Nancy and Larry Harlacher at Julia's Grave in the Catholic Cemetery, Nauvoo, Illinois Marker Commemoration Was Held Saturday, 9 August 2003, in Conjunction with Smith Family Association Annual Meeting A collaborative effort among a variety of interested groups and individuals led to the placement of a interpretive marker at the grave of Julia Murdock in Nauvoo, Illinois. Involved groups and individuals include: members of the Murdock Family, Smith Family Association, Middelton Family of Nauvoo, Catholic Church of Nauvoo, Nauvoo Historical Society, and the Missouri Mormon Frontier Foundation. |
Julia Murdock Smith Dixon Middleton, 1831-1880
The original grave marker in the Catholic Cemetery in Nauvoo, Illinois for Julia Murdock Middleton continues to crumbling away. Julia's mother died after her birth and Julia and her twin brother were given to Emma Smith to care for since Emma had just lost twins. Julia was adopted by Joseph and Emma Smith when they were still in Kirland. She was a part of the family of Joseph Smith Jr. during their ordeal in Caldwell County, Missouri. In old age, Julia lived with Emma Smith until Emma died and then was cared for in her last days by Samantha Moffitt.
MMFF Board member Larry Harlacher brought the deterioration of her marker to the attention of MMFF and began working with Reed Mudock and Genevieve Simmons, among others, resulting in the funding and placement of an appropriate interpretive marker at her grave along side her origial gravestone. You may participate in MMFF marker projects also. Several additional projects are in the works.
Contributions for this purpose are being received by MMFF care of : MMFF, Treasurer, P.O. Box 3186, Independence, Missouri 65055. |
