Provo Mourns Death of Moroni L. Pratt
Was Born in Nauvoo, son of Parley P. Pratt—Lived Active and Useful Life
Provo, April 9—Moroni L. Pratt, son of Parley P. and Mary Ann Pratt, died at his home in the First ward yesterday afternoon, following illness of several months from an intestinal disorder. Mr. Pratt was born in Nauvoo, Ill., Dec. 6, 1844, and came to Utah with his parents in 1852.
He lived in various parts of the state but principally in Salt Lake, till 26 years ago when he moved to Provo, which has since been the home of the family. His wife, Mrs. Caroline Beebe Pratt, to whom he was married in 1870, died March 7, of this year.
Mr. Pratt is survived by the following children: Mrs. H.M. Warner, of Driggs, Idaho; Mrs. D.H. Thomas, of Salt Lake; Mrs. Andrew Anderson, of Provo; Irving L. Pratt of American Fork; Lester M. Pratt of Kemmemer, Wyoming; Parley P. Pratt of Rexburg, Idaho; Thornley O. and Karl M., both of Los Angeles, 20 grandchildren, and numerous relatives in many parts of the state.
Mr. Pratt was active in the work of developing the state. He made several trips to the Missouri river for immigrants, and was an Indian war veteran, holding prominent office in the organization. He filled a mission to the New England states in the late 60’s and in 1884 to Great Britain. He took an active part in Church work at home and was for m many years, and till lately when his health began to fail, a member of the high council of the Utah stake, and was earnest and active in all Church work. He was a kindly, sympathetic man and generally beloved for his many good qualities.
The funeral will be held in the Provo tabernacle Friday at 1 p.m.
[Deseret News, Apr. 9, 1913, 10]
[transcribed and proofread by David Grow, Jan. 2006]
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Moroni L. Pratt Dies
Pioneer Prominent in Church and Civic Affairs Ends Long Career
Provo, April 9—Moroni L. Pratt died at his home here yesterday afternoon, following an illness of three months. Mr. Pratt was a son of the late Apostle Parley P. Pratt and Mary Ann Frost, and was born at Nauvoo, Ill., December 7, 1844. He came to Utah with his parents in the summer of 1852, and lived at Pleasant Grove, Mount Pleasant and Salt Lake before finally settling at Provo in December, 1887.
Mr. Pratt’s wife died twelve days before her husband.
Mr. Pratt held many important positions in the Mormon church. Among these was that of member of the high council of Utah stake for many years. He filled two missions in early life, the first to the New England states in the late sixties, and the second to Great Britain from 1884 to 1886. He was a member of the state board of Indian war commissioners, which position he held during the existence of his commission, and assisted in compiling the records of the veterans of the Indian wars of the state, and was active in the state organization of these veterans, holding the post of adjutant general. He was chaplain of the senate in the first state legislature, and his father chaplain of the first territorial legislature. Mr. Pratt was president of the board of education of Provo City.
He is survived by the following sons and daughters: Mrs. H.M. Warner, Driggs, Ida.; Irving L. Pratt, American Fork; Mrs. D.H. Thomas, Salt Lake; Mrs. Andrew Anderson, Provo; Lester M. Pratt, Kemmerer, Wyo.; Parley P. Pratt, Rexburg, Ida.; T.O. Pratt and Karl M. Pratt, both of Los Angeles, and twenty grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held Friday afternoon at 1 o’clock in the stake tabernacle at Provo under the direction of the bishopric of the First ward.
[Journal History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Feb. 8, 1913, 4]
[Herald Republican, Apr. 10, 1913]
[transcribed and proofread by David Grow, Apr. 2006]
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Impressive Funeral for Moroni L. Pratt
Indian War Veterans Attend in Body—Speakers Eulogize Deceased—
Messages of Condolence
Provo, April 12—Impressive funeral services were held yesterday afternoon in the stake tabernacle for Moroni L. Pratt. The Indian war veterans attended in a body. They accompanied the remains from the residence to the tabernacle and had seats on the speaker’s stand. The stand was draped in white and decorated with plants and flowers and floral offerings covered the casket. Bishop Jos. A. Buttle, of the First ward, presided. The following speakers addressed the congregation: Bishop Buttle, who referred to the circumstances that Mr. and Mrs. Pratt had passed away so nearly at the same time, and spoke of the love and devotion of the two to each other and their faithfulness and integrity. Bishop Buttle spoke of the promise of the resurrection, and the reward of the faithful of which the departed were sure, and the joy awaiting the just in eternal reunion with the loved ones gone before.
Elder Able John Evans, of Lehi, spoke of long association with the deceased in Church duties, and of his benevolence and charity. Elder Evans referred to the hospitality and good will, always extended by Mr. and Mrs. Pratt, expressing gratitude that he had been their friend.
President Joseph B. Kesler testified to the truth of the words of praise that had been spoken for the deceased. The speaker had always found Elder Pratt to be a man of God; always desirous of knowing and understanding the right, and determined to do the right; always active in matters pertaining to the welfare of the community, and influenced in his life by the spirit of the Lord, which caused his acts to be for good, and along the course of righteousness. President Kesler spoke of the two influences, one for good and one for evil, which shapes the acts of men and women, and will determine their rewards and punishments.
Elder James E. Talmage, of the Council of the Twelve, expressed in behalf of the First Presidency, their condolence and sympathy and especially had President A.H. Lund and also President F.M. Lyman and Elder Heber J. Grant, of the Council of the Twelve, asked that he convey words of condolence, sympathy and love. Elder Talmage spoke of the lesson conveyed by the passing away of a brother or sister. Nothing that might be said could affect those who had departed; their future was left with God. Life was likened to an absence from home, the close of which, if the end comes at the right time in the right way, means to be called home in honor and to a glorious reunion—when it comes as a call from the Father—and is not a victory of the power of evil. Elder Talmage spoke of the work that may be prepared and waiting for Elder Pratt on the other side. Death is not an accident; it is as much a part of the eternal plan as birth. The blessing of death as released from mortal limitation and the continuance of eternal progress was portrayed, showing the stage through which we are passing to be a necessary one. Therefore occasions of death are of more importance to the living than to the dead, in causing those who remain to determine to act their part with honor and be prepared when the time for their departure comes.
A telegram of condolence from Milando Pratt, cousin of the deceased, of Salt Lake, who was prevented by illness from attending, was read.
The opening prayer was offered by Elder J.E. Booth and the benediction by Elder C.D. Glazier.
The tabernacle choir rendered beautiful vocal selections, and the I.W.V. comrades, led by George Harrison, rendered a funeral selection from their song manual; a duet was rendered by Miss Elizabeth Evans and Prof. J.R. Boshard.
[Journal History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Apr. 11, 1913, 2]
[Deseret News, Apr. 12, 1913]
[transcribed and proofread by David Grow, Apr. 2006]
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