Parley Parker Pratt (1807-1857) - Find a Grave Memorial

Faithful Apostle and missionary of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Elder Pratt left his home and property to search out the Everlasting Gospel, finding a copy of the Book of Mormon, having no desire to eat or sleep for three days he read and testified of it the remainder of his life.
In the autumn of 1856, Elder Pratt left Salt Lake City with a company of missionaries, and crossed the plains. That winter he labored in St. Louis, Philadelphia, New York and other cities in the East. In the spring of 1857, he was in Arkansas. While there he attempted to assist a Mrs. Hector H. McLean, who was a member of the Church, to obtain possession of her children, she having separated from her husband because of drunkenness and cruelty. McLean accused Elder Pratt of alienating the affections of his wife and attempting to abduct the children. A trial was held, and Elder Pratt was acquitted of the charge. Shortly afterwards, as he was journeying from Van Buren County where the court was held, intending to join an immigrant company for Utah, he was overtaken by McLean who plunged a bowie knife in his side. After Elder Pratt had fallen from his horse, McLean shot him with a pistol. The assassin was never punished for the foul deed. In this manner died one of the greatest expounders of the Mormon faith. His writings and poetry survive and have done much to bring many to a knowledge of the Gospel.

Bio by: John J