Louisa Barnes Pratt facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Louisa Barnes Pratt
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| Born | November 10, 1802 |
| Died | September 8, 1880 (aged 77) |
| Spouse(s) | Addison Pratt |
Louisa Barnes Pratt (November 10, 1802 – September 8, 1880) was a strong supporter of women's rights, including the right to vote, during the 1800s. She was also a missionary for the Latter-day Saint church. Her life story shows her strength and determination through many challenges.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Louisa Barnes was born in Warwick, Massachusetts, on November 10, 1802. Her parents were Willard and Dolly Barnes. When she was about five years old, she went to live with an aunt. In July 1810, her family moved to Quebec, Canada.
Louisa's family belonged to the Church of England. When she was 14, Louisa was baptized into the Episcopal Church. Soon after, she lived with a sister-in-law who taught her how to tailor clothes.
In her early twenties, Louisa returned to Massachusetts to visit family. In 1827, she enrolled in the Female Academy. There, she met Rebekah J. Pratt, who became her friend. Through Rebekah, Louisa met Rebekah's brother, Addison Pratt, who loved sailing. Louisa became a teacher in Winchester, New Hampshire.
After four years in Massachusetts and New Hampshire, Louisa went back to Canada. Addison visited her there about a year and a half later. They got married on April 3, 1831, in Canada. Soon after their wedding, they moved to Ripley, New York, near Lake Erie. They had seven children while living there.
Joining the Church
Louisa and her husband, Addison Pratt, joined the Latter-day Saint church in 1838. Louisa's sister, Caroline Crosby, and her husband, Jonathan Crosby, introduced them to the church. The Crosbys visited Louisa's home in western New York while on their way to Kirtland, Ohio.
After joining the church, Louisa and her family faced difficulties because of their new faith. They eventually moved to Nauvoo, Illinois, to be with other members of the church.
Life in Nauvoo and the Journey West
In 1843, Addison left to serve as a missionary in Polynesia. He had planned to go to Hawaii but ended up in Tahiti. Louisa stayed in Nauvoo to care for their four children. While he was away, she learned that the prophet Joseph Smith had died in 1844.
Louisa was alone but very strong. She started a school, trained her horse, and offered tailoring services to support her family. In 1846, she traveled west with her children toward Salt Lake City. On her journey, she passed through Winter Quarters.
In 1848, she traveled across the plains with Brigham Young's group. She arrived in the Salt Lake Valley and reunited with Addison eight days later. They had been apart for five and a half years. During that time, Louisa had overcome many illnesses, including cholera, malaria, scurvy, and her children's smallpox. She provided for her family and led them from Nauvoo to the Salt Lake Valley.
Missionary Work in Polynesia
In 1849, Louisa Pratt was asked to serve as a missionary in French Polynesia with her husband. Their daughters went with them on this mission. The family arrived in Tubuai in 1850.
While in Tahiti, Louisa shared her beliefs about the history of the people there. This was the first time such a statement was recorded. The family had to end their mission because of French laws that did not allow foreign missionaries. The Pratts then returned to the United States. They lived in San Francisco and later in San Bernardino, California.
Later Years
Louisa's husband, Addison, was called on two more missions to Tahiti in 1854 and 1856. However, he could not stay long due to the laws. Later, Brigham Young asked the Latter-day Saints in San Bernardino to return to Utah. Addison chose to stay in California. But Louisa and two of her children moved to Beaver, Utah.
In Beaver, Louisa wrote for the Women's Exponent, a newspaper for women. Her husband, Addison, died on October 14, 1872, while they were separated. Louisa caught pneumonia and died in Beaver on September 8, 1880.
Throughout her life, Louisa Pratt kept a detailed journal. Her life story was later published as an autobiography.
