In the county seat of Cumberland county, Illinois, Toledo, Dr. Prather was born December 22, 1866. His life was the same sort of a life as that lived by the other lads of Toledo, and he spent the days of his boyhood among the white clay hills of Cumberland county, and his primary education was received at the Cumberland county schools. After finishing there he went "off to college" and in 1891 graduated from the Northern Indiana Normal school. Returning from Indiana he taught school for a couple of years in Cumberland and Coles counties, Illinois.

He had now reached a time when it became necessary to select his life-calling, and, after a great deal of solicitous study, he settled on medicine. He matriculated at the College of Physicians and Surgeons, St. Louis, and graduated from that institution in 1896. Dr. Prather then came to Glasgow, Scott county, Illinois, and began the practice of his chosen profession.

Since coming to Scott county Dr. Prather has identified himself with all that has been for the real good and material advancement of Glasgow. He has served upon the village board and with wisdom and judgment has participated in the deliberations of that body. He has proven himself a safe man; one who looks well after the interests of his people, and among the residents of Glasgow and Scott county he is an honored and respected citizen.

May 21, 1902, Dr. Prather was married to Miss Kate B. Cumbey. He owns nice property at Glasgow, has a lucrative and growing practice, and enjoys the confidence of the people.