This falls under the category of Why They Came Here.  Recently, Jeanne Baldwin sent me this inquiry:

“I found your name on a list as I was looking for information about Prattville. I am researching a family that was located in Prattville in the beginning of 1903 and wondering what the community would have had to offer to a small family that had been living in San Francisco. The man was a merchant and not a miner so some business opportunity must have been made available to have him move his family to Prattville. What was Prattville like?  Do you have any thoughts about this?

“Patrick Lalor and his family ultimately settled in a rural community in El Dorado County where he lived for over 50 years.”

Thank  you for considering this, and I appreciate your time.

Jeanne Baldwin

Why people locate where they do, is a multi-pronge question. Some are obvious and others, like the writer pose, not so. Since Prattville was a small mountain resort community job opportunities were minimal and for the most part seasonal.  Since the inquirer did disclose any background information, it is mere speculation on my part as to the justification of the move. However, that is my option, and I invite readers share their views.