen Cemetery Benevolent Society events for many years. Each Memorial Day the local 10th US Cavalry Buffalo Soldiers pay tribute to George H. Mason, who served during the Spanish American War.
To obtain a headstone for Mr. Pratt, proof of his service must be documented. The NARA (National Archives Records Administration) requests detailed documentation. Colorado Veterans Grave Registration was submitted, however, it is not considered the necessary information needed to prove his military service. After speaking with numerous sources both in Colorado as well as in Washington DC, and running into brick walls, we are sharing this story , in hopes, a descendant of Mr. Pratt, will be able to provide the necessary information we need to be able to place a VA marker on his grave.
Following is the Pratt Family information.
Charles H. Pratt DOB 1858 Maryland. He is listed as a Mulatto- he worked as a barber in a local hotel
Bettie Pratt (wife) was born in Missouri in 1865-she is listed as a dressmaker. Her parents were both born in Virginia.
Eugene Pratt was born in 1886 in Colorado (son)
Sarah Pratt Spouse
Eugene Pratt-Son born in 1918
Myrel Pratt was born in 1898 in Nebraska
Myrel Pratt Scott (married) was buried in 1931
Mr. Pratt and his family lived in Colorado Springs for many years.
It was our plan for this Memorial Day to honor Mr. Charles H. Pratt with an unveiling of his Veteran's Marker. He has lied unmarked for 86 years.
Please help us locate Mr. Pratt's family by sharing this story.
Please contact us via email at
evergreencemeterysociety@yahoo.com
