Parley P. Pratt (1807-1857)

Born in New York, Parley joined the Church in 1830, and then converted his brother Orson Pratt. He was one of the original members of the Quorum of the Twelve and early leaders of Mormonism, ordained in 1835. Few were as dynamic and consistent as Parley P. Pratt. He served missions in Upper Canada, converting John Taylor, and England. He edited the Church's publication, Evening and Morning Star, then migrated to Utah with the saints. He presided over missionary work in the Pacific, and was killed on another mission to Arkansas.

His numerous missionary experiences; seven months in Missouri prisons; pioneering settlements in Utah; and the development of the Deseret Alphabet all lent to his knowledge and commitment. Close to the Prophet Joseph Smith, his books are widely read today for insight into the first prophet's teachings and elucidation into several gospel principles. Elder Pratt's writing style was engaging; his emphasis in teaching LDS principles to non-Latter-day Saints was tireless; and his doctrinal knowledge was superior. He published many of the hymns we have today, along with the first missionary type book, A Voice of Warning.

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