Parley P. Pratt, a prominent early Latter-day Saint, was born on April 12, 1807, in Burlington, New York. Skilled in various trades, from farming to teaching, to barrel-making, Parley was a jack of all trades. He married Thankful Halsey. Spiritual devotion played a significant role in Parley's life. He joined the Reformed Baptist Society, where his religious zeal led him to serve as a traveling preacher.1
While traveling as a preacher, he met a man who had in his possession a book, the Book of Mormon. Parley's interaction with this individual and the book piqued his curiosity, and he began reading it. As he delved into the pages of the Book of Mormon, Parley found himself increasingly drawn to its teachings, and he became convinced of its truthfulness. Driven by this newfound belief, Parley journeyed to Palmyra, New York, where he decided to commit himself fully to the Church of Christ, and was baptized in the waters of Seneca Lake.2 Embracing his faith, Parley carried on to Fayette, where he had the profound opportunity to meet Joseph Smith, the founder of the LDS Church. He was soon called to serve a mission to the Lamanites.3 He and his brother, Orson Pratt, would later become Apostles.4
