Materials include two copies of the typescript of an autobiography covering, 1792-1867, and journals, 1830-1859. Murdock was a Campbellite who joined the Mormon Church in 1830. He lived with Joseph Smith (1805-1844), the Mormon prophet, in 1833 and participated in "Zion's Camp" in 1834. He lived in Kirtland, Ohio; Nauvoo, Illinois; and Lehi, Utah and was in Missouri during the persecution of Mormons in that state.

Material pertaining to the Missouri persecutions of LDS Church members in 1839. Material is as found at the National Archives.

Typescripts (some duplicated), printed forms with typescript entries, and photographs (photocopies). The collection includes life sketches of Palmer and his first wife, Patience D. P. Palmer. Tells of persecutions in Missouri, immigration to Utah, and teaching school in Fayette, Utah. Includes two photographs and genealogical data.

Photocopies of a letter printed in the "Quebec Gazette" 20 (18 Feb. 1839) p. 2. Also included is a typescript of the letter. Rigdon, confined in the jail at Liberty, Missouri outlines "the sufferings, the calamities, the woe and wretchedness of the Mormons" in Missouri.

Photocopy and typescript of an order dated Sept. 15, 1838 and addressed to an unnamed sergeant. This item directs the assembling of a company of Missouri Militia at Independence on Sept. 21 and 29, 1838 for the purpose of expelling the Mormons or resisting Indian "invasions."