Julia Samuelson Curtis

Julia Samuelson Curtis had been married for only four short months when her husband, who was preparing to serve a mission in Samoa, died unexpectedly in his work herding sheep. Julia was pregnant, but their son was stillborn six months after his father had died. Julia wrote a letter to President Joseph F. Smith, saying “He [her husband] said so many times, ‘The Lord is so good to us. I will not content myself until I am in Samoa.’ My beloved companion was not permitted to fill this mission. Our little son soon followed to the great beyond. And I now am alone, ready and anxious to fill this mission and take my husband’s place.”

She was called to serve in the Western States Mission and served faithfully. Throughout her service, she heard members and other missionaries speak positively of Elder George Handy, who left the mission just as she had arrived. He had to finish his mission early because his wife died as the result of complications giving birth to their son. They were introduced over letters, and at the conclusion of her mission they met in Salt Lake City. Julia and George were married three months later.