Parley P. Pratt papers

Collection

Identifier: MS 0014

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The Parley P. Pratt papers (1841-1895) contain correspondence as well as personal and family records of Pratt. Journals and correspondence of some of his wives and children are also in the collection. A list of Pratt family names and a family history scrapbook are included.

Dates

1841-1895

Creator

Pratt, Parley P. (Parley Parker), 1807-1857 (Person)

Conditions Governing Access

Twenty-four hour advanced notice encouraged. Materials must be used on-site. Access to parts of this collection may be restricted under provisions of state or federal law.

All the original items have been removed and placed in Reserve. Access must be given by the Manuscripts Curator and by appointment. An archivist must remain with the items if being used. Photocopies are available in the collection for research use.

Conditions Governing Use

The library does not claim to control copyright for all materials in the collection. An individual depicted in a reproduction has privacy rights as outlined in Title 45 CFR, part 46 (Protection of Human Subjects). For further information, please review the J. Willard Marriott Library’s Use Agreement and Reproduction Request forms.

Biographical Sketch

Parley Parker Pratt (1802-1857) was born in New York state. During the Second Great Awakening he felt a need to become a Christian missionary. He soon encountered the new LDS movement and became a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He carried his missionary zeal into his new faith and later became an apostle in the LDS Church. He served several missions including missions in Canada, Britain, the Pacific Islands, and Chile. When the Saints moved to Utah he explored some of the surrounding areas and later built a toll road where I-80 runs today. He had a large family after joining the practice of polygamy and eventually had twelve wives and twenty-nine children. While returning from a mission in the Eastern States, he was murdered in 1857 in the state of Arkansas.

Extent

2.5 Linear Feet (1 oversize box)

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

The Parley P. Pratt papers (1841-1895) contain correspondence as well as personal and family records of Pratt and his family. Parley P. Pratt was an early convert to the LDS Church and later an apostle.