Old Times.
In conversation with Brother John Van Cott, yesterday, he informed us that he is the only living witness of the baptism of the late Apostle Orson Pratt, which event occurred 51 years ago last September 19th. He was acquainted with Elder Pratt when he was quite a young boy, several years before he joined the Church. Brother Van Cott was also present when Elder Pratt first heard the gospel preached by Parley P. Pratt and Ziba Peterson.
Elder Van Cott is himself 67 years old, hale, hearty and vigorous, being probably one of the “youngest men of his age” in Utah.
[Deseret News, Dec. 21, 1881]
[transcribed and proofread by David Grow, Sept. 2006]