Phillip John PRATER was born about 1750 in Frederick County, Maryland. He is believed to be the son of Philomen Gittens and Margery Hunt PRATER. Phillip moved with his parents and siblings to North Carolina sometime between 1756 and 1761. They lived in Orange County, North Carolina for at least 4 years (1761-1765). In that time period Orange County included parts of several counties of central North Carolina. Guilford County was part of Orange and Rowan Counties until 1771. Phillip married Susannah "Susan" HUBBARD on July 16, 1776 in Guilford County, North Carolina. Susan was born about 1757 in North Carolina. Soon after their marriage they moved to Laurens County, Ninety-six District, North Carolina. They had three children born before Phillip served in the Revolutionary War: John PRATER, Phillip J. PRATER and Sarah "Sally" PRATER.
Phillip served as a private for 8 Months and 12 days in a Company of Laurens County Militia, commanded by Captain Robert MAXWELL. According to a statement given by Susan she and the children had to hide from the Torey and the British. After the war they moved to Pickens County, Pendleton District, South Carolina. They had the following children after the war: Thomas PRATHER, Mary Ann "Polly" PRATER, William M. PRATER, Jeremiah PRATER, Aaron PRATER, Josiah PRATER and Joseph PRATER.
In 1790 and 1791 Phillip received 1,421 acres through 4 warrants due to his service in the War. He died sometime in 1798 in Pendleton District, South Carolina. His will was recorded on September 17, 1798. Susan lived with her son Jeremiah in Pickens District, South Carolina. She did not die until September 9, 1848 in Pickens District.