Born at Lockport, N. Y., August 9, 1830, and was a son of Philo A. and Eliza J. (Woodward) Pritchard. In 1836 his parents moved to Washtenaw Co , Mich. Here he received an academic education, attending the "Union" schools at Ypsilanti, and afterward began the study of law. In the spring of 1857, he removed to Alden, Hardin county, and during the fall became the proprietor of the "Alden House," which he ran one year. He then removed to Hancock county, where he was admitted to the bar in 1858, and afterward practiced his profession and teaching. In 1860 he was elected clerk of the courts of this county, which office he filled for two years. He was elected a member of the State Legislature of 1864, and was soon after appointed department clerk in the interior department at Washington, D. C, but finding a clerkship was not suited to his taste, and that the chances of promotion were few, he soon after resigned, and returned to Hancock county and continued the practice of his chosen profession. In 1871, he moved back to Alden, entering into partnership with his brother, in the mercantile business.