Thomas Prentiss

Thomas Brigham Prentiss (August 29, 1809[1] – April 26, 1895) was an American-born merchant and politician in Quebec. He was mayor of Aylmer from 1878 to 1879.[2]

He was born in Chelsea, Orange County, Vermont, the son of Robert Prentiss, a blacksmith, and Susanna Wright, and was educated in Jericho, Vermont. Prentiss worked at a linen factory in Jericho and then came to Chelsea, Lower Canada in 1833. There he rented and repaired an old carding mill, which he operated for a time and also taught school. Prentiss then became a general merchant at Chelsea and also was the first postmaster there and served as a magistrate. He married Salome Brigham in 1835. In 1855, he moved to Aylmer, where he also served as magistrate. He later married Hannah Folsom Weymouth[1] after his first wife died in 1837 while giving birth. Prentiss served several terms on Aylmer city council both before and after serving as mayor. He was a founding member of the Aylmer Academy.[2]