CHIMNEY ROCK NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE, Neb. — As Americans observed Memorial Day May 29, at least one handcart pioneer who died 150 years ago was remembered.
Mary Murray Murdock, known to her descendants as "Wee Granny" because of her Scottish nationality and diminutive size, was a member of the ill-fated Martin handcart company. But she never experienced the sufferings that beset the company on the high plains of Wyoming. She died en route in Nebraska, about 10 miles east of Chimney Rock.
In June 2001, her descendants placed a marker at a small cemetery near the famous trail landmark. (See cover story in July 28, 2001, Church News.) The marker bears her last words: "Tell John I died with my face toward Zion."
The cemetery is nondescript. To reach it, one must leave the highway and travel a road to the Chimney Rock visitor center. Even then, it is easy for the casual traveler to miss, unless it is pointed out.
But on Memorial Day, a wreath and flower had been placed near the marker, evidence that on this day or sometime recently, someone had remembered "Wee Granny."
Oct. 2 of this year will be the 150th anniversary of her death. According to the Murdoch family organization Web site (murdochfamily.net), descendants will again honor her on that day with a memorial service.
E-mail to: rscott@desnews.com
