Morris Pratt
Encyclopedia
Morris Pratt was the founder of the Morris Pratt Institute of spiritualism
. He built a college in Whitewater, Wisconsin
for the study of psychic
phenomenon that became known by residents as the "Spook Temple".
.
It is said that "one day his Red Indian guide told him of certain mineral deposits unknown to any white man." He made an investment in a company which later became the profitable Ashland Mine of Ironwood, Michigan
. Pratt always said, "If I am made rich, I will give part of it to Spiritualism
."
Within a few month's time, he made over $200,000. He did not hesitate in fulfilling his promise by using part of the monies for the benefit of the cause of Spiritualism
. In 1889, the Temple was dedicated. When opened, it consisted of lecture rooms, office, a chapel and dormitories. The land and original building at Whitewater, Wisconsin
was deeded to the Morris Pratt Institute.
, he came with his brother to Milton about 1850, where he created a successful farm. Pratt became an ardent spiritualist in the 1850s, when seances, spirit knockings, mediums, and trances were much in vogue, and vowed that if he were ever wealthy he would give his fortune to support the movement. About 1884, he followed the advice of mystic Mary Hayes Chynoweth (q.v.) and invested his small savings in the Germania and Ashland mines in the Gogebic Iron Range. In a few months he sold his shares for $200,000 and, true to his word, in 1888 began building an edifice in downtown Whitewater, Wisconsin
to house his spiritualist institution. Known locally as "Pratt's Folly," it was not finished or occupied until after his death in 1902, when the Morris Pratt Institute registered its first students.
Spiritualism
Spiritualism is a belief system or religion, postulating the belief that spirits of the dead residing in the spirit world have both the ability and the inclination to communicate with the living...
. He built a college in Whitewater, Wisconsin
Whitewater, Wisconsin
Whitewater is a city in Jefferson and Walworth Counties in the U.S. state of Wisconsin. Located near the southern portion of the Kettle Moraine State Forest, Whitewater is the home of the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater.-Geography:...
for the study of psychic
Psychic
A psychic is a person who professes an ability to perceive information hidden from the normal senses through extrasensory perception , or is said by others to have such abilities. It is also used to describe theatrical performers who use techniques such as prestidigitation, cold reading, and hot...
phenomenon that became known by residents as the "Spook Temple".
Birth
Very little information is known about Morris Pratt's birth. He was born in 1820 in Madison County, New YorkMadison County, New York
Madison County is a county located in the U.S. state of New York. As of the 2010 census, the population was 73,442. It is named after James Madison, fourth President of the United States of America...
.
Morris Pratt Institute's Description of Pratt
There is little written concerning the life of Morris Pratt. However, it is well known that after his visit to the Lake Mills Spiritualist Center in 1851, he became very interested in psychic phenomena and the Religion of Spiritualism. Being well educated, he frequently argued with ministers who criticized Spiritualism and on several occasions was evicted from their churches. At one time, he was fined for his controversial actions. Being dedicated to the promotion of Spiritualism, he fully recognized the need for educated workers to present the religion to the intellect of the times.It is said that "one day his Red Indian guide told him of certain mineral deposits unknown to any white man." He made an investment in a company which later became the profitable Ashland Mine of Ironwood, Michigan
Ironwood, Michigan
Ironwood is a city in Gogebic County in the U.S. state of Michigan, about south of Lake Superior. The population was 6,293 at the 2000 census. The city is on US 2 and is situated opposite the Montreal River from Hurley, Wisconsin. It is the westernmost city in Michigan, situated on the same line...
. Pratt always said, "If I am made rich, I will give part of it to Spiritualism
Spiritualism
Spiritualism is a belief system or religion, postulating the belief that spirits of the dead residing in the spirit world have both the ability and the inclination to communicate with the living...
."
Within a few month's time, he made over $200,000. He did not hesitate in fulfilling his promise by using part of the monies for the benefit of the cause of Spiritualism
Spiritualism
Spiritualism is a belief system or religion, postulating the belief that spirits of the dead residing in the spirit world have both the ability and the inclination to communicate with the living...
. In 1889, the Temple was dedicated. When opened, it consisted of lecture rooms, office, a chapel and dormitories. The land and original building at Whitewater, Wisconsin
Whitewater, Wisconsin
Whitewater is a city in Jefferson and Walworth Counties in the U.S. state of Wisconsin. Located near the southern portion of the Kettle Moraine State Forest, Whitewater is the home of the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater.-Geography:...
was deeded to the Morris Pratt Institute.
Wisconsin Historical Society Description
Spiritualist, and founder of Morris Pratt Institute; born in 1820 in Madison Co., New YorkNew York
New York is a state in the Northeastern region of the United States. It is the nation's third most populous state. New York is bordered by New Jersey and Pennsylvania to the south, and by Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont to the east...
, he came with his brother to Milton about 1850, where he created a successful farm. Pratt became an ardent spiritualist in the 1850s, when seances, spirit knockings, mediums, and trances were much in vogue, and vowed that if he were ever wealthy he would give his fortune to support the movement. About 1884, he followed the advice of mystic Mary Hayes Chynoweth (q.v.) and invested his small savings in the Germania and Ashland mines in the Gogebic Iron Range. In a few months he sold his shares for $200,000 and, true to his word, in 1888 began building an edifice in downtown Whitewater, Wisconsin
Whitewater
Whitewater is formed in a rapid, when a river's gradient increases enough to disturb its laminar flow and create turbulence, i.e. form a bubbly, or aerated and unstable current; the frothy water appears white...
to house his spiritualist institution. Known locally as "Pratt's Folly," it was not finished or occupied until after his death in 1902, when the Morris Pratt Institute registered its first students.