How A Utah Girl Connects to Nauvoo Illinois

When we decided to take our mini vacay the direction of Nauvoo it was about more than church history for me. My 4th great grandfather, Henry Jolley, worked with his sons and grandsons on the Nauvoo temple. They wrote their testimonies about their conversions to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They wrote their feelings about seeing the bodies of Joseph Smith and his brother Hyrum being returned to Nauvoo. It was difficult for them to cross the plains and to help establish towns in Utah.

Knowing that the Jolley's worked hard in Nauvoo and worked on the temple sparked a desire in me to see what they helped build.

I was able to find out where their property was located. I did go to the cemetery to find his first wife's grave. I was not successful. Some of the head stones couldn't be read. They were too worn down. The whole time I was walking around, freezing, at the cemetery I kept thinking how Millie would be so proud that I was hanging with dead people. ;)

It was so cool to feel the connection with a town so far away. I have never doubted or second guessed the story of Joseph Smith. I have always known he was the prophet of the restoration. I find it puzzling that some accuse us of worshiping him. We worship Jesus Christ. We are His church. Joseph was simply a tool in the Lord's hands. We honor him for his efforts on our behalf and the suffering he endured to keep the Lord's gospel growing. He is honored just as Mother Theresa was honored for her dedication and service.

We went to Carthage Jail to visit the site of the martyrdom. Walking in those hallowed halls, sitting in the rooms where Joseph and Hyrum were held and eventually killed was humbling. Hyrum ordained my ancestors to the office of Elder in the Melchezedik Priesthood. He touched the lives of my ancestors. His actions have affected my life in more ways than I can ever express gratitude for.

Actual bullet hole from the mob's invasion

The outside of the jail

Like I said before. I have never doubted the truth of what Joseph Smith saw and what he endured. His wife, Emma, is a hero to me. The things she watched her husband endure and her hospitality at inviting those who tarred and feathered her husband into her home are amazing to me. I get so angry at those who hurt my family members. The hurts of my family members pale in comparison to that which Joseph Smith endured.

As we listened and toured Carthage Jail and Nauvoo I felt as though my beliefs were being validated. The little shops and homes tell a story. A story that I know. It is more real having been there.