Utah Musician Goes To His Rest
Prof. Orson Pratt Passes Away at The Home of His Son Arthur in Ogden
Had Been Ill For Some Time
Was an Old Resident of Salt Lake and A Leading Spirit in His Profession
A distinct loss in musical circles of this city and state was occasioned by the death yesterday morning at the home of his son, Arthur E., in Ogden, of Prof. Orson Pratt, one of the foremost musicians of this community. The deceased had been in poor health for several months and went to Ogden some weeks ago on a visit, in the hope that the change would be of some benefit. But it was not so as he gradually grew worse until death relieved him at the time indicated. The cause of death was general debility.
Orson Pratt was the oldest son of the late Apostle Orson Pratt, one of the early Church leaders and was born in Kirtland, Ohio, July 11, 1837, being, therefore, in his sixty-seventh year. His early training in music he received in England, whither he journeyed with his parents when a mere boy. His instructors were among the very best in Europe, and when he returned home he engaged in his profession and soon became recognized as one of the leading men in his line in this region. From him some of our present musicians received their first lessons in piano and harmony. Prof. Pratt was also a student of art and literature and did much to raise the prevailing standard in these lines. By those with whom he was associated, he will be sorely missed, as well as by all who recognized his rare talents.
Prof. Pratt leaves a widow, who is the daughter of the late Judge Snow, two sons, Arthur E. and Ernest L., two daughters, Miss Gertrude Pratt and Mrs. George R. Greenwood of Beaver, and three younger brothers, Arthur, Laron, and Harmel, and a sister Mrs. Taylor.
The funeral was private and was held at 3 p.m. today from the home of his son, Ernest Pratt, 24 C street, this city.
[Deseret News, Dec. 7, 1903, 10]
[transcribed and proofread by David Grow, Jan. 2006]
***********
Death of Prof. Orson Pratt.
Succombs Yesterday to Illness at Residence of His Son.
The Remains Are Taken to Salt Lake Today for Interment.
Professor Orson Pratt, the father of Arthur E. Pratt, the well-known Ogden attorney, died at his son’s residence yesterday morning, where he has been visiting for several weeks. For some months past Mr. Pratt’s health has been failing and during the past two weeks he has been confined to his bed, where he gradually sank until the end came yesterday morning. Prof. Pratt was born in Kirtland, Ohio, sixty-seven years ago, and for more than fifty years he has been a resident of Utah. He was the oldest child of Apostle Orson Pratt, and when quite young he went to England to study music. He later returned to Utah and was one of the foremost musical instructors of the State. As a teacher of the piano and harmony he has attained unbounded success and some of the best musicians of the younger generation of the State have been numbered among the pupils of this well-known musician.
Prof. Pratt leaves a widow and two sons and two daughters, who are Arthur E. and Ernest L., Miss Gertrude and Mrs. George B. Greenwood of Beaver, also three younger brothers and a sister.
The remains were taken to Salt Lake City this morning in charge of Undertaker E.A. Larkin. The funeral will be private and will be held today at 3 p.m. from the residence of Ernest L. Pratt.
[Ogden Standard Examiner, Dec. 7, 1903]
[transcribed and proofread by David Grow, Aug. 2006]
***********
Utah State News.
Professor Orson Pratt, the oldest child of Apostle Orson Pratt, and who has lived in Utah for fifty years, being one of the foremost musical instructors of the state, died at the home of his son in Ogden on the 6th.
[Eastern Utah Advocate, Dec. 10, 1903]
[transcribed and proofread by David Grow, Jan. 2006]