Three months after her wedding to Henry Brother, the mother of Civil War Marine Charles Brother was called back to Bath, New York to attend to her dying father, age 46. This was in 1827 and her brother Ira, Jr., age four, was sent to live with their neighbor and tavern owner, Mrs. Metcalf. The boy threw a fit.
Mary Ann spanked him; telling him he would not catch whatever bug was going through the house. Finally, he allowed Mrs. Metcalf to take his hand and he kicked the door shut to punctuate the matter. This woke Ira Pratt, Sr., who asked for water.
Handing back the cup, he spoke up clearly, which surprised her, making her think it was too serious a matter and too taxing, so she begged him to be still. He waved his hand as if now she was the bug going through the house. She lowered her chin.
“The boy goes to Anna,” he said, referring to his sister, Mrs. Burrage Rice, living in Prattsburgh, childless. “Don’t let him near the tavern.”
“This is just for now, nothing is set firm now, because you’re getting better.”
“No, I’m not. So, you have my clear instructions.”
And with that he fell asleep for good.
Mary Ann arranged for guardians, but it took some time to convince the boy.
When she learned that she was expecting her first child and would inherit the house, she and Henry settled into 22 West Morris Street. Ira was eventually sent to be with the Rices in the country, where he attended the Franklin Academy and later the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, surprising all with his stamina, but not his drive and determination.
Mary Ann relied heavily on the families of Finch, Dutcher, and Metcalf.
John Metcalf was still the county clerk.
Years later Mrs. Metcalf would write to Civil War Marine Charley Brother during his time at sea, sending him Waverly Magazines, the latest gossip, news of who had a bee in their bonnet or was staying at the tavern, still hopping with guests a few steps from the house on Morris Street.
Prattsburgh, Steuben County, NY 1857 (Library of Congress)