Parley P. Pratt papers, 1841-1895

Overview of the Collection

Creator
Pratt, Parley P. (Parley Parker), 1807-1857
Title
Parley P. Pratt papers
Dates
1841-1895 (inclusive)
Quantity
2.5 linear feet, (1 oversize box)
Collection Number
MS 0014
Summary
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.
Repository
University of Utah Libraries, Special Collections
Special Collections, J. Willard Marriott Library
University of Utah
295 South 1500 East
Salt Lake City, UT
84112-0860

Telephone: 8015818863
special@library.utah.edu
Access Restrictions

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.

Languages
English

Historical NoteReturn to Top

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.

Content DescriptionReturn to Top

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.

Use of the CollectionReturn to Top

Restrictions on 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.

Preferred Citation

Collection Name, Collection Number, Box Number, Folder Number. Special Collections, J. Willard Marriott Library, The University of Utah.

Administrative InformationReturn to Top

Processing Note

Processed by Lisa DeMille in 2002.

Detailed Description of the CollectionReturn to Top

Container(s) Description Dates
Box Folder
1 1-4 Correspondence
These folders contain photocopied versions for access purposes. 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.
Folder 1 contains the following correspondence:
  • Parley P. Pratt to "Dear Belinda," 1 OCT 1845
  • Parley P. Pratt to "Dear Belinda," 14 OCT 1845
  • Parley P. Pratt to "Dear Lambs," 21 NOV 1846
  • [Parley P. Pratt] to "My Dear Lambs," 21 NOV 1846 [partial letter]
  • Parley P. Pratt to "My Dear Lambs," 29 NOV 1846
Folder 2 contains the following correspondence:
  • Parley P. Pratt to "My Dear Lambs," 26 DEC 1846
  • John Murdock and C. W. Wandell to "Dear Bro. Pratt," 15 NOV 1851
  • Parley P. Pratt to "My Dear Belinda," 23 AUG 1854
  • Parley P. Pratt to "Dear Mary," 21 SEP 1854
Folder 3 contains the following correspondence:
  • Parley P. Pratt to "My Dear Family," 16 APR 1855
  • [Parley P. Pratt] to "Dear Belinda," 16 MAY 1855 [partial letter]
  • Parley P. Pratt to "My Dear Belinda," 6 JAN 1856
  • Parley P. Pratt to "My Dear Family," 16 FEB 1857
Folder 3 contains the following correspondence:
  • Parley P. Pratt to "Dear B.," 4 SEP
 1845-1857
1 5 Parley P. Pratt family record book
The book records births, deaths, marriages and baptisms. This folder contains a photocopied version for access purposes. The original item has been removed and placed in Reserve. Access must be given by the Manuscripts Curator and by appointment. An archivist must remain with the item if being used.
1 6 Page from missionary journal, "Where are the Keys to the Kingdom of God" discourse, blessing, and funeral directions
This folder contains photocopied versions for access purposes. 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.
1841-1885
1 7 Journal of Ann Agatha Walker Pratt
This folder contains a photocopied version for access purposes. The original item has been removed and placed in Reserve. Access must be given by the Manuscripts Curator and by appointment. An archivist must remain with the item if being used.
1894
1 8 Belinda Marden Pratt, journal and record book
Part of the book contains journal writings, while the other part contains accounting expenses. This folder contains photocopied versions for access purposes. 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.
1870-1880
1 9 Nephi Pratt, biography and correspondence
The correspondence in this folder includes the following: Nephi Pratt to "Dear Little Hannah" (1873) and Nephi Pratt to "Dear Neph" (1895). Included is a 2 page biographical sketch. This folder contains photocopied versions for access purposes. 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.
1873-1895
1 10 Records, diagram, name list
This folder includes a handwritten agreement (1882), between family members, to maintain a family record; Salt Lake land deed (circa 1872); "Plan of Salvation" diagram; and a list of names. This folder contains photocopied versions for access purposes. 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.
1872-1882
1 11 Family history scrapbook [photocopy]
This folder contains genealogical charts, biographical sketches, news clippings and photographs regarding the Pratt family. The archives does not have the original materials located in this folder, only photocopies.

Names and SubjectsReturn to Top

Subject Terms

  • Latter Day Saint churches--History--19th century--Sources
  • Latter Day Saints--Apostles

Finding aid created by Lisa DeMille
2002 (last modified: 2019)

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