Son of Orson Pratt and Sarah Marinda Bates

Married Agnes Ellen Caine, 25 Dec 1872, Salt Lake City, Salt Lake, Utah

Arthur Pratt Dies After Eventful Life As Public Official

Was Former Chief of Police And Warden of State Prison.

Arthur Pratt, 66 years old, for a number of years warden of the Utah state penitentiary, and formerly chief of the Salt Lake police force, died at the residence, 215 Douglas avenue, at 2:20 a.m. today. Mr. Pratt had been in ill health for some weeks past and recently returned with his wife from California. His condition was not considered serious and his death came as a distinct shock to his family and friends.

Born in Salt Lake city, March 12, 1853, Mr. Pratt was the son of the late Apostle Orson Pratt and Sarah Bates Pratt. He was educated in the schools of the city and was graduated from the University of Utah under Dr. John R. Park. For a number of years he was chief deputy United States marshal under Marshals Michael Shaughnessy and Frank dyer. He was a skilled chess player and won considerable renown along this line, at one time, in collaboration with his brothers, Orson Pratt, Jr., and Harmel Pratt, and Joseph Barnett, beating Herr Zukertort, champion chess player of the world. At the time that Kelly's army started east from California, Arthur Pratt commanded the forces which halted the industrials at the Davis county line. He was also territorial auditor for several years. Since his retirement as warden of the state prison, he had been chief special agent of the Oregon Short Line at Pocatello.

Mr. Pratt married Miss Agnes Caine, daughter of the late Congressman John T. Caine, who survives him. Five children were born to them and of these Mrs. Arthur E. Lennon, Chester Pratt, Harmel Pratt and James Pratt survive. The oldest son, Arthur Pratt Jr., died several years ago.

Deseret News, Mar. 20, 1919

Pratt Obsequies to Be Held Next Sunday

Prison Warden's Death Ends Life of Long Public Service in Utah

Funeral services for Arthur Pratt, former warden of the Utah state prison, who died early yesterday morning, will be held at the home of George D. Alder, 55 First avenue, on Sunday. Announcements of the time and of further arrangements will be made later.

Mr. Pratt's death closed a life of almost continuous public service in the state from early territorial days until he ended his term as warden of the state prison in 1917. He was born on March 12, 1853, a son of the late Apostle Orson Pratt and Sarah M. Bates Pratt. He was educated in the schools of the city and at the state university.

One of his first ventures was the direction of the stage line from Salt Lake to the then new mining camp of Ploche. He subsequently served the territory as deputy United States marshal, under Marshal Michael Shaughnessy and Frank Dyer. It was through his association with these men that he gained his first experience in criminology, of which he was late to become a nationally-known authority.

Governor Eli Murray appointed him territorial auditor of public accounts in 1886. His office was contested and he did not actually assume the duties until four years later, when the supreme court upheld the legality of his and other appointments. Mr. Pratt first took charge of what is now the Utah state prison in 1886, when it was still under the federal government.

For a time he was chief of police of Salt Lake, leaving that office in 1897. His second experience with the penitentiary came when he was appointed warden in 1904. He served there continuously until 1917, when he became chief special agent of the Oregon Short Line. National recognition was accorded his work by his selection as president of the American Prison congress for the 1916-1917 term. His election to this office came as a result of his many years of leadership in his chosen field

Devoted chiefly to his work, Mr. Pratt had little leisure. And this leisure he spent principally at fishing, hunting and chess. At this latter game, with his brothers, Orson Pratt, Jr., and Harmel Pratt, and Joseph Barnett, he defeated the world champion of the day, Herr Zukertort. Mr. Pratt's most favored fishing and hunting resort was the North Fork club on the Snake river.

Mr. Pratt married Agnes E. Caine on December 25, 1872. She was a daughter of John T. Caine, territorial secretary and for many years delegate to congress. She is a sister of Joseph E. Caine, now of Oakland, Cal., formerly secretary of the local Commercial club, and of John T. Caine III of Logan, and Charles Caine of Salt Lake. Besides the widow, Mr. Pratt is survived by the following children: C.C. Pratt, H.L. Pratt, James B. Pratt and Mrs. H.E. Lennon, all of this city.

Journal History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Mar. 20, 1919, 4; Salt Lake Tribune, Mar. 21, 1919

Passing Events

Arthur Pratt, born Salt Lake City, March 12, 1853, and son of the late Elder Orson Pratt of the Council of the Twelve, and Sarah Bates, died in Salt Lake City, Utah, March 20, 1919. He was educated in the city schools and graduated from the University of Utah, under Doctor John R. Park. He was for a number of years chief deputy United States marshal, under Frank Dyer. He was also territorial auditor for a number of years. For a number of years he was warden of the Utah state penitentiary. His widow, Agnes Caine Pratt, daughter of the late Congressman John T. Caine, and five children survive him.

Improvement Era, 1919