Scottish Shepherd: The Life and Times of John Murray Murdoch, Utah Pioneer

by Kenneth W. Merrell

Now in paperback, this award-winning history tells the story of the author’s great-great grandfather, John Murray Murdoch, who came to America from Scotland to gather with other members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints during the nineteenth century.
Murdoch embraced Mormonism and set out for the Utah Territory in 1852 with his wife, Ann, and their family. En route they suffered the deaths of their two young children. Two years later, John’s mother, Wee Granny, and Ann’s brother, James Steele, both perished, along with many others of the ill-fated Martin handcart company, as they attempted to immigrate to Salt Lake City.

Murdoch was a respected member of the community and participated in the military preparations and maneuvers against the U.S. Army in the 1857 Utah War. Eventually the family moved to the Heber valley as early settlers there. Murdoch later became one of Wasatch county’s first elected officials and helped establish the sheep-ranching industry in Utah. The 'everyman' aspect of John Murdoch’s life makes his a compelling story. It will fascinate anyone interested in the individuals who helped create Utah's history. 

Winner of the Evans Handcart Award. 

256 pages, Hardcover

First published October 31, 2006

Reviews

[Benjamin Merrell · Rating 4 out of 5]

A must read for most descendents of James Murdoch and Wee Granny. I gained knowledge of the immeasurable struggles of pioneer ancestors 170 years ago emigrating from the Scottish Lowlands to Utah, USA. Amid shifting political borders, LDS conflict with the anti-polygamy United States, and at a time when railroads went only as far east as Iowa City, these incredibly brave and faith-driven individuals lost everything in the poorest of times because the callings of their religious beliefs outweighed all else.

This is the only literary book my Dad ever wrote. It is not perfect. He goes into the finer details and theories with great interest. This book may be too dense at times depending on what you are trying to get out of it, and I don't think it quite pulls off the broad appeal he was shooting for.

The horrors of chapter 3 and 5 may be too traumatic for some, but for others like myself, the shocking realness of the most tragic deaths were the most captivating parts. There are moments that are heavily doused with Mormon doctrine which was a turnoff for me in 2006, but now I see these descriptions as reasonably neutral and scientific.

Overall, the family history storytelling is coherent and eye opening. The epilogue is beautifully written and relevant for anyone seeking inspiration wherever they are in life.

[Jann · Rating 1 out of 5]

Well, I don't think I'm going to be able to read this book. I read the introduction by the author and it seemed like it would be a well balanced and well written biography of John Murray Murdoch (an ancestor) rather than a book that reads like propaganda for the glorious revolution. Then I read about a page into the book and had to give up. My dad suggested I read bits a time, but that would be like dying by bits. It's just too real, scary, and tragic for me. So, I'm not giving this book one star because of the writing, research or subject material, but because I can't take it. If you're into pioneers or western US history, give it a try.