Joseph S. Murdock facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Joseph Stacy Murdock
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| Born | June 26, 1822 |
| Died | February 15, 1899 (aged 76) |
| Occupation | Farmer |
| Known for | Mormon pioneer, Bishop, Colonizer |
| Spouse(s) | Eunice Sweet, Eliza Clark, Adeline Warner, Jane Sharp, Elizabeth Hunter, Pernetta |
| Parent(s) | Joseph Murdock, Sally Stacy |
Joseph Stacy Murdock (born June 26, 1822, died February 14, 1899) was an important American pioneer and leader. He helped start new towns and was a writer. He is well-known for writing the words to the song "Come Listen to a Prophet's Voice."
Contents
Joseph Murdock's Early Life
Joseph Murdock was born in upstate New York in 1822. He married Eunice Sweet. A missionary taught Joseph and his family about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. They decided to join the church and were baptized.
They wanted to live near others who shared their faith. So, in 1841, Joseph and his family moved to Nauvoo, Illinois. Later, in 1847, they traveled with many other Mormon pioneers to the Salt Lake Valley. They were part of Daniel Spencer's group.
Joseph Murdock was asked by Brigham Young, a leader in his church, to practice plural marriage. In 1889, he was sent to jail for this. However, in 1894, U.S. President Grover Cleveland gave him a special pardon. Joseph Murdock had 32 children with his six wives: Eunice Sweet, Eliza Clark, Adeline Warner, Jane Sharp, Elizabeth Hunter, and Pernetta.
Helping Build New Towns
After arriving in Utah, Joseph Murdock was given an important job by Brigham Young. He was asked to help create new settlements. These new towns were in areas that are now part of Utah, Arizona, and Nevada.
Murdock helped establish several places. These included American Fork, Utah, and Heber City, Utah. He also helped with settlements in Carson City, Nevada, and along the Muddy River. This area is now in Nevada and is called the Moapa Valley.
A Special Songwriter
Joseph Murdock wrote a poem called "Come Listen To A Prophet's Voice." This poem was later set to music by Joseph J. Daynes. The song was inspired by Murdock's close friendship with Joseph Smith. Joseph Murdock had even served as a bodyguard for Joseph Smith.
Leading in Heber City
In 1860, Joseph Murdock was chosen to be a bishop by Brigham Young. He was sent to lead the Latter-day Saints in Heber City, Utah, and the surrounding area. In this role, he was both the religious and political leader for this new community.
On August 20, 1867, Murdock helped make a peace treaty. He negotiated with Chief Tabby-To-Kwanah, a leader of the local Ute Native Americans. This treaty helped end fighting between the Ute Indians and the settlers. It was a key moment that led to the end of the Utah Black Hawk War.
Joseph Murdock's home in Heber City is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This means it is a special place recognized for its history.
Later Years and Legacy
After helping to establish many cities in the western United States, Joseph Murdock settled in Heber City. He worked as a farmer there. He continued to serve in leadership roles in his church throughout his life. Joseph Murdock passed away from pneumonia when he was 76 years old.
