Early Memories of Saugatuck, Michigan : 1830-1930
Author: Heath, May Francis
Publisher: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company; Grand Rapids, Mich: 1930

PROF. P. A. LATTA

Prof. Latta was native of New York — born there in 1838 — he came with his parents to Washtenaw County when a child, then to Ionia County where he became a school teacher at the age of seventeen years, but with his earnings' he was graduated from Normal school at Ypsilanti. In 1865 he went to Otsego where he was principal of the high school and for many years was county superintendent of Allegan County schools. Later he practiced law in Allegan and Holland, coming to Saugatuck in 1897 where he was superintendent fourteen years until his death in 1911.

Surviving were his wife (Margaret J. Just) and one daughter, Mrs. Walter Walsh of Holland, and one son, James A. Latta of Minneapolis, all of whom are now deceased. Two grand daughters. Mrs. Ernest Brooks and Mrs. Ruth Pierce live in Holland. Prof. Latta for many years was the dean of Allegan County teachers, the most genial of men yet a good disciplinarian, and had from his students only love and respect. Caring not to lay up treasures which moth and rust doth corrupt, he even in his last days stored his mind with the riches of literature and science and shed everywhere his refined nature. Many will remember his delightful voice in song.

Than was his, there are no kinder hearts, no sweeter souls, and few lives of greater usefulness, and his influence for good will stand for generations.