John Murdock (1792 - 1871) Profile

Individual

death-date-qualifier-death

John Murdock

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Andrew Jenson, Latter-day Saint Biographical Encyclopedia

Murdock, John

"Murdock, John", Andrew Jenson, Latter-day Saint Biographical Encyclopedia, 2, Page 362.

Andrew Jenson, Latter-day Saint Biographical Encyclopedia.

Eastern States Mission manuscript history and historical reports, 1830-1977

1832

"1832", Eastern States Mission Manuscript History and Historical Reports, 1830-1977, 2, Part 1, Page 15.

1835

"1835", Eastern States Mission Manuscript History and Historical Reports, 1830-1977, 2, Part 1, Page 21.

Eastern States Mission Manuscript History and Historical Reports, 1830-1977, Vol. 2, Part 1, Page 21.

Eastern States Mission manuscript history and historical reports, 1830-1977.

Global Histories

Many Precious Truths

"Many Precious Truths", Global Histories, Australia.

Global Histories.

Historical Department journal history of the Church

Historical Department journal history of the Church, 1830-2008, February 26, 1834.

Historical Department journal history of the Church.

Missionary reports, 1831-1900, Church History Library

Missionary reports, 1831-1900, Church History Library, March 14, 1853.

Missionary reports, 1831-1900, Church History Library.

The Joseph Smith Papers

"John Murdock", The Joseph Smith Papers.

The Joseph Smith Papers.

Camp of Israel schedules and reports, 1845-1849

Camp of Israel schedules and reports, 1845-1849. 1849 September 24. Page 1.

Camp of Israel schedules and reports, 1845-1849.

Deseret News

General Items

"General Items", Deseret News, December 25, 1852, Page 2.

Elders Rich &amp;c., left San Bernardino, on the 16th of November: Names of Company.



Amasa Lyman, Lady and Son; C. C. Rich, R. R. Hopkins, Sterling Driggs, William Lewis, Thomas Mathews, Taylor Crosby, William G. Young, Andrew Moffit, Ezra Barnum, Ezra Parish, John Garr, Joseph Aldredge, from the Mines; John Kimball, San Francisco; John Murdock, from Australia; Benjamin F. Grouard, and Julian Moses, Society Islands.



Elder John Murdock had to stay in Parowan in consequence of the delicate state of his health, and will remain there until Spring, except sent for with a covered wagon or carriage by his friends.



Elders Grouard and Hopkins, will give us an account of matters in the Society Islands, and San Bernardino, in our next.

Transcript for "General Items," Deseret News, 25 December 1852

Deseret News.

George Benjamin Wallace Emigrating Company journal

George Benjamin Wallace Emigrating Company journal, June 1847.

Transcript for George Benjamin Wallace Emigrating Company journal, 1847 June-September

George Benjamin Wallace Emigrating Company journal.

James Smithies diary, 1846-1859, 3A-6A, 6B-19A

James Smithies diary, 1846-1859, 3A-6A, 6B-19A.

Transcript for James Smithies diary, 1846-1859, 3A-6A, 6B-19A

Murdock, John, Autobiography [n.d.], 104, 108-9

Murdock, John, Autobiography [n.d.], 104, 108-9.

I here bought a mule and horse and obtained a fitout.
Nov. 16th in company with bros. A. Lyman and C. C. Rich and company; we commenced to journey for Salt Lake City being 18 of us in company beside bro. Lyman's wife.
24th We had arrived at the agosha or Saleratus creek 200 miles from San Bernardino where we met a company of Elders from 30 to 40. going on Missions. 9 or 10 for Australia[.] Bro. Farnham and Bro. Wm. Hyde to preside over the Australian Mission. And I gave Bro. Wm. a letter of recommend as follows.
Journeying at Saleratus creek Nov. 24th 1852.
Beloved Brethren and Sisters—composing the Church of Jesus Christ of L.D.S. in the British Australasian Isles—greeting—receive Bro. Wm. Hyde as myself: For he is some of the first fruits of my labors in the Minestry; and I claim him as my own Son in the gospel. I have full confidence in him both as to carracter &amp; ability: minister to his wants as you did to me and God will bless you John Murdock Elder
25th This morning, Bro. Richard Ballentyne with others of the Missionary company, very reluctantly gave me the parting hand: Tho they were in good Spirits for their mission and I blessed them in the name of the Lord. We had been here two nights and one day, and we arrived at Coall creek in Iron Co. Decr. 6th
And I was very we[a]ry, and I stayed here two nights. And on the 8th I rode 18 miles a lone to Parowan: But was not able to persew the journey with them, and remained with the Church here for a time to gain Strength. 
. . . Now I am returning twenty five thousand miles travel Australia where to I did go. My mission on those far Isles to preach the plain gospel Even at three score years anew (previous lines are part of a poem written by John Murdock about his mission) 
After visiting and preaching with the Church in Parowan till Jan. 5th 1853, I again renewed my journey for home in company with two wagons and four brethren. Bro. Urban Stewart carried my trunk. And after a tedious six days travel through snowdrifts arrived at Filmore 96 ½ miles from Pariwon. 
I arrived on the tenth but left the teems 12 miles back on corn creek; but they came up next day. 
We remained here till the 17th, resting the teems. At which time they moved on, and 
on the 18th I started with my horse and mule, traveled 12 miles, overtook the teems at cedar springs. We traveled 3 miles further and camped in a Snowdrift, and melted snow in our coffeepot and frying pan to give drink to our animels.
19th. Drove five miles to round Valley and found good feed.
 20th drove fifteen miles to the Severe river and watered freely for the first time in three days. And we then drove about 8 miles and camped. 
21st I left the wagons to go on to Salt creek it being 20 miles. I road two miles to Chicken creek. And found a camp of the brethren; and my son Orrice with a wagon and horses cumming to meet me. We then hanted till bro Stewart came up, and Orrice took in my trunk. We then persewed our journey home being 80 miles
where we arrived Sunday 23rd after an absence of two years lacking 47 days.
I found my family in Utah Valley, near dry creek 30 miles South of G.S.L. City enjoying tollerable health: But my youngest Son Brigham had died 19 days before my arrival day Jany. 4th. 12 Oclock at night, of but 4 day sickness of scarlet fever: Being three years, four months, and fifteen days old. 
25th I went with my son Orrice to G.S.L. City stayed overnight with Elder P. P. Pratt. 
26th Visited President B Young and some others of the brethren. . . .
When I started on my mission to Australia I left the principal part of what little property I had with my son Orrice; and he was to take care of my family; . . .
After a tedious passage of 125 days on the sixth of October I arrived in San Francisco, and on the 26th at San Bernardino. 
Nov. 16th Started with Elders A Lyman, C.C. Rich and Company for G.S.L. City. 
I arrived in Parowan Dec. 8th But found I was not able to continue my journey with the company, and stoped till Jan. 5th 1853. 
I again started with Urban Stewart who carried my trunk; and three other brethren, and after a very tedious travel through snow drifts 
on the 23rd Inst. I arrived near Dry creek, Utah Valley where I found my wife and family in tolerable health, all that were alive.
My eldest son met me 80 miles out: But my youngest had died 49 days before I arrived, of four days sickness. He was three years four months and fifteen days old. I had been absent two years lacking forty seven days, had traveled about 25,000 miles by land and sea: Having done my duty and no more. And tho I should never have the opportunity to again bare my testimony to him, I feel my skirts are clear from blood of this generation. I went as far as I could, preached all I could, and when I could go no farther, I sent others according to Book of D. and C. sec 4 [verse] 10.
I thank my Father in Heaven, that he has strengthened and preserved me to again return to my family and friends, on my native land of Zion; where I desire to dwell with my brethren the Saints; and do what little good I can in my great weakness of body, and trembling of limbs, until I can enjoy what blessings are for me to enjoy in the house of the Lord, built in the top of the Mountains; and from henceforth dwell where ever my Father in Heaven pleases is my desire March 18th 1853 John Murdock

Transcript for Murdock, John, Autobiography [n.d.], 104, 108-9

Murdock, John, Autobiography [n.d.], 58

Murdock, John, Autobiography [n.d.], 58.

March 1847. The Omaha Indians killed my Ox: 
but about the 1rst of April I made out three yoke of Oxen and two wagons, and my Son Gideon, being but six years old, accompanying me, we drove said wagons and teems, two trips to Missouri; for provisions, say 550 miles and then 
started June 7th. Left Winterquarters, to Journey with the Saints, still further into the wilderness. Being prepaired with three yoke of Oxen two wagons; two thousand pounds of bread stuf and my family, consisting of Sarah my wife, Martha Ann Henderson, Gideon, George, and Mary Cooper. 
And September 24th or 25th arrived in the Valley of the Great Salt Lake, North America having driven our three yoke of Oxen 1600 miles in less than six months without a shoe on either of their feet halling [hauling] twenty hundred on one wagon and twelve hundred on the other. And then sent back on yoke of my Oxen to helpin[g] the Brethren and one of them died on the trip

Transcript for Murdock, John, Autobiography [n.d.], 58

Murdock, John, Journal [ca. 1830-1859], 201-4

Murdock, John, Journal [ca. 1830-1859], 201-4.

Nov. 16
th
 Commenced to journey with Brothers C. C. Rich & A. Lyman & Co. for G[reat]. S[alt]. L[ake]. City[.] 18 in company besides Br. A. wife[.] camped 12 M[iles] up Cahoon Pass 
17th Crossed the Summit &amp; camped 1 m[ile] below
18th Traveled 30 m &amp; camped 10 m down the Mohave
19th 26 m. down the Mohave
20th 20 m. to where we left the Mohave
21st 35 m. to Bitter Springs
22nd 45 m. across the Desert to Salt Springs 
23rd 14 m. to Nagotha or Salaratas [Salaratus] creek[.] met Elder H. G. Sherwood &amp; Co. &amp; the Misionery [Missionary] Co. &amp; camped
24th Spent the day in camp with the Brethren[.] <s>25th</s> I gave Br. Wm. Hyde a letter of introduction to the Church in Australia. 
25th Br. Richard Ballentyne with others of the missionary co. verry reluctantly gave me the parling hand tho they were in good Spirits for their mission[.] their company consisted of from 30 to 40[,] 9 or 10 for Australia[.] I gave them my blessing[.] We watered at Resting Spring &amp; camped within 6 m of Stoomp Springs
26th to the mountain Spring found Snow but no feed
27th Vagies [Vegas] we reached at midnight
28th Middle of 50 m Desert
29th Reached the Muddy by 4 Oclock PM
30th Camped on the Rio Virgin 
Dec. 1st &amp; &lt;2nd&gt; at the upper crossing of the Rio Virgin 
3rd Camped at Santa Clarra [Clara]
4th Camped near the head of the Santa Clara [Clara]
5th Crossed the rime [rim] of the bason [basin] &amp; camped at Willow Creek
6th Arived at Coal Creek where is a colony of our brethren for Iron making 
I stayed with Br. Jonathan Pugmire two nights[.] he <s>sought</s> &lt;put on&gt; two shoes on my horse &amp; one on my Mule &amp; I paid him one Dollar
8th I went to Parowan 14 miles found the brethren there preparing to travel on but I was not &lt;abel&gt; 
9th The brethren Rich, Lyman &amp; Co. traveled on but I remained with the Brethren in Paro&lt;wan&gt; til 
Jan. 5th 1853. I started in Company with four Brethren &amp; two wagons[.] Br Urban Stewart having but one yoak of Oxen carread [carried] my trunk of 70 lbs. Brs. Broomhead &amp; Williams had two yoak. 
I arrived at Philmore [Fillmore] on the 10th but left the teams 12 miles back at corn creek. 
Philmore is 96½ m from Parowan[.] We remained here resting the teams till the 17[.] they started with the teams. 
18th I again Started to go through the Snow drifts[.] travled 12 m &amp; overtook the teams[.] they yoked &amp; we travled 3 m &amp; camped in a Snow drift
19th Drove 5 m to Round valley[,] verry good feed 
20th 15 m to Severe [Sevier] River &amp; watered for the first time in 3 days except what Snow we melted[.] We then traveled within two miles of Chicken creek. 
21st We were within 20 m of our Brethren on Salt Creek &amp; I left the wagons to travel to the settlement &amp; met my son Orrice at Chicken Creek with wagon &amp; horses coming to meet me[.] we waited til the waggons came up &amp; got my trunk[.] We then pursued our journey home which was over some 80 m[ile]s 
Where we arrived Sunday 23rd after an absence of two years lacking 47 days[.] found my family all alive but one &amp; enjoying a comfortable degree of health. My youngest Son Brigham had died the 4th Instant 12 Oclock at night of but 4 days Sickness of Scarlet fever being 3 y[ears], 4 m[onths], 15 d[ays] old.

Transcript for Murdock, John, Journal [ca. 1830-1859], 201-4

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Kortright, Delaware, New York, United States

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Baptized multiple, organized one or more branches of the Church in Orange and Warrensville, Ohio.

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Called at a conference in Kirtland, Ohio along with Hyrum Smith to travel to Missouri by way of Detroit (See <a href="http://churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/52.8?lang=eng#p7#7">D&amp;C 52:8</a>).  Departed from Missouri when called on a mission with Elder Parley P. Pratt to the Northern United States.

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<a href="http://churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/99.1?lang=eng#p0#0">D&amp;C 99:1</a> given at Hiram, Ohio.

Mission Call to the Eastern Countries

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called

Built up a branch of the Church in the east part of Geauga County, Ohio.

Built up a small branch in Delaware County, New York where he was born. He visited Livingston County, New York on his way back to Kirtland. Companion was Zebedee Coltrin.

Preached and accompanied others to get volunteers for Zion's Camp.

He was called to travel among branches to collect funds for building the Nauvoo Temple.

Called to fill a mission at general conference Oct. 6-8, 1844 In Nauvoo, Brigham Young selected “men from the High Priest’s quorum to go abroad … to preside over the branches of the Church.” They were not to tarry for six months and return, “but to go and settle down, where they could take their families and tarry until the Temple is built.”

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George Weir Murdock

Gideon Allen Murdock

Sarah Zufelt

Mary Joice Cooper

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He was called to served with <a href="/chd/individual/parley-parker-pratt-sr-1807" target="_blank">Parley P. Pratt</a> in the Pacific Islands, but was reassigned by Pratt to Australia when they arrived in San Francisco.  Arrived in the field Oct 29, 1851.

John Murdock

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