This out-of-the-way cemetery on the grounds of the University of Alabama predates the Civil War. It contains the remains of Reverend Horace Southworth Pratt and his family. Rev. Pratt moved to St. Mary’s, Georgia, in 1821 to pastor the First Presbyterian Church. Before moving to Tuscaloosa, he initiated the construction of Orange Hall in St. Mary's, Georgia. From the Orange Hall Foundation:
"Horace Southworth Pratt, a graduate of Yale University and the Princeton Theological Seminary arrived in St. Marys around 1820 as a young missionary and soon thereafter helped to organize the First Presbyterian Church. The purchased property was conveniently located across from the church and was therefore an ideal location for Pratt to establish a home for himself and his young family. His plans however were interrupted by the sudden death of his wife and father-in-law in 1829. He remarried and after much internal debate made the decision to remain in St. Marys. Proceeding with inheritance from his deceased wife’s family, Pratt employed a Massachusetts builder named Isaac Slayton to construct his new home. Once again, however circumstance would prevent him from completing his plan. A few years prior, the University of Alabama had attempted to recruit Pratt to join their faculty. At the time he had given a “qualified promise” to accept the position if a more experienced candidate could not be found. It was only after considerable time passed and thinking that he would not be required to accept that Pratt proceeded with the construction of his residence. The University ultimately demanded he honor his earlier promise and as a man of his word Pratt reluctantly left St. Marys and his home which was in the final stages of completion.
Although Pratt retained ownership of the property when he left town, less than two years later in 1840, he fell sick and died during travel between Tuscaloosa and St. Marys." He is buried in Fulton County, Georgia.
As you can see, the dates on the stones do not correspond to those listed for the professor in historic records I've found, so I'm guessing this Horace Pratt could be the grave marker for the professor's son who was a student at the university. I really do not know; I just think it's interesting.
I also find it interesting that Orange Hall and the University President's Mansion have similar features. I wonder if Pratt had anything to do with its design.
But Professor Pratt isn't the only interesting aspect of this cemetery. Unmarked and unacknowledged for many years, this site also contains the remains of two African American slaves owned by university faculty. The nearby plaque was placed in 2004 to bring attention to the University’s role in allowing and disseminating slavery in Alabama, particularly on the campus itself, and to honor those men and women whose toil helped to build the University of Alabama.
There is no need to disturb any landscaping. Please be respectful of this area. I would recommend visiting this site during the week after 5 pm or on weekends (but not gameday Saturdays, obviously).