The Joseph Smith Papers, Revelation, April 1829-A [D&C 6], pgs 16-17

Hidden Gospel and Ministry

12 Verily, verily I say unto you, that there are records which contain much of my gospel, which have been kept back because of the wickedness of the people; and now I command you, that if you have good desires, a desire to lay up treasures for yourself in heaven, then shall you assist in bringing to light, with your gift, those parts of my scriptures which have been hidden because of iniquity.
13 And now behold I give unto you, and also unto my servant Joseph, the keys of this gift, which shall bring to light this ministry; and in the mouth of two or three witnesses, shall every word be established.
14 Verily, verily I say unto you, if they reject my words, and this part of my gospel and ministry, blessed are ye, for they can do no more unto you than unto me; and if they do unto you, even as they have done unto me, blessed are ye, for you shall dwell with me in glory:

Mormonism Unvailed, E.D. Howe, pgs 253-54

Abigail Harris Account

Abigail Harris

28 Nov, 1833

In the early part of the winter in 1828, I made a visit to Martin Harris and was joined in company by Jos. Smith, sen. and his wife. The Gold Bible business, so called, was the topic of conversation, to which I paid particular attention that I might learn the truth of the whole matter.- They told me that the report that Joseph, jun. had found golden plates, was true, and that he was in Harmony, Pa. translating them...
In the second month following, Martin Harris and his wife were at my house. In conversation about Mormonites she observed, that she wished her husband would quit them as she believed it was all false and a delusion. To which I heard Mr. Harris reply : "What if it is a lie ; if you will let me alone I will make money out of it ! I was both an eye and an ear witness of what has been stated above, which is now fresh in my memory, and I give it to the world for the good of mankind. I speak the truth and lie not, God bearing me witness.

Mormonism Unvailed, E.D. Howe, pgs 255-56

Lucy Harris Account

Lucy Harris

29 Nov, 1833

Whether the Mormon religion be true or false, I leave the world to judge, for its effects upon Martin Harris have been to make him more cross, turbulent and abusive to me. His whole object was to make money by it. I will have one circumstance in proof of it. One day, while at Peter Harris house, I told him he had better leave the company of the Smiths, as their religion was false; to which he replied, if you would let me alone, I could make money by it.

Oliver Cowdery, History of Seneca County, pgs 364-65

Description of Oliver Cowdery

William Lang

July, 1880

   Mr. Cowdery was born in the state of Vermont, on the 3d day of October, 1804. After he had acquired a good common school education, he applied himself with great industry to the study of the dead languages and became very proficient in the Greek and Chaldee...
   Mr. Cowdery was an able lawyer and a great advocate. His manners were easy and gentlemanly; he was polite, dignified, yet courteous. He had an open countenance, high forehead, dark brown eyes, Roman nose, clenched lips and prominent lower jaw. He shaved smooth and was neat and cleanly in his person. He was of light stature, about five feet, five inches high, and had a loose, easy walk. With all his kind and friendly disposition, there was a certain degree of sadness that seemed to pervade his whole being. His association with others was marked by the great amount of information his conversation conveyed and the beauty of his musical voice. His addresses to the court and jury were characterized by a high order of oratory, with brilliant and forensic force. He was modest and reserved, never spoke ill of any one, never complained...
   The writer read law with Mr. Cowdery in Tiffin, and was intimately acquainted with him, from the time he came here until he left, which afforded me every opportunity to study and love his noble and true manhood.

Library of Congress, Daguerreotype no. 1363

Photograph of Oliver Cowdery

(A set of 6 brass plates discovered in 1843 in an Indian mound near Kinderhook, Illinois. According to Joseph Smith "they contain the history of the person with whom they were found and he was a descendant of Ham through the loins of Pharaoh king of Egypt")

(Note: In 1879 Wilbur Fugate claimed to have forged these plates with the help of Bridge Whitten and Robert Wiley. Today they are universally accepted as a hoax.)

Origin, rise, and progress of Mormonism : biography of its founders and history of its church : personal remembrances and historical collections hitherto unwritten ... pgs 12 & 14-15

Smith Family Working Background

   At Palmyra, Mr. Smith, Sr., opened a "cake and beer shop," as described by his signboard, doing business on a small scale, by the profits of which, added to the earnings of an occasional day's work on hire by himself and his elder sons, for the village and farming people, he was understood to secure a scanty but honest living for himself and family. These hired days' works were divided among the various common labor jobs that offered from time to time, such as gardening, harvesting, well-digging, etc.
   Mr. Smith's shop merchandise consisting of gingerbread, pies, boiled eggs, root-beer, and other like notions of traffic, soon became popular with the juvenile people of the town and country, commanding brisk sales, especially on Fourth of July anniversaries, and on military training days, as these prevailed at that period. Peddling was done in the streets on those occasions by the facility of a rude handcart of the proprietor's own construction...
   The chief application of the useful industry of the Smiths during their residence upon this farm-lot, was in the chopping and retailing of cord-wood, the raising and bartering of small crops of agricultural products and garden vegetables, the manufacture and sale of black-ash baskets and birch brooms, the making of maple sugar and molasses in the season for that work, and in the continued business of peddling cake and beer in the village on days of public doings. It was as a clerk in this last-mentioned line of trade that the rising Joseph (the prophet to be) learned his first lessons in commercial and monetary science...
   The larger proportion of the time of the Smiths, however, was spent in hunting and fishing, trapping muskrats ("mushrats" was the word they used), digging out woodchucks from their holes, and idly lounging around the stores and shops in the village. Joseph generally took the leading direction of the rural enterprises mentioned, instead of going to school like other boys--though he was seldom known personally to participate in the practical work involved in these or any other pursuits. Existing as they did from year to year in this thriftless manner, with seemingly inadequate visible means or habits of profitable industry for their respectable livelihood, it is not at all to be wondered at that the suspicions of some good people in the community were apt to be turned toward them

Visitors Centers & Historic Sites of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Pictures of the sacred grove, traditional location of the first vision

The Joseph Smith Papers, History, 1838-1856, volume A-1 [23 December 1805-30 August 1834], pgs 3-5

Joseph Smith canonized account

   When I came to myself again I found myself lying on my back looking up into Heaven.
   Some few days later after I had this vision I happened to be in company with one of the Methodist Preachers who was very active in the before mentioned religious excitement and conversing with him on the subject of religion I took occasion to give him an account of the vision which I had had. I was greatly surprised at his behaviour, he treated my communication not only lightly but with great contempt, saying it was all of the Devil, that there was no such thing as visions or revelations in these days, that all such things had ceased with the apostles and that there never would be any more of them.
   I soon found however that my telling the story had excited a great deal of prejudice against me among professors of religion and was the cause of great persecution which continued to increase and though I was an obscure boy only between fourteen and fifteen years of age or thereabouts, and my circumstances in life such as to make a boy of no consequence in the world, Yet men of high standing would take notice sufficiently to excite the public mind against me and create a hot persecution, and this was common among all the sects: all united to persecute me. It has often caused me serious reflection both then and since, how very strange it was that an obscure boy of a little over fourteen years of age and one too who was doomed to the necessity of obtaining a scanty maintainance by his daily labor should be thought a character of sufficient importance to attract the attention of the great ones of the most popular sects of the day so as to create in them a spirit of the bitterest persecution and reviling.
   But strange or not, so it was, and was often cause of great sorrow to myself. However it was nevertheless a fact, that I had had a Vision. I have thought since that I felt much like as Paul did when he made his defence before King Aggrippa and related the account of the Vision he had when he saw a light and heard a voice, but still there were but few who beleived him, some said he was dishonest, others said he was mad, and he was ridiculed and reviled, But all this did not destroy the reality of his vision. He had seen a vision he knew he had, and all the persecution under Heaven could not make it otherwise, and though they should persecute him unto death Yet he knew and would know to his latest breath that he had both seen a light and heard a voice speaking unto him and all the world could not make him think or believe otherwise. So it was with me, I had actualy seen a light and in the midst of that light I saw two personages, and they did in reality speak unto me, or one of them did, And though I was hated and persecuted for saying that I had seen a vision, Yet it was true and while they were persecuting me reviling me and speaking all manner of evil against me falsely for so saying, I was led to say in my heart, why persecute me for telling the truth? I have actually seen a vision, "and who am I that I can withstand God" Or why does the world think to make me deny what I have actually seen, for I had seen a vision, I knew it, and I knew that God knew it, and I could not deny it, neither dare I do it, at least I knew that by so doing I would offend God and come under condemnation.
   I had now got my mind satisfied so far as the sectarian world was concerned, that it was not my duty to join with any of them, but continue as I was untill further directed, for I had found the testimony of James to be true, that a man who lacked wisdom might ask of God, and obtain and not be upbraided. I continued to pursue my common avocations in life untill the twenty first of September, One thousand Eight hundred and twenty three, all the time suffering severe persecution at the hand of all classes of men, both religious and irreligious because I continued to affirm that I had seen a Vision.
   During the space of time which intervened between the time I had the vision and the year Eighteen hundred and twenty three, (having been forbidden to join any of the religious sects of the day, and being of very tender years and persecuted by those who ought to have been my friends, and to have treated me kindly and if they supposed me to be deluded to have endeavoured in a proper and affectionate manner to have reclaimed me)...

Mormonism Unvailed, E.D. Howe, pg 242

Willard Chase account

In the month of June, 1827, Joseph Smith, Sen., related to me the following story: "That some years ago, a spirit had appeared to Joseph his son, in a vision, and informed him that in a certain place there was a record on plates of gold, and that he was the person that must obtain them, and this he must do in the following manner: On the 22d of September, he must repair to the place where was deposited this manuscript, dressed in black clothes, and riding a black horse with a switch tail, and demand the book in a certain name, and after obtaining it, he must go directly away, and neither lay it down nor look behind him.

11 Dec 1833

Mormonism Unvailed, E.D. Howe, pg 242-43

Willard Chase Account

They accordingly fitted out Joseph with a suit of black clothes and borrowed a black horse. He repaired to the place of deposit and demanded the book, which was in a stone box, unsealed, and so near the top of the ground that he could see one end of it, and raising it up, took out the book of gold; but fearing some one might discover where he got it, he laid it down to place back the top stone, as he found it; and turning round, to his surprise there was no book in sight. He again opened the box, and in it saw the book, and attempted to take it out, but was hindered. He saw in the box something like a toad, which soon assumed the appearance of a man, and struck him on the side of his head. -Not being discouraged at trifles, he again stooped down and strove to take the book, when the spirit struck him again, and knocked him three or four rods, and hurt him prodigiously. After recovering from his fright, he enquired why he could not obtain the plates; to which the spirit made reply, because you have not obeyed your orders. He then enquired when he could have them, and was answered thus: come one year from this day, and bring with you your oldest brother, and you shall have them. This spirit, he said was the spirit of the prophet who wrote this book, and who was sent to Joseph Smith, to make known these things to him. Before the expiration of the year, his oldest brother died; which the old man said was an accidental providence!

11 Dec 1833

Joseph Smith the Prophet His Family and His Friends, pgs 79-80

that he went to the place and dug till he came to the stone that covered the box, when he was knocked down; that he again attempted to remove the stone, and was again knocked down. This attempt was made the third time, and the third time he was knocked down. Then he exclaimed: 'Why can't I git it?' or words to that effect, and then he saw a man standing over the spot, who, to him, appeared like a Spaniard [Oh, you great son of Lucy!], having a long beard down over his breast to about here (Smith putting his hand to the pit of his stomach), with his (the ghost's) throat cut from ear to ear, and the blood streaming down, who told him that he could not get it alone; that another person whom he (Smith) would know at first sight must come with him, and then he would get it;

Mormonism Unvailed, E.D. Howe, pgs 263-64

Isaac Hale testimony

   I first became acquainted with Joseph Smith, Jr. in November, 1825... Smith, and his father, with several other 'money-diggers' boarded at my house while they were employed in digging for a mine that they supposed had been opened and worked by the Spaniards, many years since... They then became discouraged, and soon after dispersed. This took place about the 17th of November, 1825...
   After these occurrences, young Smith made several visits at my house, and at length asked my consent to his marrying my daughter Emma. This I refused, and gave my reasons for so doing; some of which were, that he was a stranger, and followed a business that I could not approve; he then left the place. Not long after this, he returned, and while I was absent from home, carried off my daughter, into the state of New York, where they were married without my approbation or consent. After they had arrived at Palmyra N.Y., Emma wrote to me enquiring whether she could take her property, consisting of clothing, furniture, cows, &c. I replied that her property was safe, and at her disposal. In a short time they returned, bringing with them a Peter Ingersol, and subsequently came to the conclusion that they would move out, and reside upon a place near my residence.
   Smith stated to me, that he had given up what he called "glass-looking," and that he expected to work hard for a living, and was willing to do so. He also made arrangements with my son Alva Hale, to go to Palmyra, and move his (Smith's) furniture &c. to this place. He then returned to Palmyra, and soon after, Alva, agreeable to the arrangement, went up and returned with Smith and his family.

Recollections of the pioneers of Lee County, pgs 96-97

Recollections of the pioneers of Lee County

Inez A. Kennedy

1893

Emma Hale, the sister of Elizabeth Wasson, was born in the town of Harmony, Susquehanna county, Pennsylvania, July 10, 1804. Her parents, Mr. Isaac and Mrs. Elizabeth (Lewis) Hale, were pioneers of a self-reliant race, brave, honest, of unshaken fidelity and unquestioned integrity. She grew to womanhood amid the rural scenes, labors and recreations incident to farm life on the banks of the Susquehanna River. She was a good horse-woman, and a canoe on the river was her plaything. She was a fair scholar for the common schools of the time, and a good singer and possessed of a fine voice. She was of excellent form, straight and above medium height, features strongly marked, united with her kindness of heart and splendid physical developments commanded both admiration and respect.
In 1825 Miss Hale became acquainted with Joseph Smith, celebrated in the history of the religions of the United States, as the founder of "Mormonism," "The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints," to whom she was married in the town of South Bainbridge, New York, at the residence of 'Squire Tarbell, January 18, 1827. Mrs. Smith lived in the family of her husband's parents, at Manchester, New York, until December, when they moved to Harmony, Pennsylvania, and settled near her father's farm.

Fraser's Magazine, pgs 229-230

Judge Neely's Court Notes

Fraser's Magazine

State of New York v. Joseph Smith.

   Warrant issued upon written complaint upon oath of Peter G. Bridgeman, who informed that one Joseph Smith of Bainbridge was a disorderly person and an impostor.
   Prisoner brought before Court March 20, 1826. Prisoner examined: says that he came from the town of Palmyra, and had been at the house of Josiah Stowel in Bainbridge most of time since; had small part of time been employed in looking for mines, but the major part had been employed by said Stowel on his farm, and going to school. That he had a certain stone which he had occasionally looked at to determine where hidden treasures in the bowels of the earth were; that he professed to tell in this manner where gold mines were a distance under ground, and had looked for Mr. Stowel several times, and had informed him where he could find these treasures, and Mr. Stowel had been engaged in digging for them. That at Palmyra he pretended to tell by looking at this stone where coined money was buried in Pennsylvania, and while at Palmyra had frequently ascertained in that way where lost property was of various kinds; that he had occasionally been in the habit of looking through this stone to find lost property for three years, but of late had pretty much given it up on account of its injuring his health, especially his eyes, making them sore; that he did not solicit business of this kind, and had always rather declined having anything to do with this business.
   Josiah Stowel sworn: says that prisoner had been at his house something like five months; had been employed by him to work on farm part of time; that he pretended to have skill of telling where hidden treasures in the earth were by means of looking through a certain stone; that prisoner had looked for him sometimes; once to tell him about money buried in Bend Mountain in Pennsylvania, once for gold on Monument Hill, and once for a salt spring; and that he positively knew that the prisoner could tell, and did possess the art of seeing those valuable treasures through the medium of said stone; that he found the [word illegible] at Bend and Monument Hill as prisoner represented it; that prisoner had looked through said stone for Deacon Attleton for a mine, did not exactly find it, but got a p-[word unfinished] of ore which resembled gold, he thinks; that prisoner had told by means of this stone where a Mr. Bacon had buried money; that he and prisoner had been in search of it; that prisoner had said it was in a certain root of a stump five feet from the surface of the earth, and with it would be found a tail feather; that said Stowel and prisoner thereupon commenced digging, found a tail feather, but money was gone; that he supposed the money moved down. That prisoner did offer his services; that he never deceived him; that prisoner looked through stone and described Josiah Stowel's house and outhouses, while at Palmyra at Simpson Stowel's, correctly; that he had told about a painted tree, with a man's head painted upon it, by means of said stone. That he had been in company with prisoner digging for gold, and had the most implicit faith in prisoner's skill.
   Arad Stowel sworn: says that he went to see whether prisoner could convince him that he possessed the skill he professed to have, upon which prisoner laid a book upon a white cloth, and proposed looking through another stone which was white and transparent, hold the stone to the candle, turn his head to book, and read. The deception appeared so palpable that witness went off disgusted.
   McMaster sworn: says he went with Arad Stowel, and likewise came away disgusted. Prisoner pretended to him that he could discover objects at a distance by holding this white stone to the sun or candle; that prisoner rather declined looking into a hat at his dark coloured stone, as he said that it hurt his eyes.
   Jonathan Thompson says that prisoner was requested to look for chest of money; did look, and pretended to know where it was; and that prisoner, Thompson, and Yeomans went in search of it; that Smith arrived at spot first; was at night; that Smith looked in hat while there, and when very dark, and told how the chest was situated. After digging several feet, struck upon something sounding like a board or plank. Prisoner would not look again, pretending that he was alarmed on account of the circumstances relating to the trunk being buried, [which] came all fresh to his mind. That the last time he looked he discovered distinctly the two Indians who buried the trunk, that a quarrel ensued between them, and that one of said Indians was killed by the other, and thrown into the hole beside the trunk, to guard it, as he supposed. Thompson says that he believes in the prisoner's professed skill; that the board which he struck his spade upon was probably the chest, but on account of an enchantment the trunk kept settling away from under them when digging; that notwithstanding they continued constantly removing the dirt, yet the trunk kept about the same distance from them. Says prisoner said that it appeared to him that salt might be found at Bainbridge, and that he is certain that prisoner can divine things by means of said stone. That as evidence of the fact prisoner looked into his hat to tell him about some money witness lost sixteen years ago, and that he described the man that witness supposed had taken it, and the disposition of the money:
   And therefore the Court find the Defendant guilty. Costs: Warrant, 19c. Ccomplaint upon oath, 25 1/2c. Seven witnesses, 87 1/2c. Recognisances, 25c. Mittimus, 19c. Recognisances of witnesses, 75c. Subpoena, 18c. - $2.68

(Note: This account claimed to have originated from a document in the possession of Ms. Emily Pearsall. According to her Episcopalian bishop, Daniel S. Tuttle, she tore this "examination" from Judge Neely's docket book, Judge Neely being her uncle, and brought it from Bainbridge to Salt Lake City in 1870. After her death on November 5, 1872, Tuttle inherited the document, then later gave it to the Methodists, after which it was lost. Fraser's Magazine contained the first of four publications reproducing its contents before it was lost. The other accounts are the Eclectic Magazine, the Schaff-Herzog Encyclopedia, and the Utah Christian Advocate (the latter two with a number of textual differences from the first two).)

Mormonism Unvailed, E.D. Howe, pgs 243, 245-46

Willard Chase account

   Joseph went one year from that day, to demand the book, and the spirit enquired for his brother, and he said that he was dead. The spirit then commanded him to come again, in just one year, and bring a man with him. On asking who might be the man, he was answered that he would know him when he saw him.
   Joseph believed that one Samuel T. Lawrence was the man alluded to by the spirit, and went with him to a singular looking hill, in Manchester, and shewed him where the treasure was. Lawrence asked him if he had ever discovered any thing with the plates of gold; he said no: he then asked him to look in his stone, to see if there was any thing with them. He looked, and said there was nothing; he told him to look again, and see if there was not a large pair of specks with the plates; he looked and soon saw a pair of spectacles, the same with which Joseph says he translated the Book of Mormon. Lawrence told him it would not be prudent to let these plates be seen for about two years, as it would make a great disturbance in the neighborhood. Not long after this, Joseph altered his mind, and said L. was not the right man, nor had he told him the right place...
   ...In the fore part of September, (I believe,) 1827, the Prophet requested me to make him a chest, informing me that he designed to move back to Pennsylvania, and expecting soon to get his gold book, he wanted a chest to lock it up, giving me to understand at the same time, that if I would make the chest he would give me a share in the book. I told him my business was such that I could not make it: but if he would bring the book to me, I would lock it up for him. He said that would not do, as he was commanded to keep it two years, without letting it come to the eye of any one but himself. This commandment, however, he did not keep, for in less than two years, twelve men said they had seen it. I told him to get it and convince me of its existence, and I would make him a chest; but he said, that would not do, as he must have a chest to lock the book in, as soon as he took it out of the ground. I saw him a few days after, when he told me that I must make the chest. I told him plainly that I could not, upon which he told me that I could have no share in the book.
   A few weeks after this conversation, he came to my house, and related the following story: That on the 22d of September, he arose early in the morning, and took a one horse wagon, of some one that had stayed over night at their house, without leave or license; and, together with his wife, repaired to the hill which contained the book. He left his wife in the wagon, by the road, and went alone to the hill, a distance of thirty or forty rods from the road; he said he then took the book out of the ground and hid it in a tree top, and returned home. He then went to the town of Macedon to work. After about ten days, it having been suggested that some one had got his book, his wife went after him; he hired a horse, and went home in the afternoon, staid long enough to drink one cup of tea, and then went for his book, found it safe, took off his frock, wrapt it round it, put it under his arm and run all the way home, a distance of about two miles. He said he should think it would weigh sixty pounds, and was sure it would weigh forty. On his return home, he said he was attacked by two men in the woods, and knocked them both down and made his escape, arrived safe and secured his treasure. He then observed that if it had not been for that stone, (which he acknowledged belonged to me,) he would not have obtained the book. A few days afterwards, he told one of my neighbors that he had not got any such book, nor never had such an one; but that he had told the story to deceive the d----d fool, (meaning me,) to get him to make a chest. His neighbors having become disgusted with his foolish stories, he determined to go back to Pennsylvania, to avoid what he called persecution.

The Joseph Smith Papers, Lucy Mack Smith, History, 1844-1845, pgs 61-62

Lucy's description of the spectacles

said he I have got the key I knew not what he meant but took the article in my hands and upon examining it that it consisted of 2 smooth stones conected with each other in the same way that old fashioned spectacles are made

(Note: This quote comes from Lucy's original manuscript transcribed in 1844-1845 by Martha Jane and Howard Coray. In 1845 the Corays produced an altered copy which can be read in full here. This altered manuscript was used in the 1853 publication by Orson Pratt in England under the title "Biographical Sketches of Joseph Smith, the Prophet, and his Progenitors for many Generations" which can be read in full here.)

The Joseph Smith Papers, "Church History," 1 March 1842, pg 2

Joseph's description in the Wentworth letter

These records were engraven on plates which had the appearance of gold, each plate was six inches wide and eight inches long and not quite so thick as common tin. They were filled with engravings, in Egyptian characters and bound together in a volume, as the leaves of a book with three rings running through the whole. The volume was something near six inches in thickness, a part of which was sealed. The characters on the unsealed part were small, and beautifully engraved. The whole book exhibited many marks of antiquity in its construction and much skill in the art of engraving. With the records was found a curious instrument which the ancients called "Urim and Thummim," which consisted of two transparent stones set in the rim of a bow fastened to a breastplate.

Image and Description of the seer stone purchased in Susquehannah County

(Note: This green seer stone was apparently sold to Joseph Smith by Jack Belcher in the 1820's. After his assassination in 1844 this stone was acquired by Philo Dibble, who later exhibited the stone, death masks and other historical objects on lecture tours which he conducted in Utah Territory. It passed through various heirs and in 1993 was sold for $75,000.

Another common image of this stone is here.)

Mormonism Unvailed, E.D. Howe, pgs 254-57

Lucy Harris' Take on her Husband

Lucy Harris

29 Nov, 1833

   Being called upon to give a statement to the world of what I know respecting the Gold Bible speculation, and also of the conduct of Martin Harris, my husband, who is a leading character among the Mormons, I do it free from prejudice, realizing that I must give an account at the bar of God for what I say. Martin Harris was once industrious attentive to his domestic concerns, and thought to be worth about ten thousand dollars. He is naturally quick in his temper and in his mad-fits frequently abuses all who may dare to oppose him in his wishes. However strange it may seem, I have been a great sufferer by his unreasonable conduct. At different times while I lived with him, he has whipped, kicked, and turned me out of the house. About a year previous to the report being raised that Smith had found gold plates, he became very intimate with the Smith family, and said he believed Joseph could see in his stone any thing he wished. After this he apparently became very sanguine in his belief, and frequently said he would have no one in his house that did not believe in Mormonism; and because I would not give credit to the report he made about the gold plates, he became more austere towards me. In one of his fits of rage he struck me with the but end of a whip, which I think had been used for driving oxen, and was about the size of my thumb, and three or four feet long. He beat me on the head four or five times, and the next day turned me out of doors twice, and beat me in a shameful manner. The next day I went to the town of Marion, and while there my flesh was black and blue in many places. His main complaint against me was, that I was always trying to hinder his making money.
   When he found out that I was going to Mr. Putnam's, in Marion, he said he was going too, that they had sent for him to pay them a visit. On arriving at Mr. Putnam's, I asked them if they had sent for Mr. Harris; they replied, they knew nothing about it; he, however, came in the evening. Mrs. Putnam told him never to strike or abuse me any more; he then denied ever striking me; she was however convinced that he lied, as the marks of his beating me were plain to be seen, and remained more than two weeks. Whether the Mormon religion be true or false, I leave the world to judge, for its effects upon Martin Harris have been to make him more cross, turbulent and abusive to me. His whole object was to make money by it. I will give one circumstance in proof of it. One day, while at Peter Harris' house, I told him he had better leave the company of the Smiths, as their religion was false; to which he replied, if you would let me alone, I could make money by it...
   With regard to Mr. Harris' being intimate with Mrs. Haggard, as has been reported, it is but justice to myself to state what facts have come within my own observation, to show whether I had any grounds for jealousy or not. Mr. Harris was very intimate with this family, for some time previous to their going to Ohio. They lived a while in a house which he had built for their accommodation, and here he spent the most of his leisure hours; and made her presents of articles from the store and house. He carried these presents in a private manner, and frequently when he went there, he would pretend to be going to some of the neighbors, on an errand, or to be going into the fields. After getting out of sight of the house, he would steer a straight course for Haggard's house, especially if Haggard was from home. At times when Haggard was from home, he would go there in the manner above described, and stay till twelve or one o'clok at night, and sometimes until day light.
   If his intentions were evil, the Lord will judge him accordingly, but if good, he did not mean to let his left hand know what his right hand did. The above statement of facts, I affirm to be true.

Clay County Museum 0072-131-a

Anthon Transcript

(Note: This piece of paper was in the possession of David Whitmer until his death in 1888, and was always affirmed by him to be the original paper Martin Harris took to Charles Anthon in 1828. This is the oldest known photograph to exist of the document, taken by Jacob Hicks before the portion containing the characters was torn from the rest of the page some time before 1884. In December, 1844 these characters were printed in a broadside created by The Prophet, a church-owned newspaper, seen here, as well as in an article seen here. The torn page is currently in the possession of the Community of Christ and can be seen here.)

1828

Joseph Smith the Prophet His Family and His Friends, pg 80

Joseph and Hiel Lewis Account

"...While Smith was in Harmony he made the above statements, in our presence, to Rev. N. Lewis. It was here, also, that he joined the Methodist Episcopal Church. He presented himself in a very serious and humble manner, and the minister, not suspecting evil, put his name on the class-book in the absence of some of the official members, among whom was the undersigned, Joseph Lewis, who, when he learned what was done, took with him Joshua McKune and had a talk with Smith. We told him plainly that such a character as he was a disgrace to the church; that he could not be a member of it unless he broke off his sins by repentance, made public confession, renounced his fraudulent and hypocritical practices, and gave some evidence that he intended to reform and conduct himself somewhat nearer like a christian than he had done. We gave him his choice, to go before the class and publicly ask to have his name stricken from the class-book, or stand a disciplinary investigation; he chose the former, and immediately withdrew his name. So his name as a member of the class was on the book only three days. It was the general opinion that his only object in joining the church was to bolster up his reputation and gain the sympathy and help of christians; that is, putting on the cloak of religion to serve the devil in."
When interrogated as to the time of Joe's joining the Methodist Church, Mr. Hiel Lewis wrote back that it was in June, 1828.

External Link

Joseph Smith Papers, Testimony of Eight Witnesses, late June 1829

Testimony of the Eight Witnesses

Eight Witnesses

June, 1829

And also the testimony of eight witnesses
Be it known unto all Nations Kindreds tongues + people unto whom this work shall come that Joseph Smith jun. the author + proprietor of this work has shewn unto us the plates of which hath been spoken which have the appearance of gold + as many of the leaves as the said Smith has translated we did handle with our hands + we also saw the engravings thereon all of which has the appearance of ancient work + of curious workmanship + this we bear record with words of soberness that the said Smith has shewn unto us for we have seen + hefted + know of a surety that the said Smith has got the plates of which we have spoken + we give our names unto the world to witness unto the world that which we have seen + we lie not God bearing witness of it.

Christian Whitmer
Jacob Whitmer
Peter Whitmer, Jun.
John Whitmer
Hiram Page
Joseph Smith, Sen.
Hyrum Smith
Samuel H. Smith

(Note: The men whose names are listed on this document died in the following years: Christian Whitmer (1835), Jacob Whitmer (1856), Peter Whitmer, Jun. (1836), John Whitmer (1878), Hiram Page (1852), Joseph Smith, Sen. (1840), Hyrum Smith (1844), Samuel H. Smith (1844))

lds.org, Church History Maps, #2 - Palmyra-Manchester, New York, 1820-31

Map of Smith dwelling locations in Palmyra

(Note: According to the Road Tax List below, from 1816-1819 the Smiths lived on Main Street at the north end of Stafford Road, which is not marked on this map.)

The Joseph Smith Papers, History, circa Summer 1832, pg 2

Joseph Smith's Recollection in 1832

thus from the age of twelve years to fifteen I pondered many things in my heart concerning the sittuation of the world of mankind the contentions and divions the wickeness and abominations and the darkness which pervaded the minds of mankind

Summer, 1832

(Note: This document is in Joseph Smith's handwriting.)

Mormonism Unvailed, E.D. Howe, pg 268

Levi Lewis account

E.D. Howe

Levi Lewis states, that he has "been acquainted with Joseph Smith Jr. and Martin Harris, and that he has heard them both say, adultery was no crime. Harris said he did not blame Smith for his (Smith's) attempt to seduce Eliza Winters &c.;"

(Note: Levi's brother, Hiel Lewis, reproduced this statement in a "Reply to Elder Caldwell," published in the Amboy Journal on August 6, 1879)

Population schedules of the fifth census of the United States, 1830, New York, pg 106

1830 Census

1830 Census

Daniel J. Haggart...
Preserved Harris...
Martin Harris...

(Note: Daniel J. Haggart's proximity to Martin's Harris' name in this 1830 census records indicates they were neighbors, perhaps with the Haggarts living on the Harris property. His wife's name was Magdaline Service, born in Dundas, Canada, as shown by the death certificate of her son. The birth locations of their children in the 1850 census record indicate that they moved to Ohio sometime between 1829 and 1832. According to the Wayne Sentinel, in May of 1831 Martin Harris left Palmyra with "Several families, numbering about fifty souls." In 1835 the son Alexander Haggart was born in Willoughby, 3 miles away from Kirtland, where all subsequent children were also born. The 1840 Census and 1850 Census both place the Haggart family in Willoughby.)

Mormonism Unvailed, E.D. Howe, pgs 246-57

Willard Chase Statement

In the Spring 1829, Harris went to Pennsylvania, and on his return to Palmyra, reported that the Prophet's wife, in the month of June following would be delivered of a male child that would be able when two years old to translate the Gold Bible.

The Joseph Smith Papers, History, circa Summer 1832, pgs 5-6

and it came to pass that after we had translated 116 pages that he desired to carry them to read to his friends that peradventur he might convince them of the truth therefore I inquired of the Lord and the Lord said unto me that he must not take them and I spake unto him (Martin) the word of the Lord and he said inquire again and I inquired again and also the third time and the Lord said unto me let him go with them only he shall covenant with me that he will not shew them to only but four persons and he covenented withe Lord that he would do according to the word of the Lord therefore he took them and took his journey unto his friends to Palmire Wayne County & State of N York and he brake the covenent which he made before the Lord and the Lord suffered the writings to fall into the hands of wicked men and Martin was Chastened for his transgression and I also was chastened also for my transgression for asking the Lord the third time wherefore the Plates was taken from me by the power of God and I was not able to obtain them for a season and it came to pass afte much humility and affliction of Soul I obtained them again

The Joseph Smith Papers, History, circa Summer 1832, pg 6

when Lord appeared unto a young man by the name of Oliver Cowdry and shewed unto him the plates in a vision and also the truth of the work and what the Lord was about to do through me his unworthy Servant therefore he was desiorous to come and write for me and to translate now my wife had writen some for me to translate and also my Brothr Samuel H Smith but we had become reduced in property and my wives father was about to turn me out of doores & I had not where to go and I cried unto the Lord that he would provide for me to accomplish the work whereunto he had commanded me

The Reflector, Palmyra, Gold Bible, no. 3

Palmyra Reflector

   We are not able to determine whether the elder Smith was ever concerned in money digging transactions previous to his emigration from Vermont, or not, but it is a well authenticated fact that soon after his arrival here he evinced a firm belief in the existence of hidden treasures, and that this section of country abounded in them. -- He also revived, or in other words propagated the vulgar, yet popular belief that these treasures were held in charge by some evil spirit, which was supposed to be either the DEVIL himself, or some one of his most trusty favorites. This opinion however, did not originate by any means with Smith, for we find that the vulgar and ignorant from time immemorial, both in Europe and America, have entertained the same preposterous opinion.
   It may not be amiss in this place to mention that the mania of money digging soon began rapidly to diffuse itself through many parts of this country; men and women without distinction of age or sex became marvellous wise in the occult sciences, many dreamed, and others saw visions disclosing to them, deep in the bowels of the earth, rich and shining treasures, and to facilitate those mighty mining operations, (money was usually if not always sought after in the night time,) divers devices and implements were invented, and although the spirit was always able to retain his precious charge, these discomfited as well as deluded beings, would on a succeeding night return to their toil, not in the least doubting that success would eventually attend their labors.
   Mineral rods and balls, (as they were called by the imposter who made use of them,) were supposed to be infallible guides to these sources of wealth -- "peep stones" or pebbles, taken promiscuously from the brook or field, were placed in a hat or other situation excluded from the light, when some wizzard or witch (for these performances were not confined to either sex) applied their eyes, and nearly starting their balls from their sockets, declared they saw all the wonders of nature, including of course, ample stores of silver and gold.
   It is more than probable that some of these deluded people, by having their imaginations heated to the highest pitch of excitement, and by straining their eyes until they were suffused with tears, might have, through the medium of some trifling emission of the ray of light, receive imperfect images on the retina, when their fancies could create the rest. Be this however as it may, people busied themselves in consulting these blind oracles, while the ground was nightly opened in various places and men who were too lazy or idle to labor for bread in the day time, displayed a zeal and perseverance in this business worthy of a better cause.

1 Feb, 1831

The Joseph Smith Papers, Lucy Mack Smith, History, 1844-1845, pgs 92-96

   Soon after we returned there came a man into our neighborhood by the name of Lyman Cowdray he went to Hyrum (as he was one of the principle trustees) and applied for the school. It was settled that he should have it and the terms were agreed upon- But the next day he brought his brother Oliver and requested them to receive him in the place of himself as buisness had arisen that would oblige him to disapoint them but he would warrant the prosperity of and Good conduct of the school in oliver's hands if the trustees would accept of his services-. All parties were satisfied and Oliver requested my husband to take him as a boarder at least for a little while untill he should become acquainted with his patrons in the school. He had not been in the place long till he began to hear about the plates from all quarters and immediately he commenced importuneing Mr. Smith upon the subject. but he did not succeed in eliciting any information from him for a long time- At length however he gained My husbands confidence so far as to get a sketch of the facts which related to the plates
   one day, Oliver came home from school in quite a lively mood and; as soon as he had an oppertunity of conversing with Mr Smith he told him that he (Oliver) had been in a deep study all day and it had been put into his heart that he would have the priviledge of writing for Joseph. and he had concluded that when the term of school which he was then teaching was closed, he could hit upon some plan that would be enable him to go and pay Joseph a visit after he should mature the matter more fully in his own mind- The next day was so very stormy as to render it almost impossible to travel the road between the school house and our place the rain fell in torrents all the evening so I suposed that Oliver would certainly stop with some neighbor that lived nearer the school house than we did but he was not to be deterred from coming, by any common dificulty for his mind was now fully set upon a subject which he could not converse upon anywhere else. When he came he said that I have now resolved what I will do for the thing which I told you seems working in my very bones insomuch that I cannot for a moment get rid of it- My plan is this:- My term of school will be out in march and I want Hyrum as he is one of the trustees to manage to have my school money ready for me as soon as the school closes that I may be able to set off for Penn. immediately upon making the necessary preparations. And as I understand that samuel is going to stay with Joseph through the spring I will endeaver to be ready to start by the time he recovers his health again. I have made it a subject of prayer and I firmly believe that it is the will of the Lord that I should go and that there is a work for me to do in this thing and I am determined to if there is to attend to it We told him that we thought it was his priviledge to know whether this was the case and advised him to seek for a testimony concerning it he did so and received the wittness spoken of in the book of doctrine and covenants from this time Oliver was so entirely absorbed in the subject of the record that it seemed impossible for him to think or converse about anything else...
   In april all Mr. Cowdray's affairs being arranged according to his mind he and Samuel set out for Penn. The weather had for some time previous been very wet and disagreeable occasionally freezing nights this made the roads almost impassible particularly in the middle of the day but Mr Cowdary was determined not be detained by wind or weather and persvered untill they arrived at Joseph's house although Oliver frozes his feet and suffered much on the road from fatigue as well as the inclemency of the weather
   When they arived there Joseph was not at home he had been so hurried with buisnes and writing &c that he could not proceed with the work as fast as it was necsary for him to do and Emma had so much of her time taken up with her work that she could not write but little for him accordingly 2 or 3 days before the arrival of Oliver and Samuel he feeling it his priviledge to lay hold of the promise of the angel that the Lord would send him a scribe he called upon the His Heavenly Father for the promised assistance and was informed that the same should be forthcoming in a few days. As soon Oliver was introduced to him he said Mr Smith I have come for the purpose of writing for you This was not at all expected to Joseph for although he had never seen Mr Cowdray before he knew that the Lord was able to perform and that he had been faithful to fulfill all his promises. They then sat down and conversed togather untill late bed time and Joseph told Oliver His entire history as far as it was necessary for his information in those things which concerned him. They soon deeply engaged in the work of writing and translation, and progressed rapidly;

(Note: Oliver Cowdery and Lucy Smith were third cousins. This quote comes from Lucy's original manuscript transcribed in 1844-1845 by Martha Jane and Howard Coray. In 1845 the Corays produced an altered copy which can be read in full here. This altered manuscript was used in the 1853 publication by Orson Pratt in England under the title "Biographical Sketches of Joseph Smith, the Prophet, and his Progenitors for many Generations" which can be read in full here.)

The Joseph Smith Papers, Revelation, April 1829-B [D&C 8], pgs 12-13

1829 Revelation "the gift of working with the sprout"

A Revelation to Oliver he being desirous to know whether the Lord would grant him the gift of Translation given in Harmony Susquehannah Pennsylvania
...now this is not all for thou hast another gift which is the gift of working with the sprout Behold it hath told you things Behold there is no other power save God that can cause this thing of Nature to work in your hands for it is the work of God & therefore whatsoever ye shall ask to tell you by that means that will he grant unto you that ye shall know remember that without faith ye can do nothing trifle not with these things do not ask for that which ye had not ought ask that ye may know the mysteries of God & that ye may Translate all those ancient Records which have been hid up which are Sacred & according to your faith shall it be done unto you Behold it is I that have spoken it & I am the same which spake unto you from the begining amen

The Joseph Smith Papers, Account of John, April 1829-C [D&C 7], pgs 13-14

1829 Revelation

A Revelation to Joseph & Oliver concerning John the Beloved Deciple who leaned on his Saveiours breast given on in Harmony Susquehannah County Pennsylvania
And the Lord said unto me. John my Beloved what desiredst thou & I said Lord give unto me power that I may bring souls unto thee & the Lord said unto me Veriley Verily I say unto thee because thou desiredst this thou shalt tarry until I come in my glory & for this cause the Lord said unto Peter if I will that he tarry till I come what is that to thee For he desiredst of me that he might bring souls unto me but thou desiredst that thou mightest come unto me in my kingdom I say unto thee Peter this was a good desire but my beloved hath undertaken a greater work Verily I say unto you ye shall both have according to your desires for ye both Joy in that which ye desired

Mormonism Unvailed, E.D. Howe, pgs 264-65

Isaac Hale Account

It was said, that Harris wrote down one hundred and sixteen pages, and lost them. Soon after this happened, Martin Harris informed me that he must have a greater witness, and said that he had talked with Joseph about it - Joseph informed him that he could not, or durst not show him the plates, but that he (Joseph) would go into the woods where the Book of Plates was, and that after he came back, Harris should follow his track in the snow, and find the Book, and examine it for himself. Harris informed me afterwards, that he followed Smith's directions, and could not find the Plates, and was still dissatisfied.
The next day after this happened, I went to the house where Joseph Smith Jr., lived, and where he and Harris were engaged in their translation of the Book. Each of them had a written piece of paper which they were comparing, and some of the words were "my servant seeketh a greater witness, but no greater witness can be given him." There was also something said about "three that were to see the thing" - meaning I supposed, the Book of Plates, and that "if the three did not go exactly according to orders, the thing would be taken from them." I enquired whose words they were, and was informed by Joseph or Emma, (I rather think it was the former) that they were the words of Jesus Christ. I told them then, that I considered the whole of it a delusion, and advised them to abandon it.

David Whitmer, interview by Zenas H. Gurley Jr., 14 Jan. 1885, typescript, LDS archives.

David Whitmer Interview by Zenas Gurley

   13 Q.-- Were you present when Joseph Smith received the revelation commanding him and Oliver Cowdery to ordain each other to the Melchisedek Priesthood, if so, where was it and how?
   Ans -- No I was not -- neither did I ever hear of such a thing as an angel ordaining them until I got into Ohio about the year 1834 -- or later.

   14. Q. Can you tell why that Joseph and Oliver were ordained to the lesser Priesthood by the hand of an Angel but in receiving the Higher they ordained each other?
   Ans -- I moved Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery to my fathers house in Fayette Seneca County New York, from Harmony, Penn. in the year 1829, on our way I conversed freely with them upon this great work they were bringing about, and Oliver stated to me in Josephs presence that they had baptized each other seeking by that to fulfill the command -- And after our arrival at fathers sometime in June 1829, Joseph ordained Oliver Cowdery to be an Elder, and Oliver ordained Joseph to be an Elder in the church of Christ and during that year Joseph both baptized and ordained me an elder in the church of Christ. Also, during this year the translation of the Book of Mormon was finished, and we preached preached, baptized and ordained some as Elders, And upon the Sixth day of April 1830, six Elders together with some fifty or sixty (as near as I recollect) of the members met together to effect an organization.
   I never heard that an Angel had ordained Joseph and Oliver to the Aaronic priesthood until the year 1834 5. or 6 -- in Ohio. My information from Joseph and Oliver upon this matter being as I have stated, and that they were commanded so to do by revealment through Joseph. I do not believe that John the Baptist ever ordained Joseph and Oliver as stated and believed by some, I regard that as an error, a misconception.

(Note: This comes from a typescript of the personal notes of Zenas Gurley taken in Richmond, Missouri in 1885 as part of the Gurley Collection in the LDS archives. An image of the typescript is not available online. Please contact me if you have any information.)

Mormonism Unvailed, E.D. Howe, pgs 242-43

Willard Chase Account

   After recovering from his fright, he enquired why he could not obtain the plates; to which the spirit made reply, because you have not obeyed your orders. He then enquired when he could have them, and was answered thus: come one year from this day, and bring with you your oldest brother, and you shall have them. This spirit, he said was the spirit of the prophet who wrote this book, and who was sent to Joseph Smith, to make known these things to him. Before the expiration of the year, his oldest brother died; which the old man said was an accidental providence!
   Joseph went one year from that day, to demand the book, and the spirit enquired for his brother, and he said that he was dead. The spirit then commanded him to come again, in just one year, and bring a man with him. On asking who might be the man, he was answered that he would know him when he saw him.
   Joseph believed that one Samuel T. Lawrence was the man alluded to by the spirit, and went with him to a singular looking hill, in Manchester, and shewed him where the treasure was. Lawrence asked him if he had ever discovered any thing with the plates of gold; he said no: he then asked him to look in his stone, to see if there was any thing with them. He looked, and said there was nothing; he told him to look again, and see if there was not a large pair of specks with the plates; he looked and soon saw a pair of spectacles, the same with which Joseph says he translated the Book of Mormon. Lawrence told him it would not be prudent to let these plates be seen for about two years, as it would make a great disturbance in the neighborhood. Not long after this, Joseph altered his mind, and said L. was not the right man, nor had he told him the right place. About this time he went to Harmony in Pennsylvania, and formed an acquaintance with a young lady, by the name of Emma Hale, whom he wished to marry.

11 Dec 1833

The Joseph Smith Papers, Revelation, February 1829 [D&C 4], pg 1

Revelation to Joseph Smith Sr.

   A revalation from the Lord unto Jos... AD 1829
   Saying now behold a marvelous work is about to come among the children of men Therefore O ye that embark in the service of God see that ye serve him with all your heart mind might mind & strenght that ye may stand blameless before God at the last day therefore if ye have desires to serve God ye are called to the work for behold the field is white already to harvest & lo he that thursteth in his sickle with his might the same layeth up his store that he perish not but bringeth Salvation to his own soul & faith hope charity & love with an eye single to the glory of God constitutes him for the work remember temperance patience humility diligence &C.
   Ask & ye shall receive knock & it shall be opened unto you amen

feb, 1829

The Joseph Smith Papers, The Book of Mormon, 1830, pg 86

2 Nephi 11:3

wherefore, I will send their words forth unto my children, to prove unto them that my words are true. Wherefore, by the words of three, God hath said, I will establish my word. Nevertheless, God sendeth more witnesses; and he proveth all his words.

The Joseph Smith Papers, Lucy Mack Smith, History, 1844-1845, pgs 97-99

   This roused in Martin Harris a great desire to go down to Penn to see how they were prospering for himself as he was more than commonly interested in the matter his soon came to the knowlege of his intention and fixed in her mind a determination to prevent him from going also to bring Joseph into a difficulty that would be the means of hindering him perhaps entirely from accomplishing the work which he was about
   Accordingly she mounted her horse flew through the neighborhood like a dark spirit, from house to house making diligent enquiry at every house for miles where She had the least hope of gleaning anything that would subserve her purpose which was to prove that Joseph had not the record which he pretended to have that he pretended to be in possession of certain Gold plates for the express purpose of obtaining money from those who might be so credulous as to believe him after she had ascertained the strength of her adherents she entered a complaint before a magistrate at lyons she then sent word to Lyman Cowdray requesting him to Come to Lyons prepared to with a good horse to travel post haste to Penn. after the descision was given in case it was agains Joseph Smith that he might go with the officers to assist them in securing him and confining him in prison. Lyman Cowdray was very obeidient to her suggestion and seemed to be going on prosperously with her She made affidavit to many things and directed the officers who to Subpoena, among the rest her husband was a principle witness. When the day of trial came the neigbors who felt friendly to us informed us that the witnesses were gone to Lyons and were determined to obtain a verdict against Joseph if it could be done by swearing It
   This very naturally gave me great anxiety for my Son Hyrum came in and asked him what could be done Why mother said he we can do nothing look to the Lord for in him is all help and strength and he can deliver from every trouble.- I had never neglected this all important duty but seeing this confidence in my son strengthened me in this hour of trial for I was not then so much accostomed to such things as I was afterwards this was the first time that a suit was ever brought before any court which affected any of my Children and I trembled for the isue but I retired to a secluded place and bowed myself before God and poured out my whole soul in impassioned entreaties for the safety of my son I continued my suplication for some time at length the spirit fell upon me so powerfully that every feeling of foreboding or distress was entirely removed and a voice spoke to me saying not one hair of his head shall be harmed. I was satisfied and rose up and went into the house I never had felt as happy in my life as I did then I sat down and began to read but my feelings were to intense to permit me to do so My daughterinlaw Jerusha came into the room soon after as She turned her eyes upon me she stopped short saying why Mother what is the Matter I never saw you look so strange in my life I told her I never had been so happy before indeed said my heart was so light and my mind so completely at rest that it did not seem to me as though I should ever have any more trouble while I lived and I have got a witness from the Lord that Joseph' enemies would have no power over him for I have received a promise that he shall be protected Overpowered by the strength of my feelings I burst into tears and sobbed aloud
   I will now relate the proceedings of the court after the setting of the same the witness were sworn The 1st. Witness testified that Joseph Smith told him that the box which he had contained nothing but sand and he only said it was gold plates to deceive the people 2nd. Witness Swore that Joseph Smith told upon a certain occasion that it was nothing but a box of lead and he was determined to use it as he saw fit
   3rd. Witness declared under oath that he enquired of Joseph Smith what he had in that box and Joseph to him that there was nothing in the box saying I have made fools of the whole of you and I all I want is to get Martin Harris's money away from him Witness also stated that Joseph had already got $200 or $300 from Martin by his persuasion
   Next came Mrs Harris's affidavit in which she stated that she believed that Joseph Smith had but one principle object in view and that was to defraud her husband in such a way as to induce him to give up all his property into his (said Smiths) hands that she did not believe that Joseph Smith had ever been in possession of the Gold plates which he talked so much about and that his pretesions were altogather unreal-
   The Esq. then forbid the introduction of any more witnesses on untill he heard Mr Harris's testimony
   Mr Harris being duly sworn testified boldness decision and energy to a few simple facts when he rose he raised his hand to Heaven and said I can swear,- that Joseph Smith never got one dollar from me since God made I did once voluntarily of my own free will and accord put $50 into his hands before many witnesses for the purpose of doing the work of the Lord. This I can pointedly prove and I can tell you furthermore that Joseph Smith has certainly never shown any disposition to get any man's money and as to the plates which he professes to have and if you gentlemen do not believe it but continue to resist the truth it one day be the means of damning your souls. The Judge then told them that they need not call any more of their witnesses but to bring that which had been recorded of the testimony that had been given. This he tore in pieces before their eyes and told them to go home about their buisness and trouble him no more with such ridiculous folly. They returned home abashed and confounded hanging down their heads with shame and confusion.

Public discussion of the issues between the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and the Church of Christ (Disciples) : held in Kirtland, Ohio, beginning February 12th, and closing March 8, 1884

The Braden and Kelley Debate

Clark Braden

1884

While acting in his primitive, supernatural capacity as water-witch and money-digger, Smith made the acquaintance of a drunken vagabond by the name of Walters, who had been a physician in Europe. This person had learned in Europe the secret of Mesmerism or animal magnetism. This was entirely unknown in America except to a few in large cities, who had read European papers. Smith learned this art, and like all men with great passions, vitality and physical force he was almost a prodigy in his mesmeric power. All casting out devils and raising the dead were merely a display of his great mesmeric power.

Palmyra Freeman Article

It was said that the leaves of the Bible were plates, of gold about eight inches long, six wide, and one eighth of an inch thick, on which were engraved characters or hieroglyphics. By placing the spectacles in a hat, and looking into it, Smith could (he said so, at least,) interpret these characters.

(Note: No images of the original are available online. This article was reprinted in the August 27, 1829 issue of the Niagara Courier and the August 31, 1829 issue of the Rochester Daily Advertiser and Telegraph, which can be read here.)

(Three objects discovered by David Wyrick near Newark, Ohio in 1860, inscribed in Hebrew, including a condensed version of the Decalogue, or Ten Commandments.)

Newark Holy Stones

1860

(Note: Due to the unprofessional manner in which these stones were discovered they have not been dated. However, the letters themselves indicate that they most likely come from a Hebrew language between 100 AD and 300 AD. General consensus believes they are either a hoax or originate from a post-Colombian time period. These stones were discussed by Orson Pratt in the December 1 issue of the Millenial Star.)

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William Horne Dame Diary

William Horne Dame

14 Jan, 1855

Attended meeting a discourse from W. W. Phelps. He related a story told him by Hyrum Smith which was as follows: Joseph, Hyrum, Cowdery & Whitmere went to the hill Cormorah. As they were walking up the hill, a door opened and they walked into a room about 16 ft square. In that room was an angel and a trunk. On that trunk lay a book of Mormon & gold plates, Laban's sword, Aaron's brestplate.

The Joseph Smith Papers, The Book of Mormon, 1830, pgs 519-520

1829 Parallel Account in the Book of Mormon

And I, being fifteen years of age, and being somewhat of a sober mind, therfore I was visited of the Lord, and tasted, and knew of the goodness of Jesus. And I did endeavor to preach unto this people, but my mouth was shut, and I were forbidden that I should preach unto them: for behold they had wilfully rebelled against their God, and the beloved disciples were taken away out of the land, because of their iniquity. But I did remain among them, but I were forbidden that I should preach unto them, because of the hardness of their hearts; and because of the hardness of their hearts, the land was cursed for their sake.

1829

(Note: This account was written from the perspective of Mormon, an ancient prophet born circa 310 AD, compiler of the records of the Book of Mormon.)

History of Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania, Emily C. Blackman, pg 103

History of Susquehanna County

Emily C. Blackman

Emma, was intelligent, and, that she should marry Joseph Smith, Jr., the Mormon leader, can only be accounted for by supposing "he had bewitched her," as he afterward bewitched the masses.
It is thought that Mr. Hale was a little deluded at first, as well as others, in regard to Joe's prophecy of the existence of precious minerals, when digging was progressing in the vicinity, under the latter's direction, and the party were boarding at Mr. Hale's, but his common sense soon manifested itself, and his disapproval of Joe was notorious. He was a man of forethought and generosity.

The Life and Times of Rev. George Peck, D.D., pg 68

George Peck Account

George Peck

1874

(Isaac Hale) was a shrewd, witty man. He was the father-in-law of Joseph Smith, the Mormon prophet. In this neighborhood Smith, at least in one version of his story, professed to find the golden plates from which he said that he translated the Book of Mormon. He made love to Emma Hale, and finally married her, in opposition to the wishes of her friends. Hale himself detested Smith, considering him an impostor and a knave.

The Joseph Smith Papers, Book of Mormon Manuscript Excerpt, circa June 1829 [1 Nephi 2:2b-3:18a], pg 3

Preface to Book of Mormon, circa August 1829, Joseph Smith Papers

Preface to the Book of Mormon

I would inform you that I translated, by the gift and power of God, and caused to be written, one hundred and sixteen pages, the which I took from the Book of Lehi

Aug, 1829

Historical Collections of the State of New York (S. Tuttle, 1841), pg 581

Barber & Howe Account

John W. Barber & Henry Howe

1841

He was, however, unable to produce any excitement in the village; but very few had curiosity sufficient to listen to him. Not having the means to print his revelations, he applied to Mr. Crane, of the society of Friends, declaring that he was moved by the spirit to call upon him for assistance. This gentleman bid him to go to work, or the state prison would end his career. Smith had better success with Martin Harris, an industrious and thrifty farmer of Palmyra, who was worth about $10,000, and who became one of his leading disciples.

The Commonwealth, Pittsburg, PA, July 9, 1816, Vol 1, No 15

Rigdon and Spaulding shared the same post office

The Commonwealth

9 Jul, 1816

LIST OF LETTERS

Remaining in the Post Office, at Pittsburgh, June 30, 1816...

R	S
David Robb	Benja. Summerton 2
G. C. Russel	Daniel Stotler
Henry Richardson	Dandridge Spotswood
Jacob Rudolf	Geo. Slacket Esq.
John Robinson	Jacob Sangree
John Richa	Jacob Smyth
Joseph Richardson	Jacob Steally
Joseph Rieldy	James Snodgrass 2
Rulif Rinyan	James Steel
Samuel Robinson	John Smith
Sidney Rigdon	John Stotler
Wm. C. Roberts	Capt. John Srodel
Wm. Reed	Roswell Sturdevant
Wm. Robinson jun.	Joel Smith
	Robert Sibbit
	Samuel Still
	Solomon Spalding
	Wm. Skillen
	Wm. Sinclair
	Wm. Simpson 2
	Wm. Smith
	Wm. Steward
	Miss Mary Snyder
	Mary Stuard

(Note: Spaulding's name appears on the list of unclaimed letters on multiple occasions as early as May 5, 1813. Rigdon's name makes its first appearance on this July 9, 1816 list. Solomon Spaulding subsequently contracted dysentery and died on October 20, 1816.

No images of the original list is available online. Please contact me if you have any information.)

Smith early put on the airs of prophet, and was in the habit of "blessing" his neighbor's crops for a small consideration. On one occasion, a neighbor had a piece of corn, planted rather late, and on a moist piece of ground, and, feeling a little doubtful about its ripening, got Smith to bless it. It happened that that was the only piece of corn killed by the frost in the neighborhood. When the prophet's attention was called to the matter, he got out of the difficulty by saying that he made a mistake and put a curse on the corn instead of a blessing. Rather an unneighborly act, and paid for, too!

(Note: This is a reprint in the Pittsburgh Weekly Gazette. No images of the original article in the Independent Republican appear to be available online. This same text was subsequently duplicated in Emily C. Blackman's 1873 History of Susquehanna County on page 580, which can also be read here.)

The Holy Bible, King James Version, 1611

Wayne Sentinel, Palmyra, NY, Feb 16 1825, pg 1, col 5

Wayne Sentinel Article

From the Windsor, (Vermont) Jour. Jan. 17.
Money digging. - We are sorry to observe even in this enlightened age, so prevalent a disposition to credit the accounts of the marvellous. Even the frightful stories of money being hid under the surface of the earth, and enchanted by the Devil or Robert Kidd, are received by many of our respectable fellow citizens as truths.

Feb 16, 1825

New York Journal of Commerce, New York, City, Dec. 13, 1841

New York Newspaper Account

New York Journal of Commerce

Dec 13, 1841

When we see a miserable creature like Smith, all at once putting on the garb of sanctity, and guided by pretended inspiration, digging into the side of a hill, and there secluding himself for months, and then coming forth with the pretence that he has found a new revelation, which revelation is nothing more nor less than a piece of imaginative writing left in a manuscript by a deceased clergyman, and when we see such a fraud believed in, and adopted by enlightened men, and spreading more rapidly than any system of truth ever did, we are amazed.

The Joseph Smith Papers, Lucy Mack Smith, History, 1844-1845, pgs. 43-44

Evening Recitals

In the course of our evening conversations Joseph would give us some of the most ammusing recitals which could be immagined he would decribe the ancient inhabitants of this continent their dress thier maner of traveling the animals which they rode The cities that were built by them the structure of their buildings with every particular of their mode of warfare their religious worship as particularly as though he had Spent his life with them

(Note: According to Lucy's account, these recitals occurred in the Fall of 1823, between the angel's visit on September 22nd and the death of Alvin on November 19th.)

Tunbridge Town Record, December 6, 1797, Book A, pg 188

Formation of Universalist Society

Hezekiah Hutchinson

6 Dec, 1797

Â Â Â This May certify, all Whome it May Concern that we Whose Names are here under Written have regularly formed our Selves into a Society and wish to be known by the Name or forme of universalists and whereas the Laws of the State of Vermont allow free Liberty of Consience to worship God according to the Dictates thereof and it being Contrary to the Dictates of our Conciences to Pay Money to Support aney teacher of a Different Denomintion agreable therefore to the Liberty of the Laws of our State we wish not to be Charged with any Tax towards the Support of any teacher of any Diferant Denomination whatever.
Â Â Â

Alexander Stedman		Abner Boroughs
Asael Smith		David Grow
Peter Grow		Levi Stedman
Samuel Branch		John Ridle
Abel Camp Junr		Joseph Smith
Jesse Smith		Edward Grow
Benoni Polly		Ebenr Cilley
Wm Clements		Deliverance Brown
		Daniel Hunt Junr

the above is a true Copey of the Records by order of Asael Smith moderator Wm Clements clerk for Sd Society Tunbridge December 6 1797

Tunbridge December 6: 1797 received the above for (and is a true) record
Â Â Â attest Hezekiah Hutchinson Town Clerk

Tunbridge July 10: 1799 This May certify that I the subscribed Never Signed or Put my Name to this Paper or Gave any Person Liberty So to Do
Â Â Â Deliver Brown

I Desire the Town Clerk to Put the above on Record
Â Â Â Deliver Brown

the above is a true Record
Â Â Â atest H. Hutchinson Town Clerk

Origin, rise, and progress of Mormonism : biography of its founders and history of its church : personal remembrances and historical collections hitherto unwritten ... pgs 16-17

Pomeroy Tucker's perspective

At this period in the life and career of Joseph Smith, Jr., or "Joe Smith" as he was universally named, and the Smith family, they were popularly regarded as an illiterate, whiskey-drinking, shiftless, irreligious race of people--the first named, the chief subject of this biography, being unanimously voted the laziest and most worthless of the generation. From the age of twelve to twenty years he is distinctly remembered as a dull-eyed, flaxen-haired, prevaricating boy--noted only for his indolent and vagabondish character, and his habits of exaggeration and untruthfulness. Taciturnity was among his characteristic idiosyncrasies, and he seldom spoke to any one outside of his intimate associates, except when first addressed by another; and then, by reason of his extravagancies of statement, his word was received with the least confidence by those who knew him best. He could utter the most palpable exaggeration or marvellous absurdity with the utmost apparent gravity. He nevertheless evidenced the rapid development of a thinking, plodding, evil-brewing mental composition--largely given to inventions of low cunning, schemes of mischief and deception, and false and mysterious pretensions. In his moral phrenology the professor might have marked the organ of secretiveness as very large, and that of conscientiousness "omitted." He was, however, proverbially good-natured, very rarely if ever indulging in any combative spirit toward any one, whatever might be the provocation, and yet was never known to laugh. Albeit, he seemed to be the pride of his indulgent father, who has been heard to boast of him as the "genus of the family," quoting his own expression.
Joseph, moreover, as he grew in years, had learned to read comprehensively, in which qualification he was far in advance of his elder brother, and even of his father; and this talent was assiduously devoted, as he quitted or modified his idle habits, to the perusal of works of fiction and records of criminality, such for instance as would be classed with the "dime novels" of the present day...

The Joseph Smith Papers, History, 1838-1856, volume A-1 [23 December 1805-30 August 1834], pgs 1-2

Joseph Smith's description in the canonized account

   Some time in the second year after our removal to Manchester, there was in the place where we lived an unusual excitement on the subject of religion. It commenced with the Methodists, but soon became general among all the sects in that region of country. Indeed, the whole district of Country seemed affected by it and great multitudes united themselves to the different religious parties, which created no small stir and division among the people, Some crying, "Lo here" and some Lo there. Some were contending for the Methodist faith, some for the Presbyterian, and some for the Baptist;
   for notwithstanding the great love which the converts to these different faiths expressed at the time of their conversion, and the great zeal manifested by the respective Clergy who were active in getting up and promoting this extraordinary scene of religious feeling in order to have every body converted as they were pleased to call it, let them join what sect they pleased; Yet when the Converts began to file off some to one party and some to another, it was seen that the seemingly good feelings of both the Priests and the Converts were more pretended than real; for a scene of great confusion and bad feeling ensued; Priest contending against priest, and convert against convert so that all their good feelings one for another (if they ever had any) were entirely lost in a strife of words and a contest about opinions.
   I was at this time in my fifteenth year. My fathers family were proselyted to the Presbyterian faith and four of them joined that Church, Namely, My Mother Lucy, My Brothers Hyrum, Samuel Harrison, and my Sister Sophonia.
   During this time of great excitement my mind was called up to serious reflection and great uneasiness, but though my feelings were deep and often pungent, still I kept myself aloof from all these parties though I attended their several meetings as often as occasion would permit. But in process of time my mind became somewhat partial to the Methodist sect, and I felt some desire to be united with them; but so great was the confusion and strife amongst the different denominations that it was impossible for a person young as I was and so unacquainted with men and things to come to any certain conclusion who was bright and who was wrong.
   My mind at different times was greatly excited the cry and tumult were so great and incessant. The Presbyterians were most decided against the Baptists and Methodists, and used all their powers of either reason or sophistry to prove their errors, or at least to make the people think they were in error. On the other hand the Baptists and Methodists in their turn were equally Zealous in endeavoring to establish their own tenets and disprove all others.
   In the midst of this war of words, and tumult of opinions, I often said to myself, what is to be done? Who of all these parties are right? Or are they all wrong together? and if any one of them be right which is it? And how shall I know it?

(Note: This manuscript, dated 1839, is in the handwriting of scribe James Mulholland. In December 1842 Willard Richards inserted some text into the margins, including the words "or thereabouts." No original document has been located.)

The Joseph Smith Papers, History, circa Summer 1832, pgs 1-3

1832 handwritten account

At about the age of twelve years my mind become seriously imprest with regard to the all importent concerns of for the wellfare of my immortal Soul which led me to searching the scriptures believeing as I was taught, that they contained the word of God thus applying myself to them and my intimate acquaintance with those of different denominations led me to marvel excedingly for I discovered that they did not of adorn their profession by a holy walk and Godly conversation agreeable to what I found contained in that sacred depository this was a grief to my Soul thus from the age of twelve years to fifteen I pondered many things in my heart concerning the sittuation of the world of mankind the contentions and divions the wickeness and abominations and the darkness which pervaded the minds of mankind my mind become excedingly distressed for I become convicted of my sins and by searching the scriptures I found that mankind did not come unto the Lord but that they had apostatised from the true and liveing faith and there was no society or denomination that built upon the gospel of Jesus Christ as recorded in the new testament and I felt to mourn for my own sins and for the sins of the world for I learned in the scriptures that God was the same yesterday to day and forever that he was no respecter to persons for he was God for I looked upon the sun the glorious luminary of the earth and also the moon rolling in their magesty through the heavens and also the stars shining in their courses and the earth also upon which I stood and the beast of the field and the fowls of heaven and the fish of the waters and also man walking forth upon the face of the earth in magesty and in the strength of beauty whose power and intiligence in governing the things which are so exceding great and marvilous even in the likeness of him who created them and when I considered upon these things my heart exclaimed well hath the wise man said it is a fool that saith in his heart there is no God my heart exclaimed all all these bear testimony and bespeak an omnipotant and omnipreasant power a being who makith Laws and decreeeth and bindeth all things in their bounds who filleth Eternity who was and is and will be from all Eternity to Eternity and when I, considered all these things and that that being seeketh such to worship him as worship him in spirit and in truth therefore I cried unto the Lord for mercy for there was none else to whom I could go and to obtain mercy and the Lord heard my cry in the wilderness and while in the attitude of calling upon the Lord in the 16th year of my age a piller of fire light above the brightness of the sun at noon day come down from above and rested upon me and I was filled with the spirit of god and the Lord opened the heavens upon me and I saw the Lord and he spake unto me saying Joseph my son thy sins are forgiven thee. go thy way walk in my statutes and keep my commandments behold I am the Lord of glory I was crucifyed for the world that all those who believe on my name may have Eternal life behold the world lieth in Sin at this time and none doeth good no not one they have turned asside from the gospel and keep not my commandments they draw near to me with their lips while their hearts are far from me and mine anger is kindling against the inhabitants of the earth to visit them acording to thir ungodliness and to bring to pass that which hath been spoken by the mouth of the prophets and Apstles behold and lo I come quickly as it was written of me in the cloud clothed in the glory of my Father

Gleanings by the way, pgs 222, 225-226

John Clark Account

John A. Clark

24 Aug, 1840

   It was early in the autumn of 1827 that Martin Harris called at my house in Palmyra, one morning about sunrise...
   Before I proceed to Martin's narrative, however, I would remark in passing, that Jo Smith, who has since been the chief prophet for the Mormons, and was one of the most prominent ostensible actors in the first scenes of this drama, belonged to a very shiftless family near Palmyra. They lived a sort of vagrant life, and were principally known as money-diggers. Jo from a boy appeared dull and utterly destitute of genius; but his father claimed for him a sort of second sight, a power to look into the depths of the earth, and discover where its precious treasures were hid. Consequently long before the idea of a golden Bible entered their minds, in their excursions for money-digging, which I believe usually occurred in the night, that they might conceal from others the knowledge of the place where they struck upon treasures, Jo used to be usually their guide, putting into a hat a peculiar stone he had through which he looked to decide where they should begin to dig.
   According to Martin Harris, it was after one of these night excursions, that Jo, while he lay upon his bed, had a remarkable dream. An angel of God seemed to approach him, clad in celestial splendor. This divine messenger assured him, that he, Joseph Smith, was chosen of the Lord to be a prophet of the Most High God, and to bring to light hidden things, that would prove of unspeakable benefit to the world. He then disclosed to him the existence of this golden Bible, and the place where it was deposited - but at the same time told him that he must follow implicitly the divine direction, or he would draw down upon him the wrath of heaven. This book, which was contained in a chest, or ark, and which consisted of metallic plates covered with characters embossed in gold, he must not presume to look into, under three years. He must first go on a journey into Pennsylvania - and there among the mountains, he would meet with a very lovely woman, belonging to a highly respectable and pious family, whom he was to take for his wife. As a proof that he was sent on this mission by Jehovah, as soon as he saw this designated person, he would be smitten with her beauty, and though he was a stranger to her, as she was far above him in the walks of life, she would at once be willing to marry him and go with him to the ends of the earth. After their marriage he was to return to his former home, and remain quietly there until the birth of his first child. When this child had completed his second year, he might then proceed to the hill beneath which the mysterious chest was deposited, and draw it thence, and publish the truths it contained to the world.

Mormonism Unvailed, E.D. Howe, pgs 234-35

Peter Ingersoll testimony

Peter Ingersoll, witnessed by Th. P. Baldwin

In the month of August, 1827, I was hired by Joseph Smith, Jr. to go to Pennsylvania, to move his wife's household furniture up to Manchester, where his wife then was. When we arrived at Mr. Hale's, in Harmony, Pa. from which place he had taken his wife, a scene presented itself, truly affecting. His father-in-law (Mr. Hale) addressed Joseph, in a flood of tears: "You have stolen my daughter and married her. I had much rather have followed her to her grave. You spend your time in digging for money - pretend to see in a stone, and thus try to deceive people." Joseph wept, and acknowledged he could not see in a stone now, nor never could; and that his former pretensions in that respect, were all false. He then promised to give up his old habits of digging for money and looking into stones. Mr. Hale told Joseph, if he would move to Pennsylvania and work for a living, he would assist him in getting into business. Joseph acceded to this proposition. I then returned with Joseph and his wife to Manchester...
Joseph told me on his return, that he intended to keep the promise which he had made to his father-in-law; but, said he, it will be hard for me, for they will all oppose, as they want me to look in the stone for them to dig money: and in fact it was as he predicted.

Trial Bill of Albert Neely, 20 March 1826 [People v. Smith, 1826], The Joseph Smith Papers

Justice Albert Neely's bill

20 Mar, 1826

Same
vs
Joseph Smith
The Glass Looker
March 20, 1826
Misdemeanor
To my fees in examination of the above cause $2.68

Trial Bill of Philip M. De Zeng, 1826 [People v. Smith, 1826], The Joseph Smith Papers

Constable Philip De Zeng's bill

20 Mar, 1826

Serving warrant on Joseph Smith of...
Subpoening 12 witnesses & travel
attendance with Prisoner two days & 1 night
Notifying two justices
10 miles travel with mittimus to take him

Mormonism Unvailed, E.D. Howe, pg 252

Henry Harris account

Henry Harris, witnessed by Jonathan Lapham

After he pretended to have found the gold plates, I had a conversation with him, and asked him where he found them and how he come to know where they were. He said he had a revelation from God that told him they were hid in a certain hill and he looked in his stone and saw them in the place of deposit; that an angel appeared, and told him he could not get the plates until he was married, and that when he saw the woman that was to be his wife, he should know her, and she would know him. He then went to Pennsylvania, got his wife, and they both went together and got the gold plates - he said it was revealed to him, that no one must see the plates but himself and wife.

Mormonism Unvailed, E.D. Howe, pgs 234-36

Testimony of Peter Ingersoll

Peter Ingersoll, witnessed by Th. P. Baldwin

In the month of August, 1827, I was hired by Joseph Smith, Jr. to go to Pennsylvania...
Joseph told me on his return, that he intended to keep the promise which he had made to his father-in-law; but, said he, it will be hard for me, for they will all oppose, as they want me to look in the stone for them to dig money: and in fact it was as he predicted. They urged him, day after day, to resume his old practice of looking in the stone. He seemed much perplexed as to the course he should pursue. In this dilemma, he made me his confident and told me what daily transpired in the family of Smiths. One day he came, and greeted me with a joyful countenance. Upon asking the cause of his unusual happiness, he replied in the following language: "As I was passing, yesterday, across the woods, after a heavy shower of rain, I found, in a hollow, some beautiful white sand, that had been washed up by the water. I took off my frock, and tied up several quarts of it, and then went home. On my entering the house, I found the family at the table eating dinner. They were all anxious to know the contents of my frock. At that moment, I happened to think of what I had heard about a history found in Canada, called the golden Bible; so I very gravely told them it was the golden Bible. To my surprise, they were credulous enough to believe what I said. Accordingly I told them that I had received a commandment to let no one see it, for, says I, no man can see it with the naked eye and live. However, I offered to take out the book and show it to them, but they refuse to see it, and left the room." Now, said Jo, "I have got the damned fools fixed, and will carry out the fun." Notwithstanding, he told me he had no such book, and believed there never was any such book, yet, he told me that he actually went to Willard Chase, to get him to make a chest, in which he might deposit his golden Bible. But, as Chase would not do it, he made a box himself, of clap-boards, and put it into a pillow case, and allowed people only to lift it, and feel of it through the case.

The City of the Mormons; or, Three Days at Nauvoo, pgs 26-27

Lucy's description according to Henry Caswall

Rev. Henry Caswall

18 Apr, 1842

Accordingly he led the way to a small house, the residence of the prophet's mother. On entering the dwelling, I was introduced to this eminent personage as a traveller from England, desirous of seeing the wonders of Nauvoo. She welcomed me to the holy city, and told me that here I might see what great things the Lord had done for his people. "I am old," she said, "and I shall soon stand before the judgment-seat of Christ; but what I say to you now, I would say on my death-bed. My son Joseph has had revelations from God since he was a boy, and he is indeed a true prophet of Jehovah. The angel of the Lord appeared to him fifteen years since, and shewed him the cave where the original golden plates of the book of Mormon were deposited. He shewed him also the Urim and Thummim, by which he might understand the meaning of the inscriptions on the plates, and he shewed him the golden breastplate of the high priesthood. My son received these precious gifts, he interpreted the holy record, and now the believers in that revelation are more than a hundred thousand in number. I have myself seen and handled the golden plates; they are about eight inches long, and six wide; some of them are sealed together and are not to be opened, and some of them are loose. They are all connected by a ring which passes through a hole at the end of each plate, and are covered with letters beautifully engraved. I have seen and felt also the Urim and Thummim. They resemble two large bright diamonds set in a bow like a pair of spectacles. My son puts these over his eyes when he reads unknown languages, and they enable him to interpret them in English. I have likewise carried in my hands the sacred breastplate. It is composed of pure gold, and is made to fit the breast very exactly."

Origin, rise, and progress of Mormonism : biography of its founders and history of its church : personal remembrances and historical collections hitherto unwritten ..., pgs 20-25

Pomeroy Tucker's View

   For a length of time this clairvoyant manifestation was sought to be turned to selfish advantage, in the way of fortune-telling, and in the pretended discovery by the medium of the seer-stone of lost or stolen property. But the realizations from these sources were insufficient to encourage a long continuance of the experiments, though some small amounts were obtained by them; and a very worthy citizen now living in Palmyra actually paid seventy-five cents in money for being sent some three miles on a fool's errand in pursuit of a stolen roll of cloth. It is presumed to be needless to add, that no genuine discoveries of stolen property were made in this manner, and that the entire proceeds derived from the speculation went into Joe's pocket.
   The most glittering sights revealed to the mortal vision of the young impostor in the manner stated, were hidden treasures of great value, including enormous deposits of gold and silver sealed in earthen pots or iron chests, and buried in the earth in the immediate vicinity of the place where he stood. These discoveries finally became too dazzling for his eyes in daylight, and he had to shade his vision by looking at the stone in his hat! Of course but few persons were sufficiently stolid to listen to these silly pretensions, for they were only of a piece with Joe's habitual extravagances of assertion. Yet he may have had believers.
   Persisting in this claim to the gift of spiritual discernment, Smith very soon succeeded in his experiment upon the credulity of a selected audience of ignorant and superstitious persons, to an extent which it is presumed he could not himself have anticipated at the outset of the trial. He followed up this advantage, and by its means, in the spring of 1820, raised some small contributions from the people in the vicinity, to defray the expense of digging for the buried money, the precise hiding-place of which he had discovered by the aid of the stone in his hat. At an appointed time, being at a dead hour of night, his dupes and employed laborers repaired with lanterns to the revealed locality of the treasure, which was upon the then forest hill, a short distance from his father's house; and after some preparatory mystic ceremonies, the work of digging began at his signal. Silence, as the condition of success, had been enjoined upon the chosen few present, who were to be sharers in the expected prize. The excavating process was continued for some two hours, without a word being spoken-the magician meanwhile indicating, by some sort of a wand in his hand, the exact spot where the spade was to be crowded into the earth-when, just at the moment the money-box was within the seer's grasp, one of the party, being "tempted by the devil," spoke! The enchantment was broken, and the treasure vanished! Such was Joe's explanation, and, ridiculous as was the idea, it was apparently satisfactory to his dupes.
   This was the inauguration of the impostor's money-digging performances; and the description given of this first trial and of its results is as near exactitude as can at this time be recollected from his own accounts. Several of the individuals participating in this and subsequent diggings, and many others well remembering the stories of the time, are yet living witnesses of these follies, and can make suitable corrections if the particulars as stated are not substantially according to the facts.
   The imposture was renewed and repeated at frequent intervals from 1820 to 1827, various localities being the scenes of these delusive searches for money, as pointed out by the revelations of the magic stone. And these tricks of young Smith were not too absurd for the credence of his fanatical followers. He was sufficiently artful and persevering to preserve his spell-holding power over their minds, and keep up his deceptions for the length of time before stated. It certainly evidences extraordinary talent or subtlety, that for so long a period he could maintain the potency of his art over numbers of beings in the form of manhood, acknowledging their faith in his supernatural powers. He continued to use this advantage in the progress of his experiments to raise from them and others contributions in money and various articles of value, amounting to a considerable aggregate sum, being enough to pay the digging expenses (whiskey and labor), and also in this way securing a handsome surplus, which went in part toward necessary domestic supplies for the Smith family.
   In some instances individuals were impelled, in their donations in this business, by the motive of ridding themselves of Smith's importunities, while others advanced the idea that there "might be something in it," as they explained in reply to the unfavorable suggestions of reflecting friends. One respectable and forehanded citizen, now living in Manchester, confesses to having patronized Smith's perseverance on this idea, and says he once handed him a silver dollar, partly in that view and partly to "get rid of the fellow." Smith's father and elder brothers generally participated in the manual labors of these diggings, and their example seemed to revive confidence in the sometimes wavering victims of the imposture, and also to bring others to their aid.
   The subsequent operations on this head were conducted substantially in the mode and manner of the first performance, as described, with slight variations in the incantations, and always with the same result - Smith "almost" getting hold of the money-chest, but finally losing it by the coincident breaking of the "spell" through some unforeseen satanic interposition. By this cause the money would vanish just at the instant of its coming within the necromancer's mortal grasp!
   A single instance of Smith's style of conducting these money-diggings will suffice for the whole series, and also serve to illustrate his low cunning, and show the strange infatuation of the persons who yielded to his unprincipled designs. Assuming his accustomed air of mystery on one of the occasions, and pretending to see by his miraculous stone exactly where the sought-for chest of money had lodged in its subterranean transits, Smith gave out the revelation that a "black sheep" would be required as a sacrificial offering upon the enchanted ground before entering upon the work of exhumation. He knew that his kind-hearted neighbor, William Stafford, who was a listener to his plausible story - a respectable farmer in comfortable worldly circumstances - possessed a fine, fat, black wether, intended for division between his family use and the village market, and Smith knew, moreover, that fresh meat was a rarity at his father's home where he lived. The scheme succeeded completely. It was arranged that Mr. Stafford should invest the wether as his stock in the speculation, the avails of which were to be equitably shared among the company engaging in it. At the approach of the appointed hour at night, the digging fraternity, with lanterns, and the fattened sheep for the sacrifice, were conducted by Smith to the place where the treasure was to be obtained. There Smith described a circle upon the ground around the buried chest, where the blood of the animal was to be shed as the necessary condition of his power to secure the glittering gold. As usual, not a word was to be spoken during the ceremony, nor until after the prize was brought forth. All things being thus in readiness, the throat of the sheep was cut by one of the party according to previous instructions, the poor animal made to pour its own blood around the circle, and the excavation entered upon in a vigorous and solemn manner. In this case the digging was continued for about three hours, when the "devil" again frustrated the plan exactly in the same way as on the repeated trials before! In the mean time, the elder Smith, aided by one of the junior sons, had withdrawn the sacrifical carcass and reduced its flesh to mutton for his family use..."    Numerous traces of the excavations left by Smith are yet remaining as evidences of his impostures and the folly of his dupes, though most of them have become obliterated by the clearing off and tilling of the lands where they were made.

Mormonism Unvailed, E.D. Howe, pgs 260-61

Statement of G. W. Stodard

G. W. Stodard, concurred by Richard H. Ford

28 Nov, 1833

I have been acquainted with Martin Harris, about thirty years. As a farmer, he was industrious and enterprising, so much so, that he had, (previous to his going into the Gold Bible speculation) accumulated, in real estate, some eight or ten thousand dollars. Although he possessed wealth, his moral and religious character was such, as not to entitle him to respect among his neighbors. He was fretful, peevish and quarrelsome, not only in the neighborhood, but in his family. He was known to frequently abuse his wife, by whipping her, kicking her out of bed and turning her out of doors &c. Yet he was a public professor of some religion. He was first an orthadox Quaker, then a Universalist, next a Restorationer, then a Baptist, next a Presbyterian, and then a Mormon.

The New York Spectator, September 23, 1843

Interview with David Nye White

David Nye White

Aug 29, 1843

When I went home and told the people that I had a revelation, and that all the churches were corrupt, they persecuted me, and they have persecuted me ever since. They thought to put me down, but they hav'nt succeeded, and they can't do it...

Dear Sisters, The Saints' Herald, Vol 33, No 260

Letter from Katharine Smith to Saint's Herald

Katharine Smith Salisbury

10 Mar, 1886

I well remember the trials my brother had, before he obtained the records. After he had the vision, he went frequently to the hill, and upon returning would tell us, 'I have seen the records, also the brass plates and the sword of Laban with the breast plate and interpreters.' He would ask father why he could not get them? The time had not yet come, but when it did arrive he was commanded to go on the 22d day of September 1827 at 2 o'clock. We had supposed that when he should bring them home, the whole family would be allowed to see them, but he said it was forbidden of the Lord. They could be seen only by those who were chosen to bear their testimony to the world.

Joseph Knight reminiscences, Church History Library, pg 2

From thence he went to the hill where he was informed the Record was and found no trouble for it appeard plain as tho he was acquainted with the place it was so plain in the vision that he had of the place he went and found the place and opened it and found a plane Box he oncovered it and found the Book and took it out and laid Down By his side and thot he would Cover the place over again thinking there might be something else here but he was told to take the Book and go right away and after he had Covered the place he turned round to take the Book and it was not there and he was astonished that the Book was gone he thot he would look in the place again and see if it had not got Back again he had heard people tell of such things and he opened the Box and Behold the Book was there he took hold of it to take it out again and Behold he Could not stur the Book any more then he Could the mountin he exclaimed why Cant I stur this Book and he was answered you cant have it now Joseph says when can I have it the answer was the 22nt Day of September next if you Bring the right person with you Joseph says who is the right Person the answer was your oldest Brother but before September Came his oldest Brother Died then he was Disapinted and did not now what to do but when the 22nt Day of September Came he went to the place and the personage appeard and told him he Could not have it now but the 22nt Day of September nex he mite have the Book if he Brot with him the right person Joseph says who is the right Person the answer was you will know then he looked in his glass and found it was Emma Hale Daughter of old Mr Hail of Pensylvany a girl that he had seen Before for he had Bin Down there Before with me.

Amboy Journal, May 21, 1879, Vol 24, No 8

Rebuttal by Edwin Cadwell

Elder Edwin Cadwell

21 May, 1879

Messrs. Lewis say Joseph joined the M. E. church, but that "his name was on the (class) book only three days." A very short "probation" indeed! Now Mr. Morse says he was the "leader" of the said "class," and that to his certain knowledge Smith's name remained on the class book (his wife had been a member since she was seven years of age) for about six months, when it was simply "dropped" as Smith did not seek to become a full member. The "class leader" ought to know best...

(Note: No images of this source are available online. Please contact me if you have any information.)

Amboy Journal, June 11, 1879, Vol 24, No 11

Joseph Lewis Second Account

Joseph Lewis

11 Jun, 1879

With regard to Smith's joining the M. E. Church, Messrs. Cadwell and Morse have undertaken to make it appear that we misrepresented the case. The facts are these: I, with Joshua McKune, a local preacher at that time, I think in June, 1828, heard on Saturday, that Joe Smith had joined the church on Wednesday afternoon, (as it was customary in those days to have circuit preaching at my father's house on week-day). We thought it was a disgrace to the church to have a practicing necromancer, a dealer in enchantments and bleeding ghosts, in it. So on Sunday we went to father's, the place of meeting that day, and got there in season to see Smith and talked with him some time in father's shop before the meeting. Told him that his occupation, habits, and moral character were at variance with the discipline, that his name would be a disgrace to the church, that there should have been recantation, confession and at least promised reformation. -- That he could that day publicly ask that his name be stricken from the class book, or stand an investigation. He chose the former, and did that very day make the request that his name be taken off the class book. Michael B. Morse to the contrary notwithstanding. And if said Morse was leader at that time, and Smith's name remained on the class-book six months, the class leader carelessly or wickedly neglected his duty.

(Note: No images of this source are available online. Please contact me if you have any information.)

Millennial Star, vol 17, pg 103

John Whitmer statement, attributed to April 5th, 1839

Thomas Bullock

1855

"...all I know, you have published to the world that an angel did present those plates to Joseph Smith." Whitmer replied "I now say I handled those plates; there was fine engravings on both sides. I handled them;" and he described how they were hung, and "they were shown to me by a supernatural power;" he acknowledged all. Turley asked him, "why the translation is not now here." He said "I cannot read it, and I do not know whether it is true or not." Whitmer testified all this in the presence of eight men.

Messenger and Advocate, Vol 2, No 6, pgs 286-287

John Whitmer published statement

John Whitmer

Mar, 1836

"It may not be amiss in this place, to give a statement to the world concerning the work of the Lord, as I have been a member of this church of Latter Day Saints from its beginning; to say that the book of Mormon is a revelation from God, I have no hesitancy; but with all confidence have signed my named to it as such; and I hope, that my patrons will indulge me in speaking freely on this subject, as I am about leaving the editorial department-Therefore I desire to testify to all that will come to the knowledge of this address; that I have most assuredly seen the plates from whence the book of Mormon is translated, and that I have handled these plates, and know of a surety that Joseph Smith, jr. has translated the book of Mormon by the gift and power of God, and in this thing the wisdom of the wise most assuredly has perished: therefore, know ye, O ye inhabitants of the earth, wherever this address may come, that I have in this thing freed my garments of your blood, whether you believe or disbelieve the statements of your unworthy friend and well-wisher."

The Joseph Smith Papers, History, circa Summer 1832, pg 1

I was born in the town of Charon in the State of Vermont North America on the twenty third day of December AD 1805 of goodly Parents who spared no pains to instruct me in christian religion at the age of about ten years my Father Joseph Smith Seignior moved to Palmyra Ontario County in the state of New York

Summer, 1832

(Note: This document is in Joseph Smith's handwriting.)

History of Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania, Emily C. Blackman, pg 577

Stone sold to Joseph Smith by Jack Belcher

James B. Buck

The stone which he afterwards used was then in the possession of Jack Belcher, of Gibson, who obtained it while at Salina, N.Y., engaged in drawing salt. Belcher bought it because it was said to be "a seeing stone." I have often seen it. It was a green stone, with brown, irregular spots on it. It was a little longer than a goose's egg, and about the same thickness. When he brought it home and covered it with a hat, Belcher's little boy was one of the first to look into the hat, and as he did so he said he saw a candle. The second time he looked in he exclaimed, "I've found my hatchet!" - (it had been lost two years) - and immediately ran for it to the spot shown him through the stone, and it was there. The boy was soon beset by neighbors far and near to reveal to them hidden things, and he succeeded marvellously. Even the wanderings of a lost child were traced by him - the distracted parents coming to him three times for directions, and in each case finding signs that the child had been in the places he designated, but at last it was found starved to death. Joe Smith . . . bought the stone of Belcher and then began his operations in directing where hidden treasures could be found. His first diggings were near Capt. Buck's saw-mill, at Red Rock; but, because his followers broke the rule of silence, "the enchantment removed the deposits."

Centennial history of Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania, pgs 554 & 557

Rhamanthus M. Stocker statement

Mrs. Rhamanthus M. Stocker

Mrs. Eliza Winters Squires, now living in Oakland borough, was often at Smith's house and much in Mrs. Smith's company. The young women were on very intimate terms, and very many times did Mrs. Smith tell her young friend about the finding of the "golden plates" or the "golden Bible."
...Mrs. Eliza Winters Squires was born in 1812, in Delaware County, N. Y. She came with her mother, Mrs. Winters, to this place and settled near the McKune Cemetery in 1825. She was married to Elisha Squires in 1837.

Mormonism Unvailed, E.D. Howe, pg 264

Isaac Hale Statement

Isaac Hale

I inquired of Joseph Smith Jr., who was to be the first who would be allowed to see the Book of Plates? He said it was a young child.

The Joseph Smith Papers, History, 1838-1856, volume A-1 [23 December 1805-30 August 1834], pgs 11-12

1838 Account

   Mr Harris having returned from this tour he left me and went home to Palmyra, arranged his affairs, and returned again to my house about the twelfth of April, Eighteen hundred and twenty eight, and commenced writing for me while I translated from the plates, which we continued untill the fourteenth of June following, by which time he had written one hundred and sixteen pages of manuscript on foolscap paper. Some time after Mr Harris had began to write for me, he began to tease me to give him liberty to carry the writings home and shew them, and desired of me that I would enquire of the Lord through the Urim and Thummin if he might not do so. I did enquire, and the answer was that he must not. However he was not satisfied with this answer, and desired that I should enquire again. I did so, and the answer was as before. Still he could not be contented but insisted that I should enquire once more. after After much solicitation I again enquired of the Lord, and permission was granted him to have the writings on certain conditions, which were, that he shew them only to his brother. Preserved Harris, his own wife, his father, and his mother, and a Mrs Cobb a sister to his wife. In accordance with this last answer I required of him that he should bind himself in a covenant to me in the most solemn manner that he would not do otherwise than had been directed. He did so. He bound himself as I required of him, took the writings and went his way.
   Notwithstanding however the great restrictions which he had been laid under, and the solemnity of the covenant which he had made with me, he did shew them to others and by stratagem they got them away from him, and they never have been recovered nor obtained back again untill this day.
   In the mean time while Martin Harris was gone with the writings, I went to visit my father's family at Manchester. I continued there for a short season and then returned to my place in Pensylvania. Immediately after my return home I was walking out a little distance, when Behold the former heavenly messenger appeared and handed to me the Urim and Thummin again (for it had been taken from me in consequence of my having wearied the Lord in asking for the privilege of letting Martin Harris take the writings which he lost by transgression) and I enquired of the Lord through them and obtained the folowing revelation.

Joseph Knight reminiscences, Church History Library, pg 6

Now he Could not translate But little Being poor and nobody to write for him But his wife and she Could not do much and take Care of her house and he Being poor and no means to live But work his wifes father and familey ware all against him and would not hlp him he and his wife Came up to see me the first of the winter 1828 and told me his Case but I was not in easy Circumstances and I did not know what it mite amount to and my wife and familey all against me about helping him but I let him have some little provisions and some few things out of the Store a pair of shoes and three Dollars in money to help him a litle in January his father and Samuel came from Manchester to my house when I was Buisey a Drawing Lumber I told him they had traviled far enough I would go with my sley and take them down to morrow I went Down and found them well and the were glad to see us we conversed about many things in the morning I gave the old man a half a Dollar and Joseph a little money to Buoy paper to translate I having But little with me the old gentlemen told me to Come and see him once in a while as I could I went home followed teaming till the last of March the slaying Being good I told my wife I must go Dow and see Joseph again why Do you go soon for said she says I come go and see and she went with me next morning we went Down and found them well and ware glad to see us Joseph talked with us about his translating and some Revelation he had Received and from that time my wife began to Beleve and Continuwed a full Believer untill she Died and that was the 7 Day of August 1831

The Joseph Smith Papers, History, circa Summer 1832, pg 6

when Lord appeared unto a young man by the name of Oliver Cowdry and shewed unto him the plates in a vision and also the truth of the work and what the Lord was about to do through me his unworthy Servant therefore he was desiorous to come and write for me and to translate now my wife had writen some for me to translate and also my Brothr Samuel H Smith but we had become reduced in property and my wives father was about to turn me out of doores I & I had not where to go and I cried unto the Lord that he would provide for me to accomplish the work whereunto he had commanded me

summer, 1832

Joseph Smith the Prophet His Family and His Friends, pg 81

Statement by Hiel and Joseph Lewis

We will add one more sample of his prophetic power and practice, while translating his book. One of the neighbors whom Smith was owing, had a piece of corn on a rather wet and backward piece of ground; and as Smith was owing him, he wanted Smith to help hoe corn. Smith came on but to get clear of the work, and the debt, said: "If I kneel down and pray in your corn, it will grow just as well as if hoed." So he prayed in the corn, and insured its maturity without cultivation, and that the frost would not hurt it. But the corn was a failure in growth, and was killed by the frost. This sample of prophetic power was related to us by those present, and no one questioned its truth.

The Joseph Smith Papers, Book of Commandments, 1833, pgs 19-20

1833 Revision "the gift of working with the rod"

Now this is not all, for you have another gift, which is the gift of working with the rod: behold it has told you things: behold there is no other power save God, that can cause this rod of nature, to work in your hands, for it is the work of God; and therefore whatsoever you shall ask me to tell you by that means, that will I grant unto you, that you shall know.
Remember that without faith you can do nothing. Trifle not with these things. Do not ask for that which you ought not. Ask that you may know the mysteries of God, and that you may translate all those ancient records, which have been hid up, which are sacred, and according to your faith shall it be done unto you.

The Joseph Smith Papers, Doctrine and Covenants, 1835, pgs 160-161

1835 Revision

   A Revelation given to Joseph Smith, jr. and Oliver Cowdery, in Harmony, Pennsylvania, April, 1829, when they desired to know whether John, the beloved disciple, tarried on earth.- Translated from parchment, written and hid up by himself.
   1 And the Lord said unto me, John, my beloved, what desirest thou? For if ye shall ask, what you will, it shall be granted unto you. And I said unto him, Lord, give unto me power over death, that I may live and bring souls unto thee. And the Lord said unto me, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, because thou desiredst this thou shalt tarry until I come in my glory, and shall prophesy before nations, kindreds, tongues and people.
   2 And for this cause the Lord said unto Peter, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? For he desiredst of me that he might bring souls unto me; but thou desiredst that thou might speedily come unto me in my kingdom. I say unto thee, Peter, this was a good desire, but my beloved has desired that he might do more, or a greater work, yet among men than what he has before done; yea, he has undertaken a greater work; therefore, I will make him as flaming fire and a ministering angel: he shall minister for those who shall be heirs of salvation who dwell on the earth; and I will make thee to minister for him and for thy brother James: and unto you three I will give this power and the keys of this ministry until I come.
   3 Verily I say unto you, ye shall both have according to your desires, for ye both joy in that which ye have desired.

The Joseph Smith Papers, Revelation, March 1829 [D&C 5], pgs 1-2

March 1829 Revelation

Behold I say unto you that my servant hath desired A witness that my Servant Joseph hath got the things which he hath testified that he hath got and now Behold thus shall ye say unto him I the Lord am God I have given these things unto him & I have commanded him that he should stand as A witness of these things nevertheless I have caused him that he should enter into A covenant with me that he should not show them except I Command him & he hath no power over them ecept I grant it unto him & he hath A gift to translate the Book & I have commanded him that he should shall pretend to no other gift for I will grant unto him no other gift and verily I say unto you that woe shall come unto the Inhabitents of the Earth if they will not hearken unto my words for Behold if they will not believe my words they would not believe my servants if it were possible he could show them all things O ye unbelieving ye stiffnecked Generation Behold I have reserved the things which have been spoken of which I have entrusted to my servant for A wise perpose in me & it shall be made Known unto future Generations but for this Generation they shall have my word yea & the testimony of three of my Servants shall go forth with my word unto this Generation yea three shall Know of A surety that those things are true for I will give them power that they may Behold & vew these things as they are & to none else will I grant this power among this Generation & the testimony of three Witnesses will I send forth & my word & behold whosoever beleaveth in my word him will I visit with the manifestations of my spirit & they shall be Born of me & their testimony shall also go forth & thus if the People of this Generation harden not their hearts I will work a reformation among them & I will put down all lieings & deceivings & Priest Craft & envyings & strifes & Idolatries and sorceries & all maner of Iniquities & I will establish my Church yea even the church which was taught by my Desiples & now if this Generation do hardon their hearts against my words Behold I deliver them up unto Satan for he reigneth & hath much Power at this time for he that hath hath got great hold upon the hearts of the People of this Generation & how far from the iniquities of Sodom and Gomorrah do they come at this time & Behold the Swoard of Justice doth hang above their heads & if they persist in the hardness of ther hearts the time cometh that it must fall upon them Behold I tell you these things even as I also told the People of the destruction of Jerusalem & my word shall be verrified at this time as it hath hitherto been verrified & now I com mand my Servant Joseph that he repenteth & walketh more uprightly before me & yield to the perswations of men no more & that he be firm in Keeping the commandments which I have commanded him & if he do this Behold I grant unto him Eternal life even if he should be slain. And now I speak again concerning the the man that desireeth the Witness Behold I say unto him if he exalteth himself & doth not humble himself sufficiently before me I will grant unto him no such vews but if he will go out & bow down before me & humble himself in mighty prayer & faith in the sincerity of his heart then will I grant unto him a vew of the things which he desireth to vew then shall he say unto the People of this Generation Behold I have seen the things & I know of a surety that they are true for I have seen them & they have been shone unto me by the Power of God & I command him that he say no more except I have seen them & they have been shone unto me by the Power of God & these are the words which he shall say but if he deny this he shall brake the covenant which he hath covenanted with me & Behold he is condemned & now except he humble himself & acknowledge unto me the things which he hath done that is wrong & covenant with me that he will Keep my commandments & exercise faith in me Behold I say unto him he shall have no such vews for I will grant unto him no such vews of which I have spoken & if this be the case I command him that he shall do no more nor trouble me no more Concerning this matter

Mar, 1829

Joseph Knight reminiscences, Church History Library, pg 2

he exclaimed why Cant I stur this Book and he was answered you cant have it now Joseph says when can I have it the answer was the 22nt Day of September next if you Bring the right person with you Joseph says who is the right Person the answer was your oldest Brother But before September Came his oldest Brother Died then he was Disapinted and did not now what to do but when the 22nt Day of September Came he went to the place and the personage appeard and told him he Could not have it now but the 22nt Day of September nex he mite have the Book if he Brot with him the right person Joseph says who is the right Person the answer was you will know then he looked in his glass and found it was Emma Hale Daughter of old Mr Hail of Pensylvany a girl that he had seen Before for he had Bin Down there Before with me

Letter from Edward Stevenson to Apostle Franklin D. Richards, February 12, 1886

Edward Stevenson Letter

I enquired of David and young David; also of Philander A. Page, aged fifty-four, son of Hiram Page, one of the eight witnesses; also John, in whose hands the records are; all (and separately) who say that they do not have any knowledge of, neither do the records show, concerning Peter, James, and John's coming to the Prophet Joseph. On this and also on John the Baptist's mission, they seem, all of them, very ignorant. David said the Prophet of God received the command from God, and that [that] was sufficient authority. He did not seem to understand the necessity of the connecting link of ordinations.

12 Feb, 1886

(Note: This letter is on file in the Church Historian's Office, Salt Lake City, and is cited in "Stevenson family history," 1955, by Joseph Grant Stevenson, pgs 177-78, which can be read here. No images of the original letter are available online. Please contact me if you have any information.)

The Joseph Smith Papers, The Book of Mormon, 1830, pgs 110-111

2 Nephi 27:12-14

Wherefore, at that day when the book shall be delivered unto the man of whom I have spoken, the book shall be hid from the eyes of the world, that the eyes of none shall behold it, save it be that three witnesses shall behold it, by the power of God, besides him to whom the book shall be delivered; and they shall testify to the truth of the book, and the things therein. And there is none other which shall view it, save it be a few, according to the will of God, to bear testimony of his word unto the children of men: for the Lord God hath said, that the words of the faithful should speak as if it were from the dead. Wherefore, the Lord God will proceed to bring forth the words of the book; and in the mouth of as many witnesses as seemeth him good, will he establish his word: and wo be unto him that rejecteth the word of God.

Origin, rise, and progress of Mormonism. pg 290

Jesse Townsend Letter

Jesse Townsend

24 Dec, 1833

This Harris, who is or has been second in authority among the Mormonites, was an industrious farmer, living near this village, who had been unfortunate in the choice of a wife, or she had been in that of a husband. Like his leader, he gives to their preachers the power to preach and put their proselytes under water by authority of the new "revelation." He has whipped his wife and beaten her so cruelly and frequently, that she was obliged to seek refuge in separation.... He is considered here, to this day, a brute in his domestic relations, a fool and dupe to Smith in religion, and an unlearned, conceited hypocrite, generally. He paid for printing the Book of Mormon, which exhausted all his money and most of his property. Since he went to Ohio he has attempted to get another wife, though it is believed he was frustrated in this design by the discovery of his having a living wife here.

The Joseph Smith Papers, Book of Commandments, 1833, pg 14

Revelation to Oliver Cowdery

   A GREAT and marvelous work is about to come forth unto the children of men: behold I am God, and give heed unto my word, which is quick and powerful, sharper than a two-edged sword, to the dividing asunder of both joints and marrow:- Therefore give heed unto my words.
   2 Behold the field is white already to harvest, therefore whoso desireth to reap, let him thrust in his sickle with his might and reap while the day lasts, that he may treasure up for his soul everlas ting salvation in the kingdom of God: Yea, whoso ever will thrust in his sickle and reap, the same is called of God; therefore, if you will ask of me you shall receive; if you will knock it shall be opened unto you.
   3 Now as you have asked, behold I say unto you, keep my commandments, and seek to bring forth and establish the cause of Zion: seek not for riches but for wisdom, and behold the mysteries of God shall be unfolded unto you, and then shall you be made rich. Behold he that hath eternal life is rich.
   4 Verily, verily I say unto you, even as you desire of me, so shall it be unto you; and, if you desire, you shall be the means of doing much good in this generation. Say nothing but repentance unto this generation; keep my commandments and assist to bring forth my work according to my command ments, and you shall be blessed.

April 1829

Elizabeth Kane's Journal, 15 Jan, 1873

Artemisia Beaman Account

Elizabeth Kane

15 Jan, 1873

   A man named Walters son of a rich man living on the Hudson South of Albany, received a scientific education, was even sent to Paris. After he came home he lived like a misanthrope, he had come back an infidel, believing neither in man nor God. He used to dress in fine broadcloth overcoat, but no other coat nor vest, his trousers all slitted up and patched, and sunburnt boots-filthy! He was a sort of fortune teller, though he never stirred off the old place. For instance, a man I knew rode up, and before he spoke, the fortune teller said, "You needn't get off your horse, I know what you want. Your mare ain't stolen."
   Says the man "How do you know what I want?"
   Says he, "I'll give you a sign. You've got a respectable wife, and so many children. At this minute your wife has just drawn a bucket of water at the well to wash her dishes. Look at your watch and find out if it ain't so when you get home. As to your mare, she's not a dozen miles from home. She strayed into such neighborhood, and as they didn't know whose she was they put her up till she should be claimed. My fee's a dollar. Be off!"
   This man was sent for three times to go to the hill Cumorah to dig for treasure. People knew there was treasure there. Beman was one of those who sent for him. He came. Each time he said there was treasure there, but that he couldn't get it; though there was one that could. The last time he came he pointed out Joseph Smith, who was sitting quietly among a group of men in the tavern, and said There was the young man that could find it, and cursed and swore about him in a scientific manner: awful!"

(Note: This account was recorded in Elizabeth Kane's journal the day she visited and heard the account from Artemisia Snow, daughter of Alva Beaman. No images of the journal entry appear to be available online. Please contact me if you have any information.)

The Daily Inter Ocean, Chicago, IL, 17 Oct, 1886, Vol 15, No 207, pg 17

David Whitmer in Chicago Newspaper

   At this particular state of the recital, an inspection of a copy of the hieroglyphics made from the first of the gold plates by Joseph Smith and preserved with the same solicitude that is thrown around the original manuscript, becomes of curious interest. The accompanying cut is a perfect fac-simile of the little sheet which took Joseph Smith a whole week to copy, so particular was he that the characters should be perfectly reproduced and that the "reformed Egyptian" language should be shown up in all its native simplicity, for, it must not be forgotten, there was a singular significance in errand which this scrap of paper was destined to perform.
   Martin Harris, who had received a similar "visitation" to that recounted of the other two witnesses, was despatched to New York with this copy of the gold plate, which he presented to Professor Anthon with a request for the learned linguist to read it, in fulfillment of a prophecy of Isaiah, which is here literally applied and which reads:
   And the word of the Lord has become unto them as the leaves of a book which are sealed, and which is delivered unto him that is learned, saying Read this, I pray thee, and he saith, I cannot for it is sealed, etc.

"Golden Bible." The Gem: A Semi-Monthly Literary and Miscellaneous Journal (Rochester, New York), 5 September 1829: 70

Martin Harris Newspaper Account

By placing the spectacles in a hat and looking into it, Smith interprets the characters into the English language.

5 Sep, 1829

(Inscribed stone discovered in Native American burial mound in Loudon County, Tennessee, 1889)

Bat Creek Stone

1889

(Note: In 1970 it was proposed that the letters on this stone were Paleo-Hebrew, including a reference to Judea, suggesting an ancient connection with the Old World, but mainstream scholarship has declared this stone a fraud.)

Journal of Discourses, Vol 4, pg 105

Heber C. Kimball Account

Heber C. Kimball

28 Sep, 1856

How does it compare with the vision that Joseph and others had, when they went into a cave in the hill Cumorah, and saw more records than ten men could carry? There were books piled up on tables, book upon book. Those records this people will yet have, if they accept of the Book of Mormon and observe its precepts, and keep the commandments.

The Joseph Smith Papers, Book of Mormon Manuscript Excerpt, circa June 1829 [1 Nephi 2:2b-3:18a], pg 4

1 Nephi 2:23 - 3:18

(Note: A smaller and higher resolution image can be read here.)

Naked Truths About Mormonism, Vol 1, No 1, pg 2, col 5

Isaac Butts Statement

Isaac Butts

Young Jo had a forked witch-hazel rod with which he claimed he could locate buried money or hidden things. Later he had a peep-stone which he put into his hat and looked into it. I have seen both. Joshua Stafford, a good citizen, told me that young Jo Smith and himself dug for money in his orchard and elsewhere nights. All the money digging was done nights. I saw the holes in the orchard which were four or five feet square and three or four feet deep. Jo and others dug much about Palmyra and Manchester. I have seen many of the holes. The first thing he claimed to find was gold plates of the "Book of Mormon," which he kept in a pillowcase and would let people lift, but not see. I came to Ohio in 1818... I returned to Palmyra twice and resided there about two years each time.

(Note: No images of this source are available online. Please contact me if you have any information.)

Origin, rise, and progress of Mormonism, pgs 36-37

The manifest purpose of exhibiting these manuscripts in the manner adopted, was to test the popular credulity in regard to their assumed divine character; and also to determine, by the responses that should be elicited, as to the practicability of carrying out a concocted design of printing the "new Bible." Among others, Mr. George Crane, of the adjoining town of Macedon, a Quaker of intelligence, property, and high respectability (now deceased), was called upon by Smith with several foolscap quires of these so-called translations, for his perusal and opinion, and also for his pecuniary aid to get the work through the press. The impious story, in all its extravagance and garniture, was related to him, to which he quietly listened to the end. And then came the answer of the honest old Quaker, which was such as would have been withering to the sensibility of an ordinary impostor - though Smith was unmoved by it, for his spirit of determination was never known to yield consentingly to any adverse human influence. Sternly rebuking Smith's pretensions, and denouncing them as in a high degree blasphemous and wicked, Mr. Crane kindly but earnestly admonished him, for his own good, to desist from his criminal pursuit, warning him that persistence therein would be certain to end in his death upon the gallows, or in some equally ignominious manner. How far this friendly warning was made prophetic, by the murderous catastrophe occurring fifteen years afterward, in Illinois, is a question respectfully submitted to the reader.

A Narrative of the Life of Solomon Mack, Windsor, 1811

A Narrative of the Life of Solomon Mack

Solomon Mack

1811

(Note: Solomon Mack was the father of Lucy Mack Smith, who was the mother of Joseph Smith Jr.)

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A Narrative of the Life of Solomon Mack

Solomon Mack

1811

The Lamoille Standard, 15 Jan 1842, Sat, Page 3

Peeping Stone Found in Nauvoo

Warsaw Signal

15 Jan, 1842

   JOE SMITH'S NEW PEEPING STONE

   We learn from the most indisputable authority that Joe has found a new peeping stone, the circumstances of this discovery are rather curious, and we give them as received. He was walking out some evenings ago with a lady, (or woman which ever you please,) when suddenly he darted aside and leaped into a cellar, when he presently cried out "how come I here?" and "how shall I get out?" The lady with this seized him and raised him as though he had been a child. Joe then stated the miraculous manner of his being drawn by the power of God into the cellar and to the very spot where laid the stone, which he says has the remarkable property of enabling him to translate unknown language, and discover the place where treasures are hidden.
   Look out for miracles soon--Joe no doubt intends to find lots of money before long that for months have been lying by him.

(Note: No images of the original from the Warsaw Signal are available online. Please contact us if you have any information.)

Tunbridge Town Record, 12 November 1799, pg 443

Formation of Anabaptist Society

Hezekiah Hutchinson

12 Nov, 1799

Â Â Â To All whom it May Concern know ye that we the under Signors being Desirous to be formed and organized into a Society from all other Denominations Except that Called by the Name or Appelation of Anabaptists we Do these Presents Covenant and agree unanimously to Say and Maintain the Dignety and the Priviledges of Said Society So Long as we Shall be Members of Said Society and that Each member Shall have Eaqual right to all the the Priviledges that Shall accure to Said Society of Every Name and Nature Whatsoever as witness out Hand.
Â Â Â

John Ladd		Robbart Sarjents
Samuel Ranow		Alexander Stedman
Simeon White		Joel Camp
Daniel Wadley		Hubbart Curwin
Thomas Barret		Willis Johnson
Simeon Hunt		Ely Stedman
John Folsom		Samuel Branch
Nat. Iring		Andrew Bennet
David Hunt		Jonathan Grow
Nathan Noys		William Lowgy
Dan Hunt		Daniel Folsom
Nathan Thomson		Stephen Folsom
Richard Thomson		Morril Kindall
David Folsom		Timothy Tuttle
Jacob Folsom		Joshua King
Samuel Davis		Joseph Smith
Amos Dwinnel		Benj. Addams
Jonath. Robbards		James Eaton
Benjamin B Hireman		Jonathan Addams
		Levi Rowlins

Tunbridge November 12 1799
Â Â Â Received for Record attest Hezekiah Hutchinson Town Clerk

William Smith on Mormonism, pgs 6-7

William Smith's description of the religious excitement

   In 1822 and 1823, the people in our neighborhood were very much stirred up with regard to religious matters by the preaching of a Mr. Lane, an Elder of the Methodist Church, and celebrated throughout the country as a "great revival preacher."
   My mother, who was a very pious woman and much interested in the welfare of her children, both here and hereafter, made use of every means which her parental love could suggest, to get us engaged in seeking for our souls' salvation, or (as the term then was) "in getting religion." She prevailed on us to attend the meetings, and almost the whole family became interested in the matter, and seekers after truth. I attended the meetings with the rest, but being quite young and inconsiderate, did not take so much interest in the matter as the older ones did. This extraordinary excitement prevailed not only in our neighborhood but throughout the whole country. Great numbers were converted. It extended from the Methodists to the Baptists, from them to the Presbyterians; and so on until finally, almost all the sects became engaged in it; and it became quite a fashion to "get religion." My mother continued her importunities and exertions to interest us in the importance of seeking for the salvation of our immortal souls, until almost all of the family became either converted or seriously inclined.
   After the excitement had subsided, in a measure, each sect began to beat up for volunteers; each one saying, "We are right," "Come and join us," "Walk with us and we will do you good," etc. The consequence was that my mother, my brothers Hyrum and Samuel, older than I, joined the Presbyterian Church. Joseph, then about seventeen years of age, had become seriously inclined, though not "brought out," as the phrase was, began to reflect and inquire, which of all these sects was right. Each one said that it was right; which he knew could not be the case; and the question then was which one of the whole taught the true gospel of Jesus Christ, and made known the plan of salvation. If he went to one he was told they were right, and all others were wrong. If to another, the same was heard from them. Each professed to be the true church. This did not satisfy him, as he was aware that there could be but one way of entering into the Kingdom of Heaven, and that there was but one "straight and narrow path," etc. All this however was beneficial to him, as it urged him forward, and strengthened him in the determination to know for himself of the certainty and reality of pure and holy religion.

The Joseph Smith Papers, Journal, 1835-1836, pgs 24-25

1835 Diary Account

we soon commenced talking upon the subject of religion and after I had made some remarks concerning the bible I commenced giving him a relation of the circumstances connected with the coming forth of the book of Mormon, as follows being wrought up in my mind, respecting the subject of religion and looking at the different systems taught the children of men, I knew not who was right or who was wrong and I considered it of the first importance that I should be right, in matters that involve eternal consequ[e]nces; being thus perplexed in mind I retired to the silent grove and bow[e]d down before the Lord, under a realising sense that he had said (if the bible be true) ask and you shall receive knock and it shall be opened seek and you shall find and again, if any man lack wisdom let him ask of God who giveth to all men libarally and upbradeth not; information was what I most desired at this time, and with a fixed determination to obtain it, I called upon the Lord for the first time, in the place above stated or in other words I made a fruitless attempt to p[r]ay, my toung seemed to be swolen in my mouth, so that I could not utter, I heard a noise behind me like some person walking towards me, I strove again to pray, but could not, the noise of walking seemed to draw nearer, I sprung up on my feet, and and looked around, but saw no person or thing that was calculated to produce the noise of walking, I kneeled again my mouth was opened and my toung liberated, and I called on the Lord in mighty prayer, a pillar of fire appeared above my head, it presently rested down upon me head, and filled me with Joy unspeakable, a personage appeard in the midst of this pillar of flame which was spread all around, and yet nothing consumed, another personage soon appeard like unto the first, he said unto me thy sins are forgiven thee, he testified unto me that Jesus Christ is the Son of God; and I saw many angels in this vision I was about 14 years old when I received this first communication;

9 Nov, 1835

History of the Pioneer Settlement of Phelps and Gorham's Purchase, 213-14

Orasmus Turner's Description

Orasmus Turner

   The elder Smith had been a Universalist, and subsequently a Methodist; was a good deal of a smatterer in scriptural knowledge, but the seed of revelation was sown on weak ground; he was a great babbler, credulous, not especially industrious, a money-digger, prone to the marvellous; and, withal, a little given to difficulties with neighbors, and petty law-suits. Not a very propitious account of the father of a prophet - the founder of a state; but there was a "woman in the case." However present, in matters of good or evil! - In the garden of Eden, in the siege of Troy, on the field of Orleans, in the dawning of the Reformation, in the Palace of St. Petersburgh, and Kremlin of Moscow, in England's history, and Spain's proudest era; and here upon this continent, in the persons of Ann Lee, Jemima Wilkinson, and as we are about to add, Mrs. Joseph Smith! A mother's influences; in the world's history, in the history of men, how distinct is the impress! -- In heroes, in statesmen, in poets, in all of good or bad aspirations, or distinctions, that single men come out from the mass, and give them notoriety; how often, almost invariably, are we led back to the influences of a mother, to find the germ that has sprouted in the offspring.
   The reader will excuse this interruption of narrative, and be told that Mrs. Smith was a woman of strong, uncultivated intellect; artful and cunning; imbued with an ill-regulated religious enthusiasm. The incipient hints, the first givings out that a prophet was to spring from her humble household, came from her; and when matters were maturing for denouement, she gave out that such and such ones - always fixing upon those who had both money and credulity - were to be instruments in some great work of new revelation. The old man was rather her faithful co-worker, or executive exponent. Their son, Alvah, was originally intended or designated, by fireside consultations and solemn and mysterious out-door hints, as the forthcoming prophet. The mother and the father said he was the chosen one; but Alvah, however spiritual he may have been, had a carnal appetite; ate too many green turnips, sickened and died. Thus the world lost a prophet, and Mormonism a leader; the designs, impiously and wickedly attributed to Providence, were defeated; and all in consequence of a surfeit of raw turnips. Who will talk of the cackling geese of Rome, or any other small and innocent causes of mighty events after this? The mantle of the prophet which Mrs. and Mr. Joseph Smith and one Oliver Cowdery had wove themselves - every thread of it - fell upon their next eldest son, Joseph Smith, Jr.
   And a most unpromising recipient of such a trust was this same Joseph Smith, Jr., afterwards Jo Smith." He was lounging, idle, (not to say vicious,) and possessed of less than ordinary intellect. The author's own recollections of him are distinct. He used to come into the village of Palmyra, with little jags of wood, from his back-woods home; sometimes patronizing a village grocery too freely; sometimes finding an odd job to do about the store of Seymour Scovell; and once a week he would stroll into the office of the old Palmyra Register for his father's paper. How impious in us young "dare devils" to once in a while blacken the face of the then meddling, inquisitive lounger -- but afterwards prophet -- with the old-fashioned balls, when he used to put himself in the way of the working of the old-fashioned Ramage press! The editor of the Cultivator at Albany -- esteemed as he may justly consider himself for his subsequent enterprise and usefulness -- may think of it with contrition and repentance, that he once helped thus to disfigure the face of a prophet, and, remotely, the founder of a state.
   But Joseph had a little ambition, and some very laudable aspirations; the mother's intellect occasionally shone out in him feebly, especially when he used to help us to solve some portentous questions of moral or political ethics, in our juvenile debating club, which we moved down to the old red school-house on Durfee street, to get rid of the annoyance of critics that used to drop in upon us in the village; amid, subsequently, after catching a spark of Methodism in the camp-meeting, away down in the woods, on the Vienna road, he was a very passable exhorter in evening meetings.
   Legends of hidden treasure had long designated Mormon Hill as the repository. Old Joseph Had dug there and young Joseph had not only heard his father and mother relate the marvellous tales of buried wealth, but had accompanied his father in the midnight delvings, and incantations of the spirits that guarded it.
   If a buried revelation was to be exhumed, how natural was it that the Smith family, with their credulity, and their assumed presentiment that a prophet was to come from their household, should be connected with it; and that Mormon Hill was the place where it would be found.

Mormonism Unvailed, E.D. Howe, pgs 232-235

Peter Ingersoll's account of Smith family money digging

Peter Ingersoll, witnessed by Th. P. Baldwin

   I, Peter Ingersoll, first became acquainted with the family of Joseph Smith, Sen. in the year of our Lord, 1822. - I lived in the neighborhood of said family, until about 1830; during which time the following facts came under my observation.
   The general employment of the family, was digging for money. I had frequent invitations to join the company, but always declined being one of their number. They used various arguments to induce me to accept their invitations. I was once ploughing near the house of Joseph Smith, Sen. about noon, he requested me to walk with him a short distance from his house, for the purpose of seeing whether a mineral rod would work in my hand, saying at the same time he was confident it would. As my oxen were eating, and being myself at leisure, I accepted the invitation. - When we arrived near the place at which he thought there was money, he cut a small witch hazle bush and gave me direction how to hold it. He then went off some rods, and told me to say to the rod, "work to the money," which I did, in an audible voice. He rebuked me severely for speaking it loud, and said it must be spoken in a whisper. This was rare sport for me. While the old man was standing off some rods, throwing himself into various shapes, I told him the rod did not work. He seemed much surprised at this, and said he thought he saw it move in my hand. It was now time for me to return to my labor. On my return, I picked up a small stone and was carelessly tossing it from one hand to the other. Said he, (looking very earnestly) what are you going to do with that stone? Throw it at the birds, I replied. No, said the old man, it is of great worth; and upon this I gave it to him. Now, says he, if you only knew the value there is back of my house, (and pointing to a place near) - there, exclaimed he, is one chest of gold and another of silver. He then put the stone which I had given him, into his hat, and stooping forward, he bowed and made sundry maneuvers, quite similar to those of a stool pigeon. At length he took down his hat, and being very much exhausted, said, in a faint voice, "if you knew what I had seen, you would believe." To see the old man thus try to impose upon me, I confess, rather had a tendency to excite comtempt than pity. Yet I thought it best to conceal my feelings, preferring to appear the dupe of my credulity, than to expose myself to his resentment. His son Alvin then went through with the same performance, which was equally disgusting.
   Another time, the said Joseph, Sen. told me that the best time for digging money, was, in the heat of summer, when the heat of the sun caused chests of money to rise near the top of the ground - we call them rocks, and they truly appear so, but they are, in fact, most of them chests of money raised by the heat of the sun.
   At another time, he told me that the ancient inhabitants of this country used camels instead of horses. For proof of this fact, he stated that in a certain hill on the farm of Mr. Cuyler, there was a cave containing an immense value of gold and silver, stands of arms, also, a saddle for a camel, hanging on a peg at one side of the cave. I asked him, of what kind of wood the peg was. He could not tell, but said it had become similar to stone or iron.
   The old man at last laid a plan which he thought would accomplish his design. His cows and mine had been gone for some time, and were not to be found, notwithstanding our diligent search for them. Day after day was spent in fruitless search, until at length he proposed to find them by his art of divination. So he took his stand near the corner of his house, with a small stick in his hand, and made several strange and peculiar motions, and then said he could go directly to the cows. So he started off, and went into the woods about one hundred rods distant and found the lost cows. But on finding out the secret of the mystery, Harrison had found, and drove them to the above named place, and milked them. So that this stratagem turned out rather more to his profit that it did to my edification. - The old man finding that all his efforts to make me a money digger, had proved abortive, at length ceased his importunities. One circumstance, however, I will mention before leaving him. Some time before young Joseph found, or pretended to find, the gold plates, the old man told me that in Canada, there had been a book found, in a hollow tree, that gave an account of the first settlement of this country before it was discovered by Columbus.
   In the month of August, 1827, I was hired by Joseph Smith, Jr. to go to Pennsylvania, to move his wife's household furniture up to Manchester, where his wife then was. When we arrived at Mr. Hale's, in Harmony, Pa. from which place he had taken his wife, a scene presented itself, truly affecting. His father-in-law (Mr. Hale) addressed Joseph, in a flood of tears: "You have stolen my daughter and married her. I had much rather have follewed her to her grave. You spend your time in digging for money - pretend to see in a stone, and thus try to deceive people." Joseph wept, and acknowledged he could not see in a stone now, nor never could; and that his former pretensions in that respect, were all false. He then promised to give up his old habits of digging for money and looking into stones. Mr. Hale told Joseph, if he would move to Pennsylvania and work for a living, he would assist him in getting into business. Joseph acceded to this proposition.

Palmyra newspaper article

In the fall of 1827, a person by the name of Joseph Smith, of Manchester, Ontario county, reported that he had been visited in a dream by the spirit of the Almighty, and informed that in a certain hill in that town, was deposited this Golden Bible, containing an ancient record of a divine nature and origin.

Mormonism Unvailed, E.D. Howe, pgs 243-45

Willard Chase testimony

   About this time he went to Harmony in Pennsylvania, and formed an acquaintance with a young lady, by the name of Emma Hale, whom he wished to marry. In the fall of 1826, he wanted to go to Pennsylvania to be married; but being destitute of means, he now set his wits to work, how he should raise money, and get recommendations, to procure the fair one of his choice. He went to Lawrence with the following story, as related to me by Lawrence himself. That he had discovered in Pennsylvania, on the bank of the Susquehannah River, a very rich mine of silver, and if he would go there with him, he might have a share in the profits; that it was near high water mark and that they could load it into boats and take it down the river to Philadelphia, to market. Lawrence then asked Joseph if he was not deceiving him; no, said he, for I have been there and seen it with my own eyes, and if you do not find it so when we get there, I will bind myself to be your servant for three years. By these grave and fair promises Lawrence was induced to believe something in it, and agreed to go with him. L. soon found that Joseph was out of money, and had to bear his expenses on the way. When they got to Pennsylvania, Joseph wanted L. to recommend him to Miss H., which he did, although he was asked to do it; but could not well get rid of it as he was in his company. L. then wished to see the silver mine, and he and Joseph went to the river, and made search, but found nothing. Thus, Lawrence had his trouble for his pains, and returned home lighter than he went, while Joseph had got his expenses borne, and a recommendation to his girl.
   Joseph's next move was to get married; the girl's parents being opposed to the match: as they happened to be from home, he took advantage of the opportunity, and went off with her and was married.
   Now, being still destitute of money, he set his wits at work, how he should get back to Manchester, his place of residence; he hit upon the following plan, which succeeded very well. He went to an honest old Dutchman, by the name of Stowel, and told him that he had discovered on the bank of Black River, in the village of Watertown, Jefferson County, N.Y. a cave, in which he had found a bar of gold, as big as his leg, and about three or four feet long. That he could not get it out alone, on account of its being fast at one end; and if he would move him to Manchester, N.Y. they would go together, and take a chisel and mallet, and get it, and Stowel should share the prize with him. Stowel moved him.
   A short time after their arrival at Manchester, Stowel reminded Joseph of his promise; but he calmly replied, that he would not go, because his wife was now among strangers, and would be very lonesome if he went away. Mr. Stowel was then obliged to return without any gold, and with less money than he came.

Evangelical Magazine and Gospel Advocate, pg 120

Report in Evangelical Magazine and Gospel Advocate

Abraham W. Benton

Mar, 1831

At length the public, becoming wearied with the base imposition which he was palming upon the credulity of the ignorant, for the purpose of sponging his living from their earnings, had him arrested as a disorderly person, tried and condemned before a court of Justice. But, considering his youth, (he then being a minor,) and thinking he might reform his conduct, he was designedly allowed to escape. This was four or five years ago.

(Note: A vague recollection in 1904 of the trial can be read here.)

Mormonism Unvailed, E.D. Howe, pg 260

Joseph Capron testimony

Joseph Capron

8 Nov, 1833

At length, Joseph pretended to find the Gold plates. This scheme, he believed, would relieve the family from all pecuniary embarrassment. His father told me, that when the book was published, they would be enabled, from the profits of the work, to carry into successful operation the money digging business. He gave me no intimation, at that time that the book was to be of a religious character, or that it had any thing to do with revelation. He declared it to be a speculation, and said he, "when it is completed, my family will be placed on a level above the generality of mankind"!!

Mormonism Unvailed, E.D. Howe, pg 254

Observation from Abigail Harris

Abigail Harris

28 Nov, 1833

In the second month following, Martin Harris and his wife were at my house. In conversation about Mormonites, she observed, that she wished her husband would quit them, as she believed it was all false and a delusion. To which I heard Mr. Harris reply: "What if it is a lie; if you will let me alone I will make money out of it!. I was both an eye and an ear witness of what has been stated above, which is now fresh in my memory, and I give it to the world for the good of mankind.

The Joseph Smith Papers, History, circa Summer 1832, pg 3

"my soul was filled with love and for many days I could rejoice with great Joy and the Lord was with me but I could find none that would believe the hevnly vision"

(Note: This document is in Joseph Smith's handwriting.)

History of Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania, Emily C. Blackman, pg 104

Assistance from Reuben Hale

Emily C. Blackman

His sons were: Jesse, David, Alvah, Isaac Ward, and Reuben. The last named "assisted Joe Smith to fix up some characters such as Smith pretended were engraven on his book of plates."

Amboy Journal, Jul 2, 1879, Vol 24, No 14

Final Statement by James Cobb

James Thornton Cobb

2 Jul, 1879

Mr. Morse is authority for the statement that Joseph remained as a probationer upon his class book for six months at Harmony, Pa. Morse being at the time the class leader in the church, Methodist Episcopal, of Rev. Nathaniel Lewis, and himself taking [off?] Smith's name, in June, 1828! This fact, now for the first time brought to light, has a most important bearing (as Elder Blair will not fail to have noticed) upon the divine mission of the prophet Joseph, as the event occurred after that tremendous vision, or rather the pretense of it, upon which the whole superstructure of Mormonism rests, in which Smith says the Father and Son appeared to him and told him all the churches were wrong and "an abomination," and twice forbade him to join any of them. He joined this church, or essayed to join it, but was prevented -- even after he had obtained the plates, and was well along in the work of translating!

(Note: No images of this source are available online. Please contact me if you have any information.)

Latter Day Saints' Messenger and Advocate Volume 1, December 1834, pg 40

Letter to Oliver Cowdery

I was born, (according to the record of the same, kept by my parents,) in the town of Sharon, Windsor Co. Vt. on the 23rd of December, 1805.
At the age of ten my father's family removed to Palmyra, N. Y. where, and in the vicinity of which, I lived, or, made it my place of residence, until I was twenty one - the latter part, in the town of Manchester.

Dec, 1834

(Note: This was published in the Latter Day Saints Messenger and Advocate in 1834. No original letter has been located)

Population schedules of the second census of the United States, 1800, Vermont, pg 596

1800 Census Record

U.S. Census Bureau

1800

(Note: It has been disputed that this entry represents the family of Joseph Smith Sr. as the numbers and ages don't match his family, and there is another Joseph Smith family known to have lived in Tunbridge at the time which matches the numbers and ages of this entry.)

Wilford C. Wood Museum, Bountiful, UT

Bidamon Seer Stone in the Wilford Wood Museum

(Note: After Joseph Smith's death, Emma gave this stone to relatives of her second husband, Lewis Bidamon. It currently resides in the Wilford Wood Museum.)

Susquehannah County Courthouse

Accusation against Martin Harris

B.T. Case

7 Feb, 1833

Martin Harris late of said county, yeoman, was attached to answer Eliza Ann Winters, a minor under the age of twenty one years, who sued by her next friend Benjamin Comfort, of a plea of trespass on the case, & And Whereupon the said Eliza Ann Winters, by Benjamin Comfort, her next friend, complain that whereas she the said Eliza Ann Winters is a good, true, honest, chaste and faithful citizen of the commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and of good name, fame, behavior and character, and so amongst all her neighbors and others to whom she was known deservedly hath been esteemed of a good name, fame, behavior and character and free from all hint of fornication and from all suspicion of committing such crime. By reasons whereof the said Eliza Ann Winters the favor, good will and esteem of all her neighbors and others to whom she was known deservedly did acquire and gain. Nevertheless the said Martin Harris not being ignorant of the premises, but continuing and maliciously intending, the said Eliza Ann Winters not only of her good name, credit and esteem to deprive, but also to render her infamous and scandalous among her neighbors aforesaid. And also the said Eliza Ann Winters into danger of the penalties of the law against fornicators made to induce & bring - the first day of November, in the year one thousand, eight hundred & thirty two, at the county aforesaid, (and having discourse then and there with divers persons of & concerning the said Eliza these false, feigned, and scandalous English words, in substance as follows, of and concerning the said Eliza Ann Winters, in the ... hearing of those persons, falsely & unjustly did say, speak, and with a loud voice proclaim & publish to wit, "She" (the said Ann Eliza Winters ...) has had a bastard child," by means of the speaking and publishing of which said false and scandalous words, the said Ann Eliza Winters in her good name and fame aforesaid is grievously hurt and injured. To the damage of the said Ann Eliza Winters of one thousand dollars. And therefore she brings her suit, &c.

(Note: In a letter dated May 7, 1833 Martin's brother Emer wrote "Altho we have found many apposers & bitter Enimyes, the Lord revward them according to their deed. The 24th of Last January Bro. Martin was taken a prisenor on a fals charge of standen went to prison a few days until we got Bail to answer to Cort the Last Monday in April, or we should probably have been to the Ohio before this time. But it is now put over until the next September tirm;" On September 3, 1833, judgment was "entered against the plaintiff," meaning against Eliza Winters. The original document is located in the Susquehannah County courthouse basement. A facsimile is in the possession of Mark B. Nelson. Please contact me if you have any information regarding it.)

The Joseph Smith Papers, Journal, 1835-1836, pgs 37-38

1835 Second Diary Account

A Gentleman called this after noon by the name of Erastus Holmes of Newbury Clemon Co. Ohio, he called to make enquiry about the establishment of the Church of the latter-day Saints and to be instructed more perfectly in our doctrine &c I commenced and gave him a brief relation of my experience while in my juvenile years, say from 6, years old up to the time I received the first visitation of Angels which was when I was about 14, years old and also the the visitations that I received afterward, concerning the book of Mormon, and a short account of the rise and progress of the church, up to this, date

14 Nov, 1835

Mormonism Unvailed, E.D. Howe, pgs 246-47

Willard Chase Account

He met one day in the streets of Palmyra, a rich man, whose name was Martin Harris, and addressed him thus; "I have a commandment from God to ask the first man I meet in the street to give me fifty dollars, to assist me in doing the work of the Lord by translating the Golden Bible." Martin being naturally a credulous man, hands Joseph the money...
In April, 1830, I again asked Hiram for the stone which he had borrowed of me; he told me I should not have it, for Joseph made use of it in translating his Bible. I reminded him of his promise, and that he had pledged his honor to return it; but he gave me the lie, saying the stone was not mine nor never was. Harris at the same time flew in a rage, took me by the collar and said I was a liar, and he could prove it by twelve witnesses. After I had extricated myself from him, Hiram, in a rage shook his fist at me, and abused me in a most scandalous manner. Thus I might proceed in describing the character of these High Priests, by relating one transaction after another, which would all tend to set them in the same light in which they were regarded by their neighbors, viz: as a pest to society.

The Joseph Smith Papers, Revelation, circa Summer 1829 [D&C 19]

1829 Revelation

   25 And again: I command you, that thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's wife.
   26 Nor seek thy neighbor's life.
   27 And again: I command you, that thou shalt not covet thine own property, but impart it freely to the printing of the book of Mormon, which contains the truth and the word of God

summer, 1829

(Note: This revelation, directed to Martin Harris, was later canonized by the LDS church and exists today as D&C 19:25-26)

Mormonism Unvailed, E.D. Howe, pg 268

Mormonism Unvailed, E.D. Howe, pg 220

Ezra Booth Letter

Ezra Booth

1831

It has been made known to one, who has left his wife in the State of New York, that he is entirely free from his wife, and he is at pleasure to take him a wife from among the Lamanites. It was easily perceived that this permission was perfectly suited to his desires. I have frequently heard him state that the Lord had made it known to him, that he is as free from his wife as from any other woman; and the only crime I have ever heard alleged against her is, she is violently opposed to Mormonism. But before this contemplated marriage can be carried into effect, he must return to the State of New York and settle his business, for fear, should he return after that affair had taken place, the civil authority would apprehend him as a criminal.

Mormonism Unvailed, E.D. Howe, pg 267

Joshua M'Kune Statement

E. D. Howe

"Joseph Smith, Jr. told him that (Smith's) first-born child was to translate the characters, and hieroglyphics, upon the Plates into our language at the age of three years; but this child was not permitted to live to verify the prediction."

The Joseph Smith Papers, Revelation, July 1828 [D&C 3], pgs 1-2

1828 Revelation

July one Thousand Eight hundred & Twenty Eight Given to Joseph the Seer after he had lost certan writings which he had Translated by the gift & Power of God
Saying the works & designs & the Purposes of God cannot be frustrated neither can they come to naught for God doth not wak in crooked Paths neither doth he turn to the right hand nor to the left neither doth vary from that which he hath said therefore his paths are strait & his course is one eternal round Remember Remember that it is not the work of God that is frustrated but the works of men for although a man may have many Revelations & have power to do many Mighty works yet if he boast in his own strength & Sets at naught the councils of God & follows after the dictates of his will & carnal desires he must fall to the Earth & incur the vengence of a Just God upon him behold you have been intrusted with those things but strict was your commandment & Remember also the Promises which were made to you if you transgressed them & behold how oft you have transgressed the Laws of God & have gone on in the Persuasions of men for behold you should not have feared men more then God although men set at naught the councils of God & dispise his words yet you should have been faithful & he would have extended his arm & supported you against all the firey darts of the advisary & he would have been with you in evry time of trouble behold thou art Joseph & thou wast chosen to do the work of the Lord but because of transgression thou mayest fall but remember God is merciful therefore repent of that which thou hast done & he will only cause thee to be afflicted for a season & thou art still chosen & will & will again be called to the work & except Thou do this thou shalt be delivered up & become as other men & have no more gift & when thou deliveredst up that Which that which God had given thee right to Translate thou deliveredest up that which was Sacred into the hands of a wicked man who has Set at naught the Councils of God & hath broken the most Sacred promises which was made before God & hath depended upon his own Judgement & boasted in his own arm wisdom & this is the reason that thou hast lost thy Privileges for a Season for thou hast suffered that the council of thy directors to be trampeled upon from the begining for as the knowledge of a Saveiour hath come to the world so shall the knowledge of my People the Nephities & the Jacobites & the Josephites & the Lamanites come to the Lamanites knowledge of the Lamanites & the Lamanites & the Ishmaelites which dwindeled in unbelief because of the iniquities of their Fathers who hath been suffered to destroy their Brethren because of their iniquities & their Abominations & for this very Purpose are these Plates prepared which contain these Records that the Promises of the Lord might be fulfilled which he made to his People & that the Lamanites might come to the knowledge of their Fathers & that they may know the Promises of the Lord that they may believe the Gospel & rely upon the merits of Jesus Christ & that they might be glorified through faith in his name & that they might repent & be Saved Amen Received in Harmony Susquehannah Penn

Jul, 1828

(Note: This manuscript formed what is known today as Doctrine and Covenants, Section 3, which can be read here.)

The Joseph Smith Papers, Lucy Mack Smith, History, 1844-1845, pgs 88-89, 91

   We never heard from our unfortunate son untill 2 months after when being uneasy as to the consequences of his distress of mind. We (that is Mr Smith and myself) went down to Harmony to make him a visit when we came wihin ¾ of a mile of the House Joseph started off to meet us telling his wife that Father and Mother were coming although he could not see us- he met us with a countinance blazing with delight and it was very evident that his joy did not arise wholely from seeing us a while a great and real trouble was seated at heart very little passed concerning this subject untill evening & he then related what had taken place since he was in New York with Great minute precision as follows
   I returned home immediately after I left you without accident after I arrived here I commenced humbling myself in mighty prayer before the Lord and I poured out my soul in supplication to him that if possible I might obtain mercy at hands and be forgiven of all that I had done which was contrary to his will. As I was doing this an Angel stood before me and answered me saying that I had sinned in that he had delivered the manuscript into the hands of a wicked man and as he had ventured to become responsible for this man's faithfulness he would of necessity suffer the consequence's of his indiscretion that he must now give back the plates into the hands of the angel from he had received them but said he it may be if you are sufficiently humble and penitent that you will receive them again on the 22 of september...
   I then continued Joseph my suplications to God without cessation that his mercy might again be exercised towards me and on the 22 of september I had the Joy and satisfaction of again receiving the record into my possession and I have commenced translating and Emma writes for me now but the angel said that if I got the plates again that the Lord woul send some one to write for me and I trust that if it will be so. he also said that the angel seemed rejoiced when he gave him back the plates and said that he was pleased with his faithfulness and humility also that the Lord was pleased with him and loved him for his penitence and dilligence in prayer in the which he had performed his duty so well as to receive the record and be able to enter upon the work of translation again

New England Christian Herald, Nov 7, 1832

Josiah Stowell in an 1830 Trial

New England Christian Herald

7 Nov, 1832

The defendant was brought before me by virtue of a warrant on the 30th day of June, A. D. 1830...
Josiah Stowel, being by me sworn,... says that about three years since, prisoner was put under arrest by an officer at Bainbridge in Chenango county, for breaking the peace, and that he escaped from the officer and went to Palmyra;... and that prisoner told witness after he was arrested in Bainbridge, he would not look for money, &c. any more;

(Note: This was originally published in the New England Christian Herald. No images of this periodical are available online, but a transcript can be read here. It was reprinted 9 days later in the Morning Star (Limerick, Maine) vol 7, no. 20 which can be viewed here)

The Joseph Smith Papers, History, 1838-1856, volume A-1 [23 December 1805-30 August 1834], pg 19

Canonized Account

On the fifth day of Aprile Eighteen hundred and twenty nine Oliver Cowdery came to my house, untill when I had never seen him. He stated to me that having been teaching school in the neighborhood where my father resided, and my father being one of those who sent to the school, he had went to board for a season at my father's house, and while there the family related to him the circumstance of my having received the plates, and accordingly he had came to make enquiries of me.
Two days after the arrival of Mr Cowdery (being the seventh of April) I commenced to translate the book of Mormon and he commenced to write for me

Amboy Journal, May 21, 1879, Vol 24, No 8

Rebuttal by Edwin Cadwell

Elder Edwin Cadwell

21 May, 1879

My neighbor Morse says he is the very man about which the foolish yarn is told. He says Smith did not pray for his corn, nor offer to do so, but that Smith, with J. Whitmer, came to him in his corn, (which was late, but rank and fine) and requested him to go to a Justice, two miles away, and become his surety on an execution. Mr. Morse objected that he was hoeing his corn and was anxious to force it forward and avoid loss by early frosts. Mr. Smith replied that he and Whitmer would hoe while Morse was away. To this he consented. And he says nothing was said by anyone present about praying for the corn. We forbear comments.

(Note: No images of this source are available online. Please contact me if you have any information.)

Peoria Register and North-Western Gazetteer, Vol 5, No 23, Sep 3, 1841

About the year 1823, there was a revival of religion in that region, and Joseph was one of several hopeful converts. The others were joining, some one church, and some another, in that vicinity, but Joseph hesitated between the different denominations.

The Joseph Smith Papers, Doctrine and Covenants, 1835, pgs 161-162

1835 Revision "the gift of Aaron"

Now this is not all thy gift; for you have another gift, which is the gift of Aaron: behold it has told you many things: behold there is no other power save the power of God that can cause this gift of Aaron to be with you; therefore, doubt not, for it is the gift of God, and you shall hold it in your hands, and do marvelous works; and no power shall be able to take it away out of your hands; for it is the work of God. And therefore, whatever you shall ask me to tell you by that means, that will I grant unto you and you shall have knowledge concerning it: remember, that without faith you can do nothing. Therefore, ask in faith. Trifle not with these things: do not ask for that which you ought not: ask that you may know the mysteries of God, and that you may translate and receive knowledge from all these ancient records which have been hid up, that are sacred, and according to you faith shall it be done unto you.

Bible - Pure Cambridge Edition of 1611, John 21:20-24

King James Bible

1611

20 Then Peter, turning about, seeth the disciple whom Jesus loved following; which also leaned on his breast at supper, and said, Lord, which is he that betrayeth thee?
21 Peter seeing him saith to Jesus, Lord, and what shall this man do?
22 Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me.
23 Then went this saying abroad among the brethren, that that disciple should not die: yet Jesus said not unto him, He shall not die; but, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee?
24 This is the disciple which testifieth of these things, and wrote these things: and we know that his testimony is true.

The Joseph Smith Papers, History, 1838-1856, volume A-1 [23 December 1805-30 August 1834], pg 11

1838 History

After I had obtained the above revelation (July 1828), both the plates, and the Urim and Thummin were taken from me again, but in a few days they were returned to me. I did not however go immediately to translating, but went to laboring with my hands upon a small farm which I had purchased of my wife's father, in order to provide for my family. In the month of February, Eighteen hundred and twenty nine my father came to visit us at which time I received the following revelation for him...

Historical Magazine (second series),Vol 7, Interview with the Father of Joseph Smith, pg 307

The year passed over before Joseph was aware of it, so time passed by; but he went to the place of deposit, where the same man appeared again, and said he had not been punctual in following his directions, and, in consequence, he could not have the article yet. Joseph asked when he could have them; and the answer was, "Come in one year from this time, and bring your oldest brother with you; then you may have them." During that year, it so happened that his oldest brother died; but, at the end of the year, Joseph repaired to the place again, and was told by the man who still guarded the treasure, that, inasmuch as he could not bring his oldest brother, he could not have the treasure yet; but there would be another person appointed to come with him in one year from that time, when he could have it. Joseph asked, "How shall I know the person?" and was told that the person would be known to him at sight. During that year, Joseph went to the town of Harmony, in the State of Pennsylvania, at the request of some one who wanted the assistance of his divining rod and stone in finding hidden treasure, supposed to have been deposited there by the Indians or others. While there, he fell in company with a young woman; and, when he first saw her, he was satisfied that she was the person appointed to go with him to get the treasure he had so often failed to secure. To insure success, he courted and married her.

Wayne Sentinel, Sep 29, 1824, pg 3, col 5

Exhumation of Alvin Smith

Joseph Smith, Sr.

25 Sep, 1824

   TO THE PUBLIC.
   Whereas reports have been industriously put in circulation that my son Alvin had been removed from the place of his interment and dissected, which reports, every person possessed of human sensibility must know, are peculiarly calculated to harrow up the mind of a parent and deeply wound the feelings of relations - therefore, for the purpose of ascertaining the truth of such reports, I, with some of my neighbors this morning repaired to the grave, and removing the earth, found the body which had not been disturbed.
   This method is taken for the purpose of satisfying the minds of those who may have heard the report, and of informing those who have put it in circulation, that it is earnestly requested they would desist therefrom; and that it is believed by some, that they have been stimulated more by a desire to injure thh reputation of certain persons than a philanthropy for the peace and welfare of myself and friends.
   JOSEPH SMITH.

An Address To All Believers in Christ, 1887, pg 64

Address to All Believers in Christ

In no place in the word of God does it say that an Elder is after the order of Melchisedec, or after the order of the Melchisedec Priesthood. An Elder is after the order of Christ. This matter of "priesthood," since the days of Sydney Rigdon, has been the great hobby and stumbling-block of the Latter Day Saints. Priesthood means authority; and authority is the word we should use. I do not think the word priesthood is mentioned in the New Covenant of the Book of Mormon. Authority is the word we used for the first two years in the church-until Sydney Rigdon's days in Ohio. This matter of the two orders of priesthood in the Church of Christ, and lineal priesthood of the old law being in the church, all originated in the mind of Sydney Rigdon. He explained these things to Brother Joseph in his way, out of the old Scriptures, and got Brother Joseph to inquire, etc. He would inquire, and as mouthpiece speak out the revelations just as they had it fixed up in their hearts. As I have said before, according to the desires of the heart, the inspiration comes, but it may be the spirit of man that gives it. How easily a man can receive some other spirit, appearing as an Angel of Light, believing at the time that he is giving the revealed will of God; a doubt never entering his mind but what he is doing God's will. Of course I believe that Brother Joseph gave every revelation - including the one on polygamy - in all good conscience before God. This is the way the High Priests and the "priesthood" as you have it, was introduced into the Church of Christ almost two years after its beginning-and after we had baptized and confirmed about two thousand souls into the church.

The Joseph Smith Papers, The Book of Mormon, 1830, pg 548

Ether 5:2-4

And behold, ye may be privileged that ye may shew the plates unto those who shall assist to bring forth this work; and unto three shall they be shewn by the power of God; wherefore, they shall know of a surety that these things are true. And in the mouth of three witnesses shall these things be established; and the testimony of three, and this work, in the which shall be shewn forth the power of God, and also his word, of which the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Ghost beareth record; and all this shall stand as a testimony against the world, at the last day.

The Joseph Smith Papers, Book of Commandments, 1833, pgs 28-29

Revelation to Hyrum Smith

   A GREAT and marvelous work is about to come forth among the children of men: behold I am God and give heed to my word, which is quick and powerful, sharper than a two-edged sword, to the dividing asunder of both joints and marrow: there fore, give heed unto my word.
   2 Behold the field is white already to harvest, therefore, whoso desireth to reap, let him thrust in his sickle with his might, and reap while the day lasts, that he may treasure up for his soul everlast ing salvation in the kingdom of God; yea, whoso ever will thrust in his sickle and reap, the same is called of God: therefore, if you will ask of me, you shall receive; if you will knock, it shall be opened unto you.
   3 Now as you have asked, behold I say unto you, keep my commandments, and seek to bring forth and establish the cause of Zion. Seek not for riches but for wisdom, and behold the mysteries of God shall be unfolded unto you, and then shall you be made rich; behold he that hath eternal life is rich.
   4 Verily, verily I say unto you, even as you desire of me, so shall it be done unto you; and, if you de sire you shall be the means of doing much good in this generation. Say nothing but repentance unto this generation. Keep my commandments, and as sist to bring forth my work according to my com mandments, and you shall be blessed.
   ...
   8 Behold I command you, that you need not sup pose that you are called to preach until you are cal led: wait a little longer, until you shall have my word, my Rock, my church, and my gospel, that you may know of a surety my doctrine; and then behold, according to your desires, yea, even ac cording to your faith, shall it be done unto you.

May, 1829

The Ensign of Liberty, Kirtland, OH, January 1848, Vol 1, No 4

Hiram Page Letter

Hiram Page

30 May, 1847

In the next place you want to know my faith relative to the Book of Mormon and the winding up of wickedness. As to the Book of Mormon, it would be doing injustice to myself and to the work of God of the last days, to say that I could know a thing to be true in 1830, and know the same thing to be false in 1847. To say my mind was so treacherous that I have forgotten what I saw, to say that a man of Joseph's ability, who at that time did not know how to pronounce the word Nephi, could write a book of six hundred pages, as correct as the Book of Mormon without supernatural power. And to say that those holy Angels who came and showed themselves to me as I was walking through the field, to confirm me in the work of the Lord of the last days--three of whom came to me afterwards and sang an hymn in their own pure language; yes, it would be treating the God of heaven with contempt, to deny these testimonies, with too many others to mention here....

(Note: No images of this periodical are available online. Please contact me if you have any information.)

(A series of nearly 3,000 artifacts allegedly discovered in Michigan in 1890 by James Scotford, bearing evidence of ancient Near Eastern culture)

Michigan Relics

1890

(Note: These artifacts have been repeatedly declared to be forgeries. In 1909 Mormon scientist James E. Talmage investigated the objects and came to the same conclusion. Nevertheless, up until 2003 the LDS church kept 797 specimens in the Salt Lake City Museum.)

Origin, rise, and progress of Mormonism, 1867, pgs 48-49

The word of translation this time had been done in the recess of a dark artificial cave, which Smith had caused to be dug in the east side of the forest-hill near his residence, now owned by Mr. Amos Miner. At least such was one account given out by the Mormon fraternity; though another version was, that the prophet continued to pursue his former mode of translating behind the curtain at his house, and only went into the cave to pay his spiritual devotions and seek the continued favor of Divine Wisdom. His stays in the cave varied from fifteen minutes to an hour or over--the entrance meanwhile being guarded by one or more of his disciples. This ceremony scarcely attracted the curiosity of outsiders, though it was occasionally witnessed by men and boys living near the scene.
This excavation was at the time said to be one hundred and sixty feet in extent, though that is probably an exaggeration. It had a substantial door of two-inch plank, secured by a corresponding lock. From the lapse of time and natural causes the cave has been closed for years, very little mark of its former existence remaining to be seen.

The Joseph Smith Papers, Articles and Covenants, circa April 1830 [D&C 20]

Articles and Covenants

God visited him by an holy angel, whose countenance was as lightning, and whose garments were pure and white above all whiteness, and gave unto him commandments which inspired him from on high, and gave unto him power, by the means of which was before prepared that he should translate a book; which book contains a record of a fallen people, and also the fullness of the gospel of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles and also to the Jews

Apr, 1830

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1 Nephi 3:18 - 4:2

Joseph Smith Jr.

June, 1829

Escape from Justice, Concord Gazette, September 1, 1818, No 13, Vol 12, pg 3, col 5

Escape from Justice

James Giddings

21 Aug, 1818

   A transient person, calling himself Laman Walter, has for several days past been imposing upon the credulity of people in this vicinity, by a pretended knowledge of magic, palmistry, conjuration, &c. and a corresponding conduct, was yesterday apprehended by civil authority; brought to trial before Benjamin Little, Esq convicted of the charges in the complaint, and sentenced, as the law provides, to the house of correction; but breaking from his keepers has made his escape. This is therefore to advise the public of such a character, and to offer to any person Five Dollars as a reward, who will secure the said Laman Walter in the Jail in Hopkinton, county of Hillsboro', or return him to me the subscriber, in Boscawen, within 14 days from this date.
   JAMES GIDDINGS,
   Deputy Sheriff
   Boscawen, Aug. 21, 1818.

(Note: This notice was also printed in the September 1st edition of the New Hampshire Patriot, page 3, column 5.)

Naked Truths About Mormonism, Vol 1, No 1, pg 2, col 4

When Jo joined the Presbyterian Church, in Palmyra village, it caused much talk and surprise, as he claimed to receive revelations from the Lord. He also claimed he found some gold plates with characters on them, in a hill between uncle's and father's, which I often crossed. Several times I saw what he claimed were the plates, which were covered with a cloth. They appeared to be six or eight inches square. He frequently carried them with him. I heard they kept them under the brick hearth.

(Note: No images of this source are available online. Please contact me if you have any information.)

History of Wayne County, New York, 1877, pg 150

History of Wayne County

Walter H. McIntosh

1877

It was desirable to get this manuscript into print. George Crane, of Macedon, a Quaker, and a man of intelligence, was shown several quires of the "translations." His opinion was asked and his aid solicited. Mr. Crane advised Smith to give up his scheme, or ruin would result to him, and as is well known, the Friend spoke prophetically.

The Joseph Smith Papers, Lucy Mack Smith, History, 1844-1845, pgs. 53-55

Joseph Smith Sr Dream

   In 1811, we moved from Royalton to Lebanon. And shortly after we arrived in the latter place, my husband had another very singular Vision; which is as follows:
   "I thought," said he, "I was travelling in an open desolate field, which appeared to be very barren; and while thus travelling, the thought suddenly came into my mind, that I had better stop and reflect upon what I was doing before I went any farther. So I asked myself, what motive can I have in travelling here, and what place can this be? My guide who stood by me, said; ‘this is the desolate world; but travel on.' The road was so broad and barren, that I wondered why I shall should travel in it; for, said I to myself, broad is the road, and wide is the gate that leads to death, and many there be that walk therein; but narrow is the way, and straight is the gate that leads to everlasting Life, and few there be that go in thereat." I travelled a short distance farther, and came to a narrow path; I entered it, and traveling a short proceeding some distance farther, beheld a beautiful stream of water, which ran from the east to the west. Of this stream, I could see neither the source nor the outlet; but as far as my eyes could extend, I could see a rope running along the bank, about as high as a man could reach; and beyond me was a low but very pleasant valley, in which stood a tree, such as I had never seen before: it was exceedingly handsome, insomuch that I looked upon it with wonder and admiration: its beautiful branches spread themselves, somewhat, in the form of an umbrella; and it bore a kind of fruit, in shape, much like a chesnut burr, and as white, or whiter than snow:
   "I gazed upon the fruit with considerable interest- presently the burrs or shells began to open, and shed their particles, or the fruit which they contained, which was of dazzling whiteness. I drew near and began to eat of it, and I found it delicious beyond description; and, as I was eating, I said in my heart, I cannot eat this alone, I must bring my wife and children, that they may partake with me. Accordingly, I went and brought the family; which consisted of a wife and seven children; and we all commenced eating and praising God for this blessing- we were exceedingly happy, insomuch that our joy could not easily be expressed. While we were engaged in this manner, I beheld a spacious building, standing opposite the valley that we were in, which building appeared to reach to the very heavens. It was full of doors and windows, and they were all filled with people that were very finely dressed: when these people observed us in the low valley, under the tree, they pointed the finger of scorn at us; and treated us with all manner of disrespect and contempt. But their contumely we utterly disregarded. I soon turned to my guide, and inquired of him, the meaning of the fruit. He told me it was the pure love of God shed abroad in the hearts of all those who love him and keep his commandments. He then commanded me to go and bring the rest of my children- I told him we were all there. ‘No; he replied, ‘look yonder, you have two more, and you must bring them also.' So I raised my eyes, and I saw two small children, standing some distance off. I immediately went to them and brought them to the to the tree; and they commenced eating with the rest; and we all rejoiced together. The more we eat the more we seemed to desire, until we even got down upon our knees, and scooped it up, eating it by double-hand-fulls.
   "After feasting in this manner a short time, I asked my guide what was the meaning of the spacious building that I saw. He replied, ‘it is Babylon, it is Babylon; and it must fall: the people in the doors and windows, are the inhabitants thereof; who scorn and despise the saints of God because of their humility.' I soon awoke, clapping my hands together for joy."

The German classics of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries: masterpieces of German literature, tr. into English, Francke, Kuno, pgs 401-460

The Golden Pot

Ernst Theodor Amadeus Hoffmann

1814

The Vermont American, May 7, 1828

The Rodsmen

The Vermont American

7 May, 1828

   THE RODSMEN. Instances of great delusion or fanaticism have been rare thro' our country, and particularly so, among the intelligent yeomanry of New England. Since the days of the Salem witchcraft, and the times of the Connecticut Blue Laws, probably nothing has occurred in our states exhibiting such complete fanaticism , and so utter a destitution of propriety and common sense, as the origin and operations of the of a Fraternity of Rodsmen, (formerly existing in this state,) whose character it is now our purpose to briefly sketch.
   About 1800 one or two families in Rutland county, who had been considered respectable citizens, and who were, at the time, members of the Baptists church, pretended to have been informed by the Almighty, that they were descendants of the ancient Jews, and were, with their connexions, to be put in possession of the land for some miles around; the way for which was to be providentially prepared by the destruction of their fellow-townsmen.
   They claimed, also, inspired power, which was to cure all sorts of diseases -- intuitive knowledge of lost or stolen goods, and ability to discover the hidden treasures of the earth, as well as the more convenient talent of transmuting ordinary substances into precious metals. Within a year, numbers were added to this band of fanatics; and finally, most of the connexions of its originators were drawn in -- embracing parts of some fifteen families, and numbering nearly forty persons. The instrument of their miraculous powers, was a cleft stick, or rod, something of the form of an inverted Y; and when this talisman was firmly grasped in either hand, by its two points, it was believed to indicate the proper course to be pursued, or point out some substance of medicinal utility, or fix the locality of some valuable mine; -- whichever of these the agent was pleased to wish. In pursuing the directions of this monitor, the most ludicrous and occasionally very calamitous, results followed. Ill-shaped and craggy stones, the offals of animals, decayed wood, and even the most offensive ordure, were gathered up as possessing great virtues; and in one instance, at least, these last articles were administered to a sick person, until the credulous patient was relieved from her disgusting boluses by the hand of death.
   Before the adoption of any project among the fraternity, a nod of assent was required from the rods of the whole, which was usually not wanting, provided that of the leader, (or Mugwump, as he was technically called,) appeared favorable. In executing plans approved by "the sublime direction of the rod," excavations were made in the mountains, some to a great depth; -- the frame of a large building was put up, (which is now in use as a barn;) and numbers of horses were killed for their bones. From the bowels of the mountain valuable ore was to be taken; the building was to be erected into a furnace for smelting and refining it; and the horses' bones were to be converted into crucibles!
   The operations of this band of mystics attracted but little notice, till the latter part of the following year, when their movements indicated something more serious, and fears were entertained that some high-handed measure would be attempted, as a winding-up scene to their career of folly and infatuation. Their claims to being descendants of the ancient Jews, and lawful inheritors of the whole country, they declared were soon to be established by the hand of Omnipotence. An earthquake was prophecied to happen during the night of the 14th Jan. 1802; at which time the Destroying Angel was to move forward and smite all but the chosen. The scene of carnage which was to ensue had been much dwelt upon; and the ninth and eleventh chapters of the Book of Exekiel, (frequently made the subject of discourses at their meetings,) were declared to have special reference to the coming catastrophe.
   As the 14th of January approached, excitement increased throughout the town, and the militia were required to be in order for service at a moment's warning. -- The military stores belonging to the town, were removed from the house of the Mugwump, (who had been their depository.) and the means of producing an earthquake, it is believed, were thus removed.
   At sunset of the ominous 14th, the Rodsmen repaired to their leader's house, after nailing upon their door-posts a paper, on which was written -- "Christ our Passover was Sacrificed for us." This was to preserve the habitations of the Faithful from the destruction speedily to be visited upon those of their neighbors, and many affecting interviews were held by the Rodsmen with their children, who were not allowed by the stern decree of the rod to follow their parents, and of whom these infatuates pretended to believe they were taking their final leave. -- At 9 o'clock, the military were under arms, and a sergeant's guard was posted on each of the four streets diverging from the village. In a short time, six Rodsmen, fantastically dressed, and equipped according to the direction they supposed given them, -- (Ezekiel ix, 2), were observed rapidly approaching. After being hailed by the guard, they were fired upon, when they turned and fled. About midnight, the same men approached the village in another direction -- were again hailed, fired upon, and dispersed. Thus ended the strange drama.
   Immediately after this exhibition, which had created much consternation, the indignation of the whole people burst upon these shameless impostors. The leaders of the fraternity, therefore, feeling themselves contemptible by the failure of their earthquake; "seeing the "slow-moving finger of scorn" pointed towards them from all their neighbors; and fearing, moreover, that the heavy hand of the law would fall on them for their misdeeds; -- disposed of their property and removed into the county of St. Lawrence, New York; where it is said something of their former delusion stuck by them. They are now mostly dead.

The Joseph Smith Papers, History, 1838-1856, volume A-1 [23 December 1805-30 August 1834], pgs 1-3

Joseph's timeline in the canonized account

   My father Joseph Smith Senior left the State of Vermont and moved to Palmyra, Ontario (now Wayne) County, in the State of New York when I was in my tenth year.
   In about four years after my father's arrival at Palmyra, he moved with his family into Manchester in the same County of Ontario. His family consisting of eleven souls, namely, My Father Joseph Smith, My Mother Lucy Smith whose name previous to her marriage was Mack, daughter of Solomon Mack, my brothers Alvin (who is now dead) Hyrum, Myself, Samuel Harrison, William, Don Carlos, and my Sisters Sophonia, Cathrine and Lucy. Some time in the second year after our removal to Manchester, there was in the place where we lived an unusual excitement on the subject of religion...
   I was at this time in my fifteenth year...
   It was on the morning of a beautiful clear day early in the spring of Eighteen hundred and twenty.

(Note: This manuscript, dated 1839, is in the handwriting of scribe James Mulholland. Its content is based on an early document from 1838 which is not extant. In December 1842 Willard Richards inserted some text into the margins.)

The New York Spectator, September 23, 1843

The Joseph Smith Papers, History, 1838-1856, volume A-1 [23 December 1805-30 August 1834], pgs 2-3

1838 canonized account

   While I was laboring under the extreme difficulties caused by the contests of these parties of religionists, I was one day reading the Epistle of James, First Chapter and fifth verse, which reads, "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally and upbraideth not, and it shall be given him. Never did any passage of scripture come with more power to the heart of man that this did at this time to mine. It seemed to enter with great force into every feeling of my heart. I reflected on it again and again, knowing that if any person needed wisdom from God, I did, for how to act I did not know and unless I could get more wisdom than I then had would never know, for the teachers of religion of the different sects understood the same passage of Scripture so differently as to destroy all confidence in settling the question by an appeal to the Bible. At length I came to the conclusion that I must either remain in darkness and confusion or else I must do as James directs, that is, Ask of God. I at last came to the determination to ask of God, concluding that if he gave wisdom to them that lacked wisdom, and would give liberally and not upbraid, I might venture. So in accordance with this my determination to ask of God, I retired to the woods to make the attempt. It was on the morning of a beautiful clear day early in the spring of Eightteen hundred and twenty. It was the first time in my life that I had made such an attempt, for amidst all my anxieties I had never as yet made the attempt to pray vocally.
   After I had retired into the place where I had previously designed to go, having looked around me and finding myself alone, I kneeled down and began to offer up the desires of my heart to God, I had scarcely done so, when immediately I was siezed upon by some power which entirely overcame me and had such astonishing influence over me as to bind my tongue so that I could not speak. Thick darkness gathered around me and it seemed to me for a time as if I were doomed to sudden destruction. But exerting all my powers to call upon God to de liver me out of the power of this enemy which had siezed upon me, and at the very moment when I was ready to sink into despair and abandon myself to destruction, not to an im aginary ruin but to the power of some actual being from the unseen world who had such a marvelous power as I had never before felt in any being. Just at this moment of great alarm I saw a pillar of light exactly over my head above the brightness of the sun, which descended gracefully gradually untill it fell upon me. It no sooner appeared than I found myself delivered from the enemy which held me bound. When the light rested upon me I saw two personages (whose brightness and glory defy all description) standing above me in the air. One of them spake unto me calling me by name and said (pointing to the other) "This is my beloved Son, Hear him."
   My object in going to enquire of the Lord was to know which of all the sects was right, that I might know which to join. No sooner therefore did I get possession of myself so as to be able to speak, than I asked the personages who stood above me in the light, which of all the sects was right, (for at this time it had never entered into my heart that all were wrong) and which I should join. I was answered that I must join none of them, for they were all wrong, and the Personage who addressed me said that all their Creeds were an abomination in his sight, that those professors were all corrupt, that "they draw near to me to with their lips but their hearts are far from me, They teach for doctrines the commandments of men, having a form of Godliness but they deny the power thereof." He again forbade me to join with any of them and many other things did he say unto me which I cannot write at this time. When I came to myself again I found myself lying on my back looking up into Heaven.

Mormonism Unvailed, E.D. Howe, pg 240

Testimony of Willard Chase

I became acquainted with the Smith family, known as the authors of the Mormon Bible, in the year 1820. At that time, they were engaged in the money digging business, which they followed until the latter part of the season of 1827.

The Joseph Smith Papers, History, circa Summer 1832, pgs 4-5

Joseph's 1832 Account

I immediately went to the place and found where the plates was deposited as the angel of the Lord had commanded me and straightway made three attempts to get them and then being excedingly frightened I supposed it had been a dreem of Vision but when I consid[e]red I knew that it was not therefore I cried unto the Lord in the agony of my soul why can I not obtain them behold the angel appeared unto me again and said unto me you have not kept the commandments of the Lord which I gave unto you therefore you cannot now obtain them for the time is not yet fulfilled therefore thou wast left unto temptation that thou mightest be made acquainted with the power of the advisary therefore repent and call on the Lord thou shalt be forgiven and in his own due time thou shalt obtain them for now I had been tempted of the advisary and saught the Plates to obtain riches and kept not the commandment that I should have an eye single to the glory of God therefore I was chastened and saught diligently to obtain the plates

Latter Day Saints' Messenger and Advocate Volume 2, No. 1, October 1835, pg 201

Oliver Cowdery account in the Messenger and Advocate

While employed here he became acquainted with the family of Isaac Hale... while in that country, some very officious person complained of him as a disorderly person, and brought him before the authorities of the country; but there being no cause of action he was honorably acquited.

Oct, 1835

Mormonism Unvailed, E.D. Howe, pg 267

Joshua M'Kune testimony

Mormonism Unvailed

Joshua M'Kune states, that he "was acquainted with Joseph Smith Jr. and Martin Harris, during their residence in Harmony, Pa., and knew them to be artful seducers;" That they informed him that "Smith had found a sword, breast-plate, and a pair of spectacles, at the time he found the gold plates" - that these were to be shewn to all the world as evidence of the truth of what was contained in those plates"

Gleanings by the way, pgs 226-28

John Clark account

John Clark

24 Aug, 1840

Smith awoke from his dream, and, according to Harris, started off towards Pennsylvania, not knowing to what point he should go. But the Lord directed him, and gained him favour in the eyes of just such a person as was described to him. He was married and had returned. His first child had been born, and was now about six months old. But Jo had not been altogether obedient to the heavenly vision. After his marriage and return from Pennsylvania, he became so awfully impressed with the high destiny that awaited him, that he communicated the secret to his father and family. The money-digging propensity of the old man operated so powerfully, that he insisted upon it that hey should go and dig and see if the chest was there - not with any view to remove it till the appointed time, but merely to satisfy themselves. Accordingly they went forth in the stillness of the night with their spades and mattocks to the spot where slumbered this sacred deposit. They had proceeded but a little while in the work of excavation, before the mysterious chest appeared; but lo! instantly it moved and glided along out of their sight. Directed, however, by the clairvoyance of Jo, they again penetrated to the spot where it stood, and succeeded in gaining a partial view of its dimensions. But while they were pressing forward to gaze at it, the thunder of the Almighty shook the spot, and made the earth to tremble - a sheet of vivid lightning swept along over the side of the hill, and burnt terribly around the place where the excavation was going on, and again, with a rumbling noise, the chest moved off out of their sight. They were all terrified and fled towards their home. Jo took his course silently along by himself. On his way homeward, being alone and in the woods, the angel of the Lord met him, clad in terror and wrath. He spoke in a voice of thunder: forked lightnings shot through the trees, and ran along upon the ground. The terror which the appearance of the divine messenger awakened, instantly struck Smith to the earth, and he felt his whole frame convulsed with agony, as though he were stamped upon by the iron hoofs of death himself. In language most terrific did the angel upbraid him for his disobedience, and the disappeared. Smith went home trembling and full of terror. Soon, however, his mind became more composed. Another divine communication was made to him, authorizing him to go alone by himself and bring the chest and deposit it secretly under the hearth of his dwelling, but by no means to attempt to look into it. The reason assigned by the angel for this removal, was that some report in relation to the place where this sacred book was deposited had gone forth, and there was danger of its being disturbed. According to Harris, Smith now scrupulously followed the divine directions. He was already in possession of the two transparent stones laid up with the golden Bible, by looking through which he was enabled to read the golden letters on the plates in the box. How he obtained these spectacles without opening the chest, Harris could not tell. But still he had them; and by means of them he could read all the book contained.

Mormonism Unvailed, E.D. Howe, pg 270

Martin Harris description according to Charles Anthon

Charles Anthon

17 Feb, 1834

When I asked the person, who brought it, how he obtained the writing, he gave me, as far as I can now recollect, the following account: A "gold book," consisting of a number of plates of gold, fastened together in the shape of a book by wires of the same metal, had been dug up in the northern part of the state of New York, and along with the book an enormous pair of "gold spectacles"! These spectacles were so large, that, if a person attempted to look through them, his two eyes would have to be turned towards one of the glasses merely, the spectacles in question being altogether too large for the breadth of the human face.

Autobiography and Journal of Priddy Meeks

Priddy Meeks discussion with Hyrum Smith, according to his autobiography

Priddy Meeks

1879

I have seen peepstones as well polished as a fiddle with a nice hole through one end that belonged to the ancients. I asked Brother Smith the use for that hole; he said the same as a watch chain to keep from losing it. He said in time of war the Nephites had the advantage of their enemies by looking in the seerstone which would reveal whatever they wished to know. (I believe a peepstone is of the same piece with the Urim and Thummim, if we understood it.)

(Note: No image of this document is available online. Please contact me if you have any information regarding it.)

Tiffany's Monthly, Vol 5, No 4, Mormonism - No. II, pgs 167-70

Martin Harris Narration taken by Joel Tiffany

   "These things had all occurred before I talked with Joseph respecting the plates. But I had the account of it from Joseph, his wife, brothers, sisters, his father and mother. I talked with them separately, that I might get the truth of the matter. The first time I heard of the matter, my brother Presarved Harris, who had been in the village of Palmyra, asked me if had heard about Joseph Smith, jr., having a golden bible. My thoughts were that the money-diggers had probably dug up an old brass kettle, or something of the kind. I thought no more of it. This was about the first of October, 1827. The next day after the talk with my brother, I went to the village, and there I was asked what I thought of the Gold Bible! I replied, The Scripture says, He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is foolishness unto him. I do not wish to make myself a fool. I don't know anything about it. Then said I, what is it about Joe's Gold Bible! They then went on to say, that they put whiskey into the old man's cider and got him half drunk, and he told them all about it. They then repeated his account, which I found afterwards to agree substantially with the account given by Joseph. Then said I to them, how do you know that he has not got such gold plates! They replied, 'Damn him! angels appear to men in this enlightened age! Damn him, he ought to be tarred and feathered for telling such a damned lie!' Then I said, suppose he has told a lie, as old Tom Jefferson said, it did not matter to him whether a man believed in one god or twenty. It did not rob his pocket, nor break his shins. What is it to us if he has told a lie? He has it to answer for if he has lied. If you should tar and feather all the liars, you would soon be out of funds to purchase the material.
   "I then thought of the words of Christ, The kingdom divided against itself cannot stand. I knew they were of the devil's kingdom, and if that is of the devil, his kingdom is divided against itself. I said in my heart, this is something besides smoke. There is some fire at the bottom of it. I then determined to go and see Joseph as soon as I could find time.
   "A day or so before I was ready to visit Joseph, his mother came over to our house and wished to talk with me. I told her I had no time to spare, she might talk with my wife, and, in the evening when I had finished my work I would talk with her. When she commenced talking with me, she told me respecting his bringing home the plates, and many other things, and said that Joseph had sent her over and wished me to come and see him. I told her that I had a time appointed when I would go, and that when the time came I should then go, but I did not tell her when it was. I sent my boy to harness my horse and take her home. She wished my wife and daughter to go with her; and they went and spent most of the day. When they came home, I questioned them about them. My daughter said, they were about as much as she could lift. They were now in the glass-box, and my wife said they were very heavy. They both lifted them. I waited a day or two, when I got up in the morning, took my breakfast, and told my folks I was going to the village, but went directly to old Mr. Smith's. I found that Joseph had gone away to work for Peter Ingersol to get some flour. I was glad he was absent, for that gave me an opportunity of talking with his wife and the family about the plates. I talked with them separately, to see if their stories agreed, and I found they did agree. When Joseph came home I did not wish him to know that I had been talking with them, so I took him by the arm and led him away from the rest, and requested him to tell me the story, which he did as follows. He said: 'An angel had appeared to him, and told him it was God's work.'... Joseph had before this described the manner of his finding the plates. He found them by looking in the stone found in the well of Mason chase. The family had likewise told me the same thing.
   "Joseph said the angel told him he must quit the company of the money-diggers. That there were wicked men among them. He must have no more to do with them. He must not lie, nor swear, nor steal. He told him to go and look in the spectacles, and he would show him the man that would assist him. That he did so, and he saw myself, Martin Harris, standing before him. That struck me with surprise. I told him I wished him to be very careful about these things. 'Well,' said he, 'I saw you standing before me as plainly as I do now.' I said, if it is the devil's work I will have nothing to do with it; but if it is the Lord's, you can have all the money necessary to bring it before the world. He said the angel told him, that the plates must be translated, printed and sent before the world. I said, Joseph, you know my doctrine, that cursed is every one that putteth his trust in man, and maketh flesh his arm; and we know that the devil is to have great power in the latter days to deceive if possible the very elect; and I don't know that you are one of the elect. Now you must not blame me for not taking your word. If the Lord will show me that it is his work, you can have all the money you want. "While at Mr. Smith's I hefted the plates, and I knew from the heft that they were lead or gold, and I knew that Joseph had not credit enough to buy so much lead. I left Mr. Smith's about eleven o'clock and went home. I retired to my bedroom and prayed God to show me concerning these things, and I covenanted that if it was his work and he would show me so, I would put forth my best ability to bring it before the world. He then showed me that it was his work, and that it was designed to bring in the fullness of his gospel to the gentiles to fulfill his word, that the first shall be last and the last first. He showed this to me by the still small voice spoken in the soul. Then I was satisfied that it was the Lord's work, and I was under a covenant to bring it forth.
   "The excitement in the village upon the subject had become such that some had threatened to mob Joseph, and also to tar and feather him. They said he should never leave until he had shown the plates. It was unsafe for him to remain, so I determined that he must go to his father-in-law's in Pennsylvania. He wrote to his brother-in-law Alvah Hale, requesting him to come for him. I advised Joseph that he must pay all his debts before starting. I paid them for him, and furnished him money for his journey. I advised him to take time enough to get ready, so that he might start a day or two in advance: for he would be mobbed if it was known when he started. We put the box of plates into a barrel about one-third full of beans and headed it up. I informed Mr. Hale of the matter, and advised them to cut each a good cudgel and put them into the wagon with them, which they did. It was understood that they were to start on Monday; but they started on Saturday night and got though safe. This was the last of October, 1827. It might have been the first of November."

The Joseph Smith Papers, Alexander Neibaur, Journal, 24 May 1844, extract, pg 2

Alexander Neibaur Diary Entry

Alexander Neibaur

May 24, 1844

"told the Methodist priest & said this was not a age for god to Reveal himself in Vision Revelation has ceased with the New Testament."

The Saints' Herald, 15 Aug, 1878, Vol 25, No 16, pg 253

Myron Bond Statement

Myron H. Bond

15 Aug, 1878

"Father John Whitmer told me last winter with tears in his eyes, that he knew as well as he knew he had an existence that Joseph translated the ancient writing which was upon the plates which he "saw and handled," and which as one of the scribes, he helped to copy, as the words fell from Joseph's lips, by supernatural or almighty power."

Lippincott's Magazine 26:152, pg 198

Hyrum, another son, helped his father at the trade of a cooper. Joseph, Jr., grew up with the reputation of being an idle and ignorant youth, given to chicken-thieving, and, like his father, extremely superstitious. Both father and sons believed in witchcraft, and they frequently "divined" the presence of water by a forked stick or hazel rod. Orlando Sanders of Palmyra, a well-preserved gentleman of over eighty, tells us that the Smith family worked for his father and for himself. He gives them the credit of being good workers, but declares that they could save no money. He also states that Joseph, Jr., was "a greeny," both large and strong. By nature he was peaceably disposed, but when he had taken too much liquor he was inclined to fight, with or without provocation.

Mormonism Unvailed, E.D. Howe, pg 269

Sophia Lewis Statement

E. D. Howe

Sophia Lewis... states that she heard Smith say "the Book of Plates could not be opened under penalty of death by any other person but his (Smith's) first-born, which was to be a male." She says she "was present at the birth of this child, and that it was still-born and very much deformed."

The Sources of Information, Broome Republican, Binghamton, NY, Vol 73, No 6,

1880 Interview

Broome Republican

28 Jul, 1880

Mrs. Elizabeth Squires, who is about seventy years old, was present at the interview with Mrs. McKune. She always lived in that neighborhood, and thoroughly corroborated Mrs. McKune in all her statements, and often prompted her in her recollections of fifty years ago. The interview occurred at Mrs. Squires' residence, where Mrs. McKune chanced to be visiting. They unite in saying that Joe Smith never made a convert at Susquehanna

(Note: Nothing about a relationship with Joseph Smith was recorded here.)

Mormonism Unvailed, E.D. Howe, pg 264

Isaac Hale Statement

About this time, Martin Harris made his appearance upon the stage; and Smith began to interpret the characters or hieroglyphics which he said were engraven upon the plates, while Harris wrote down the interpretation. It was said, that Harris wrote down one hundred and sixteen pages, and lost them.

Lippincott's Magazine 26:152, pg 202

Sally McKune Account

Sally McKune

Mrs. McKune relates the particulars of an incident which took place early in 1828. Martin Harris had advanced so much money to Smith that his wife came from Palmyra in great alarm to arrest the destruction of property and to reclaim her husband if possible. Harris showed her the sacred writings, already nearly completed, as an inducement for her to hold her peace. She found where the manuscript was concealed, and at once secured it. When asked to return it she replied, "Joe Smith may peek for it." This he attempted to do, but accused her of unfairly removing the manuscript whenever the attendants had almost reached it. After waiting a little time, she produced a portion of the roll and declared Smith to be a fraud. The remainder of the manuscript she retained, and finally burned it, with the remark, "If it cannot be found there will be an end to the partnership between Joe Smith and my husband." Joe never undertook to use his wonderful spectacles for a second translation of the matter in the missing manuscript: he feared that Mrs. Harris might produce a totally different Bible consisting of his first translation.

Palmyra newspaper article

A few however, believed the "golden" story, among whom was Martin Harris, an honest and industrious farmer of this town. So blindly enthusiastic was Harris, that he took some of the characters interpreted by Smith, and went in search of some one, besides the interpreter, who was learned enough to English them; but all to whom he applied (among the number was Professor Mitchell, of New York,) happened not to be possessed of sufficient knowledge to give satisfaction! Harris returned, and set Smith to work at interpreting the Bible.

Latter Day Saints' messenger and advocate, Volume 1, October, 1834, pg 14

Oliver Cowdery Account

Near the time of the setting of the sun, Sabbath evening, April 5th, 1829, my natural eyes for the first time beheld this brother. He then resided in Harmony, Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania. On Monday, the 6th, I assisted him in arranging some business of a temporal nature and on Tuesday, the 7th, commenced to write the Book of Mormon. These days were never to be forgotten-to sit under the sound of a voice dictated by the inspiration of heaven, awakened the utmost gratitude of this bosom. Day after day I continued, uninterrupted, to write from his mouth as he translated with the Urim and Thummim, or, as the Nephites would have said, "interpreters," the history or record called "The book of Mormon."

Oct, 1834

(Note: A transcript of this account was also created in Joseph Smith's history dated 1834-1836 which can be read here.)

"Golden Bible." The Gem: A Semi-Monthly Literary and Miscellaneous Journal (Rochester, New York), 5 September 1829: 70

Martin Harris Newspaper Account

A man by the name of Martin Harris was in this village a few days since endeavouring to make a contract for printing a large quantity of a work called the Golden Bible. He gave something like the following account of it.
"In the autumn of 1827 a man named Joseph Smith of Manchester, in Ontario County, said that he had been visited by the spirit of the Almighty in a dream, and informed that in a certain hill in that town was deposited a Golden Bible, containing an ancient record of divine origin. He states that after the third visit from the same spirit in a dream he proceeded to the spot, removed earth, and there found the bible, together with a large pair of spectacles. He had also been directed to let no mortal see them under the penalty of immediate death, which injunction he steadfastly adheres to..."

5 Sep, 1829

Amboy Journal, June 11, 1879, Vol 24, No 11

Joseph Lewis Second Account

Joseph Lewis

11 Jun, 1879

   On Sunday, the 18th day of May, 1879, I spoke to Mr. Morse while on the side-walk in front of the M. E. church in Amboy, Ill. on the subject of what we had written on Mormonism, which appeared in the JOURNAL of April 30th. He said it would have been better if we had written it as it was. He said Smith was not owing him, and he didn't come to hoe. "Well," said I, "did Smith pray in your corn and insure it?" He said Smith did that. The corn was good but late, and the frost killed it. Put this with the statement of A. G. Skinner to Hiel Lewis.

STATEMENT OF A. G. SKINNER, MAY 24, '79.
   Mr. Michael S. Morse told me while we were both living in Penn., that Joseph Smith and another man came to him while he was hoeing his corn, and they requested him, Morse, to go to Lanesborough and be security for Smith. Morse said he must hoe his corn, but after some urging consented to do so, on their offering to hoe for him while he was gone. On his return, he found that they had not hoed, and Smith gave as a reason that he had prayed in the corn, and that it would grow just as well as if hoed, and that he would warrant it against the frost.
   Skinner, if necessary, will swear to his statement.

(Note: No images of this source are available online. Please contact me if you have any information.)

The History of Middletown, Vermont, in Three Discourses, pgs 46-47

The Wood Scrape and William Cowdery

Barnes Frisbie

A man by the name of Winchell, as he called himself when he came here, was the first man who used the hazel rod. From what we have learned of him, he was, undoubtedly, an expert villain. He sought to accomplish his purposes by working upon the hopes and fears of individuals, and by a kind of sorcery, which he performed with great skill. The time he came here I cannot give, but it was, undoubtedly, sometime in the year 1799. He was a fugitive from justice from Orange county, Vermont, where he had been engaged in counterfeiting. He first went to a Mr. Cowdry's, in Wells, who then lived in that town, near the line between Wells and Middletown, in the house now owned and occupied by Robert Parks, Esq. Cowdry was the father of Oliver Cowdry, the noted Mormon, who claimed to have been one of the witnesses to Joe Smith's revelations, and to have written the book Mormon, as it was deciphered by Smith from the golden plates. Winchell, I have been told, was a friend and acquaintance of Cowdry's, but of this I cannot be positive, they were intimate afterwards; but Winchell staid at Cowdry's some little time, keeping himself concealed, and it is the opinion of some with whom I have conversed that he commenced his operations of digging for money in Wells, but I have been unable to determine as to that. It is well known that there was a good deal of money digging in that part of Wells. Whether it commenced at the time spoken of, when Winchell went there, or afterwards, is, to my mind, unsettled.
Winchell next turns up in Middletown, at Ezekiel Perry's, in the fall or forepart of the winter of 1799. Perry lived at the extreme south part of the town, on the road to Pawlet. Here he staid all winter, keeping himself from the public eye, practicing his arts of deception as he had opportunity to do so, without attracting too much attention; and here he began to use the hazel rod (whether he had before used it at Cowdry's, in Wells, I cannot say).

The Joseph Smith Papers, Book of Mormon, 1830, pgs 34-35

1 Nephi

And it came to pass that the angel spake unto me, saying, Look! And I looked and beheld a man, and he was dressed in a white robe; and the angel said unto me, Behold one of the twelve Apostles of the Lamb! Behold, he shall see and write the remainder of these things; yea, and also many things which have been; and he shall also write concerning the end of the world; wherefore, the things which he shall write, are just and true; and, behold, they are written in the book which thou beheld proceeding out of the mouth of the Jew; and at the time they proceeded out of the mouth of the Jew, or, at the time the book proceeded out of the mouth of the Jew, the things which were written, were plain and pure, and most precious, and easy to the understanding of all men. And, behold, the things which this Apostle of the Lamb shall write, are many things which thou hast seen; and, behold, the remainder shalt thou see; but the things which thou shalt see hereafter, thou shalt not write; for the Lord God hath ordained the Apostle of the Lamb of God, that he should write them. And also, others which have been to them, hath he shown all things, and they have written them; and they are sealed up, to come forth in their purity, according to the truth which is in the Lamb, in the own due time of the Lord, unto the House of Israel.
And I, Nephi, heard and bear record, that the name of the Apostle of the Lamb was John, according to the word of the angel.

The Joseph Smith Papers, Revelation, March 1829 [D&C 5], pgs 2-3

March 1829 Revelation

Behold I say unto you Joseph when thou hast translated a few more pages & then shalt thou stop for a season even untill I command thee again. then thou mayest translate & excep thou do this Behold thou shalt have no more gift & I will take away the things which I have entrusted with thee & now because I foresee the lieing in wait to destroy thee yea I foresee that if my Servant humbleth not himself & receive a witness from my hand that he will fall into transgression & there are many that lie in wait to destroy thee off the face of the Earth & for this cause that thy Days may be prolounged I have given unto you these Commandments Yea for this Cause have I said stop & stand still untill I Command thee & I will provide means whereby thou mayest Accomplish the thing I have Commanded thee & if thou art faithful in Keeping my Commandments ye shall be lifted up at the last Day

Mar, 1829

Joseph Smith the Prophet His Family and His Friends, pg 80

Then he exclaimed, "Why can't I get it?" or words to that effect; and then he saw a man standing over the spot... who told him that he could not get it alone; that another person whom he, Smith, would know at first sight, must come with him, and then he could get it. And when Smith saw Miss Emma Hale, he knew that she was the person, and that after they were married, she went with him to near the place, and stood with her back toward him, while he dug up the box, which he rolled up in his frock.

The Church Rejected! The Saints' Herald, Vol 17, Pg 556

William E. McLellin letter to Davis Bays

I am well aware that the history of Joseph does say he was ordained to the Aaronic priesthood by John the Baptist; I don't believe it. Don't startle! I'll tell you why. No angel or spirit ever ordained a man to any office since the world began! Search the Bible and Book of Mormon. I heard Joseph tell his experience of his ordination and the organization of the church, probably, more than twenty times, to persons who, near the rise of the church, wished to know and hear about it. I never heard of Moroni, John, or Peter, James and John. It was after he fell from God that these things were put in, in order to sustain the falsehood of these two priesthoods. I do not say but angels conversed with him, and gave him much instruction how to proceed. But that they ever ordained him I deny. His history was gotten up after he fell from God!

24 May, 1870

The Joseph Smith Papers, Revelation, March 1829 [D&C 5], pg 1

Revelation to Martin Harris

for this Generation they shall have my word yea & the testimony of three of my Servants shall go forth with my word unto this Generation yea three shall Know of A surety that those things are true for I will give them power that they may Behold & vew these things as they are & to none else will I grant this power among this Generation & the testimony of three Witnesses will I send forth & my word & behold whosoever beleaveth in my word him will I visit with the manifestations of my spirit & they shall be Born of me & their testimony shall also go forth

March, 1829

The Joseph Smith Papers, Book of Commandments, 1833, pg 31

Revelation to Joseph Knight

   A GREAT and marvelous work is about to come forth among the children of men: behold I am God, and give heed to my word, which is quick and powerful, sharper than a two-edged sword, to the dividing asunder of both joints and marrow: there fore, give heed unto my word.
   2 Behold the field is white already to harvest, therefore whoso desireth to reap, let him thrust in his sickle with his might, and reap while the day lasts, that he may treasure up for his soul everlas ting salvation in the kingdom of God: Yea, who soever will thrust in his sickle and reap, the same is called of God: therefore, if you will ask of me you shall receive; if you will knock it shall be opened unto you.
   3 Now as you have asked, behold I say unto you, keep my commandments, and seek to bring forth and establish the cause of Zion.
   4 Behold I speak unto you, and also to all those who have desires to bring forth and establish this work, and no one can assist in this work, except he shall be humble and full of love, having faith, hope and charity, being temperate in all things, whatso ever shall be intrusted to his care.
   5 Behold I am the light and life of the world, that speaketh these words: therefore, give heed with your might, and then you are called: Amen.

May, 1829

Population schedules of the fourth census of the United States, 1820, Vermont, pg 426

1820 Census, Andover, VT

Daily Albany Argus, Vol 5, No 1435, May 25, 1830, pg 2, col 4

The Wayne County Republican

Daily Albany Argus

25 May, 1830

A fellow by the name of Joseph Smith, who resides in the upper part of Susquehannah county, has been, for the last two years, we are told, employed in dictating, as he says, by inspiration, a new Bible. He pretended that he had been entrusted by God with a golden bible which had been always hidden from the world. Smith would put his face into a hat in which he had a white stone, and pretend to read from it, while his coadjutor transcribed.

(Note: This article is a reprint from the Wayne County Republican, which is not available online. It was subsequently reprinted in the Cincinnati Advertiser and Ohio Phoenix on June 2, 1830, which can be read here or here.)

(A series of 31 artifacts, shaped like crosses, swords, and javelins, discovered by Charles E. Manier near Picture Rocks, Arizona, in 1924. These objects contain both Hebrew and Latin engravings, including Latin inscriptions of Roman numerals of years from 790 to 900 AD)

Tucson Artifacts

1924

(Note: Because the inscriptions are nearly identical to excerpts from Classical authors, such as Cicero, Virgil, and Horace, all writings which were available in Tucson at the time, and due to linguistic irregularities, these artifacts are commonly considered a hoax.)

Painesville Telegraph (Ohio), Nov 16, 1830, col 3

The Painesville Telegraph

Painesville Telegraph

16 Nov, 1830

The book, it seems, has made its appearance in this vicinity. –It contains about 600 octavo pages, which is said to be translated from Egyptian Hieroglyphics, on metal plates, by one Smith, who was enabled to read the characters by instruction from Angels.

"The Golden Bible, or, Campbellism Improved." Observer and Telegraph (Hudson, Ohio), November 18, 1830

Hudson Observer and Telegraph

Observer and Telegraph

18 Nov, 1830

To him, they say, was given the spirit of interpretation; but he was ignorant of the art of writing, he employed this Oliver Cowdery and others to write, while he read, interpreted, and translated this mighty Revelation.

"Communication," Brattleboro Messenger (Vermont), November 20, 1830, Vol 9, No. 40

Brattleboro Messenger

Clericus

18 Oct, 1830

You have probably heard of the Gold Bible taken from the earth by Joseph, the money-digger. This he has translated from the Egyptian reformed language to English, by a air of stone spectacles (provided by an angel) and a dark hat before his eyes.

(Note: According to the source, this is an extract "taken from a letter written from a town in the State of New York, where, as I had been previously told, this Jos. Smith had resided some years, and from which he set out, with an attendant, in pursuit of the gold plates, which he found, as they say, about one hundred and fifty miles from the place of starting." This town was likely Colesville, NY, or in the vicinity.
No images of this paper are available online. Please contact us if you have any additional information)

LDS.org, Foundations of Faith exhibit, Book of Mormon Original Manuscript (1829), Leaf No. 2b: 1 Nephi 4:2-20

1 Nephi 4:2-20

No Preview Available

Heber C. Kimball in Brigham Young Manuscript History

5 May, 1867

President Kimball talked familiarly to the brethren about Father Smith, Cowdery, and others walking into the hill Cumorah and seeing records upon records piled upon tables they walked from cell to cell and saw the records that were piled up...

(A series of three coins, one discovered in Louisville in 1932, one near Clay City in 1952, and one in Hopkinsville in 1967, all in Kentucky. They resemble coinage minted by the Jews during the Bar Kochba revolt against the Roman Empire of 132-135 AD)

Bar Kokhba Coins

1932-67

(Note: These coins have been identified as forgeries/replicas, made near the beginning of the 20th century for sale to tourists to the Holy Land.)

The Prophet of Palmyra, Thomas Gregg, 1890, pg 40

Stephen Harding Account

Stephen S. Harding

Feb, 1882

In the neighborhood of Palmyra there lived another prophet, older and wiser than the Mormon prophet. This was old George Crane, who had been born and brought up a Quaker. On one occasion Smith and Cowdery had gone to the house of George, who had manifested some interest in the pretended translation. It was in the evening, and when several chapters had been read, Mr. Crane, who had been an attentive listener, in his straightforward, Quaker soberness said: 'Joseph, thy book is blasphemous; and I counsel thee to mend thy ways, or thee will come to some bad end.' George Crane lived to see the fulfilment of that prophecy, when this greatest of all modern deceivers fell out of the back window of the Carthage jail riddled with bullets.

Cleveland Advertiser, February 15, 1831, Vol 1, No 5

Earliest Claim that Rigdon Wrote the Book of Mormon

Cleveland Advertiser

15 Feb, 1831

Rigdon was formerly a disciple of Campbell's and who it is said was sent out to make proselytes, but is probable he thought he should find it more advantageous to operate on his own capital, and therefore wrote, as it is believed the Book of Mormon, and commenced his pilgrimage in the town of Kirtland, which was represented as one of the extreme points of the Holy Land.

(Note: Joseph Smith, who had just arrived in Kirtland the prior month, is not mentioned in this article. No images of the original appear to be available online. Please contact me if you have any information.)

The Late War Between the United States and Great Britain, Gilbert J. Hunt, New York, 1819

The Lowell Courier, Lowell, MA, July 28, 1842, Vol 8, No 1203

Jonathan Hadley Letter

Jonathan A. Hadley

Jul 14, 1842

But you wish to know something about the earlier history of the Smiths. They were always considered by their own townsmen as a lazy, vicious, profane, unlearned, superstitious family. They lived "from hand to mouth," spending most of the time not required for the provision of their immediate wants, in digging in the hills of Manchester for money, under the often-repeated impression that Capt. Kidd or some other person of wealth, had there deposited their treasures. For many, many years to come, traces of these excavations will be visible - monuments alike of their superstition and folly.

(Note: No images of this source are available online. Please contact us if you have any information.)

Randolph Miscellaneous Records, 1790-1805, Book 3, pg 71

Declaration of Joseph Smith Sr

John Woodward

1 Jul, 1802

Randolph July 1st 1802

I Do not agree in Religious opinion With a Majority of the Inhabitants of this Town
Â Â Â Joseph Smith

Attest John Woodward Jnr Town Clerk for Randolph

A[n] interesting account of several remarkable visions, and of the late discovery of ancient American records, pgs 3&5

1840 Orson Pratt version

When somewhere about fourteen or fifteen years old... He, therefore, retired to a secret place, in a grove, but a short distance from his father's house, and knelt down, and began to call upon the Lord. At first, he was severely tempted by the powers of darkness, which endeavoured to overcome him; but he continued to seek for deliverance, until darkness gave way from his mind; and he was enabled to pray, in fervency of the spirit, and in faith. And, while thus pouring out his soul, anxiously desiring an answer from God, he, at length, saw a very bright and glorious light in the heavens above; which, at first, seemed to be at a considerable distance. He continued praying, while the light appeared to be gradually descending towards him; and, as it drew nearer, it increased in brightness, and magnitude, so that, by the time that it reached the tops of the trees, the whole wilderness, for some distance around, was illuminated in a most glorious and brilliant manner. He expected to have seen the leaves and boughs of the trees consumed, as soon as the light came in contact with them; but, perceiving that it did not produce that effect, he was encouraged with the hopes of being able to endure its presence. It continued descending, slowly, until it rested upon the earth, and he was enveloped in the midst of it. When it first came upon him, it produced a peculiar sensation throughout his whole system; and, immediately, his mind was caught away, from the natural objects with which he was surrounded; and he was enwrapped in a heavenly vision, and saw two glorious personages, who exactly resembled each other in their features or likeness. He was informed upon the subjects, which had for some time previously agitated his mind, viz.-that all the religious denominations were believing in incorrect doctrines; and, consequently, that none of them was acknowledged of God, as his church and kingdom. And he was expressly commanded, to go not after them; and he received a promise that the true doctrine-thefulness of the gospel, should, at some future time, be made known to him; after which, the vision withdrew, leaving his mind in a state of calmness and peace, indescribable.

1840

Mormonism Unvailed, E.D. Howe, pgs 258-260

Testimony of Joseph Capron

Joseph Capron

8 Nov, 1833

I, Joseph Capron, became acquainted with Joseph Smith Sen. in the year of our Lord, 1827...
The family of Smiths held Joseph Jr. in high estimation on account of some supernatural power, which he was supposed to possess. This power he pretended to have received through the medium of a stone of peculiar quality. The stone was placed in a hat, in such a manner as to exclude all light, except that which emanated from the stone itself. This light of the stone, he pretended, enabled him to see any thing he wished. Accordingly he discovered ghosts, infernal spirits, mountains of gold and silver, and many other invaluable treasures deposited in the earth. He would often tell his neighbors of his wonderful discoveries, and urge them to embark in the money digging business. Luxury and wealth were to be given to all who would adhere to his counsel. A gang was soon assembled. Some of them were influenced by curiosity, others were sanguine in their expectations of immediate gain. I will mention one circumstance, by which the uninitiated may know how the company dug for treasures. The sapient Joseph discovered, north west of my house, a chest of gold watches; but, as they were in the possession of the evil spirit, it required skill and stratagem to obtain them. Accordingly, orders were given to stick a parcel of large stakes in the ground, several rods around, in a circular form. This was to be done directly over the spot where the treasures were deposited. A messenger was then sent to Palmyra to procure a polished sword: after which, Samuel F. Lawrence, with a drawn sword in his hand, marched around to guard any assault which his Satanic majesty might be disposed to make. Meantime, the rest of the company were busily employed in digging for the watches. They worked as usual till quite exhausted. But, in spite of their brave defender, Lawrence, and their bulwark of stakes, the devil came off victorious, and carried away the watches.

Peter Bauder, The Kingdom and Gospel of Jesus Christ, pg 36

Peter Bauder Interview

Peter Bauder

...at the house of Peter Whitmer, in the town of Fayette, Seneca County, state of New York, in October, 1830... I improved near four and twenty hours in close application with Smith and his followers: he could give me no christian experience, but told me that an angel told him he must go to a certain place in the town of Manchester, Ontario County, where was a secret treasure concealed, which he must reveal to the human family.

The Joseph Smith Papers, History, 1838-1856, volume A-1 [23 December 1805-30 August 1834], pg 7

1838 Canonized Account

I shortly after arose from my bed, and as usual went to the necessary labors of the day, but in attempting to labor as at other times, I found my strength so exhausted as rendered me entirely unable. My father who was laboring along with me discovered something to be wrong with me and told me to go home. I started with the intention of going to the house, but in attempting to cross the fence out of the field where we were, my strength entirely failed me and I fell helpless on the ground and for a time was quite unconscious of any thing. The first thing that I can recollect was a voice speaking unto me calling me by name. I looked up and beheld the same messenger standing over my head surrounded by light as before. He then again related unto me all that he had related to me the previous night, and commanded me to go to my father and tell him of the vision and commandments which I had received.
I obeyed. I returned back to my father in the field and rehearsed the whole matter to him. He replyed to me, that it was of God, and to go and do as commanded by the messenger. I left the field and went to the place where the messenger had told me the plates were deposited, and owing to the distinctness of the vision which I had had concerning it, I knew the place the instant that I arrived there. Under a stone of considerable size, lay the plates deposited in a stone box, This stone was thick and rounding in the mid dle on the upper side, and thinner towards the edges, so that the middle part of it was visible above the ground, but the edge all round was covered with earth. Having removed the earth and obtained a lever which I got fixed under the edge of the stone, and with a little exertion raised it up, I looked in and there indeed did I behold the plates, the Urim and Thummin and the Breastplate as stated by the messenger. The box in which they lay was formed by laying stones together in some kind of cement, in the bottom of the box were laid two stones crossways of the box, and on these stones lay the plates and the other things with them. I made an attempt to take them out but was forbidden by the messenger and was again informed that the time for bringing them forth had not yet arrived, neither would untill four years from that time, but he told me that I should come to that place precisely in one year from that time, and that he would there meet with me, and that I should continue to do so untill the time should come for obtaining the plates. Accordingly as I had been commanded I went at the end of each year, and at each time I found the same messenger there and received instruction and intelligence from him at each of our interviews respecting what the Lord was going to do, and how and in what manner his kingdom was to be conducted in the last days.

Mormonism Unvailed, E.D. Howe, pg 268

Alva Hale testimony

Mormonism Unvailed

Alva Hale, son of Isaac Hale, states, that Joseph Smith Jr. told him that his (Smith's) gift in seeing with a stone and hat, was a gift from God," but also states "that Smith told him at another time that this "peeping" was all d----d nonsense. He (Smith) was deceived himself but did not intend to deceive others ;--that he intended to quit the business, (of peeping) and labor for his livelihood.

Image courtesy of Illinois Historical Society, via olivercowdery.com

Letter from Joel Noble

Joel King Noble

8 Mar, 1842

Jo. engaged the attention of a few indiv[iduals] Given to the marvelous Duge for money Salt Iron Oar Golden Oar Silver Oar and almost any thing every thing until Civil authority brought up Jo. standing (as the Boys say) under the Vagrant act Jo. was condemned whisper came to Jo. off off - took Leg Bail (or gave Leg Bail) all things straight: Jo. was not seen in our town for - 2 years or more

Tiffany's Monthly, Vol 5, No 4, Mormonism - No. II, pg 164

Martin Harris description according to Joel Tiffany

Joel Tiffany

Mr. Harris says... "Joseph did not dig for these plates. They were placed in this way: four stones were set up and covered with a flat stone, oval on the upper side and flat on the bottom. Beneath this was a little platform upon which the plates were laid; and the two stones set in a bow of silver by means of which the plates were translated were found underneath the plates. These were seven inches wide by eight inches in length, and were of the thickness of plates of tin; and when piled one above the other, they were altogether about four inches thick; and they were put together on the back by three silver rings, so that they would open like a book. The two stones set in a bow of silver were about two inches in diameter, perfectly round, and about five-eighths of an inch thick at the centre; but not so thick at the edges where they came into the bow. They were joined by a round bar of silver, about three-eighths of an inch in diameter, and about four inches long, which, with the two stones, would make eight inches. The stones were white, like polished marble, with a few gray streaks."

The Old Soldier's Testimony, The Saints' Herald, Vol 31, No 40

1884 Sermon by William Smith

It has generally been stated that my father's family were lazy, shiftless and poor; but this was never said by their neighbors, or until after the angel appeared and the story of the golden Bible was told.

The Joseph Smith Papers, Alexander Neibaur, Journal, 24 May 1844, extract, pg 1

Alexander Neibaur Diary Account

Alexander Neibaur

May 24, 1844

Br Joseph told us the first call he had a Revival Meeting his Mother, Br & Sister got Religion He wanted to get Religion too wanted to feel & shout like the Rest but could feel nothing

The Joseph Smith Papers, History, 1838-1856, volume A-1 [23 December 1805-30 August 1834], pgs 10-11

Joseph Smith 1838 Account

The persecution however became so intolerable that I was under the necessity of leaving Manchester and going with my wife to Susquehanna County in the State of Pennsylvania. While preparing to start (being very poor and the persecution so heavy upon us that there was no probability that we would ever be otherwise) in the midst of our afflictions we found a friend in a gentleman by the name of Martin Harris who came to us and gave me fifty dollars to assist us in our affliction. Mr Harris was a resident of Palmyra township Wayne county in the State of New York and a farmer of respectability. By this timely aid was I enabled to reach the place of my destination in Pennsylvania

Historical Magazine (second series),Vol 7, Interview with the Father of Joseph Smith, pg 307

1830 Interview with Joseph Smith Sr.

Joseph, not being able to read the characters, made a copy of some of them, which he showed to some of the most learned men of the vicinity. All the clue he could obtain was from George Crane, who said he had seen a Pass that had been given to Luther Bradish, when traveling through the Turkish dominions; and he thought the characters resembled those of that Pass. Accordingly, Joseph went to Franklin-county, and saw Mr. Bradish, who could not read the strange characters, but advised him to return home and go into other business. But Joseph was not willing to give up the matter, without further trial; and from Franklin county he went to New York city, where the most learned man then in the city told him that, with few exceptions, the characters were Arabic, but not enough to make any thing out.

Correspondence, The Deseret News, 14 Aug, 1878, Vol 27, No 28

P. Wilhelm Poulson Interview

P. Wilhelm Poulson

14 Aug, 1878

I visited this last one of the eight witnesses in April this year, at his fine residence at Far West... John Whitmer received me as a dear father would receive a son, and answered readily all my questions. I said I am aware that your name is affixed to the testimony in the Book of Mormon, that you saw the plates?

He -- It is so and that testimony is true.
I -- did you handle the plates with your hands?
He -- I did so!
I -- Then they were a material substance?
He -- Yes, as material as anything can be.
I -- Were they heavy to lift?
He -- Yes, and as you know gold is a heavy metal: they were very heavy.
I -- How big were the leaves?
He -- So far as I recollect, 8 by 6 or seven inches.
I -- Were the leaves thick?
He -- Yes, just so thick, that characters could be engraven on both sides.
I -- How were the leaves joined together?
He -- In three rings, each one in the shape of a D with the straight line towards the center.
I -- In what place did you see the plates?
He -- In Joseph Smith's house; he had them there.
I -- Did you see them covered with a cloth?
He -- No. He handed them uncovered into our hands, and we turned the leaves sufficient to satisfy us.
I -- Were you all eight witnesses present at the same time?
He -- No. At that time Joseph showed the plates to us, we were four persons, present in the room, and at another time he showed them to four persons more.

...when Joseph Smith (III), living in Plano, sent word to John Whitmer to reaffirm his testimony, his answer was: "I have never recalled it, and I have nothing to reaffirm."

(Note: No images of this edition of the Deseret News are available online. Please contact me if you have any information.)

The Joseph Smith Papers, "Church History," 1 March 1842, pg 1

Wentworth Letter

I was born in the town of Sharon Windsor co., Vermont, on the 23d of December, A. D. 1805. When ten years old my parents removed to Palmyra New York, where we resided about four years, and from thence we removed to the town of Manchester.

(Note: This account was published in the Nauvoo, Illinois Times and Seasons. No original letter has been located.)

Autobiography and Journal of William I. Appleby, 1848, Church History Library, pg 30

About the year 1822, a great revival took place in the Churches in that neighborhood; accordingly, Mr Smith's mind, who was now in his seventeenth year, was considerably wrought upon; he attended their meetings. Methodists in particular, one said Join our Church; we are right, the others are wrong, another they are wrong and we are right. In this situation, not knowing which was right, and to risk his souls salvation on "hope so or guess so" was more than he could endure.

(Note: This quote comes from William Appleby's "Autobiography and Journal," in which he reminisced on hearing Orson Pratt speak about Joseph Smith in 1839, prior to Appleby being baptized in 1840.)

Autobiography and Journal of William I. Appleby, 1848, Church History Library, pg 31

He repeated what he had received, and Priests and people" with few exceptions, said he was deluded, that there was no such thing. as the ministering of Angels in these days, and not to believe a word of it: But he was not to be overcome, he trusted in the promises of God

Truman Coe to Mr. Editor, Ohio Observer (Hudson, Ohio), 11 August 1836

He went as directed by the angel, and pried up the stone under which he discovered the plates shining like gold, and when he saw them his cupidity was excited, and he hoped to make himself rich by the discovery, although thus highly favored by the Lord. But for his sordid and unworthy motive, when he attempted to seize hold of the plates, they eluded his grasp and vanished, and he was obliged to go home without them. It was not till four years had elapsed, till he had humbled himself and prayed and cast away his selfishness that he obtained a new revelation and went and obtained the plates.

(Note: No image of the original is available online. Please contact me if you have any information regarding it. This article was reprinted on August 25, 1836 in the Cincinnati Journal and Western Luminary, shown here.)

Mormonism Unvailed, E.D. Howe, pg 251

Henry Harris Affidavit

Henry Harris

Joseph Smith, Jr. Martin Harris and others, used to meet together in private, a while before the gold plates were found, and were familiarly known by the name of the "Gold Bible Company." They were regarded by the community in which they lived, as a lying and indolent set of men and no confidence could be placed in them.

The Joseph Smith Papers, Lucy Mack Smith, History, 1844-1845, pgs 81-82

Emma became the Mother of a son but she had but little comfort from the society of the dear little stranger for he was very soon snatched from her arms and borne aloft to the world of spirits before it had time learn good or evil and for some time its Mother seemed to tremble upon the verge of the silent home of her infant. so uncertain seemed her fate for a season that in the space of 2 weeks her husband never slept one hour in undisturbed quiet

Joseph Knight reminiscences, Church History Library, pg 6

The next Spring Came Martin Harris Down to pennsylvany to write for him and he wrote 116 pages of the first part of the Book of Mormon and about this time Martin wanted to go home a Bout some Buisness and he wanted to take the writings with him But Joseph put him of but he urged him By fair promises that he would be Careful and he would Return it again but he Being free with it some person go hold of it and Cept it so that he never Could obtain it again there fore Joseph Lost his privilige for a while but after Repenting he again received the privelage of translating again as in Book of Covenants page 163

Palmyra Freeman Article

Joseph Knight reminiscences, Church History Library, pgs 5 & 7

Now when he Began to translate he was poor and was put to it for provisions and had no one to write a little for him through the winter the Next Spring Oliver Cowdry a young man from palmyra Came to see old Mr Smith Josephs father about this work and he sent him Down to pensylveny to see Joseph and satisfy him self so he Came Down and was soon Convinced of the truth of the work...
in the spring of 1829 Oliver Cowdry a young man from Palmry went to see old Mr. Smith about the Book that Joseph had found and he told him about it and advised him to go Down to Pensylvany and see for him self and to write for Joseph he went Down and Received a Revelation Concerning the work and he was Convinced of the truth of the work and he agreed to write for him till it was Done now Joseph and Oliver Came up to see me if I Could help him to some provisons having no way to Buy any but I was to Cattskill but when I came home my folks told me what Joseph wanted but I had ingaged to go to Catskill again the next Day and I went again and I Bought a Barral of Mackrel and some lined paper for writing and when I came home I Bought some nine or ten Bushels of grain and five or six Bushels taters and a pound of tea and I went Down to see him and they ware in want Joseph and Oliver ware gone to see if they Could find a place to work for provisions but found none they returned home and found me there with provisions and they ware glad for they ware out their familey Consisted of four Joseph and wife Oliver and his Brother Samuel then they went to work and had provisions enough to Last till the translation was Done

The Joseph Smith Papers, Orson Hyde, Ein Ruf aus der Wüste (A Cry out of the Wilderness), 1842, pgs 14-16

1842 Orson Hyde Version (German)

(English Translation)
   When he had reached his fifteenth year, he began to think seriously about the importance of preparing for a future [existence]; but it was very difficult for him to decide how he should go about such an important undertaking. He recognized clearly that it would be impossible for him to walk the proper path without being acquainted with it beforehand; and to base his hopes for eternal life on chance or blind uncertainty would have been more than he had ever been inclined to do.
   He discovered the world of religion working under a flood of errors which by virtue of their contradictory opinions and principles laid the foundation for the rise of such different sects and denominations whose feelings toward each other all too often were poisoned by hate, contention, resentment and anger. He felt that there was only one truth and that those who understood it correctly, all understood it in the same way. Nature had endowed him with a keen critical intellect and so he looked through the lens of reason and common sense and with pity and contempt upon those systems of religion, which were so opposed to each other and yet were all obviously based on the scriptures.
   After he had sufficiently convinced himself to his own satisfaction that darkness covered the earth and gross darkness [covered] the nations, the hope of ever finding a sect or denomination that was in possession of unadulterated truth left him.
   Consequently he began in an attitude of faith his own investigation of the word of God [feeling that it was] the best way to arrive at a knowledge of the truth. He had not proceeded very far in this laudable endeavor when his eyes fell upon the following verse of St. James [1:5]: "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him." He considered this scripture an authorization for him to solemnly call upon his creator to present his needs before him with the certain expectation of some success. And so he began to pour out to the Lord with fervent determination the earnest desires of his soul. On one occasion, he went to a small grove of trees near his father's home and knelt down before God in solemn prayer. The adversary then made several strenuous efforts to cool his ardent soul. He filled his mind with doubts and brought to mind all manner of inappropriate images to prevent him from obtaining the object of his endeavors; but the overflowing mercy of God came to buoy him up and gave new impetus to his failing strength. However, the dark cloud soon parted and light and peace filled his frightened heart. Once again he called upon the Lord with faith and fervency of spirit.
   At this sacred moment, the natural world around him was excluded from his view, so that he would be open to the presentation of heavenly and spiritual things. Two glorious heavenly personages stood before him, resembling each other exactly in features and stature. They told him that his prayers had been answered and that the Lord had decided to grant him a special blessing. He was also told that he should not join any of the religious sects or denominations, because all of them erred in doctrine and none was recognized by God as his church and kingdom. He was further commanded, to wait patiently until some future time, when the true doctrine of Christ and the complete truth of the gospel would be revealed to him. The vision closed and peace and calm filled his mind.

1842

(Note: Orson Hyde reported that this book had been completed in a letter dated June 15, 1841, which can be read here/)

Broome Republican, July 28, 1880, vol 73, No 6

Account in the Broome Republican

28 Jul, 1880

One night when a heavy frost was expected, Joe Smith volunteered to go into the cornfield of Michael Morse, his brother-in-law, and pray the frost away. The cornfield was on the hill south of the Susquehanna depot, and fairly exposed to north and west atmospheric influences. Joe went and prayed, but he was not equal to the emergency. The frost came and destroyed the corn. He couldn't warm up equal to the occasion.
...Mrs. McKune told the story of the miracle in the corn field;

The Geauga Gazette, November 16, 1830

Geauga Gazette Account

16 Nov, 1830

   DELUSION.

   About a couple of weeks since, three men, calling themselves Oliver Cowdry, David Whitmer, and Martin Harris, appeared in our village, laden with a new revelation, which they claim to be a codicil to the New Testament...
   The account which they give is substantially as follows: -- at a recent period an angel appeared to a poor, ignorant man residing in or near Palmyra, in Ontario County, in the state of New York, directed him to open the earth at a place designated, where he would find the new revelation engraved on plates of metal. In obedience to the celestial messenger, Smith repaired to the spot, and on opening the ground discovered an oblong stone box, tightly closed with cement. He opened the sacred depository and found enclosed a bundle of plates resembling gold, carefully united at one edge with three silver wires, so that they opened like a book. The plates were about 7 inches long and 6 broad, and the whole pile was about 6 inches deep, each plate about the thickness of tin. -- They were engraved in a character unintelligible to the learned men of the United States, to many of whom it is said to have been presented.

(Note: No image of the original is available online. Contact me if you have any information regarding it. This article was reproduced on December 7, 1830 in the New York Morning Courier, which can be read here.)

Peoria Register and North-Western Gazetteer, Vol 5, No 23, Sep 3, 1841

The next day he went into the field, but he was unable to work, his mind being oppressed by the remembrance of the vision. He returned to the house, and soon after sent for his father and brothers from the field; and then, in the presence of the family -- my informant one of them -- he related all that had occurred. They were astounded, but not altogether incredulous. After this, he had other similar visions, in one of which the existence of certain metallic plates was revealed to him, and their location described -- about three miles off, in a pasture ground. The next day he went alone to the spot, and by digging discovered the plates in a sort of rude stone box.

The History of Middletown, Vermont, in Three Discourses, pgs 61-63

The Wood Scrape and Mormonism

Barnes Frisbie

   That the system of religion promulgated by Nathaniel Wood, and adopted by his followers in 1800, was the same, or "much the same," as the Mormons adopted on the start, is beyond question. It was claimed by the Mormons, so says a writer of their history, "that pristine christianity was to be restored, with the gift of prophecy, the gift of tongues - with power to heal all manner of diseases - that the fulness of the gospel was to be brought forth by the power of God, and the seed of Israel were to be brought into the fold, and that the gospel would be carried to the Gentiles, many of whom were to receive it." These were the doctrines of the Woods, as may be inferred from what appears in the foregoing. The Woods were very fruitful in prophecies, especially after the hazel rod came to their use; so were the Mormons in the beginning of their creed, and both the Woods and the Mormons claimed to have revelations, and sought for them and received them, as they pretended not only in matters of religion, but in matters of business. They pretended to be governed by the Divine will as revealed to them on the occasion.
   The question now arises, how came the Mormons by these religious doctrines of the Woods? Was it a mere accident, that the Mormons afterwards got up a system like that concocted by Nathaniel Wood, years before, as the Wood affair collapsed in 1801 or 1802, two or three years before Joe Smith was born, and they (the Woods,) and their followers were at once scattered in various parts of the country, and Mormonism did not appear to the world, until about 1830. It might have been purely accidental, but it seems to me hardly probable.
   Now then, if this system of religion inaugurated by the Woods was transmitted to the Mormons, what is the evidence. I will give all the evidence I have been able to procure on that subject, and it is for you to weigh and give to it such effect as it is entitled to.
   In the first place, their religious theories being the same, would have have great weight, and would be almost conclusive in the matter, unless overcome by facts and circumstances, showing the contrary. This same Winchell or Wingate, the counterfeiter, who introduced the rod here, and was with the Woods in their operations, afterwards went to Palmra, New York, the home of Joe Smith, when he (Smith) set on foot the Mormon scheme. What time Winchell went to Palmyra, I am unable to say, but he was there early enough to get Joe Smith's father to digging for money, some years before Joe was old enough to engage in the business - but Joe was at it as soon as he was old enough, and if his biographers can be relied on, he followed it until about the time he pretended to have found the golden bible. I have been told that Joe Smith's father resided in Poultney at the time of the Wood movement here, and that he was in it, and one of the leading rods-men. Of this I cannot speak positively, for the want of satisfactory evidence, but that he was a rods-man under the tuition of this counterfeiter after he went to Palmyra has been proven, to my satisfaction, at least. I have before said that Oliver Cowdry's father was in the "Wood scrape." He then lived in Wells, afterwards in Middletown, after that went to Palmyra, and there we find those men with the counterfeiter, Winchell, searching for money over the hills and mountains with the hazel rod, and their sons Joe and Oliver, as soon as they were old enough, were in the same business, and continued in it until they brought out the "vilest schome that ever cursed the country."
   It appears from some of the Mormon histories, that the Mormon organization first consisted of the Smith family, Oliver Cowdery and Martin Harris, the name of the counterfeiter, whether it was Winchell or Wingate, does not appear in any account that I have seen, unless he had by this time assumed another name, but he had been at Palmyra for some years and went with them from Palmyra to Ohio. He was not a man who could endure the gaze of the public, but his work was done in secret; that he was at Palmyra, acted the part I have indicated, and went off with the Mormons when they left Palmyra, has been fully proven by men who were here during the Wood affair, and afterwards removed to Palmyra, and knew him in both places.
   What I have now said of the Smiths, Cowdry and Winchell, has been obtained from living witnesses, to which I will add a few quotations from authors.
   Gov. Ford of Illinois, in his history of the Mormons, says of Joe Smith, "That his extreme youth was spent in idle, vagabond life, roaming in the woods, dreaming of buried treasures, and exerting the art of finding them by twisting a forked stick in his hands, or by looking through enchanted stones. He and his father before him, were what are called "water witches," always ready to point out the ground where wells might be dug and water found."

The Joseph Smith Papers, Book of Mormon, 1830, pg 510

3 Nephi

And when he had spake unto them, he turned himself unto the three, and said unto them, What will ye that I should do unto you, when I am gone unto the Father? And they sorrowed in their hearts, for they durst not speak unto him the thing which they desired. And he saith unto them, Behold, I know your thoughts, and ye have desired the thing which John, my beloved, which was with me in my ministry, before that I was lifted up by the Jews, desired of me; therefore more blessed are ye, for ye shall never taste of death, but ye shall live to behold all the doings of the Father, unto the children of men, even until all things shall be fulfilled, according to the will of the Father, when I shall come in my glory, with the powers of heaven; and ye shall never endure the pains of death; but when I shall come in my glory, ye shall be changed in the twinkling of an eye, from mortality to immortality; and then shall ye be blessed in the kingdom of my Father.- And again, ye shall not have pain while ye shall shall dwell in the flesh, neither sorrow, save it be for the sins of the world;

Mormonism Unvailed, E.D. Howe, pg 266

Nathaniel Lewis Statement

Nathaniel C. Lewis, Affirmed and Subscribed before Charles Dimon

I have been acquainted with Joseph Smith Jr. for some time: being a relation of his wife, and residing near him, I have had frequent opportunities of conversation with him, and of knowing his opinions and pursuits. From my standing in the Methodist Episcopal Church, I suppose he was careful how he conducted or expressed himself before me.

Mormonism Unvailed, E.D. Howe, pg 252

Henry Harris Account

Henry Harris, witnessed by Jonathan Lapham

William E. McLellin to Joseph Smith III, July 1872, RLDS church archives, Independence, Missouri

William E. McLellin letter to Joseph Smith III

But as to the story of John, the Baptist ordaining Joseph and Oliver on the day they were baptized; I never heard of it in the church for years, altho I carefully noticed things that were said. And today I do not believe the story.

July, 1872

(Note: No images of this letter are available online. Please contact me if you have any information.)

The Joseph Smith Papers, History, 1838-1856, volume A-1, pg 23

Determining the Three Witnesses

In the course of the work of translation, we ascertained that three special witnesses were to be provided by the Lord, to whom he would grant, that they should see the plates from which this work (the Book of Mormon) should be translated, and that these witnesses should bear record of the same; as will be found, recorded, Book of Mormon First edition Page 110. and second edition Page
Almost immediately after we had made this discovery, it occurred to Oliver Cowdery, David Whitmer, and the aforementioned Martin Harris (who had came to enquire after our progress in the work) that they would have me enquire of the Lord, to know if they might not obtain of him to be these three special witnesses; and finally they became so very solicitous, and teazed me so much, that at length complied, and through the Urim and Thummin, I obtained of the Lord for them the folowing Revelation.

The Joseph Smith Papers, Book of Commandments, 1833, pgs 32-33

Revelation to David Whitmer

   A GREAT and marvelous work is about to come forth unto the children of men: behold I am God, and give heed to my word, which is quick and powerful, sharper than a two-edged sword, to the dividing asunder of both joints and marrow: there fore, give heed unto my word.
   2 Behold the field is white already to harvest, therefore, whoso desireth to reap, let him thrust in his sickle with his might, and reap while the day lasts, that he may treasure up for his soul everlas ting salvation in the kingdom of God: Yea, who soever will thrust in his sickle and reap, the same is called of God: therefore, if you will ask of me you shall receive; if you will knock it shall be opened unto you.
   3 Seek to bring forth and establish my Zion.- Keep my commandments in all things, and if you keep my commandments, and endure to the end, you shall have eternal life; which gift is the great est of all the gifts of God.
   4 And it shall come to pass, that if you shall ask the Father in my name, in faith believing, you shall receive the Holy Ghost, which giveth utterance, that you may stand as a witness of the things of which you shall both hear and see; and also, that you may declare repentance unto this generation.
   5 Behold I am Jesus Christ the Son of the living God, which created the heavens and the earth; a light which cannot be hid in darkness: wherefore, I must bring forth the fulness of my gospel from the Gentiles unto the house of Israel. And behold thou art David, and thou art called to assist: Which thing if ye do, and are faithful, ye shall be blessed both spiritually and temporally, and great shall be your reward: Amen.

Population schedules of the fifth census of the United States, 1830, New York, pg 138

1830 Census, Sodus, NY

1830 Census

(Note: Pultneyville was part of the Township of Sodus for the Census Report.)

Luman Walters

Los Lunas Decalogue Stone

1933

(Contains an abridged version of the Decalogue, or Ten Commandments, near Los Lunas, New Mexico)

(Note: In 1985 Geologist George Moorhouse compared these inscriptions to that on a nearby modern graffito and roughly estimated their age at 500 to 2000 years. However, due to site contamination the age has never been scientifically verified, and the authenticity of this stone is in question due to charges against its discoverer, Frank Hibben, for having fabricated archaeological evidence to support his pre-Clovis migration theory in two other cases.)

Naked Truths About Mormonism, Vol 1, No 2, pg 1, col 3

Caroline Smith Statement

I saw Joshua Stafford's peep-stone which looked like white marble and had a hole through the center. Sallie Chase, a Methodist, had one and people would go for her to find lost and hidden or stolen things.

(Note: Mrs. Caroline Smith was the sister of the infamous Mormon, Orrin Porter Rockwell.)

The Mormonites, Illinois Patriot (Jacksonville, IL), September 16, 1831, Vol 1, No. 8

Illinois Patriot

Illinois Patriot

16 Sep, 1831

A preacher of this sect visited us last Sunday... The preacher said he found in the same place two stones, with which he was enabled by placing them over his eyes and putting his head in a dark corner to decypher the hieroglyphics on the plates! This we were told was performed to admiration, and now, as the result, we have a book which the speaker informed us was the Mormon Bible

(Note: No images of the original article are available online. It was subsequently reprinted in the Albany Argus here, as well as other papers here and here.)

No Preview Available

1 Nephi 4:20-37

Joseph Smith Jr.

June, 1829

No Preview Available

Wilford Woodruff Journal

Wilford Woodruff

11 Dec, 1869

President Young said in relation to Joseph Smith returning the Plates of the Book of Mormon that He did not return them to the box from wh He had Received. But He went a Cave in the Hill Comoro with Oliver Cowdry & deposited those plates upon a table or shelf. In that room were deposited a large amount of gold plates Containing sacred records & when they first visited that Room the sword of Laban was Hanging upon the wall & when they last visited it the sword was drawn from the scabbard and upon a table and a Messenger who was the keeper of the room informed them that that sword would never be returned to its scabbard untill the Kingdom of God was Esstablished upon the Earth & untill it reigned triumphant over Evry Enemy. Joseph Smith said that Cave Contained tons of Choice Treasures & records.

Historical Magazine (second series),Vol 7, Interview with the Father of Joseph Smith, pg 307

Fayette Lapham Interview

Morning Courier-NY Enquirer, 31 Aug, 1831, Vol 7, No 562

Account of early contact between Joseph Smith and "Rangdon" or "Ringdon"

James Gordon Bennett

31 Aug, 1831

   A few years ago the Smith's and others who were influenced by their notions, caught an idea that money was hid in several of the hills which give variety to the country between the Canandaigua Lake and Palmyra on the Erie Canal.... They dug these holes by day, and at night talked and dreamed over the counties' riches they should enjoy, if they could only hit upon an iron chest full of dollars.... At last some person who joined them spoke of a person in Ohio near Painesville, who had a particular felicity in finding out the spots of ground where money is hid and riches obtained. He related long stories how this person had been along shore in the east -- how he had much experience in money digging -- how he dreamt of the very spots where it could be found. "Can we get that man here?" asked the enthusiastic Smiths. "Why," said the other, "I guess as how we could by going for him." "How far off?" "I guess some two hundred miles -- I would go for him myself but I want a little change to bear my expenses." To work the whole money-digging crew went to get some money to pay the expenses of bringing on a man who could dream out the exact and particular spots where money in iron chests was hid under ground. Old Smith returned to his gingerbread factory -- young Smith to his financing faculties, and after some time, by hook or by crook, they contrived to scrape together a little "change" sufficient to fetch on the money dreamer from Ohio.
   After the lapse of some weeks the expedition was completed, and the famous Ohio man made his appearance among them. This recruit was the most cunning, intelligent, and odd of the whole. He had been a preacher of almost every religion -- a teacher of all sorts of morals. -- He was perfectly au fait with every species of prejudice, folly or fanaticism, which governs the mass of enthusiasts. In the course of his experience, he had attended all sorts of camp-meetings, prayer meetings, anxious meetings, and revival meetings. He knew every turn of the human mind in relation to these matters. He had a superior knowledge of human nature, considerable talent, great plausibility, and knew how to work the passions as exactly as a Cape Cod sailor knows how to work a whale ship. His name I believe is Henry Rangdon or Ringdon, or some such word. About the time that this person appeared among them, a splendid excavation was begun in a long narrow hill, between Manchester and Palmyra. This hill has since been called by some, the Golden Bible Hill.... In the face of this hill, the money diggers renewed their work with fresh ardour, Ringdon partly uniting with them in their operations.
   ...It was during this state of public feeling in which the money diggers of Ontario county, by the suggestions of the Ex-Preacher from Ohio, thought of turning their digging concern into a religious plot, and thereby have a better chance of working upon the credulity and ignorance of the [their] associates and the neighborhood. Money and a good living might be got in this way. It was given out that visions had appeared to Joe Smith -- that a set of golden plates on which was engraved the "Book of Mormon," enclosed in an iron chest, was deposited somewhere in the hill I have mentioned. People laughed at the first intimation of the story, but the Smiths and Rangdon persisted in its truth.

(Note: The continuation of this account, or last part, can be read in the September 1, 1831 issue of the Morning Courier and New-York Enquirer, here)

View of the Hebrews, by Ethan Smith, Poultney, 1823

Juvenile Instructor, July 5, 1873, Vol 8, No 14, pg 108

George Q. Cannon Visit

George Q. Cannon

Jul 5, 1873

We put up at the leading hotel and engaged a carriage to take us out to Cumorah, which was about three miles distant from Palmyra. We took the old stage road to Canandaigua. The scenery on this road was exceedingly fine. It was a season of the year when the country was seen to the best advantage and its appearance called forth our admiration. We had proceeded a little over a mile on the road when the driver of the carriage pointed out a hill to us on our left, which he said was ‘Mormon Hill.' We supposed that by this he meant Cumorah. Though in its general appearance it resembled the descriptions we had had of Cumorah, yet we were somewhat disappointed in its size, as it was not so high a hill as many others which we saw in the neighborhood. In fact, as we rode along, we saw several hills which we thought more like what we imagined Cumorah to be than the one pointed out to us. We road on for probably two miles farther, conversing but very little and each absorbed in his own reflections, when we saw, immediately in front of us, a hill that rose suddenly, almost precipitously, from the plain. Brother Brigham, Jun., remarked when we saw it: ‘There is a hill which agrees in appearance with my idea of Cumorah.' In this opinion the Editor coincided. The driver, hearing our remarks, turned to us and said: ‘Yes, this is Gold Bible Hill.' We asked him what he meant by calling the other, which he had pointed out to us, ‘Mormon Hill.' He replied that there was a cave in that hill which the ‘Mormons' had dug and some of them had lived in it, so the people said, and, therefore, it was known by that name.

Lucy Mack Smith, History, 1844â€“1845, pg 10, miscellany, The Joseph Smith Papers

Age of Reason

...while we were yet living in the Town of Tunbridge I was very seriously impressed the subject of religion occasioned probably by my singular experience while sick at Randolf and I endeavored to persuade my husband to attend the Methodist meeting with me he went a few times to gratify me for he had so little faith in the doctrines taught by them that my feelings were the only inducement for him to goâ€” But as soon as his Father and brother Jesse heard that we were attending methodist meeting they were much displeased and his father came to the door one day and threw Tom Pain's age of reason into the house and angrily bade him read that untill he believed it they also told him that he ought not to let his wife go to the meetings and it would be far better for him to stop going accordingly my husband requested me not to go as it gave our friends such disagreeable feelings he thought it was hardly worth our while I was very much hurt by this but did not reply to him...

(Note: Age of Reason was first published in 1794)

William Smith on Mormonism, pg 5

William Smith dates of moves

I was born in Royalton, Vermont, on the 13th day of March, 1811. At the age of five, my father moved his family into the town of Palmyra, Ontario county, New York. We moved into Manchester, in the same county in 1821

The Joseph Smith Papers, Lucy Mack Smith, History, 1844-1845, pgs 48-50

Lucy places the religious excitement and her conversion after Alvin's death, which was November 1823

   The circumstances of this Death aroused the neighborhood to the subject of religion...
   the moment that Joseph spoke of the record it would immediately bring Alvin to our minds with all his kindness his affection his zeal and piety and when we looked to his place and realized that he was gone from it to return no more in this life we all wept with one accord our irretrievable loss and it seemed as though we could not be comforted because he was not [About this time their was a great revival in religion and the whole neighborhood was very much aroused to the subject and we among the rest flocked to the meeting house to see if their was a word of comfort for us that might releive our overcharged feelings but as] there was at this time a man then laboring in that place to effect a union of all the churches that all denominations might be agreed to worship God with one mind and one heart
   This I thought looked right and tried to persuade My Husband to join with them as I wished to do so myself and it was the inclination of them all except Joseph he refused from the first to attend the meeting with us He would say Mother I do not wish to prevent you from going to meeting or joining any church you like or any of the Family who desire the like only do not ask me to go do so for I do not wish to go But I will take my Bible and go out into the woods and learn more in two hours than you could if you were to go to meeting two years
   My husband also declined attending the meetings after the first but did not object to myself and such of the children as chose going or becoming church members if we wished

(Note: The portion in [] brackets was crossed out some time after the original text was written. This quote comes from Lucy's original manuscript transcribed in 1844-1845 by Martha Jane and Howard Coray. In 1845 the Corays produced an altered copy which can be read in full here. This altered manuscript was used in the 1853 publication by Orson Pratt in England under the title "Biographical Sketches of Joseph Smith, the Prophet, and his Progenitors for many Generations" which can be read in full here.)

The Joseph Smith Papers, "Church History," 1 March 1842, pgs 1-2

1842 Wentworth Letter

When about fourteen years of age I began to reflect upon the importance of being prepared for a future state, and upon enquiring the plan of salvation I found that there was a great clash in religious sentiment; if I went to one society they referred me to one plan, and another to another; each one pointing to his own particular creed as the summum bonum of perfection: considering that all could not be right, and that God could not be the author of so much confusion I determined to investigate the subject more fully, believing that if God had a church it would not be split up into factions, and that if he taught one society to worship one way, and administer in one set of ordinances, he would not teach another principles which were diametrically opposed. Believing the word of God I had confidence in the declaration of James; "If any man lack wisdom let him ask of God who giveth to all men liberally and upbraideth not and it shall be given him," I retired to a secret place in a grove and began to call upon the Lord, while fervently engaged in supplication my mind was taken away from the objects with which I was surrounded, and I was enwrapped in a heavenly vision and saw two glorious personages who exactly resembled each other in features, and likeness, surrounded with a brilliant light which eclipsed the sun at noon-day. They told me that all religious denominations were believing in incorrect doctrines, and that none of them was acknowledged of God as his church and kingdom. And I was expressly commanded to "go not after them," at the same time receiving a promise that the fulness of the gospel should at some future time be made known unto me.

Mormonism Unvailed, E.D. Howe, pgs 257-258

Testimony of Roswell Nichols

Roswell Nichols

1 Dec, 1833

(Joseph Smith Sr.) then stated their digging was not for money but it was for the obtaining of a Gold Bible. Thus contradicting what he had told me before: for he had often said, that the hills in our neighborhood were nearly all erected by human hands - that they were all full of gold and silver. And one time, when we were talking on the subject, he pointed to a small hill on my farm, and said, "in that hill there is a stone which is full of gold and silver. I know it to be so, for I have been to the hole, and God said unto me, go not in now, but at a future day you shall go in and find the book open, and then you shall have the treasures." He said that gold and silver was once as plenty as the stones in the field are now - that the ancients, half of them melted the ore and made the gold and silver, while the other half buried it deeper in the earth, which accounted for these hills. Upon my enquiring who furnished the food for the whole, he flew into a passion, and called me a sinner, and said he, "you must be eternally damned."

Mormonism Unvailed, E.D. Howe, pg 258

Testimony of Joshua Stafford

Joshua Stafford

15 Nov, 1833

I, Joshua Stafford, became acquainted with the family of Joseph Smith, Sen. about the year 1819 or 20. They then were laboring people, in low circumstances. A short time after this, they commenced digging for hidden treasures, and soon after they became indolent, and told marvellous stories about ghosts, hob-goblins, caverns, and various other mysterious matters. Joseph once showed me a piece of wood which he said he took from a box of money, and the reason he gave for not obtaining the box, was, that it moved. At another time, he, (Joseph, Jr.) at a husking, called on me to become security for a horse, and said he would reward me handsomely, for he had found a box of watches, and they were as large as his fist, and he put one of them to his ear, and he could hear it "tick forty rods." Since he could not dispose of them profitably at Canandaigua or Palmyra, he wished to go east with them. He said if he did not return with the horse, I might take his life. I replied, that he knew I would not do that. Well, said he, I did not suppose you would, yet I would be willing that you should. He was nearly intoxicated at the time of the above conversation.

The Telegraph, Painesville, Vol II, No. 26, December 14, 1830

Letter from Amherst

Amherst

26 Nov, 1830

The new Gospel they say was found in Ontario co., N.Y. and was discovered by an Angel of light, appearing in a dream to a man by the name of Smith, who, as directed, went to a certain place and dug from the earth a stone box, containing plates of gold, on which this gospel was engraved in characters unknown.

The Joseph Smith Papers, Lucy Mack Smith, History, 1844-1845, pgs 41-43

Lucy's account

   The next day he and his father and Alvin were reaping in the field togather sudenly Joseph stopped and seemed to be in a deep study for sometime Alvin hurried him saying Joseph we must keep to work or we shall not get our task done Joseph worked again dilligently then stopped in the same way a second time when his father Saw that he was very pale and urged him to go to the house and tell his mother that he was sick he went a short distance till he came to a green sward under an apple tree here he lay down on his face for he was so weak he could go no farther
   The personage whom he saw the night before came to him again and said why did you not tell your father what I told you Joseph said he was affraid his father would not beleive him he will said the angel believe every word you say to him
   when you get the record take it immediately into the house and lock it up as soon as possible and let no one see it till it is translated and then show it to such as the Lord chooses as a witness to the world now I will show you the difference between light and darkness and the operation of a good Spirit and an evil one an evil Spirit will try to crowd your mind with every evil and wicked thing to keep every good thought and feeling out of your mind but you must keep your mind always staid upon God that that no evil may come into your heart Joseph then promised to do as he was told by the angel and rose up and went to his brother Alvin and requested Alvin to go to the house and ask his Father to come to the field for said he I have something to tell him when his Father when to him Joseph rehearsed to him all that he had and seen and heard
   When Joseph came in the evening he told the whole family all that he had made known to his father in the field. we sat up up very late and listened attentively to all that he had to say to us but his mind had been so exercised that he became very much fatigued
   When Alvin saw this he said now brother let us go to bed and we will get up early in the morning and go to work so as to finish our days labor by an hour before sunset & if Mother will get our suppers early we will then have a fine long evening and to all set down and hear you talk The next day we worked with great ambition by sunset were ready to be seated and give our undivided attention to Josephs recitals before he began to explain to us the instructions which he had received he charged us to not to mention what he told us out of the family as the world was so wicked that when they did come to a knowledge of these things they would try to take our lives and we must be careful not to proclaim these things or as soon as we obtained the plates our names would be cast out as evil by all people. that when we get the plates they will want to kill us for the sake of the gold if they know we have them and as soon as they do find that we pretend to have any such thing our names will be cast out as evil and we shall be scoffed at and all maner of evil spoken concerning us This astonished us very much But he continued if we are wise and prudent in all things that which is revealed to us God is able to make all things known to us do you believe it Said he to his Father why yes certainly answered Mr. Smith he has all power and wisdom Knowledge and understanding and of course can teach us all things if we are worthy and we will try to live in such a as to deserve the favor of God

The Joseph Smith Papers, History, circa Summer 1832, pg 5

Joseph Smith 1832 account

I was twenty one years of age and in this year I was married to Emma Hale Daughter of Isaach Hale who lived in Harmony Susquehana County Pensylvania on the 18th [of] January AD. 1827

The Joseph Smith Papers, History, 1838-1856, volume A-1 [23 December 1805-30 August 1834], pgs 7 & 10

1838 canonized account

In the month of October Eighteen hundred and twenty five I hired with an old Gentleman, by name of Josiah Stoal...
During the time that I was thus employed I was put to board with a Mr Isaac Hale of that place, Twas there that I first saw my wife, (his daughter) Emma Hale. On the eighteenth of January Eighteen hundred and twenty seven we were married while yet I was employed in the service of Mr Stoal. Owing to my still continuing to assert that I had seen a vision, persecution still followed me, and my wife's father's family were very much opposed to our being married, I was therefore under the necessity of taking her elsewhere, so we went and were married at the house of Squire Tarbill. in South Bainbridge. Chenango County. New York. Immediately after my marriage I left Mr Stoals, and went to my father's and farmed with him that season.

Last Testimony of Sister Emma, The Saints' Herald, Vol 26, No 19, 1 Oct, 1879, pg 289

Emma's Last Testimony

Emma Hale Smith

   I was married at South Bainbridge, New York; at the house of Squire Tarbell, by him, when I was in my 22d or 23d year...
   I think the date correct. My certificate of marriage was lost many years ago, in some of the marches we were forced to make...
   I was visiting at Mr. Stowell's who lived in Bainbridge, and saw your father there. I had no intention of marrying when I left home; but, during my visit at Mr. Stowell's, your father visited me there. My folks were bitterly opposed to him; and, being importuned by your father, sided by Mr. Stowell, who urged me to marry him, and preferring to marry him (than) to any other man I knew, I consented. We went to Squire Tarbell's and were married. Afterward, when father found that I was married, he sent for us. The account in Mother Smith's history is substantially correct as to date and place. Your father bought your Uncle Jesse's (Hale) place, off father's farm, and we lived there until the Book of Mormon was translated; and I think published. I was not in Palmyra long."

Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, May 2, 1877, Vol 30, No. 33

W. D. Purple account

W. D. Purple

2 May, 1877

   In February 1826, the sons of Mr. Stowell, who lived with their father, were greatly incensed against Smith, as they plainly saw their father squandering his property in the fruitless search for hidden treasures, and saw that the youthful seer had unlimited control over the illusions of their sire. They made up their minds that "patience had ceased to a virtue," and resolved to rid themselves and their family from this incubus, who, as they believed, was eating up their substance, and depriving them of their anticipated patrimony. They caused the arrest of Smith as a vagrant, without visible means of livelihood. The trial came on in the above mentioned month, before Albert Neeley, Esq., the father of Bishop Neeley, of the State of Maine. I was an intimate friend of the Justice, and was invited to take notes of the trial, which I did. There was a large collection of persons in attendance, and the proceedings attracted much attention.
   The affidavits of the sons were read, and Mr. Smith was fully examined by the Court. It elicited little but a history of his life from early boyhood, but this is so unique in character, and so much of a key-note to his subsequent career in the world, I am tempted to give it somewhat in entenso. He said when he was a lad, he heard of a neighboring girl some three miles from him, who could look into a glass and see anything however hidden from others; that he was seized with a strong desire to see her and her glass; that after much effort he induced his parents to let him visit her. He did so, and was permitted to look in the glass, which was placed in a hat to exclude the light. He was greatly surprised to see but one thing, which was a small stone, a great way off. It soon became luminous, and dazzled his eyes, and after a short time it became as intense as the mid-day sun. He said that the stone was under the roots of a tree or shrub as large as his arm, situated about a mile up a small stream that puts in on the South side of Lake Erie, not far from the Now York and Pennsylvania line. He often had an opportunity to look in the glass, and with the same result. The luminous stone alone attracted his attention. This singular circumstance occupied his mind for some years, when he left his father's house, and with his youthful zeal traveled west in search of this luminous stone.
   He took a few shillings in money and some provisions with him. He stopped on the road with a farmer, and worked three days, and replenished his means of support. After traveling some one hundred and fifty miles he found himself at the mouth of the creek. He did not have the glass with him, but he knew its exact location. He borrowed an old ax and a hoe, and repaired to the tree. With some labor and exertion he found the stone, carried it to the creek, washed and wiped it dry, sat down on the bank, placed it in his hat, and discovered that time, place and distance were annihilated; that all intervening obstacles were removed, and that he possessed one of the attributes of Deity, an All-Seeing-Eye. He arose with a thankful heart, carried his tools to their owner, turned his feet towards the rising sun, and sought with weary limbs his long deserted home.
   On the request of the Court, he exhibited the stone. It was about the size of a small hen' a egg, in the shape of a high-instepped shoe. It was composed of layers of different colors passing diagonally through it. It was very hard and smooth, perhaps by being carried in the pocket.
   Joseph Smith, Sr., was present, and sworn as a witness. He confirmed, at great length all that his son had said in his examination. He delineated his characteristics in his youthful days -- his vision of the luminous stone in the glass -- his visit to Lake Erie in search of the stone -- and his wonderful triumphs as a seer. He described very many instances of his finding hidden and stolen goods. He swore that both he and his son were mortified that this wonderful power which God had so miraculously given him should be used only in search of filthy lucre, or its equivalent in earthly treasures, and with a long-faced, "sanctimonious seeming," he said his constant prayer to his Heavenly Father was to manifest His will concerning this marvelous power. He trusted that the Son of Righteousness would some day illumine the heart of the boy, and enable him to see His will concerning him. These words have ever had a strong impression on my mind. They seemed to contain a prophetic vision of the future history of that mighty delusion of the present century, Mormonism. The "old man eloquent," with his lank and haggard vissage -- his form very poorly clad -- indicating a wandering vagabond rather than an oracle of future events, has, in view of those events, excited my wonder, if not my admiration.
   The next witness called was Deacon Isaiah Stowell. He confirmed all that is said above in relation to himself, and delineated many other circumstances not necessary to record. He swore that the prisoner possessed all the power he claimed, and declared he could see things fifty feet below the surface of the earth, as plain as the witness could see what was on the Justices' table, and described very many circumstances to confirm his words. Justice Neeley soberly looked at the witness, and in a solemn, dignified voice said: "Deacon Stowell, do I understand you as swearing before God, under the solemn oath you have taken, that you believe the prisoner can see by the aid of the stone fifty feet below the surface of the earth; as plainly as you can see what is on my table?" "Do I believe it?" says Deacon Stowell; "do I believe it? No, it is not a matter of belief: I positively know it to be true."
   Mr. Thompson, an employee of Mr. Stowell, was the next witness. He and another man were employed in digging for treasure, and always attended the Deacon and Smith in their nocturnal labors. He could not assert that anything of value was ever obtained by them. The following scene was described by this witness, and carefully noted: Smith had told the Deacon that very many years before a band of robbers had buried on his flat a box of treasure, and as it was very valuable they had by a sacrifice placed a charm over it to protect it, so that it could not be obtained except by faith, accompanied by certain talismanic influences. So, after arming themselves with fasting and prayer, they sallied forth to the spot designated by Smith. Digging was commenced with fear and trembling, in the presence of this imaginary charm. In a few feet from the surface the box of treasure was struck by the shovel. on which they redoubled their energies, but it gradually receded from their grasp. One of the men placed his hand upon the box, but it gradually sunk from his reach, After some five feet in depth had been attained without success, a council of war, against this spirit of darkness was called, and they resolved that the lack of faith, or of some untoward mental emotions was the cause of their failure.
   In this emergency the fruitful mind of Smith was called on to devise a way to obtain the prize. Mr. Stowell went to his flock and selected a fine vigorous lamb, and resolved to sacrifice it to the demon spirit who guarded the coveted treasure. Shortly after the venerable Deacon might be seen on his knees at prayer near the pit, while Smith, with a lantern in one hand to dispel the midnight darkness, might be seen making a circuit around the spot, sprinkling the flowing blood from the lamb upon the ground, as a propitiation to the spirit that thwarted them. They then descended the excavation, but the treasure still receded from their grasp, and it was never obtained.
   ...These scenes occurred some four years before Smith, by the aid of his luminous stone, found the Golden Bible, or the Book of Mormon. The writer may at some subsequent day give your readers a chapter on its discovery, and a synopsis of its contents. It is hardly necessary to say that, as the testimony of Deacon Stowell could not be impeached, the prisoner was discharged, and in a few weeks left the town.

(Note: No images of this edition of the Chenango Union are available online. On July 26, 1877, this article was reprinted in the Watkins Express and can be read in its original format here.)

Joseph Smith the Prophet His Family and His Friends, pg 80

when he saw Miss Emma Hale he knew that she was the person, and that after they were married she went with him to near the place and stood with her back towards him while he dug after the box, which he rolled up in his frock, and she helped carry it home; that in the same box with the plates were spectacles;

The Palmyra Reflector, Gold Bible, No. 6, pg 126

Whitmer and Harris descriptions according to Palmyra Newspaper

   Whitmar relates that he was led by Smith into an open field, on his father's farm near Waterloo, when they found the book lying on the ground; Smith took it up and requested him to examine it, which he did for the space of half an hour or more...
   This witness describes the book as being something like 8 inches square; (our informantdid not recollect precisely,) the leaves were plates of metal of a whitish yellow color, and of thethickness of tin plate; the back was secured with three small rings of the same metal, passing through each leaf in succession;-that the leaves were divided equi-distant, between the back & edge, by cutting the plates in two parts, and united again with solder, so that the front might be opened, as it were by a hinge, while the back part remained stationary and immoveable, and in this manner remained to him and the other witnesses a sealed book, which would not be revealed for ages to come, and that even the prophet himself was not as yet permitted to understand. On opening that portion of the book which was not secured by the seals, he discovered incribed on the aforesaid plates, divers and wonderful characters; some of them large and some small...
   Harris, however, gives the lie to a very important part of Whitmar's relation, and declares that the leaves or pages of the book are not cut, and a part of them sealed, but that it opens like any other book, from the edge to the back, the rings operating in the place of common binding.

19 Mar, 1831

Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, May 2, 1877, Vol 30, No. 33

W. D. Purple Account

W. D. Purple

28 Apr, 1877

   He said when he was a lad, he heard of a neighboring girl some three miles from him, who could look into a glass and see anything however hidden from others; that he was seized with a strong desire to see her and her glass; that after much effort he induced his parents to let him visit her. He did so, and was permitted to look in the glass, which was placed in a hat to exclude the light. He was greatly surprised to see but one thing, which was a small stone, a great way off. It soon became luminous, and dazzled his eyes, and after a short time it became as intense as the mid-day sun. He said that the stone was under the roots of a tree or shrub as large as his arm, situated about a mile up a small stream that puts in on the South side of Lake Erie, not far from the Now York and Pennsylvania line. He often had an opportunity to look in the glass, and with the same result. The luminous stone alone attracted his attention. This singular circumstance occupied his mind for some years, when he left his father's house, and with his youthful zeal traveled west in search of this luminous stone.
   ...After traveling some one hundred and fifty miles he found himself at the mouth of the creek. He did not have the glass with him, but he knew its exact location. He borrowed an old ax and a hoe, and repaired to the tree. With some labor and exertion he found the stone, carried it to the creek, washed and wiped it dry, sat down on the bank, placed it in his hat, and discovered that time, place and distance were annihilated; that all intervening obstacles were removed, and that he possessed one of the attributes of Deity, an All-Seeing-Eye...
   On the request of the Court, he exhibited the stone. It was about the size of a small hen' a egg, in the shape of a high-instepped shoe. It was composed of layers of different colors passing diagonally through it. It was very hard and smooth, perhaps by being carried in the pocket.

(Note: No images of this edition of the Chenango Union are available online. On July 26, 1877, this article was reprinted in the Watkins Express and can be read in its original format here.)

Mormonism Unvailed, E.D. Howe, pg 261

Testimony of 51 Smith neighbors

51 Smith Neighbors

4 Dec, 1833

Martin Harris was a man who had acquired a handsome property, and in matters of business his word was considered good; but on moral and religious subjects, he was perfectly visionary - sometimes advocating one sentiment, and sometimes another.

The Joseph Smith Papers, History, circa Summer 1832, pg 5

Joseph Smith 1832 handwritten account

in December following we mooved to Susquehana by the assistence of a man by the name of Martin Haris who became convinced of th vision and gave me fifty Dollars to bare my expences and because of his faith and this rightheous deed the Lord appeared unto him in a vision and shewed unto him his marvilous work which he was about to do and imediately came to Suquehannah and said the Lord had shown him that he must go to new York City with some of the characters so we proceeded to coppy some of them and he took his Journy to the Eastern Cittys and to the Learned read this I pray thee and the learned said I cannot but if he would bring the blates they would read it but the Lord had forbid it and he returned to me and gave them to translate and I said I said cannot for I am not learned but the Lord had prepared spectacles for to read the Book therefore I commenced translating the characters and thus the Propicy of Isiaah was fulfilled which is writen in the 29 chaptr concerning the book

The Testimony of William Smith, Millennial Star 61, pg 133

William's last testimony

   It is said that Joseph and the rest of the family were lazy and indolent.
   We never heard of such a thing until after Joseph told his vision, and not then by our friends. Whenever the neighbors wanted a good days work done they knew where they could get a good hand and they were not particular to take any of the other boys before Joseph either. We cleared sixty acres of the heaviest timber I ever saw. We had a good place, but it required a great deal of labor to make it a good place. We also had on it from twelve to fifteen hundred sugar trees, and to gather the sap and make sugar and molasses from that number of trees was no lazy job. We worked hard to clear our place and the neighbors were a little jealous. If you will figure up how much work it would take to clear sixty acres of heavy timber land, heavier than any here, trees you could not conveniently cut down, you can tell whether we were lazy or not, and Joseph did his share of the work with the rest of the boys.
   We never knew we were bad folks until Joseph told his vision. We were considered respectable till then, but at once people began to circulate falsehoods and stories in a wonderful way.

26 Feb, 1894

The Joseph Smith Papers, Lucy Mack Smith, History, 1844-1845, pgs 58-59

Attempt on Joseph's Life

Â Â Â We had always had a peculiar anxiety about this child for it seemed as though something was always occurring to place his life in jeopardy and if he was absent one Â½ hour unexpectedly we were always apprehensive of some evil befalling him. one instance occurred when this child was 14 years old which alarmed us very much he was out at play one evening about twilight When he was returning through door yard a gun was fired across the pathway in which was walking with evident intention of hitting Joseph he sprang to door threw it open and fell upon the floor with fright we went in search of the person who fired the gun but found no trace of him untill the next morning when we tracked him from under a waggon where he lay when he fired the gun we never found the man out nor ever suspected the cause of the act but we found the balls that were discharged from his piece the next day in the head & neck of a cow that stood opposite the wagon in a dark corner This is but one of many instances which I have passed over in order to be brief in my recital

Autobiography and Journal of William I. Appleby, 1848, Church History Library, pgs 32-33

Mr Smith having been shown in the vision the place where the Record was deposited; accordingly the next morning 23d day of September A.D. 1823, visited the place, And from that time he received more, and more information concerning what he had to do until the year 1827, when he obtained the Records.

Last Testimony of Sister Emma, The Saints' Herald, Vol 26, No 19, 1 Oct, 1879, pg 289

Emma's Last Testimony

Emma Hale Smith

"Q. How many children did you lose, mother, before I was born?
"A. There were three. I buried one in Pennsylvania, and a pair of twins in Ohio.

The Joseph Smith Papers, Lucy Mack Smith, History, 1844-1845, pgs 78-79, 81-82

Lucy Smith's Account Leading up to the Loss of the Manuscript

   Mr Harris remained with my son and wrote dilligently untill he had transcribed nearly 116 pages of the record when it became necessary for him to return home- he now began to requested Joseph to permit him to look upon the plates for he desired a further witness that of their work that he might be better able to give a reason for The hope that was within of seeing great things come to pass in the last days- Joseph was very partial to Mr Harris on account of the friendship which he had manifested in an hour when there seemed to be no earthly freind to succoror or to sympathize.
   Under these circumstances Joseph felt a great desire to gratify the man's feelings as far as it was justifiable to do so accordingly he enquired at the hand of the Lord concerning the Matter when he received a revelation which is contained in the book of doctrine and covenants Sec 33....
   This discouraged Mr Harris from saying much more about the plates but he insisted upon taking that which he had writen home with him that he might show his family what he had been employed in during his abscence from them he also hoped that it might have a salutary effect upon his wifes feelings to read what was writen- Joseph for a long time resisted every entreaty of this kind at last however he begged the priviledge of obliging Mr Harris by allowing his last request this priviledge was given with the condition that my son was responsible for their safety. This my son was willing to do as he could not conceive it possible for so kind a friend to betray the trust reposed in him. but there is no doubt of this indulgence being given to Joseph in order to show him by another lesson of bitter experiance how vain are all human calculations- and also to learn him not to put his trust in man nor make flesh his arm Mr Harris now took the most solemn oath that he would not show the manuscript to any save 5 individuals who belonged his household for the hoped that it might be the means of carrying the truth home to their hearts and affecting a union of sentiment animated him very much. & his anxious desires were now gratified as to the means which he wished to make use of as an instrument to effect this much wished for object. Accordingly he was now fully prepared to set out for home which he did carrying with him 116 pages of the record in manuscript this was in july...
   I feel so uneasy said she that I cannot and rest and shall not be at rest ease untill I know something about what Mr Harris is doing with it do you not think it would be advisable for you to go and enquire into the reason of his not writing or sending any word back to you since he left us- Joseph begged her to be quiet and not worry herself as he could not leave her just then as he should not dare to be absent from her only even one hour while her situation was so precarious-. I will said Emma send for my Mother and She shall stay with me while you are gone After much persuasion he concluded to leave his wife in the care of her Mother for a few days and set out on the before mentioned journey.

The Joseph Smith Papers, Lucy Mack Smith, History, 1844-1845, pgs 85-88

Lucy Smith's Account of Martin Harris Breaking the News

   When the first direction was complied with Joseph requested us to send with all possible speed for Martin Harris we did so and after the stranger left (whose name we never knew) we prepared breakfast as soon as we could conveiniently for Martin always came in such haste when sent for that we supposed he would be there and ready to take breakfast before with us before we could be ready to eat- & it was now near 6 oclock at and he lived 3 miles distant. At 8 oclock we sat the victuals on the table as we as we were looking for him every moment, we waited till 9 and he came not till 10 and he was not there till 11 still he did not make his appearance at ½ past 12 we saw him walking with a slow and measured tread toward the house his eyes fixed thoughtfully upon the ground when he came to the gate he did not open it but got upon the fence and sat some time with his hat at the drawn over his eyes- at last he entered the house after we sat down and were ready to commence eating Martin too with the rest- he took up his knife and fork as if to use them but dropped them from his hands Hyrum said Martin why do you not eat are you sick Martin pressed his hands upon his temples and cried out in a tone of anguish Oh! I have lost my soul I have lost my soul. Joseph who had smothered his fears till now sprang from the table exclaiming Oh! Martin have you lost that manuscript! have you broken your oath and brought down condemnation upon my head as well as your own yes replied Martin it is gone and I know not where- Oh! My God My God said Joseph clenching his hands together all is lost is lost what shall I do I have sinned it is me that tempted the wrath God by asking him to that which I had no right to do ask as I was differently instructed by the angel- and he wept to like and groaned walking the floor continualy at last he told martin to go back to his house and search again- No said Mr Harris it is all in vain for I have looked in every place in the house I have even ripped open beds and pillows and I know it is not there Then must I said Joseph return to my wife with such a tale as this I dare not do it least I should kill her at once and how shall I appear before the Lord of what rebuke am I not worthy from the the Angel of the most high I be sought him not to mourn so that it might be that the Lord would forgive him after a short season of humiliation and repentance on his part, but what could I say to comfort him when he saw the family all in the same state of mind that he was nothing could be more affecting than the appearance which we presented sobs and groans and the most bitter lamentations filled the house Joseph particularly was more distressed than the rest for he knew definitely and by sorrowful experience the consequence of the what would seem to others to be a very trifling neglect of duty he continued walking the floor and forwards and weeping and grieving like a tender infant untill about sunset we persuaded him to take a little nourishment. aft the next morning he went home we parted with heavy hearts for it seemed as though all our fond anticipations which we had fed upon which had been the source of so much secret gratification to us all was in moment fled and fled forever.
   I will now return and trace Martin Harris and give a sketch of his proceedings through the fortnight's time that had brought to pass a train of circumstances that had swept over us like a the simoon blast- and seared our bright hopes in the tender bud ere we were granted the priviledge beholding even the opening leaf.
   When he arrived at home he was not slow to exhibit the manuscript to his wife and family thus far he was under no condemnation his wife seemed highly pleased with what she heard and entered into the spirit of it so much that she gave her husband the priviledge of locking it up in a set of drawers which she had never permited him to look into after he had shown the transcript to those who were priviledged to see it by his oath he laid it aside and went with Mrs H to visit a relative of her's who lived miles distant, and as his wife declined returning with him he left her with her friends and went home alone- shortly after he got there a very particular friend made him a visit to whom he related all he knew concerning the record The man's curiosity was much excited and he earnestly desired to see the transcript Martin was anxious to gratify his friend although it was contrary to his obligation, but when he went to seek for it he found that key could not be found but he soon resolved to carry his design into execution and to do this he picked the lock and in so doing he injured his lady's beaureau considerably he now removed the manuscript to his own set off drawers here he had the it at his command and passing by his oath he showed them any good friend that happened to call on him when Mrs Harris returned and beheld the marred and injured state of her beaureau her irracible temper knew no bounds and an intolerable storm ensued throughout the house which descended with greatest force upon the head of the devoted husband, and when Joseph arrived peace was not yet restored and because of this she was accused of having taken the transcript by Stealth and secreted it for when Joseph sent for him he went immediately to his drawer- but the manuscript was gone- he asked his wife where it was- she solemnly averred that she did not know anything about it whatever- not regarding what she said he went through the house and made a faithful search, but it was more vain than Esau's seeking his blessing

Kansas City Journal, June 5, 1881

David Whitmer Account

   I first heard of what is now termed Mormonism in the year 1828. I made a business trip to Palmyra, New York, and while there stopped with one Oliver Cowdery. A great many people in the neighborhood were talking about the finding of certain golden plates by one Joseph Smith, Jr., a young man of the neighborhood. Cowdery and I, as well as others, talked about the matter, but at that time I paid but little attention to it, supposing it to be only
   THE IDLE GOSSIP
   of the neighborhood. Cowdery said he was acquainted with the Smith family, and he believed that there must be some truth in the story of the plates, and that he intended to investigate the matter. I had conversations with several young men who said that Joseph Smith had certainly golden plates and that before he attained them he had promised to share with them, but had not done so and they were very much incensed with him. Said I, 'how do you know that Joe Smith has the plates?' They replied, 'we saw the plates [place] in the hill that he took them out of just as he described it to us before he obtained them.' These parties were so positive in their statements that I began to believe there must be some foundation for the stories then in circulation all over that part of the country. I had never seen any of the Smith family up to that time, and I began to inquire of the people in regard to them, and learned that one night during the year 1827 Joseph Smith, jr., had a vision, and an angel of God appeared to him and told him where certain plates were to be found, and pointed out the spot to him, and that shortly afterward he went to that piece and found the plates which were still in his possession. After thinking over the matter for a long time, and talking with Cowdery, who also gave me a history of the finding of the plates, I went home, and after several months Cowdery told me he was going to Harmony, Pa.-whither Joseph Smith had gone with the plates on account of persecutions of his neighbors-and see him about the matter. He did go and on his way stopped at my father's house and told me that as soon as he found out anything either
   TRUTH OR UNTRUTH
   he would let me know. After he got there he became acquainted with Joseph Smith, and shortly after, wrote to me telling me that he was convinced that Smith had the records and that he (Smith) had told him that it was the will of heaven that he (Cowdery) should be his scribe to assist in the translation of the plates. He went on and Joseph translated from the plates and he wrote it down. Shortly after this Cowdery wrote me another letter in which he gave me a few lines of what they had translated, and he assured me that he knew of a certainty that he had a record of a people that inhabited this continent, and that the plates they were translating gave a complete history of these people. When Cowdery wrote me these things and told me that he had revealed knowledge concerning the truth of them I showed these letters to my parents, and brothers and sisters. Soon after I received another letter from Cowdery, telling me to come down to Pennsylvania and bring him and Joseph to my father's house, giving me a reason therefore that they had received a commandment from God to that effect. I went down to Harmony, and found everything just as they had written me. The next day after I got there they packed up the plates [did not say "packed up the plates"] and we proceeded on our journey to my father's house where we arrived in due time, and the day after we [he, Smith] commenced upon the translation of the remainder of the plates.

5 Jun, 1881

(Note: No images of this paper are available online. Please contact me if you have any information.)

The Joseph Smith Papers, Levi Richards, Journal, 11 June 1843, extract, pg 2

1843 Levi Richards Journal

Levi Richards

11 Jun, 1843

Pres. J. Smith bore testimony to the same - saying that when he was a youth he began to think about these these things but could not find out which of all the sects were right - he went into the grove & enquired of the Lord which of all the sects were right - he received for answer that none of them were right, that they were all wrong, & that the Everlasting covena[n]t was broken. he said he understoood the fulness of the Gospel from beginning to end - & could Teach it & also the order of the priesthood in all its ramifications. Earth & hell had opposed him & tryed to destroy him - but they had not done it & they never would

A Record of Strangers Who Are Warned Out of Town, Town Warning Book 1813-1818, Norwich, VT, pg 53

Warning Out of Town

27 Mar, 1816

State of Vermont. To either constable of Norwich Windsor County in the county of windsor... you are hereby required to summon Joseph Smith & family now residing in Norwich to depart said town hereof fail Not but of this precept & your doings hereon due return make according to Law given under our hands at Norwich this 15th day of March 1816...
Norwich March 27th 1816 I served this warning by leaving a true & attested copy of the same with my return thereon indorsed with the within named Joseph Smith...

History of Wells, Vermont, for the first century after its settlement, pgs 80-82

History of Wells

Hiland Paul

1869

   Judge Frisbie, in his history of Middletown, writes at considerable length concerning the origin of Mormonism, that it took its rise in Middletown from a class of persons denominated as "rodsmen," and that one Winchell or Wingate, a refugee from justice in the eastern part of Vermony, and sought his abode in back or secluded places, and that he spent one winter with this same William Cowdry, whose sketches we are now giving, and that Cowdry was connected with them. We have taken considerable pains, if the statements of the Judge could be verified. We find that Winchell did reside with Mr. Cowdery in the winter of 1799 and 1800. Two men of this town by the name of Benjamin and Joseph Lillie were connected with this crew of imposters, for we can call them by no other name. There was a man named Mr. Harmon, who lived under Pond Mountain, who was so infatuated, that the money they were seeking was put there by two Spaniards, and that he often see them in the air. We received a letter a few days since from an old lady who was born in this town and whose veracity is beyond reproach. She is now in her seventy-ninth year. "Mr. Parks, sir, I have read your letter and will answer your request as far as I know them. As for Mr. Cowdry's people, I know but little about their history. The first of them, they were living on a place above where Capt. Parsons lived. They lived there all the while we lived in Vermont; after we came away his wife died of consumption, and he married again a woman living in Middletown, so he moved there, but I do not know as he ever lived in Poultney. I was born in the year '90, and it must have been when I was 10 or 11 years old, when the rodsmen were there; I was about 11 when we moved away from there, and Mr. Cowdry's oldest child, Warren, was but a little older than me, so I think Oliver - he was the youngest - was not in being at that time; if any one was engaged in it, it must have been the old gentleman; I rather think it was, but won't be positive. This money was thought to be put there by the Spaniards; old Mr. Harmon, who lived down under Pond Mountain, was extensively engaged in it; he could see the Spaniards at work in the day time, in the rocks; they came in the air; I think Mr. Hubbard, that married Prudence Butts, was one; not a word must be spoken while digging for money; if they did the money would fly away. There was an old Mr. Fry, who lived down by Mr. Howe's; he was digging one day alone; he came on to one box and he got it out, but it was so heavy he could not life it, so he went for some one to help, and when they returned the box was gone; he supposed the Spaniards got it; they could often strike their spades through on to the boxes, but before they could be excavated they would move away; it was like going to the bottom of a rainbow for a treasure. One Sunday they came into our house; I saw their rods, all made of witch hazel so they would turn in their hands and point where the money lay; then they went and looked Train (Pine) Hill rocks all over, in every crevice; they scrutinized it well but found no money; but it took years for it to die out; there were men from Middletown engaged in it; they had quite a number of rodsmen engaged in the business.
   NANCY F. GLASS."
   Where the old lady, speaking of Mr. Harmon, the same was corroborated by Joseph Parks, as to Mr. Cowdry being connected with the rodsmen, as stated by Judge Frisbie, we had it verified by Joseph Parks and Mrs. Charles Garner of Middletown;

The Joseph Smith Papers, Book of Mormon, 1830, pg 547

Ether

and then shall my revelations which I have caused to be written by my servant John, be unfolded in the eyes of all the people.

Wayne Sentinel 2, No 12, Dec 15, 1824, pg 2, col 5

Sabbath School Society

   Messrs. Editors-Please to allow the subscriber...the privilege of expressing his gratitude to God, for what He is doing for the people of Palmyra, and likewise his thanks to a number of friends in that village, for assisting him in printing Tracts, and in setting up Sabbath Schools.
   The collection taken up on the Sabbath evening, amounting to $7 72, by the recommendation of the Rev. Mr. STOCKTON, will afford the subscriber some assistance, and it being divided and partly appropriated to a Juvenile Library, for a Sunday School in Palmyra, it will probably be the means of commencing a Library there for the benefit of the rising generation...
   By a Sabbath School Society is meant an institution for collecting the children and youth, of all denominations, whenever most convenient, for the purpose of giving them instructions from the word of God without any attempt to build up any peculiar sect or party. Such parts of the Holy Scriptures ought to be committed to memory as are of the most practical nature, and such as may be considered most useful in pointing out the duty of man to his Maker, and to his fellow creatures; such, for instance, as the Lord's Prayer, the Ten Commandments, Christ's Sermon on the Mount, the xii. of Romans, iii. of Colossians, and iv. of Ephesians. Can any christian or philanthropist object to such instructions?...
   A MEETING will be held in the Presbyterian house of worship, in this village, on Thursday evening, the 16th inst. at half-past 6 o'clock, for the purpose of organizing a RELIGIOUS TRACT SOCIETY. All who feel disposed to encourage the circulation of Scripture truth in the form of small and familiar publications, are invited to attend.

15 Dec, 1824

Naked Truths About Mormonism, Vol 1, No 1, pg 2, col 7

William Hine's statement

William Riley Hine, witnessed by A. B. Deming

Jo told Emma he had a revelation about the plates, but that he could not obtain them until he had married her.

(Note: No images of this source are available online. Please contact me if you have any information.)

J. L. Traughber Collection, 1446/2, Manuscripts Division, Marriott Library, University of Utah, Salt Lake City

William E. McLellin Letter to J. L. Traughber

I joined the church in 1831. For years I never heard of John the Baptist ordaining Joseph and Oliver. I heard not of James, Peter, and John doing so. These things were gotten up in after years in order to sustain them in their false priesthoods.

25 Aug, 1877

(Note: No images of this manuscript are available. Please contact me if you have any information regarding it.)

The Joseph Smith Papers, Revelation Book 1, pg 53

Ordination of Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery

The rise of the Church of Christ in these last days being one Thousand eight Hundred & thirty years since the coming of our Lord & Saveiour Jesus Christ in the flesh it being regularly organized & established agreeable to the Laws of our Country by the will & commandments of God in the fourth Month & on the Sixth day of the Month which is called April. Commandments were given to Joseph the seer who was called of God & ordained an Apostle of Jesus Christ an Elder of the Church & also to Oliver who was also called of God & ordained an Apostle of Jesus Christ an Elders of the Church & ordained under his hand & this according to the grace of our Lord & saveiour Jesus Christ to whom be all glory both now and forever amen

1830-1831

The Joseph Smith Papers, Book of Commandments, 1833, pg 35

Baptism of Oliver Cowdery

6 Wherefore as thou hast been baptized by the hand of my servant, according to that which I have commanded him:
7 Wherefore he hath fulfilled the thing which I commanded him.

(Note: A handwritten copy is purported to be extant. Please contact me if you have any information regarding this source.)

The Joseph Smith Papers, Revelation Book 2, pgs 119-120

Revelation to the Witnesses

A Revelation to Oliver David and Martin given Fayett sineca co New York given previous to them having a view of the plates &c.
Behold I say unto you that you must rely upon my word which if you do with full purpose of heart you shall have a view of the plate and also the brestplate the sword of Laban the Urim and Thumim which was given to the brother of Jared upon the mount when he talked with the Lord face to face and the marveelus directors which was given to Lehi while in the wilderness on the borders of the red sea and it is by your faith that you shall obtain a view of them even by that faith which was had by the prophets of old and after that you have obtained faith and have seen them with your eyes you shall testify of them by the power of God and this you shall do that my servant Joseph Smith Jr may not be distroyed that I may bring about my rightous purposes unto the children of men in this work and ye shall testify that ye have seen them even as my servant Joseph Smith jr has seen them for it is by my power that he has seen them and it is because he had faith and he has translated them even that part which I have commanded him and as your Lord and your God liveth it is true wherefore you have received the same power and the same faith and the same gift like unto him and if ye do these last commandments of mine which I have given you the gates of hell shall not prevail against you for my grace is sufficient for you and ye shall be lifted up at the Last day and I Jesus Christ your Lord and your God have spoken it unto you that I might bring about my righteous purposes unto the children of men. Amen

(Note: This is the earliest extant copy of this revelation, found in Revelation Book 2, copied by Frederick G. Williams some time after Nov 25, 1834. The later 1835 printing of the Doctrine and Covenants gives the date of the revelation as June, 1829, seen here.)

The Joseph Smith Papers, Book of Commandments, 1833, pgs 34-39

Revelation to Oliver Cowdery and David Whitmer

   NOW behold, because of the thing which you have desired to know of me, I give unto you these words:
   2 Behold I have manifested unto you, by my Spirit in many instances, that the things which you have written are true:
   3 Wherefore you know that they are true; and if you know that they are true, behold I give unto you a commandment, that you rely upon the things which are written; for in them are all things written, concerning my church, my gospel, and my rock.
   4 Wherefore if you shall build up my church, and my gospel, and my rock, the gates of hell shall not prevail against you.
   5 Behold the world is ripening in iniquity, and it must needs be, that the children of men are stirred up unto repentance, both the Gentiles, and also the house of Israel:
   6 Wherefore as thou hast been baptized by the hand of my servant, according to that which I have commanded him:
   7 Wherefore he hath fulfilled the thing which I commanded him.
   8 And now marvel not that I have called him unto mine own purpose, which purpose is known in me:
   9 Wherefore if he shall be diligent in keeping my commandments, he shall be blessed unto eternal life, and his name is Joseph.
   10 And now Oliver, I speak unto you, and also unto David, by the way of commandment:
   11 For behold I command all men every where to repent, and I speak unto you, even as unto Paul mine apostle, for you are called even with that same calling with which he was called.
   12 Remember the worth of souls is great in the sight of God:
   13 For behold the Lord your God suffered death in the flesh: wherefore he suffered the pain of all men, that all men might repent and come unto him.
   14 And he hath risen again from the dead, that he might bring all men unto him on conditions of repentance.
   15 And how great is his joy in the soul that repenteth.
   16 Wherefore you are called to cry repentance unto this people.
   17 And if it so be that you should labor in all your days, in crying repentance unto this people, and bring save it be one soul only unto me, how great shall be your joy with him in the kingdom of my Father?
   18 And now if your joy will be great with one soul, that you have brought unto me into the kingdom of my Father, how great will be your joy, if you should bring many souls unto me?
   19 Behold you have my gospel before you, and my rock, and my salvation:
   20 Ask the Father in my name in faith believing that you shall receive, and you shall have the Holy Ghost which manifesteth all things, which is expedient unto the children of men.
   21 And if you have not faith, hope and charity, you can do nothing.
   22 Contend against no church, save it be the church of the devil.
   23 Take upon you the name of Christ, and speak the truth in soberness, and as many as repent, and are baptized in my name, which is Jesus Christ, and endure to the end, the same shall be saved.
   24 Behold Jesus Christ is the name which is given of the Father, and there is none other name given whereby man can be saved:
   25 Wherefore all men must take upon them the name which is given of the Father, for in that name shall they be called at the last day:
   26 Wherefore if they know not the name by which they are called, they cannot have place in the kingdom of my Father.
   27 And now behold, there are others which are called to declare my gospel, both unto Gentile and unto Jew: Yea, even unto twelve:
   28 And the twelve shall be my disciples, and they shall take upon them my name:
   29 And the twelve are they which shall desire to take upon them my name, with full purpose of heart:
   30 And if they desire to take upon them my name, with full purpose of heart, they are called to go into all the world to preach my gospel unto every creature:
   31 And they are they which are ordained of me to baptize in my name, according to that which is written; and you have that which is written before you:
   32 Wherefore you must perform it according to the words which are written.
   33 And now I speak unto the twelve:
   34 Behold my grace is sufficient for you: You must walk uprightly before me and sin not.
   35 And behold you are they which are ordained of me to ordain priests and teachers to declare my gospel, according to the power of the Holy Ghost which is in you, and according to the callings and gifts of God unto men:
   36 And I Jesus Christ, your Lord and your God, have spoken it.
   37 These words are not of men, nor of man, but of me:
   38 Wherefore you shall testify they are of me, and not of man; for it is my voice which speaketh them unto you:
   39 For they are given by my Spirit unto you:
   40 And by my power you can read them one to another; and save it were by my power, you could not have them:
   41 Wherefore you can testify that you have heard my voice, and know my words.
   42 And now behold I give unto you, Oliver, and also unto David, that you shall search out the twelve which shall have the desires of which I have spoken; and by their desires and their works, you shall know them:
   43 And when you have found them you shall show these things unto them.
   44 And you shall fall down and worship the Father in my name:
   45 And you must preach unto the world, saying, you must repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ:
   46 For all men must repent and be baptized; and not only men, but women and children, which have arriven to the years of accountability.
   47 And now, after that you have received this, you must keep my commandments in all things:
   48 And by your hands I will work a marvelous work among the children of men, unto the convincing of many of their sins, that they may come unto repentance; and that they may come unto the kingdom of my Father:
   49 Wherefore the blessings which I give unto you are above all things.
   50 And after that you have received this, if you keep not my commandments, you cannot be saved in the kingdom of my Father. Behold I Jesus Christ, your Lord and your God, and your Redeemer, by the power of my Spirit, have spoken it. Amen.

Correspondence, The Saints' Herald, 1875, Vol 22, Pg 630

Martin Harris letter to H. B. Emerson

Question. 2. What became of the plates from which the Book of Mormon was translated?
Answer. They were returned to the angel, Moroni, from whom they were received, to be brought forth again in the due time of the Lord; for they contain many things pertaining to the gathering of Israel, which gathering will take place in this generation, and shall be testified of among all nations, according to the old Prophets;

January, 1871

Millenial Star, 9 Dec, 1878, Vol 40, pgs 772-773

David Whitmer on his mother, Mary Whitmer

Soon after our arrival home, I saw something which led me to the belief that the plates were placed or concealed in my father's barn. I frankly asked Joseph if my supposition was right, and he told me it was. Sometime after this, my mother was going to milk the cows, when she was met out near the yard by the same old man (judging by her description of him) who said to her: ‘You have been very faithful and diligent in your labors, but you are tired because of the increase of your toil; it is proper therefore that you should receive a witness that your faith may be strengthened.' Thereupon he showed her the plates. My father and mother had a large family of their own, the addition to it therefore of Joseph, his wife Emma and Oliver very greatly increased the toil and anxiety of my mother. And although she had never complained she had sometimes felt that her labor was too much, or at least she was perhaps beginning to feel so. This circumstance, however, completely removed all such feelings and nerved her up for her increased responsibilities.

7 Sep, 1878

Population schedules of the sixth census of the United States, 1840, New York, pg 145

1840 Census, Gorham, NY

1840 Census

1840

Luman Walter

(Note: According to the Ontario County Deed Index Luman purchased his land in Gorham in 1834. In the 1850 Census he is still listed as living in Gorham with two of his daughters. He received his mail through the Canandaigua Post Office. He had six children by his first wife Harriet Howard: Lona (1821), Margaret (1823), Daniel M. (1824), Melissa (1827), Eliza (1830), and Mary (1833). The Taylor County History lists his daughter Eliza as having been married around 1846. He remarried a woman named Margaret and with her had a daughter named Weltha or "Della" in 1852.)

(Ancient burial complex discovered near Hebron, Israel, including a cave with carved drawings and inscriptions, dated 6th century BCE)

Khirbet Beit Lei

1961

(Note: It has been proposed that the prophet Lehi once resided at this site in Israel, and that some of the inscriptions depict part of Lehi's journey to the Americas, but both Mormon and non-Mormon scholars have declared that claim unlikely. More information here.)

The Joseph Smith Papers, Minutes, 25-26 October 1831

1831 General Conference Minutes

Ebenezer Robinson

25 Oct, 1831

Br. Hyrum Smith said that he thought best that the information of the coming forth of the book of Mormon be related by Joseph himself to the Elders present that all might know for themselves.
Br. Joseph Smith jr. said that it was not intended to tell the world all the particulars of the coming forth of the book of Mormon, & also said that it was not expedient for him to relate these things &c.

Book of Mormon, wikiwand.com, image 3 of 13, A page from the original manuscript of the Book of Mormon, covering 1 Nephi 4:38 - 5:14

(A collection of 12 limestone tablets and 7 lead plates, discovered in two caves by John Brewer in Manti, Utah, between 1963 and 1975. The engravings on these items have yet to be deciphered)

(Note: The existence of the caves has never been confirmed, and the objects produced have often been called frauds, including by professors at Brigham Young University.)

Population schedules of the fifth census of the United States, 1830, New York, pg 101

(Note: This census record has George Crane living in Macedon, NY in 1830.)

Orson Hyde, Journal, 1832 February-December, Church History Library, MS 1386, pg 8

Orson Hyde and Samuel H. Smith preach in Salem (Conneaut)

   February 12th, 1832: Sunday morning went on near Salem Village to a Christian congregation, attended meeting with them, heard them exhort, pray, &c. At the close of the meeting arose and told them our mission, &c. and desired permission to preach in the evening. And after a little conversation among them, the[y] unanimously agreed we should preach; attended a crowded and attentive audience. They requested we should tarry and preach again. Accordingly made an appointment for next evening. Tarried all night with a Mr. Sawtril; -- kindly entertained.
   February 13th, 1832: Visited two or three families in the vicinty of Salem; held a meeting in the evening, a large and attentive congregation -- some appeared to be excited -- sold two Books of Mormon. Tarried all night with Col. Fifield.
   February 14th, 1832: Visited one or two families, and in the evening held meeting on the Lake Shore, preached to an attentive congregation. And next day the 15th of February, visited two families which were almost persuaded to be Christians, but wanted to consider a little longer upon the matter.

12-15 Feb, 1832

(Note: Later in 1832 Salem was incorporated and renamed to Conneaut. Samuel Smith also recorded this visit in his journal, which can be read here.)

The Wonders of Nature and Providence, Displayed, Josiah Priest, 1826

The Wonders of Nature

Manchester in the Early Days, The Ontario County Times, June 23, 1875, Vol 25, No 25

1875 Newspaper Account

Charles W. Brown

Jun 23, 1875

While these mysterious hints were being circulated thro the community, the conspirators had excavated for their own use a hole in the ground. This was nothing more nor less than an artificial cave which they had dug in a side hill now owned by the Chauncey Miner heirs. This hill may be found at any time on lot 77 of the original survey, to the south of the highway running from the Palmyra Plank road to the residence of Mark Johnson. It is situated about equi-distance between the terminii of the road and faces to the north. The entrance to this cave was guarded by an iron-plated door. The cave itself was about sixty feet in length and ten feet high. From the door for a distance of forty feet, there was a hall fifteen feet wide which led to the chamber beyond. This chamber or audience room was twenty feet square, and was furnished with one rude table and half a dozen uncouth stools. It was here that the secret meetings of the plotters were held up to the time they commenced holding public meetings for the purpose of making converts. In this small recess, secure from any interference by skeptical persons, by the flaring light of a tallow candle, was the plan of operations fully discussed and decided upon. It is stated that Darius Pierce, one of the sons of Nathan, at the head of a party of his associates surprised the parties when they were assembled together in one of their nocturnal consultations and that a lively time ensued.

The History of Middletown, Vermont, 1867, Barnes Frisbie, pgs 43-54

Barnes Frisbie's History of Middleton

Barnes Frisbie

   About the year 1800, occurred what we have before alluded to, as the "Wood scrape," a term not expressive perhaps of what is meant by it, but a name which has always been given by the people to a strange affair in which the Wood families, then living here, were the leading actors. It was a religious delusion, and at the time was the cause of great excitement here, and of a good deal of notoriety in this part of the State. That there were other denouements besides delusion in the affair is true, but it had its origin, I have no doubt, in a false religion of which Nathaniel Wood was the author, and was sustained and enabled to become what it did by delusion.
   Before 1860, I had conversed with more than thirty old men and women who were living here in 1800, and then supposed I had obtained all the information that could be had on that subject, the substance of which was that the Woods dug for money in various parts of the town, and were engaged in this for nearly a year; that they used hazel rods which they pretended would lead them to places where money had been buried, and that they finally predicated that there would be an earthquake on a future day by them named, and that when that day arrived there was great excitement and commotion among the people, such as was never known here before or since.
   About the year 1862, some facts new to me came into my possession, since which time I have made use of all the means in my power to collect all the information connected with that matter which could possibly be obtained. On this thorough investigation, or at least an investigation which has taken much of my time, I have become convinced that the narrations given me by the old people were correct, so far as they went, and they went so far as to include nearly all the open transactions of the Woods; but the origin of that affair and the results are, in my judgment, important and the facts bearing upon these I have obtained, for the most part, since 1862.
   The Woods were among the early settlers of the town. They came here from Bennington, had not been there long; they came to this State from Norwick, Conn.; some of them were here as early as 1782. In 1800, they had become more numerous than any family or families of the same or of one name in the town. There were here at this time: Nathaniel Wood, Nathaniel Wood, Jr., Ephraim Wood, Jacob Wood, Ebenezer Wood, Ebenezer Wood, Jr., John Wood, John Wood, Jr., Philemon Wood, Lewis Wood, David Wood and Moseley Wood.
   Nathaniel Wood, "the old man of all," as he was called, was the father of Nathaniel Wood, Jr., and of Jacob and Ephraim Wood. Nathaniel Wood was a preacher. After the Congregational Church was organized, he offered himself to them as their minister, but Deacon Jonathan Brewster, having known him in Connecticut, opposed it. Wood persisted for a considerable length of time in his efforts to become their pastor, but Deacon Brewster determinedly opposed it and succeeded in carrying the church with him; but either to gratify some of Mr. Wood's friends in the church, or to appease him, they passed a vote in which they recognized him "as a leader" in the church. He was a member of the church, as would appear from the records, although he never signed the articles, as did others of that time. The records of that church show that for four or five years, commencing in 1784, there was an almost uninterrupted controversy going on between Mr. Wood and the church, or between him and some one or more of its members. In 1789, the church passed the following:
   "That Joseph Spaulding, Lewis Wood and Increase Rudd, be a committee to confer with Mr. Nathaniel Wood, and tell him his fault, viz: of saying one thing and doing contrary, and persisting in contention, and saying in convention that he wished for a council; and when the church, by their committee, proposed to have a council to settle the whole matter, he utterly refused."
   He seemed to have treated this action of the church with contempt, and in October, 1789, the church excommunicated him. It does not appear from the records of the church, that there was any controversy between him and them upon doctrines, but the disputes arose mostly from his charges against members, and against the church, in which he claimed that injustice had been done to him in their action on several occasions. He was a very ambitious man, fond of contention, and had an indomitable will that could not endure defeat; a man of great mental power, and, allowing me to judge from information I have obtained, was as dishonest and unscrupulous in matters of religion as any modern politician has been in politics. When he found he could not rule the congregational church, he seemed determined to ruin it. He was a formidable antagonist; but with such men as Jonathan Brewster, Joseph Spaulding and Gideon Miner in that church, he could make but little progress in that direction.
   After Mr. Wood was excluded from the church, he set up meetings of his own, and preached to those who came to hear him, and succeeded, after awhile, in getting quite a congregation, consisting of his own family and family connections, and some others. He held his meetings mostly at the dwelling houses of his sons. His religious doctrines, whatever they might have been while in the congregational church, appeared to be far from orthodox after his independent organization, if organization it was. He professed to believe in supernatural agencies, and dwelt very much in his preaching on the judgments of God, which he claimed would visit the people by the special acts of Providence, as did the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah and the plagues of Egypt. The judgments of God were his favorite themes. At first his own family did not appear to adopt his new doctrines; but such was his tenacity and perseverance, that by the year 1800 he had drawn them all in, with many others outside of his family and family connections, so that he had at this time a number nearly equal to either of the other denominations in town. His peculiar religious doctrines will appear as we proceed. Suffice it to say, for the present, that he regarded himself and his followers as modern Israelites or Jews, under the special care of Providence; that the Almighty would not only specially interpose in their behalf, but would visit their enemies, the Gentiles (all outsiders), with his wrath and vengeance.
   In this condition we find Nathaniel Wood and his followers when the hazel rod was introduced, and the money digging commenced; but the Woods did not commence it, that honor belongs to a man of another name; but they were in a condition to adopt this man's rod notions, which they did with great effect in their work of deluding the people.
   A man by the name of Winchell, as he called himself when he came here, was the first man who used the hazel rod. From what we have learned of him, he was, undoubtedly, an expert villain. He sought to accomplish his purposes by working upon the hopes and fears of individuals, and by a kind of sorcery, which he performed with great skill. The time he came here I cannot give, but it was, undoubtedly, sometime in the year 1799. He was a fugitive from justice from Orange county, Vermont, where he had been engaged in counterfeiting. He first went to a Mr. Cowdry's, in Wells, who then lived in that town, near the line between Wells and Middletown, in the house now owned and occupied by Robert Parks, Esq. Cowdry was the father of Oliver Cowdry, the noted Mormon, who claimed to have been one of the witnesses to Joe Smith's revelations, and to have written the book of Mormon, as it was deciphered by Smith from the golden plates. Winchell, I have been told, was a friend and acquaintance of Cowdry's, but of this I cannot be positive, they were intimate afterwards; but Winchell staid at Cowdry's some little time, keeping himself concealed, and it is the opinion of some with whom I have conversed that he commenced his operations of digging for money in Wells, but I have been unable to determine as to that. It is well known that there was a good deal of money digging in that part of Wells. Whether it commenced at the time spoken of, when Winchell went there, or afterwards, is, to my mind, unsettled.
   Winchell next turns up in Middletown, at Ezekiel Perry's, in the fall or forepart of the winter of 1799. Perry lived at the extreme south part of the town, on the road to Pawlet. Here he staid all winter, keeping himself from the public eye, practicing his arts of deception as he had opportunity to do so, without attracting too much attention; and here he began to use the hazel rod (whether he had before used it at Cowdry's, in Wells, I cannot say). He would tell fortunes, and do other wondrous things with it. In the spring of 1800, feeling, perhaps, a little more secure from those who desired to find him and bring him to justice, he gathered quite a number about him from the immediate neighborhood, and told them there was money buried in that region, and with his rod he could find it; and told them if they would assist in digging it out, and forever keep it a secret, he would give them a part of the money. This they agreed to, and were all eager to commence digging.
...

(Note: Smith and Rann drew principally from this account in a description of the movement in their 1886 History of Rutland County.)

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William Smith Account

William Smith

1875

My fathers religious habbits was strictly Pios & Morral his faith in the Universal restoration doctrin however often brought him in Contact with the advocates of the doctrin of endless misrey the belief in the ultimate and final redemtion of all mankind to heaven and happiness, brought down upon my father the aprobiem or slur of Old Jo Smith.

Palmyra, N.Y., Copies of Old Village Records, 1793-1867 (Salt Lake City: LDS Church Genealogical Dept., 1970), film #812869; microfilm 900, reel #60 at Harold B. Lee Library, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah

Palmyra Road Tax List

Palmyra Road Tax List

1817-1822

(Note: The Road Tax List was compiled in April of each year, and District 26 included West Main Street, Walworth Road, and present Stafford Road.
With the lists for 1817 and 1820 apparently in reverse-order, dwelling locations can be approximated from the placement of the names. From 1817-1819 Joseph Smith Sr. was apparently living between Jeremiah Hurlbut and Zebulon Williams, neighbors on Main Street near present Stafford Road. In 1820 Joseph Smith Sr. appears in a different location near Ebenezer Barnes, and Alvin appears on the opposite side of the list from Hurlbut. In 1821-1822 Joseph Sr. appears with Alvin opposite Hurlbut, with Hyrum joining them in 1821. There are no known lists for the years 1823, 1824 or 1825. The next list is for the year 1826 when the Smith family lived in Manchester.
This source is a typescript made by Doris Nesbitt in 1970. Sometime after 1970 the original document went missing.)

Historical Magazine (second series),Vol 7, Interview with the Father of Joseph Smith, pg 307

Arriving at the stone, he again lifted it, with the aid of superhuman power, as at first, and secured the first, or uppermost article, this time putting it carefully into the pillow-case, before laying it down. He now attempted to secure the remainder... Joseph ascertained that the remaining articles were a gold hilt and chain, and a gold ball with two pointers. The hilt and chain had once been part of a sword of unusual size; but the blade had rusted away and become useless. Joseph then turned the rock back, took the article in the pillow-case, and returned to the wagon;... "I weighed it," said Mr. Smith, Senior, "and it weighed thirty pounds."
In answer to our question, as to what it was that Joseph had thus obtained, he said it consisted of a set of gold plates, about six inches wide, and nine or ten inches long. They were in the form of a book, half an inch thick, but were not bound at the back, like our books, but were held together by several gold rings, in such a way that the plates could be opened similar to a book. Under the first plate, or lid, he found a pair of spectacles, about one and a half inches longer than those used at the present day, the eyes not of glass, but of diamond. On the next page were representations of all the masonic implements, as used by masons at the present day. The remaining pages were closely written over in characters of some unknown tongue, the last containing the alphabet of this unknown language.

Minutes of the Ontario Baptist Association... together with their Circular and Corresponding Letter, 1819-1825

Baptist Church Records

1819-1825

Membership Totals:
Palmyra...

September 22d and 23d, 1819... 149
September 26th and 27th, 1821... 149
September 25th and 26th, 1822... 142
September 24th and 25th, 1823... 144
September 22d and 23d, 1824... 132
September 28th and 29th, 1825... 219

The Joseph Smith Papers, Lucy Mack Smith, History, 1844-1845, pg. 40

Lucy recalls that Joseph did not speak much about religion before Moroni's visit

The 3 harvest time had now arrived since we opened our new farm and all our sons were actively employed in assisting their Father to cut down the grain and storing it away in order, One evening we were sitting till quite late conversing upon the subject of the diversity of churches that had risen up in the world and the many thousand opinions in existence as to the truths contained in scripture. Joseph never said many words upon any subject but always seemed to reflect more deeply than common persons of his age upon everything of a religious nature.
After we ceased conversation he went to bed but he had not laid there long till a bright enter the room where he lay he looked up and saw an angel of the Lord by him The angel spoke I perceive that you are enquiring in your mind which is the true church there is not a true church on Earth No not one has not been since Peter took the Keys into the Kingdom of Heaven The churches that are now upon the Earth are all man made churches There is a record for you and Joseph but you cannot get it untill you learn to keep the commandments of God..."

Mormonism Unvailed, E.D. Howe, pgs 237-239

Testimony of William Stafford

William Stafford, witnessed by Th. P. Baldwin

   I first became acquainted with Joseph, Sen., and his family in the year 1820. They lived, at that time, in Palmyra, about one mile and a half from my residence. A great part of their time was devoted to digging for money; especially in the night time, when they said the money could be most easily obtained. I have heard them tell marvellous tales, respecting the discoveries they had made in their peculiar occupation of money digging. They would say, for instance, that in such a place, in such a hill, on a certain man's farm, there were deposited keys, barrels and hogsheads of coined silver and gold - bars of gold, golden images, brass kettles filled with gold and silver - gold candlesticks, swords, &c. &.c They would say, also, that nearly all the hills in this part of New York, were thrown up by human hands, and in them were large caves, which Joseph, Jr., could see, by placing a stone of singular appearance in his hat, in such a manner as to exclude all light; at which time they pretended he could see all things within and under the earth, - that he could see within the above mentioned caves, large gold bars and silver plates - that he could also discover the spirits in whose charge these treasures were, clothed in ancient dress. At certain times, these treasures could be obtained very easily; at others, the obtaining of them was difficult. The facility of approaching them, depended in a great measure on the state of the moon. New moon and good Friday, I believe, were regarded as the most favorable times for obtaining these treasures. These tales I regarded as visionary. However, being prompted by curiosity, I at length accepted of their invitations, to join them in their nocturnal excursions. I will now relate a few incidents attending these excursions.
   Joseph Smith, Sen., came to me one night, and told me, that Joseph Jr. had been looking in his glass, and had seen, not many rods from his house, two or three kegs of gold and silver, some feet under the surface of the earth; and that none others but the elder Joseph and myself could get them. I accordingly consented to go, and early in the evening repaired to the place of deposit. Joseph, Sen. first made a circle, twelve or fourteen feet in diameter. This circle, said he, contains the treasure. He then stuck in the ground a row of witch hazel sticks, around the said circle, for the purpose of keeping off the evil spirits. Within this circle he made another, of about eight or ten feet in diameter. He walked around three times on the periphery of this last circle, muttering to himself something which I could not understand. He next stuck a steel rod in the centre of the circles, and then enjoined profound silence upon us, lest we should arouse the evil spirit who had the charge of these treasures. After we had dug a trench about five feet in depth around the rod, the old man by signs and motions, asked leave of absense, and went to the house to inquire of young Joseph the cause of our disappointment. He soon returned and said, that Joseph had remained all this time in the house, looking in his stone and watching the motions of the evil spirit - that he saw the spirit come up to the ring and as soon as it beheld the cone which we had formed around the rod, it caused the money to sink. We then went into the house, and the old man observed, that we had made a mistake in the commencement of the operation; if it had not been for that, said he, we should have got the money.
   At another time, they devised a scheme, by which they might satiate their hunger, with the mutton of one of my sheep, a large, fat, black weather. Old Joseph and one of the boys came to me one day, and said that Joseph Jr. had discovered some very remarkable and valuable treasures, which could be procured only in one way. That way, was as follows: - That a black sheep should be taken on to the ground where the treasures were concealed - that after cutting its throat, it should be led around a circle while bleeding. This being done, the wrath of the evil spirit would be appeased: the treasures could then be obtained, and my share of them was to be four fold. To gratify my curiosity, I let them have a large fat sheep. They afterwards informed me, that the sheep was killed pursuant to commandment; but as there was some mistake in the process, it did not have the desired effect. This, I believe, is the only time they ever made money-digging a profitable business. They, however, had around them constantly a worthless gang, whose employment it was to dig money nights, and who, day times, had more to do with mutton than money.
   When they found that the people of this vicinity would no longer put any faith in their schemes for digging money, they then pretended to find a gold bible, of which, they said, the book of Mormon was only an introduction.

William Smith on Mormonism, pgs 9-10

William Smith account

The next day I was at work in the field together with Joseph and my eldest brother Alvin. Joseph looked pale and unwell, so that Alvin told him if he was sick he need not work; he then went and sat down by the fence, when the angel again appeared to him, and told him to call his father's house together and communicate to them the visions he had received, which he had not yet told to any one; and promised him that if he would do so, they would believe it. He accordingly asked us to come to the house, as he had something to tell us. After we were all gathered, he arose and told us how the angel appeared to him; what he had told them as written above; and that the angel had also given him a short account of the inhabitants who formerly resided upon this continent, a full history of whom he said was engraved on some plates which were hidden, and which the angel promised to show him. He continued talking to us sometime. The whole family were melted to tears, and believed all he said. Knowing that he was very young, that he had not enjoyed the advantages of a common education; and knowing too, his whole character and disposition, they were convinced that he was totally incapable of arising before his aged parents, his brothers and sisters, and so solemnly giving utterance to anything but the truth. All of us, therefore, believed him, and anxiously awaited the result of his visit to the hill Cumorah, in search of the plates containing the record of which the angel told him. He went, and upon his return told us that in consequence of his not obeying strictly the commandments which the angel had given him, he could not obtain the record until four years from that time.

Naked Truths About Mormonism, Vol 1, No 1, pg 2, col 5

William Hine's statement

William Riley Hine, witnessed by A. B. Deming

Emma was fine looking, smart, a good singer, and she often got the power. Jo stole his wife, Sunday, while Hale was at church. My wife and I saw him on an old horse with Emma on behind as they passed our house on their way to Bainbridge, N.Y., where they were married.

(Note: No images of this source are available online. Please contact me if you have any information.)

Palmyra newspaper article

After having been thrice thus visited, as he states, he proceeded to the spot, and after having penetrating "mother earth" a short distance, the Bible was found, together with a huge pair of spectacles! He had been directed, however, not to let any mortal being examine them, "under no less penalty" than instant death! They were therefore nicely wrapped up, and excluded from the "vulgar gaze of poor wicked mortals!"

The Joseph Smith Papers, Lucy Mack Smith, History, 1844-1845, pgs 38-39

Lucy Tells of Affectionate Friends

And if we might judege by any external manifestation we had every reason to believe that we had many Good and affectionate friends for never have I seen more kindness or attention shown to any person or family than we received from those around us Again we began to rejoice in our prosperity and our hearts glowed with gratitude to God for the manifestations of his favor that surrounded tr us Permit me here to relate a little circumstance by way of illustration A friend of mine having invited several of her associates to take tea with her one afternoon sent an urgeant request for me also to call on her with the rest we spent the time quite pleasantly each seeming to enjoy those reciprocal feelings which renders the society of our friends delightful to us. when tea was served up we were passing some good-natured remarks upon each other when one lady observed Well I declare Mrs ought not to live in that log house of her's any longer she deserves a better fate and I say she must have a new house. so she should says another for she is so kind to every one She ought to have the best of every thing Now Ladies said I thank you for your compliments but you are quite mistaken I will show you that I am the wealthiest woman that sits at this table Well said they now make those appear. Now mark answered I to them I have never prayed for riches as perhaps you have but I have always desired that God would enable me to use enough wisdom and forbearance in my family to set good precepts & examples before my children as also to secure the confidence and affection of my husband that we acting togather in the education and instruction of our children that we might in our old age reap the reward of circumspection joined with parental tenderness viz the Pleasure of seeing our children dignify their Fathers name by an upright and honorable course of conduct in after life I have been gratified so far in all this and more I have tis true suffered many disagreable disapointments in life with regard to property but I now find myself very comfortably situated to what any of you are what we have has not been obtained at the expense of the comfort of any human being we owe no man anything we never distressed any man this circumstance almost invariably attends the Mercantile life so I have no reason to envy those who are engaged. beside there is none present who have this kind of weath that have not lately met with a loss of children or othe friends (which really was the case) and now as for Mrs. the minister's lady I ask you how many nights of the week you are kept awake with anxiety about your Sons who are in habitual attendance on the Grog Shop & gambling house. they all said with a melancholly look that showed conviction Mrs S. you have established the fact I merely relate this that you may draw a moral therefrom that may be useful to you

Historical Magazine (second series),Vol 7, Interview with the Father of Joseph Smith, pg 306

Report on an 1830 Interview with Joseph Smith, Sr.

His son Joseph, whom he called the illiterate, when about fourteen years of age, happened to be where a man was looking into a dark stone and telling people, therefrom, where to dig for money and other things. Joseph requested the privilege of looking into the stone, which he did by putting his face into the hat where the stone was. It proved to be not the right stone for him; but he could see some things, and, among them, he saw the stone, and where it was, in which he could see whatever he wished to see. Smith claims and believes that there is a stone of this quality, somewhere, for every one. The place where he saw the stone was not far from their house; and, under pretence of digging a well, they found water and the stone at a depth of twenty or twenty-two feet.

The Prophet of Palmyra, Thomas Gregg, 1890, pgs 42-43

Devil in the flickering candle

Stephen S. Harding

Feb, 1882

The reading had proceeded for some time, when the candle began to spit and splutter, sometimes almost going out, and flashing up with a red-blue blaze. Here was a phenomenon that could not be mistaken. To say that the blaze had been interrupted by the flax shives that remained in the tow wicking, would not do; but Martin Harris arrived at a conclusion "across lots:" "Do you see that," said he, directing his remark to me and the old lady, who sat beside him. "I know what that means; it is the Devil trying to put out the light, so that we can't read any more."

The New York Spectator, September 23, 1843

1843 Interview with David Nye White

The Lord does reveal himself to me. I know it. He revealed himself first to me when I was about fourteen years old, a mere boy. I will tell you about it. There was a reformation among the different religious denominations in the neighborhood where I lived, and I became serious and was desirous to know what Church to join.
While thinking of this matter, I opened the Testament promiscuously on these words, in James, Ask of the Lord who giveth to all men liberally and upbraideth not. I just determined I'd ask him. I immediately went out into the woods where my father had a clearing, and went to the stump where I had stuck my axe when I had quit work, and I kneeled down, and prayed, saying, O Lord, what Church shall I join? Directly I saw a light, and then a glorious personage in the light, and then another personage, and first personage said to the second, Behold my beloved Son, hear him. -I then addressed this second person, saying, O Lord, what Church shall I join? He replied, "don't join any of them, they are all corrupt." The vision then vanished and when I came to myself, I was sprawling on my back; and it was some time before my strength returned.

Aug 29, 1843

Mormonism Unvailed, E.D. Howe, pgs 270-72

Charles Anthon Letter to E.D. Howe

Charles Anthon

17 Feb, 1834

Dear Sir –
I received this morning your favor of the 9th instant, and lose no time in making a reply. The whole story about my having pronounced the Mormonite inscription to be "reformed Egyptian hieroglyphics" is perfectly false. Some years ago, a plain, and apparently simple-hearted farmer, called upon me with a note from Dr. Mitchell of our city, now deceased, requesting me to decypher, if possible, a paper, which the farmer would hand me, and which Dr. M. confessed he had been unable to understand. Upon examining the paper in question, I soon came to the conclusion that it was all a trick, perhaps a hoax. When I asked the person, who brought it, how he obtained the writing, he gave me, as far as I can now recollect, the following account: A "gold book," consisting of a number of plates of gold, fastened together in the shape of a book by wires of the same metal, had been dug up in the northern part of the state of New York, and along with the book an enormous pair of "gold spectacles"! These spectacles were so large, that, if a person attempted to look through them, his two eyes would have to be turned towards one of the glasses merely, the spectacles in question being altogether too large for the breadth of the human face. Whoever examined the plates through the spectacles, was enabled not only to read them, but fully to understand their meaning. All this knowledge, however, was confined at that time to a young man, who had the trunk containing the book and spectacles in his sole possession. This young man was placed behind a curtain, in the garret of a farm house, and, being thus concealed from view, put on the spectacles occasionally, or rather, looked through one of the glasses, decyphered the characters in the book, and, having committed some of them to paper, handed copies from behind the curtain, to those who stood on the outside. Not a word, however, was said about the plates having been decyphered "by the gift of God." Every thing, in this way, was effected by the large pair of spectacles. The farmer added, that he had been requested to contribute a sum of money towards the publication of the "golden book," the contents of which would, as he had been assured, produce an entire change in the world and save it from ruin. So urgent had been these solicitations, that he intended selling his farm and handing over the amount received to those who wished to publish the plates. As a last precautionary step, however, he had resolved to come to New York, and obtain the opinion of the learned about the meaning of the paper which he brought with him, and which had been given him as a part of the contents of the book, although no translation had been furnished at the time by the young man with the spectacles. On hearing this odd story, I changed my opinion about the paper, and, instead of viewing it any longer as a hoax upon the learned, I began to regard it as part of a scheme to cheat the farmer of his money, and I communicated my suspicions to him, warning him to beware of rogues. He requested an opinion from me in writing, which of course I declined giving, and he then took his leave carrying the paper with him. This paper was in fact a singular scrawl. It consisted of all kinds of crooked characters disposed in columns, and had evidently been prepared by some person who had before him at the time a book containing various alphabets. Greek and Hebrew letters, crosses and flourishes, Roman letters inverted or placed sideways, were arranged in perpendicular columns, and the whole ended in a rude delineation of a circle divided into various compartments, decked with various strange marks, and evidently copied after the Mexican Calender given by Humboldt, but copied in such a way as not to betray the source whence it was derived. I am thus particular as to the contents of the paper, inasmuch as I have frequently conversed with my friends on the subject, since the Mormonite excitement began, and well remember that the paper contained any thing else but "Egyptian Hieroglyphics." Some time after, the same farmer paid me a second visit. He brought with him the golden book in print, and offered it to me for sale. I declined purchasing. He then asked permission to leave the book with me for examination. I declined receiving it, although his manner was strangely urgent. I adverted once more to the roguery which had been in my opinion practised upon him, and asked him what had become of the gold plates. He informed me that they were in a trunk with the large pair of spectacles. I advised him to go to a magistrate and have the trunk examined. He said the "curse of God" would come upon him should he do this. On my pressing him, however, to pursue the course which I had recommended, he told me that he would open the trunk, if I would take the "curse of God" upon myself. I replied that I would do so with the greatest willingness, and would incur every risk of that nature, provided I could only extricate him from the grasp of rogues. He then left me.
I have thus given you a full statement of all that I know respecting the origin of Mormonism, and must beg you, as a personal favor, to publish this letter immediately, should you find my name mentioned again by these wretched fanatics.

Ontario. Common Pleas Court papers in cases of Joseph Smith Sr. and Jeremiah Hurlbut, Church History Library, pg 1

Agreement between Joseph Smith Sr. and Jeremiah Hurlbut

Joseph Smith Sr, Alvin Smith

27 Mar, 1818

For value Received I Promise to Pay to Jeremiah Hurlbut Or Barer the sum Of Sixty five Dollars to be Paid in good Merchant Grain at the market Price by the first January next with use for value Received

(Note: This promissory note indicates that the Smiths promised to create a crop of grain in 1818 using materials obtained from Jeremiah Hurlbut which would be paid for by the resulting harvest.)

Tiffany's Monthly, Vol 5, No 4, Mormonism - No. II, pgs 163-64

Interview with Martin Harris

Joel Tiffany

Mr. Harris says... "There was a company there in that neighborhood, who were digging for money supposed to have been hidden by the ancients. Of this company were old Mr Stowel-I think his name was Josiah-also old Mr. Beman, also Samuel Lawrence, George Proper, Joseph Smith, jr., and his father, and his brother Hiram Smith. They dug for money in Palmyra, Manchester, also in Pennsylvania, and other places. When Joseph found this stone, there was a company digging in Harmony, Pa., and they took Joseph to look in the stone for them, and he did so for a while, and then he told them the enchantment was so strong that he could not see, and they gave it up...
It was reported by these money-diggers, that they had found boxes, but before they could secure them, they would sink into the earth. A candid old Presbyterian told me, that on the Susquehannah flats he dug down to an iron chest, that he scraped the dirt off with his shovel, but had nothing with him to open the chest; that he went away to get help, and when they came to it, it moved away two or three rods into the earth, and they could not get it. There were a great many strange sights. One time the old log school-house south of Palmyra, was suddenly lighted up, and frightened them away. Samuel Lawrence told me that while they were digging, a large man who appeared to be eight or nine feet high, came and sat on the ridge of the barn, and motioned to them that they must leave. They motioned back that they would not; but that they afterwards became frightened and did leave. At another time while they were digging, a company of horsemen came and frightened them away. These things were real to them, I believe, because they were told to me in confidence, and told by different ones, and their stories agreed, and they seemed to be in earnest-I knew they were in earnest."

From the Prophet's Life: A Photo Essay, Ensign, Jan 1984

Smith Family Bible

1866

BIRTHS... Alvin Smith June 15th, 1828

Origin, rise, and progress of Mormonism : biography of its founders and history of its church : personal remembrances and historical collections hitherto unwritten ..., pgs 45-47

Pomeroy Tucker's Account

As might have been anticipated, Harris's wife became exceedingly annoyed and disgusted with what she called her husband's "craziness." She foresaw, as she thought, that if he incurred the printing liability, as he had avowed to her his purpose of doing, the event would be the ruin of herself and family. Thus exercised, she contrived, in her husband's sleep, to steal from him the particular source of her disturbance, and burned the manuscript to ashes. For years she kept the incendiarism a profound secret to herself, even until after the book was published. Smith and Harris held her accountable for the theft, but supposed she had handed the manuscript to some "evil-designing persons" to be used somehow in injuring their cause. A feud was thus produced between the husband and wife, which was never reconciled.
Great consternation now pervaded the Mormon circles. The reappearance of the mysterious stranger at Smith's was again the subject of inquiry and conjecture by observers, from whom was withheld all explanation of his identity or purpose. It was not at first an easy task to convince the prophet of the entire innocency of his trusted friend Harris in the matter of this calamitous event, though mutual confidence and friendship were ultimately restored. The great trouble was, the lost translations could not be replaced, or at least such apparently was the difficulty. It might be supposed that, with his golden plates and spectacles before him, and with the benefit of the divine aid as he claimed, the prophet could easily have supplied a duplicate; and so he doubtless would have done had he really been the translator or original author of the composition. To explain his inability to reproduce the missing pages, he said he had received a revelation of the Lord's displeasure for his imprudence in placing them in Harris's hands, and on this account forbidding his rewriting the same; and another reason for this interdiction was, that his enemies had obtained possession of the manuscripts, and altered them with a view of "confounding him" and embarrassing his great work of enlightenment and salvation! He and Harris were undoubtedly led to suppose that the lost manuscripts remained in existence, and might somehow be used for the object assigned.

Gleanings by the way, pgs 222 & 225

The Joseph Smith Papers, Agreement with Isaac Hale, 6 April 1829, pgs 1-2

Agreement with Isaac Hale

Isaac Hale

6 Apr, 1829

This Agreement made and Concluded this 6th day of April Ano Domini one thousand eight hundred and twenty nine Between Isaac Hale of the Township of Harmony in the County of Susquehanna and State of Pennsyvania of the one part and Joseph Smith Jun. of the Township County and State aforesaid of the other part Witnesseth that the said Isaac Hale hereby Covenants and agrees to sell and convey to the said Joseph Smith Jun. his Heirs Executors Administrators or assigns by a good and sufficient Deed containing a General Warranty all that certain piece or parcel of land with its appurtenances situate lying and being in the Township of Harmony in the County of Susquehanna and State of Pennsyvania and butted bounded and described as follows Viz. Begining at a Post on the North side bank of the Susquehann River thence North half a degree West one hundred & eleven perches to a post thence North eighty nine and a half degrees East twenty perches to a post thence South half a degree East one hund red and nineteen perches to a Sugar tree on the Bank of said River thence down the River to Bank to the place of Begining Containing in the whole thirteen Acres and eighty Rods be the same more or less, In consideration and for the some of two hundred Dollars to be paid in the following Parshal paymets Viz. one Hundred & fourteen Dollars to be paid by the first of May 1829, and the remainder the first of May 1830 For the due performance of the covenants and agreements afore said the said parties hereby bind themself themselves their Heirs executors Administrators and assigns each to the other respectfully respectively in the penal sum of four hundred Dollars to be paid by the party delinquent to the party complaining In Witness wher of they have hereunto set their hands and seals the day and year first above written

Signed Sealed and	Joseph Smith Jr.	Signed
Delivered in presence	Isaac Hale	Sealed
Oliver H P Cowdery
Samuel H Smith

   Received on the within Sixty four Dollars April 6th 1829     Isaac Hale
   Received on the within fifty April 27th 1829     Isaac Hale
   Received the interest on the within in full up to this date June the 21. 1830     Isaac Hale
   Recd on the within in full Harmony August 26th. 1830

"The Golden Bible." Republican Advocate (Wooster, Ohio), 4 December 1830, pg 2

Ohio Star Report

Ohio Star

9 Dec, 1830

In the Fall of 1827, a man named Joseph Smith of Manchester, Ontario county, N.Y. reported that he had three times been visited in a dream, by the spirit of the Almighty, and informed that in a certain hill in that town, was a Golden Bible, containing an ancient record of a divine nature and origin.

Minutes of the Annual Conferences (1773-1828), pgs 282, 296, 312, 330, 346, 366, 384, 408, 446, & 471

Methodist Church Records

1816-1825

What numbers are in Society?
Whites... Ontario...

Minutes for (July 17) 1816... 700
Minutes for (June 21) 1817... 900
Minutes for (July 16) 1818... 700
Minutes for (July 1) 1819... 674
Minutes for (July 20) 1820... 670
Minutes for (July 19) 1821... 621
Minutes for (July 24) 1822... 491
Minutes for (July 15) 1823... 502
Minutes for (July 25) 1824... 417
Minutes for (August 17) 1825... 627

(Note: Palmyra is located in the Ontario district)

The Presbytery of Geneva Reports to the Synod of Geneva, 1818-1825

Presbyterian Church Records

1818-1824

The Presbytery of Geneva Report to the Synod of Geneva...
Communicants... Total...
1818 (Feb 5)... West Palmyra... 50
1819 (Feb 4)... West Palmyra... 61
1820 (Feb 4)... West Palmyra... 61
1821 (Mar 22)... West Palmyra... 71
1822 or 1823... West Palmyra... 79
1824 (Sep 10)... West Palmyra... 178

1818 (Feb 5)... East Palmyra... 125
1819 (Feb 4)... East Palmyra... 125
1820 (Feb 4)... East Palmyra... 125
1821 (Mar 22)... East Palmyra... 125
1824 (Sep 10)... East Palmyra... 106

The Joseph Smith Papers, Revelation, April 1829-D [D&C 9], pgs 20-21

Gift Taken Away

   A Revelation given to Oliver, in Harmony, Pennsylvania, April, 1829.
   BEHOLD I say unto you, my son, that, because you did not translate according to that which you desired of me, and did commence again to write for my servant Joseph, even so I would that you should continue until you have finished this record, which I have intrusted unto you: and then behold, other records have I, that I will give unto you power that you may assist to translate.
   Be patient my son, for it is wisdom in me, and it is not expedient that you should translate at this present time. Behold the work which you are called to do, is to write for my servant Joseph; and behold it is because that you did not continue as you commenced, when you begun to translate, that I have taken away this privilege from you. Do not murmur my son, for it is wisdom in me that I have dealt with you after this manner.
   Behold you have not understood, you have supposed that I would give it unto you, when you took no thought, save it was to ask me; but behold I say unto you, that you must study it out in your mind; then you must ask me if it be right, and if it is right, I will cause that your bosom shall burn within you: therefore, you shall feel that it is right; but if it be not right, you shall have no such feelings, but you shall have a stupor of thought, that shall cause you to forget the thing which is wrong: therefore, you cannot write that which is sacred, save it be given you from me.
   Now if you had known this, you could have translated: nevertheless, it is not expedient that you should translate now. Behold it was expedient when you commenced, but you feared and the time is past, that it is not expedient now: for, do you not behold that I have given unto my servant Joseph sufficient strength, whereby it is made up? and neither of you have I condemned.

The Joseph Smith Papers, Minute Book 1, pg 27

Council Meeting of Feb, 1834

Minute Book 1

12 Feb, 1834

The council was organized, and opened by bro. Joseph Smith Jun in prayer. Bro. Joseph then rose and said: I shall now endeavour to set forth before this council, the dignity of the office which has been conferred upon me by the ministring of the Angel of God, by his own voice and by the voice of this church.

Latter Day Saints' Messenger and Advocate, Vol 1, No 1, pgs 15-16

Oliver Cowdery in the Messenger and Advocate

   After writing the account given of the Savior's ministry to the remnant of the seed of Jacob, upon this continent, it was easy to be seen, as the prophet said it would be, that darkness covered the earth and gross darkness the minds of the people. On reflecting further it was as easy to be seen that amid the great strife and noise concerning religion, none had authority from God to administer the ordinances of the Gospel. For the question might be asked, have men authority to administer in the name of Christ, who deny revelations, when His testimony is no less than the spirit of prophecy, and His religion based, built, and sustained by immediate revelations, in all ages of the world when He has had a people on earth? If these facts were buried, and carefully concealed by men whose craft would have been in danger if once permitted to shine in the faces of men, they were no longer to us; and we only waited for the commandment to be given "Arise and be baptized."
   This was not long desired before it was realized. The Lord, who is rich in mercy, and ever willing to answer the consistent prayer of the humble, after we had called upon Him in a fervent manner, aside from the abodes of men, condescended to manifest to us His will. On a sudden, as from the midst of eternity, the voice of the Redeemer spake peace to us, while the veil was parted and the angel of God came down clothed with glory, and delivered the anxiously looked for message, and the keys of the Gospel of repentance. What joy! what wonder! what amazement! While the world was racked and distracted-while millions were groping as the blind for the wall, and while all men were resting upon uncertainty, as a general mass, our eyes beheld, our ears heard, as in the "blaze of day"; yes, more-above the glitter of the May sunbeam, which then shed its brilliancy over the face of nature! Then his voice, though mild, pierced to the center, and his words, "I am thy fellow-servant," dispelled every fear. We listened, we gazed, we admired! 'Twas the voice of an angel from glory, 'twas a message from the Most High! And as we heard we rejoiced, while His love enkindled upon our souls, and we were wrapped in the vision of the Almighty! Where was room for doubt? Nowhere; uncertainty had fled, doubt had sunk no more to rise, while fiction and deception had fled forever!
   But, dear brother, think, further think for a moment, what joy filled our hearts, and with what surprise we must have bowed, (for who would not have bowed the knee for such a blessing?) when we received under his hand the Holy Priesthood as he said, "Upon you my fellow-servants, in the name of Messiah, I confer this Priesthood and this authority, which shall remain upon earth, that the Sons of Levi may yet offer an offering unto the Lord in righteousness!"

October, 1834

Kansas City Times, April 11, 1895

Katherine Smith Salisbury's Talk

Katherine Smith Salisbury

11 Apr, 1895

   Joseph said; "What shall I do?"
   He said: "Come here next year at this time and bring your oldest brother with you, and you can receive the records."
   In November my brother took sick, and through the ministering of medicine by the doctors he passed away. Joseph went to the place and inquired of the angel what he should do now.
   The angel said, "You must bring some person with you."
   And Joseph said, "Who shall I bring? My oldest brother is gone."
   The angel said, "You will know her when you see her."
   That fall he went down to Pennsylvania and became acquainted with his wife, Miss Hale, and he knew when he saw her that she was the one to go with him to get the records.

(Note: No image of this article is available online. Please contact me if you have any information.)

The Joseph Smith Papers, History, 1838-1856, volume A-1, pgs 24-25

The Canonized Account

Not many days after the above commandment was given, we four, viz Martin Harris, David Whitmer, Oliver Cowdery and myself, agreed to retire into the woods, and try to obtain by fervent and humble prayer, the fulfilment of the promises given in this revelation; that they should have a view of the plates &c. we accordingly made choice of a piece of woods convenient to Mr Whitmer's house, to which we retired, and having knelt down, we began to pray in much faith, to Almighty God to bestow upon us a realization of those promises. According to previous arrangement, I commenced by vocal prayer to our Heavenly Father and was folowed by each of the rest in succession; we did not yet however obtain any answer or manifestation of the divine favour in our behalf. We again observed the same order of prayer each calling on and praying fervently to God in rotation; but with the same result as before. Upon this our second failure, Martin Harris proposed that he would withdraw himself from us, believing as he expressed himself that his presence was the cause of our not obtaining what we wished for: He accordingly withdrew from us, and we knelt down again, and had not been many minutes engaged in prayer when presently we beheld a light above us in the air of exceeding brightness, and behold, an angel stood before us; in his hands he held the plates which we had been praying for these to have a view of: he turned over the leaves one by one, so that we could see them, and discern the engravings thereon distinctly: He addressed himself to David Whitmer, and said, "David, blessed is the Lord, and he that keeps all his commandments:" when immediately afterwards we heard a voice from out of the bright light above us, saying "These plates have been revealed by the power of God, and they have been translated by the power of God; the translation of them which you have seen is correct, and I command you to bear record of what you now see and hear".- I now left David and Oliver, and went in pursuit of Martin Harris, who I found at a considerable distance fervently engaged in prayer; he soon told me however that he had not yet prevailed with the Lord, and earnestly requested me, to join him in prayer, that he also might realize the same blessings which we had just recieved: we accordingly joined in prayer, and ultimately obtained our desires, for before we had yet finished, the same vision was opened to our view; at least it was again to me, and I once more beheld, and seen, and heard the same things; whilst at the same moment, Martin Harris cried out, apparently in an ecstasy of Joy "'Tis enough, 'tis enough; mine eyes have beheld, mine eyes have beheld", and jumping up he shouted, Hosanna, blessing God; and otherwise rejoiced exceedingly. Having thus through the mercy of God, obtained these glorious manifestations, it now remained for these three individuals to fulfil the commandment which they had received, viz: to bear record of these things; in order to accomplish which, they drew up and subscribed the following document.

The Joseph Smith Papers, Book of Commandments, 1833, pg 33

Revelation to John Whitmer

   HEARKEN my servant John, and listen to the words of Jesus Christ, your Lord and your Redeemer, for behold I speak unto you with sharpness and with power, for mine arm is over all the earth, and I will tell you that which no man knoweth save me and thee alone: for many times you have desired of me to know that which would be of the most worth unto you.
   2 Behold, blessed are you for this thing, and for speaking my words which I have given you, according to my commandments:
   3 And now behold I say unto you, that the thing which will be of the most worth unto you, will be to declare repentance unto this people, that you may bring souls unto me, that you may rest with them in the kingdom of my Father. Amen.

The Historical Record 7, Nos. 8-10, October 1888, pg 621

Mary Whitmer according to her grandson John C. Whitmer

Andrew Jenson

October, 1888

Her son, David Whitmer, before his death, testified on several occasions that his mother had seen the plates, and when the writer visited Richmond, Missouri, a few weeks ago, John C. Whitmer, a grandson of the lady in question testified in the following language:
"I have heard my grandmother (Mary M. Whitmer) say on several occasions that she was shown the plates of the Book of Mormon by an holy angel, whom she always called Brother Nephi. (She undoubtedly refers to Moroni, the angel who had the plates in charge.) It was at the time, she said, when the translation was going on at the house of the elder Peter Whitmer, her husband. Joseph Smith and his wife and Oliver Cowdery, whom David Whitmer a short time previous had brought up from Harmony, Pennsylvania, were all boarding with the Whitmers, and my grandmother in having so many extra persons to care for, besides her own large household, was often overloaded with work to such an extent that she felt it to be quite a burden. One evening, when (after having done her usual day's work in the house) she went to the barn to milk the cows, she met a stranger carrying something on his back that looked like a knapsack. At first she was a little afraid of him, but when he spoke to her in a kind, friendly tone and began to explain to her the nature of the work which was going on in her house (that is, the translation of the Book of Mormon), she was filled with unexpressible joy and satisfaction. He then untied his knapsack and showed her a bundle of plates, which in size and appearance corresponded with the description subsequently given by the witnesses to the Book of Mormon. This strange person turned the leaves of the book of plates over, leaf after leaf, and also showed her the engravings upon them; after which he told her to be patient and faithful in bearing her burden a little longer, promising that if she would do so, she should be blessed; and her reward would be sure, if she proved faithful to the end. The personage then suddenly vanished with the plates, and where he went, she could not tell. From that moment my grandmother was enabled to perform her household duties with comparative ease, and she felt no more inclination to murmur because her lot was hard. I knew my grandmother to be a good, noble and truthful woman, and I have not the least doubt of her statement in regard to seeing the plates being strictly true. She was a strong believer in the Book of Mormon until the day of her death."

The Book of Pukei, Chapter 1, The Reflector, Palmyra, 12 Jun, 1830, pgs 36-37

The Book of Pukei, Chapter 1

   1. And it came to pass in the latter days, that wickedness did much abound, and the "Idle and slothful said one to another, let us send for Walters the Magician, who has strange books, and deals with familiar spirits; peradventure he will inform us where the Nephites, hid their treasure, so be it, that we and our vagabond van, do not perish for lack of sustenance.
   2. Now Walters, the Magician, was a man unseemly to look upon, and to profound ignorance added the most consummate imprudence, -- the summons of the idle and slothful, and produced an old book in an unknown tongue, (Cicero's Orations in latin,) from whence he read in the presence of the Idle and Slothful strange stories of hidden treasures and of the spirit who had custody thereof.
   3. And the Idle and Slothful paid tribute unto the Magician, and besought him saying, Oh! thou who art wise above all men, and can interpret the book that no man understandeth, and can discover hidden things by the power of thy enchantments, lead us, we pray thee to the place where the Nephites buried their treasure, and give us power over "the spirit," and we will be thy servants forever.
   4. And the Magician led the rabble unto a dark grove, in a place called Manchester, where after drawing a Magic circle, with a rusty sword, and collecting his motley crew of latter-demallions, within the centre, he sacrificed a Cock (a bird sacred to Minerva) for the purpose of propiciating the prince of spirits.
   5. All things being ready, the Idle and Slothful fell to work with a zeal deserving a better cause, and many a live long night was spent in digging for "the root of all evil."
   6. Howbeit, owing to the wickedness and hardness of their hearts, these credulous and ignorant knaves, were always disappointed, till finally, their hopes, although frequently on the eve of consummation -- like that of the hypocrite perished, and their hearts became faint within them.
   7. And it came to pass, that when the Idle and Slothful became weary of their nightly labors, they said one to another, lo! this imp of the Devil, hath deceived us, let us no more of him, or peradventure, ourselves, our wives, and our little ones, will become chargeable on the town.
   8. Now when Walters the Magician heard these things, he was sorely grieved, and said unto himself, lo! mine occupation is gone, even these ignorant vagabonds, the idle and slothful detect mine impostures. I will away and hide myself, lest the strong arm of the law should bring me to justice.
   9. And he took his book, and his rusty sword, and his magic stone, and his stuffed Toad, and all his implements of witchcraft and retired to the mountains near Great Sodus Bay, where he holds communion with the Devil, even to this day.
   10. Now the rest of the acts of the magician, how his mantle fell upon the prophet Jo. Smith Jun. and how Jo. made a league with the spirit, who afterwards turned out to be an angel, and how he obtained the "Gold Bible." Spectacles, and breast plate -- will they not be faithfully recorded in the book of Pukei?

12 Jun, 1830

The Daily Inter Ocean, Chicago, IL, 30 Jul, 1881, Vol 10, No 107

Ariel McMaster Account

Ariel McMaster

16 Jul, 1881

Things went on in this Way till many people were influenced, and not a little excitement was raised. It was at first laughed about, but finally the better class of people thought that Smith had done enough and had better be driven out of the neighborhood. Peter G. Bridgman, a young man then just about to enter the Methodist ministry, entered a complaint before a magistrate against Smith for deceiving the people. He was arrested and tried. Stowell appeared as a witness for the defendant. He thought to clear his friend by testifying to all the facts in the case, and laid before the court the fraud, deception, and chicanery of Smith. Never did lawyers, court, constables, and the usual crowd that gathers around a country tavern and lawsuit, have a greater scene of merriment than that afternoon. It was related to the writer by one who was there as beyond all description. Smith was found guilty.
But the object of the trial being to compel him to leave the neighborhood, it was arranged that the officer in charge should give him a chance to escape. His counsel having whispered this in his ear, he embraced the opportunity given, and with the best strides his long legs could make he betook himself across the fields to the woods, all the crowd roaring with laughter to see the great prophet run. This ended his work in Chenango County. He went into Pennsylvania, and afterward returned to Broome County, New York, where he was again arrested and came near being treated to a coat of tar and feathers. While there he was in possession of "Manuscript Found," or some part of it. This was in the year 1826 or 1827, and before he had met Sidney Rigdon.

(Note: Reverend Ariel McMaster was born in 1832 and thus could not have attended the trial. In 1974 Reverend Wesley Walters identified the witness named McMaster in the Judge Neely court notes as Ariel's grandfather, David McMaster, who would have been approximately 51 at the time of the trial. Reverend Ariel McMaster was also the nephew of Peter G. Bridgeman on his mother's side. Peter Bridgeman was in turn the nephew of Josiah Stowell's wife.)

(Alleged cave in Southern Illinois discovered by Russell Burrows, containing vast treasures and artifacts)

Burrows Cave

1982

(Note: The existence of this cave has never been confirmed. It has been suggested based on the artifacts sold by Burrows that the treasure contained in the cave was the lost treasure of King Solomon, and was brought to America by the Mulekites, but today there is universal agreement that the objects produced by Burrows are forgeries and that the cave is a hoax.)

The Joseph Smith Papers, Revelation, 1 November 1831-B [D&C 1], pg 126

Preface to the Doctrine and Covenants

After they having received the record of the Nephites yea even my Servant Joseph might have power to translate through the mercy of God by the power of the Book of Mormon

1 Nov, 1831

1 Nephi 5:14 - 7:3

Joseph Smith Jr.

June, 1829

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Elizabeth Kane Journal

Elizabeth Kane

15 Jan, 1873

I asked where the plates were now, and saw in a moment from the expression of the countenances around that I had blundered. But I was answered that they were in a cave; that Oliver Cowdery though now an apostate would not deny that he had seen them. He had been to the cave... Brigham Young's tone was so solemn that I listened bewildered like a child to the evening witch stories of its nurse...
Brigham Young said that when Oliver Cowdery and Joseph Smith were in the cave this third time, they could see its contents more distinctly than before... It was about fifteen feet high and round its sides were ranged boxes of treasure. In the centre was a large stone table empty before, but now piled with similar gold plates, some of which lay scattered on the floor beneath. Formerly the sword of Laban hung on the walls sheathed, but it was now unsheathed and lying across the plates on the table; and One that was with them said it was never to be sheathed until the reign of Righteousness upon the earth.

Wayne Sentinel, Dec 20, 1833, pg 3, col 3

Wayne Sentinel Announcement

The Mormon mystery developed. -Doct. P. Hurlbert, of Kirtland Ohio, who has been engaged for some time in different parts of this state, but chiefly in this neighborhood, on behalf of his fellow townsmen, in the pursuit of facts and information concerning the origin and design of the Book of Mormon, which, to the surprize of all in this region who know the character of the leaders in the bungling imposition, seems already to have gained multitudes of believers in various parts of the country, requests us to say, that he has succeeded in accomplishing the object of his mission, and that an authentic history of the whole affair will shortly be given to the public. The original manuscript of the Book was written some thirty years since, by a respectable clergyman, now deceased, whose name we are not permitted to give. It was designed to be published as a romance, but the author died soon after it was written; and hence the plan failed. The pretended religious character of the work has been superadded by some more modern hand - believed to be the notorious Rigdon. These particulars have been derived by Dr. Hurlbert from the widow of the author of the original manuscript.

20 Dec, 1833

Naked Truths About Mormonism, Vol 1, No 1, pg 2, col 4

(Jo Smith) claimed, when a young man, he could tell where lost or hidden things and treasures were buried or located with a forked witch hazel. He deceived many farmers, and induced them to dig nights for chests of gold, when the pick struck the chest, someone usually spoke, and Jo would say the enchantment was broken, and the chest would leave.
Williard Chase, a Methodist who lived about two miles from uncle's, while digging a well, found a gray smooth stone... I heard that Jo obtained it and called it a peep-stone, which he used in the place of the witch hazel. Uncle refused to let Jo dig on his farm. I have seen many holes where he dug on other farms.

(Note: No images of this source are available online. Please contact me if you have any information.)

Naked Truths About Mormonism, Vol 1, No 1, pg 3, col 2

Cornelius Stafford Statement

Cornelius R. Stafford

Mar, 1885

I was born in Manchester, New York, Feb. 4, 1813. Our school district was called the Stafford District because of sixty scholars enrolled, forty were Staffords. The road on which they lived is now called Stafford Street. The Mormon Smith family lived near our house. I was well acquainted with them and attended school with the younger children. There was much digging for money on our farm and about the neighborhood. I saw Uncle John and Cousin Joshua Stafford dig a hole twenty feet long, eight broad and seven deep. They claimed that they were digging for money but were not successful in finding any. Jo Smith kept it up after our neighbors had abandoned it. A year or two after Jo claimed to find the plates of the "Book of Mormon." ...Jo Smith, the prophet, told my uncle, William Stafford, he wanted a fat, black sheep. He said he wanted to cut its throat and make it walk in a circle three times around and it would prevent a pot of money from leaving. Jo's family ate the sheep; he duped many people in similar ways. He claimed to receive revelations from the Lord. The Smiths stole six hogs-heads from us; everything missing was claimed by our neighbors to be in possession of the Smiths. I would make oaths to my statement were not the Justice sick.

(Note: No images of this source are available online. Please contact me if you have any information.)

Naked Truths About Mormonism, Vol 1, No 2, pg 1, col 1

Christopher Stafford Statement

Christopher M. Stafford

23 Mar, 1885

Jo claimed he could tell where money was buried, with a witch hazel consisting of a forked stick of hazel. He held it one fork in each hand and claimed the upper end was attracted by the money. I heard my stepfather, Robert Orr, say he had been digging for money one night. Some of my neighbors also said they were digging for money nights. My mother-in-law, Mrs. Rockwell, said that Prophet Jo Smith told her there was money buried in the ground and she spent considerable time digging in various places for it. I never knew of her finding any. Jo Smith told me there was a peep-stone for me and many others if we could only find them. Jo claimed to have revelations and tell fortunes. He told mine by looking in the palm of my hand and said among other things that I would not live to be very old.

Naked Truths About Mormonism, Vol 1, No 2, pg 1, col 2

Joseph Rogers Statement

Joseph Rogers

16 May, 1887

I was born in Wester, Oneida Co., N.Y., Feb. 10, 1805. Our family moved to Phelpstown a few miles south of Palmyra, N.Y., in 1815, where I resided until 1842. I was often in Palmyra, and was well acquainted with Jo Smith, who became the Mormon prophet. When a young man he claimed to receive revelations from the Lord where treasures were buried. He told Peter Rupert and Mr. Cunningham, a blacksmith (simple-minded old men), that there was a chest of gold buried on my brother-in-law, Henry Murphy's farm, under a beech tree. Henry's younger brother, Jack, said that must be stopped, and he obtained some filth in a sap bucket and got up in the beech tree before they arrived in the evening. They came and Mr. Rupert held the Bible open and a lighted candle as prophet Jo directed, while Peter dug for the chest of gold. Jack called Peter three times and he looked up and said, "Here am I, Lord," and received the filth in his face. Peter told me and others that the Lord chastised him and he had to stop his digging. He said he paid Jo for the information. I told him he ought not to believe Jo, for he was liar and imposter. He said Jo would put a spell on him and that he would have to stand still two weeks. He said Jo had perfect command over men. He believed he was a prophet. Jack was called Lord Murphy afterwards. There were many others similarly duped by Jo. Many of Jo's victims were from New Jersey and believed in witches and ghosts. He could not fool the New England or York State Yankees.

Naked Truths About Mormonism, Vol 1, No 2, pg 1, col 3

Caroline Smith Statement

I was born in Belchertown, Mass., May 1, 1812. When I was five or six years old my parents moved to Manchester, N.Y., one mile from the Mormon Smith family, and I attended school with their children. There was considerable digging for money in our neighborhood by men, women and children. I never knew of their finding any. I saw a large hole dug on Nathaniel Smith's farm, which was sandy.

(Note: Mrs. Caroline Smith was the sister of the infamous Mormon, Orrin Porter Rockwell.)

He married Emma, daughter of Jesse Hale, a famous hunter in the early days of the country, who lived on the north side of the river, a little below the Susquehanna Depot. Her family were much opposed to the match, but she was determined to marry the scapegrace, and did, though she had to escape down the river in a canoe to do it.

(Note: This is a reprint in the Pittsburgh Weekly Gazette. No images of the original article in the Independent Republican appear to be available online. Please let me know if you have any information.)

Joe Smith, Broome Republican, February 2, 1876, Vol 54

Letter from Gilgal

Broome Republican

Feb 2, 1876

The western portion of this wood reaches over a high hill or ridge running north and south, and the little voices are often heard calling attention to a mound of earth, overgrown with young trees, as the location of "The Prophet's Cave." I was present on one of these occasions, a few years ago, and visited the place to find only such remams as forty years of time could not obliterate. The entrance was wholly closed by the yielding earth, which year after year has been dropping into it and hiding its inner walls from the prying eye of the hunter of curious relics of the past. It was here that Joe Smith pretended to interpret the golden plates of Camorah. Here he sat behind the screen and announced to Oliver Cowdrey, the village schoolmaster and scribe of the prophet, the translated word which was to be the scriptural guide of the church of Latter Day Saints, This cave was said to have been large enough to contain thirty persons, that it was strongly guarded by a plank door, three inches thick and provided with [locks]and bars within. However, the story can hardly be true judging from the outward appearances as now seen. It was here that Joe used to slay the fat lambs of Calvin Stoddard's flock of sheep, and offer them to the Lord, as Calvin supposed, for he was one of the early converts to Joe's church and believed in the prophet to the letter, but somehow it always happened that Joe failed to get a communication with the Lord if any body was present, and when they were all gone, the father of the prophet would come down over the hill, shoulder be sheep, calf or pig -- It made but little difference which -- and carry it home, where it was offered up to the hungry mouths of the Smith family each day, as long as it lasted.

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Nancy Glass Account

Hiland Paul and Robert Parks

1869

Mormonism Unvailed, E.D. Howe, pg 248

The testimony of Parley Chase

Parley Chase

13 Dec, 1833

I was acquainted with the family of Joseph Smith, Sen., both before and since they became Mormons, and feel free to state that not one of the male members of the Smith family were entitled to any credit, whatsoever. They were lazy, intemperate and worthless men, very much addicted to lying. In this they frequently boasted of their skill. Digging for money was their principal employment. In regard to their Gold Bible speculation, they scarcely ever told two stories alike. The Mormon Bible is said to be a revelation from God, through Joseph Smith Jr., his Prophet, and this same Joseph Smith Jr. to my knowledge, bore the reputation among his neighbors of being a liar. The foregoing statement can be corroborated by all his former neighbors.

A history of the purchase and settlement of western New York and of the rise, progress and present state of the Presbyterian Church in that section, pg 378

Palmyra revivals occurred in 1817 and 1824

Rev. James H. Hotchkin

In 1817, under the labors of Mr. Wheelock, the (Western Presbyterian Church of Palmyra) congregation was visited by one of the most powerful revivals ever known in the town. Another copious shower of grace passed over this region in 1824, under the labors of Mr. Stockton, and a large number were gathered into the church

Last Testimony of Sister Emma, The Saints' Herald, Vol 26, No 19, 1 Oct, 1879, pg 290

Emma's Last Testimony

Emma Smith

The plates often lay on the table without any attempt at concealment, wrapped in a small linen tablecloth, which I had given him to fold them in. I once felt of the plates, as they thus lay on the table, tracing their outline and shape. They seemed to be pliable like thick paper, and would rustle with a metallic sound when the edges were moved by the thumb, as one does sometimes thumb the edges of a book.

The Joseph Smith Papers, History, circa Summer 1832, pg 4

Joseph's 1832 account

and it came to pass when I was seventeen years of age I called again upon the Lord and he shewed unto me a heavenly vision for behold an angel of the Lord came and stood before me and it was by night and he called me by name and he said the Lord had forgiven me my sins and he revealed unto me that in the Town of Manchester Ontario County N.Y. there was plates of gold upon which there was engravings which was engraven by Maroni & his fathers the servants of the living God in ancient days and deposited by the commandments of God and kept by the power thereof and that I should go and get them and he revealed unto me many things concerning the inhabitants of of the earth which since have been revealed in commandments & revelations and it was on the 22d day of Sept. AD 1822 and thus he appeared unto me three times in one night and once on the next day

Lorenzo Saunders Interview

Lorenzo Saunders

20 Sep, 1884

Joseph's wife was a pretty woman, just as pretty a woman as I ever saw. When she came to the Smiths she was disappointed and used to come down to our house and sit down and cry. Said she was deceived and got into a hard place.

(Note: This is from an unpublished affidavit that in the 1970's was in the library of the Reorganized LDS church. No image appears to be available online. Please contact me if you have any information regarding this source.)

The Joseph Smith Papers, Lucy Mack Smith, History, 1844-1845, pgs 51-52

Lucy Mack Smith account

When the time had nearly come that rendered it necessary for my Husband to set out for Pensylvania to get the money Joseph called Mr. Smith and myself aside and told us that he had felt so lonely ever since Alvin's death that he had come to the conclusion of getting married if we had no objections and he though that no young woman that he ever was acquainted with was better calculated to render the man of her choice happy than Miss Emma Hale a young lady of whom he had been extremely fond of since his first introduction to her His Father was highly pleased with the choice which Joseph made in a wife and told him he would was not only willing that he should marry her but desired him to bring her home with him that we might have the pleasure of her society this Miss Hale was a resident in the state of Pennsylvania and vicinity of Mr Stowell and Knight from whom we expected the money that Mr. Smith was going after to bring up the arrearages on the farm They then concluded to set off together and they did so as soon as the necessary preparations could be made...
Now Joseph who returned from his journey with his Father began to turn his mind to the same object again which occupieid his attention previous to our disaster And he set out for Pennsylvania a second time and had such fine success that he returned with his wife in January in fine health & spirits

Peter Bauder, The Kingdom and Gospel of Jesus Christ, pgs 36-37

Peter Bauder interview

Peter Bauder

...at the house of Peter Whitmer, in the town of Fayette, Seneca County, state of New York, in October, 1830... (Joseph Smith) told me... He went, and after the third or fourth time, which was repeated once a year, he obtained a parcel of plate resembling gold, on which were engraved what he did not understand, only by the aid of a glass which he also obtained with the plate

The Joseph Smith Papers, History, 1838-1856, volume A-1 [23 December 1805-30 August 1834], pg 10

1838 canonized account

At length the time arrived for obtaining the plates, the Urim and Thummin and the breastplate, On the twenty second day of September, One thousand Eight hundred and twenty seven, having went as usual at the end of another year to the place where they were deposited, the same heavenly messenger delivered them up to me with this charge that I should be responsible for them. That if I should let them go carelessly or through any neglect of mine I should be cut off, but that if I would use all my endeavours to preserve them untill he (the messenger) should call for them, they should be protected.
I soon found out the reason why I had received such strict charges to keep them safe and why it was that the messenger had said that when I had done what was required at my hand, he would call for them, for no sooner was it known that I had them than the most strenious exertions were used to get them from me. Every stratagem that could be invented was resorted to for that purpose. The persecution became more bitter and severe than before, and multitudes were on the alert continualy to get them from me if possible but by the wisdom of God they remained safe in my hands untill I had accomplished by them what was required at my hand

The Joseph Smith Papers, Alexander Neibaur, Journal, 24 May 1844, extract, pgs 1-2

Alexander Neibaur Diary

Alexander Neibaur

May 24, 1844

opened his Bible & the first Passage that struck him was if any man lack wisdom let him ask of God who giveth to all men liberally & ubraideth not went into the Wood to pray kneels himself down his tongue was closet cleavet to his roof could utter not a word, felt easier after a while-saw a fire toward heaven came near & nearer saw a personage in the fire light complexsion blue eyes a piece of white cloth drawn over his shoulders his right arm bear after a while a other person came to the side of the first Mr. Smith then asked must I join the Methodist Church-No-they are not my People, They have gone astray there is non that doeth good no not one, but this is my Beloved son harken ye him, the fire drew nigher Rested upon the tree enveloped him comforted Indeavoured to arise and felt Uncomen feeble-got into the house

Latter Day Saints' Messenger and Advocate Volume 1, February 1835, pg 89

Oliver Cowdery account in the Messenger & Advocate

"Yet," said he, "the scripture must be fulfilled before it is translated, which says that the words of a book, which were sealed, were presented to the learned; for thus has God determined to leave men without excuse, and show to the meek that his arm is not shortened that it cannot save."

Feb, 1835

Prophet Wilford Woodruff statement during meeting with James E. Talmage, February 22, 1893, LDS archives, as quoted in Early Mormonism and the Magic World View, by D. Michael Quinn, p. 174

Gazalem

James E. Talmage

22 Feb, 1893

President Woodruff in relation to the seer stone known as ‘Gazalem,' which was shown of the Lord to the Prophet Joseph to be some thirty feet under ground, and which he obtained by digging under the pretense of excavating for a well, as related in his own history. This remarkable stone was used by the Prophet.

(Note: No images of this source are available online. Please contact me if you have any information.)

Truman Coe to Mr. Editor, Ohio Observer (Hudson, Ohio), 11 August 1836

A man by the name of Harris, of a visionary turn of mind, assisted in the translation, and afterwards Oliver Cowdery. By the aid of Harris' property, the book was printed; and it is affirmed by the people of that neighborhood, that at first his motives were entirely mercenary, -a mere money speculation.

In Memory of An Infant Son of Joseph And Emma Smith June 15th, 1828

Minutes of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America, Published by William Bradford

1817 Presbyterian Minutes

The General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church

1817

The effusions of Divine grace have been copious and extensive; and the heavenly influence has been particularly sited, upon the congregations of Bloomfield, Lyons, Romulus, Middlesex, Gorham, and Palmyra--Hundreds of the wretched sinners of our race, have here been brought to cry out "what must we do to be saved," and here have found that Saviour, whose blood cleanseth from all sin.

History of the Pioneer Settlement of Phelps and Gorham's Purchase, 215-16

Orasmus Turner Account

Orasmus Turner

The wife of Harris was a rank infidel and heretic, touching the whole thing and decidedly opposed to her husband's participation in it. With sacrilegious hands she seized over an hundred of the manuscript pages of the new revelation, and burned or secreted them. It was agreed by the Smith family, Cowdery and Harris, not to transcribe these again, but to let so much of the new revelation drop out, as the "evil spirit would get up a story that the second translation did not agree with the first." A very ingenious method, surely, of guarding against the possibility that Mrs. Harris had preserved the manuscript with which they might be confronted, should they attempt an imitation of their own miserable patchwork.

Historical Magazine (second series),Vol 7, Interview with the Father of Joseph Smith, pg 306

"And," says Smith, "in the course of a year, I succeeded in finding all the articles, as directed; and one dark night Joseph mounted his horse, and, aided by some supernatural light, he succeeded in finding the starting point and the objects in range." Following these, as far as he could with the horse without being directed to stop, he proceeded on foot, keeping the range in view, until he arrived at a large boulder, of several tons weight, when he was immediately impressed with the idea that the object of his pursuit was under that rock. Feeling around the edge, he found that the under side was fiat. Being a stout man, and aided by some super-natural power, he succeeded in turning the rock upon its edge, and under it he found a square block of masonry, in the centre of which were the articles referred to by the man seen in the dream. Taking up the first article, he saw others below; laying down the first, he endeavored to secure the others; but, before he could get hold of them, the one he had taken up slid back to the place he had taken it from, and, to his great surprize and terror, the rock immediately fell back to its former place, nearly crushing him in its descent. His first thought was that he had not properly secured the rock when it was turned up, and accordingly he again tried to lift it, but now in vain; he next tried with the aid of levers, but still without success. While thus engaged, he felt something strike him on the breast, which was repeated the third time, always with increased force, the last such as to lay him upon his back. As he lay there, he looked up and saw the same large man that had appeared in his dream, dressed in the same clothes. He said to him that, when the treasure was deposited there, he was sworn to take charge of and protect that property, until the time should arrive for it to be exhibited to the world of mankind; and, in order to prevent his making an improper disclosure, he was murdered or slain on the spot, and the treasure had been under his charge ever since. He said to him that he had not followed his directions; and, in consequence of laying the article down before putting it in the napkin, he could not have the article now; but that if he would come again, one year from that time, he could then have them. The year passed over before Joseph was aware of it, so time passed by; but he went to the place of deposit, where the same man appeared again, and said he had not been punctual in following his directions, and, in consequence, he could not have the article yet. Joseph asked when he could have them; and the answer was, "Come in one year from this time, and bring your oldest brother with you; then you may have them." During that year, it so happened that his oldest brother died; but, at the end of the year, Joseph repaired to the place again, and was told by the man who still guarded the treasure, that, inasmuch as he could not bring his oldest brother, he could not have the treasure yet; but there would be another person appointed to come with him in one year from that time, when he could have it. Joseph asked, "How shall I know the person?" and was told that the person would be known to him at sight.

Salt Lake Daily Tribune, April 23, 1880, pg 4

Agreement Regarding Spanish Treasure

1 Nov, 1825

The following agreement, the original of which is in the possession of a citizen of Thompson township, was discovered by our correspondent, and forwarded to us as a matter of local interest...

   ARTICLES OF AGREEMENT.

   We, the undersigned, do firmly agree, & by these presents bind ourselves, to fulfill and abide by the hereafter specified articles:
   First--That if anything of value should be obtained at a certain place in Pennsylvania near a Wm. Hale's supposed to be a valuable mine of either Gold or Silver and also to contain coined money and bars or ingots of Gold or Silver, and at which several hands have been at work during a considerable part of the past summer, we do agree to have it divided in the following manner, viz.: Josiah Stowell, Calvin Stowell and Wm. Hale to take two-thirds, and Charles Newton, Wm. I. Wiley, and the Widow Harper to take the other third. And we further agree that Joseph Smith, Sen. and Joseph Smith Jr. shall be considered as having two shares, two elevenths of all the property that may be obtained, the shares to be taken equally from each third.
   Second--And we further agree, that in consideration of the expense and labor to which the following named persons have been at (John F. Shephard, Elihu Stowell and John Grant) to consider them as equal sharers in the mine after all the coined money and bars or ingots are obtained by the undersigned, their shares to be taken out from each share; and we further agree to remunerate all the three above named persons in a handsome manner for all their time, expense and labor which they have been or may be at, until the mine is opened, if anything should be obtained; otherwise they are to lose their time, expense and labor.
   Third--And we further agree that all the expense which has or may accrue until the mine is opened, shall be equally borne by the proprietors or each third and that after the mine is opened the expense shall be equally borne by each of the sharers.
Township of Harmony, Pa., Nov. 1, 1825. In presence of

ISSAC HALE,	CHAS. A. NEWTON,
DAVID HALE,	JOS. SMITH, SEN.,
P. NEWTON.	ISAIAH STOWELL,
	CALVIN STOWELL,
	JOS. SMITH, JR.,
	WM. I. WILEY.

Peoria Register and North-Western Gazetteer, Vol 5, No 23, Sep 3, 1841

They were eight or ten inches long, less in width, about the thickness of panes of glass, and together made a pile of about five or six inches high. They were in a good state of preservation, had the appearance of gold, and bore inscriptions in strange characters on both sides.

The Joseph Smith Papers, Revelation, April 1829-A [D&C 6], pgs 14-17

1829 Revelation

A Revelation to Oliver, given in Harmony, Pennsylvania, April, 1829, when employed a scribe for Joseph, while translating the book of Mormon.
A GREAT and marvelous work is about to come forth unto the children of men: behold I am God, and give heed unto my word, which is quick and powerful, sharper than a two-edged sword, to the dividing asunder of both joints and marrow:- Therefore give heed unto my words.
2 Behold the field is white already to harvest, therefore whoso desireth to reap, let him thrust in his sickle with his might and reap while the day lasts, that he may treasure up for his soul everlasting salvation in the kingdom of God: Yea, whosoever will thrust in his sickle and reap, the same is called of God; therefore, if you will ask of me you shall receive; if you will knock it shall be opened unto you.
3 Now as you have asked, behold I say unto you, keep my commandments, and seek to bring forth and establish the cause of Zion: seek not for riches but for wisdom, and behold the mysteries of God shall be unfolded unto you, and then shall you be made rich. Behold he that hath eternal life is rich.
4 Verily, verily I say unto you, even as you desire of me, so shall it be unto you; and, if you desire, you shall be the means of doing much good in this generation. Say nothing but repentance unto this generation; keep my commandments and assist to bring forth my work according to my commandments, and you shall be blessed.
5 Behold thou hast a gift, and blessed art thou be cause of thy gift. Remember it is sacred and cometh from above; and if thou wilt inquire, thou shalt know mysteries which are great and marvelous: therefore thou shalt exercise thy gift, that thou mayest find out mysteries, that thou mayest bring many to the knowledge of the truth; yea, convince them of the error of their ways. Make not thy gift known unto any, save it be those which are of thy faith.- Trifle not with sacred things. If thou wilt do good, yea and hold out faithful to the end, thou shalt be saved in the kingdom of God, which is the greatest of all the gifts of God; for there is no gift greater than the gift of salvation.
6 Verily, verily I say unto thee, blessed art thou for what thou hast done, for thou hast inquired of me, and behold as often as thou hast inquired, thou hast received instruction of my Spirit. If it had not been so, thou wouldst not have come to the place where thou art at this time.
7 Behold thou knowest that thou hast inquired of me, and I did enlighten thy mind; and now I tell thee these things, that thou mayest know that thou hast been enlightened by the Spirit of truth; yea, I tell thee, that thou mayest know that there is none else save God, that knowest thy thoughts and the intents of thy heart: I tell thee these things as a witness unto thee, that the words or the work which thou hast been writing is true:
8 Therefore be diligent, stand by my servant Joseph faithfully in whatsoever difficult circumstances he may be, for the word's sake. Admonish him in his faults and also receive admonition of him. Be patient; be sober; be temperate; have patience, faith, hope and charity.
9 Behold thou art Oliver, and I have spoken unto thee because of thy desires, therefore, treasure up these words in thy heart. Be faithful and diligent in keeping the commandments of God, and I will incircle thee in the arms of my love.
10 Behold I am Jesus Christ, the Son of God. I am the same that came unto my own and my own received me not. I am the light which shineth in darkness, and the darkness comprehendeth it not.
11 Verily, verily I say unto you, if you desire a further witness, cast your mind upon the night that you cried unto me in your heart, that you might know concerning the truth of these things; did I not speak peace to your mind concering the matter?- What greater witness can you have than from God? And now behold, you have received a witness, for if I have told you things which no man knoweth, have you not received a witness? And behold I grant unto you a gift if you desire of me, to translate even as my servant Joseph.
12 Verily, verily I say unto you, that there are records which contain much of my gospel, which have been kept back because of the wickedness of the people; and now I command you, that if you have good desires, a desire to lay up treasures for yourself in heaven, then shall you assist in bringing to light, with your gift, those parts of my scriptures which have been hidden because of iniquity.
13 And now behold I give unto you, and also unto my servant Joseph, the keys of this gift, which shall bring to light this ministry; and in the mouth of two or three witnesses, shall every word be established.
14 Verily, verily I say unto you, if they reject my words, and this part of my gospel and ministry, blessed are ye, for they can do no more unto you than unto me; and if they do unto you, even as they have done unto me, blessed are ye, for you shall dwell with me in glory: but if they reject not my words, which shall be established by the testimony which shall be given, blessed are they; and then shall ye have joy in the fruit of your labors.
15 Verily, verily I say unto you, as I said unto my disciples, where two or three are gathered together in my name, as touching one thing, behold there will I be in the midst of them: even so am I in the midst of you. Fear not to do good my sons, for whatsoever ye sow, that shall ye also reap: there fore, if ye sow good, ye shall also reap good for your reward:
16 Therefore fear not little flock, do good, let earth and hell combine against you, for if ye are built up on my Rock, they cannot prevail. Behold I do not condemn you, go your ways and sin no more: perform with soberness the work which I have commanded you: look unto me in every thought, doubt not, fear not: behold the wounds which pierced my side, and also the prints of the nails in my hands and feet: be faithful; keep my commandments, and ye shall inherit the kingdom of heaven: Amen.

The Improvement Era, 1904, Vol 7, Pg 942

Oliver Cowdery Statement

He was ministered unto by the angel, and by his direction he obtained the records of the Nephites, and translated by the gift and power of God. He was ordained by the angel John, unto the lesser or Aaronic priesthood, in company with myself, in the town of Harmony, Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania, on Friday, the 15th day of May, 1829; after which we repaired to the water, even to the Susquehanna River, and were baptized; he first administering unto me, and after, I to him. But before baptism our souls were drawn out in mighty prayer, to know how we might obtain the blessings of baptism and of the Holy Spirit according to the order of God; and we diligently sought for the right of the fathers, and the authority of the holy priesthood, and the power to administer the same; for we desired to be followers of righteousness, and in the possession of greater knowledge, even the knowledge of the mysteries of the kingdom of God.
Therefore we repaired to the woods, even as our father Joseph said we should, that is, to the bush, and called upon the name of the Lord, and he answered us out of the heavens. And while we were in the heavenly vision, the angel came down an bestowed upon us this priesthood; and then, as I have said, we repaired to the water and were baptized. After this, we received the high and holy priesthood; but an account of this will be given elsewhere, or in another place.

September, 1835

The Joseph Smith Papers, Testimony of Three Witnesses, late June 1829, (Book of Mormon Printer's Manuscript) pgs 463-464

The Testimony of Three Witnesses

Oliver Cowdery, Martin Harris, David Whitmer

late June, 1829

The testimony of three witnesses
Be it known unto all nations kindreds tongues & people unto whom this work shall come that we through the grace of God the Father & our Lord Jesus Christ have seen the plates which contain this record which is a record of the people of Nephi & also of the Lamanites his brethren & also of the people of Jared which came from the tower of which hath been spoken & we also know that they have been translated by the gift & power of God for his voice hath declared it unto us wherefore we know of a surety that the work is true & we also testify that we have seen the engravings which are upon the plates & they have been shewn unto us by the power of God & not of man & we declare with words of soberness that an angel of God came down from Heaven & he brought & laid before our eyes that we beheld & saw the plates & the engravings thereon & we know that it is by the grace of God the Father & our Lord Jesus Christ that we beheld & bear record that these things are true & it is marvellous in our eyes nevertheless the voice of the Lord commanded us that we should bear record of it Wherefore to be obediant unto the commandments of God we bear testimony of these things & we know that if we are faithful in Christ we shall rid our garments of the blood of all men & be found spotless before the Judgement seat of Christ & shall dwell with him Eternally in the Heavens & the honor be to the Father & to the Son & to the Holy Ghost which is one God. Amen.

Oliver Cowdery
David Whitmer
Martin Harris

The Joseph Smith Papers, Book of Commandments, 1833, pg 34

Revelation to Peter Whitmer Jr.

   HEARKEN my servant Peter, and listen to the words of Jesus Christ, your Lord and your Redeemer, for behold I speak unto you with sharpness and with power, for mine arm is over all the earth, and I will tell you that which no man knoweth save me and thee alone: for many times you have desired of me to know that which would be of the most worth unto you.
   2 Behold, blessed are you for this thing, and for speaking my words which I have given you, according to my commandments:
   3 And now behold I say unto you, that the thing which will be of the most worth unto you, will be to declare repentance unto this people, that you may bring souls unto me, that you may rest with them in the kingdom of my Father. Amen

David Whitmer, interview by Zenas H. Gurley Jr., 14 Jan. 1885, typescript, LDS archives.

David Whitmer Interview

   14. Q. Can you tell why that Joseph and Oliver were ordained to the lesser Priesthood by the hand of an Angel but in receiving the Higher they ordained each other?
   Ans -- I moved Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery to my fathers house in Fayette Seneca County New York, from Harmony, Penn. in the year 1829, on our way I conversed freely with them upon this great work they were bringing about, and Oliver stated to me in Josephs presence that they had baptized each other seeking by that to fulfill the command -- And after our arrival at fathers sometime in June 1829, Joseph ordained Oliver Cowdery to be an Elder, and Oliver ordained Joseph to be an Elder in the church of Christ and during that year Joseph both baptized and ordained me an elder in the church of Christ. Also, during this year the translation of the Book of Mormon was finished, and we preached preached, baptized and ordained some as Elders...

   16 Q. Was it understood in the beginning of the work that the Book of Mormon with the Bible was all that is necessary as a rule and guide to faith? if so why and by what right was the book of Doctrine and Covenants added?
   Ans --The Book of Doctrine and Covenants, was added to satisfy the desire of some of the members and elders -- The Bible and Book of Mormon was held to contain Gods law in its completeness, and we understood that they alone should be taught as doctrine, Revelations and visions would assist individuals but were not to be taught as doctrine in any case, such was Josephs teachings upon this point.

   17 Q. If the Book of Mormon contains the fulness of the Gospel with the New Testament, and they constitute the Law to the Church, what need is there for a 1st President to receive revelations to govern the church?
   Ans -- There is no need for such officers, I hold that all difficulties, all differences of opinion as to doctrine, should be settled by conferring one with the other, united wisdom of many guided by the Law, being the safest rule.

   18 Q. Was or was not the revelations of Joseph Smith considered purely personal or local at the time they were received?
   Ans -- Yes they were, and they were not to be published until Christ should come. The Book of Mormon with the Bible being the whole law to the Church.

The Joseph Smith Papers, Letterbook 2, pg 64

Martin Harris speech in Stephen Burnett Letter

Stephen Burnett

15 Apr, 1838

I have reflected long and deliberately upon the history of this church & weighed the evidence for & against it- loth to give it up- but when I came to hear Martin Harris state in a public congregation that he never saw the plates with his natural eyes only in vision or imagination, neither Oliver nor David & also that the eight witnesses never saw them & hesitated to sign that instrument for that reason, but were persuaded to do it, the last pedestal gave way, in my view our foundations was sapped & the entire superstructure fell a heap of ruins...
...M Harris arose & said he was sorry for any man who rejected the Book of Mormon for he knew it was true, he said he had hefted the plates repeatedly in a box with only a tablecloth or a handkerchief over them, but he never saw them only as he saw a city through a mountain. And said that he never should have told that the testimony of the eight was false, if it had not been picked out of air but should have let it passed as it was

The Book of Pukei, Chapter 2, The Reflector, Palmyra, 7 Jul, 1830, pg 60

The Book of Pukei, Chapter 2

1. And it came to pass, that when the mantle of Walters the Magician had fallen upon Joseph, sirnamed the prophet, who was the son of Joseph; that the "idle and slothful" gathered themselves together, in the presence of Joseph, and said to him, "lo! we will be thy servants forever, do with us, our wives, and our little ones as it may seem good in thine eyes."
2. And the prophet answered and said, -- "Behold! hath not the mantle of Walters the magician fallen upon me, and I am not able to do before you my people great wonders, and shew you, at a more proper season, where the Nephites hid their treasures? -- for lo! yesternight stood before me in the wilderness of Manchester, the spirit, who, from the begining, has had in keeping all the treasures, hidden in the bowels of the earth...

7 Jul, 1830

The Joseph Smith Papers, History, circa Summer 1832, pg 5

the Lord had prepared spectacles for to read the Book therefore I commenced translating the characters

Journal of Book of Mormon Studies 10/2 (2001): pgs 59-61

NHM Altar 2

1988

(English Translation)
Bi'athar son of Sawdum, son of Naw'um, of the tribe of Nihm, has dedicated to Ilmaqah the person Fari'at. By 'Athtar, and by Ilmaqah, and by Dhat-Himyam, and by Yada'-il, and by Ma'adi-karib.

(Note: This altar, dated approximately 600 BCE, was found at the Bar'an temple in Marib, Yemen, which was excavated from 1988 to 1997, and opened to the public on November 18, 2000. The Arabic letters for "NHM" translated above as "Nihm" are traced in green in the photograph. One possible pronunciation of NHM is Nahom, the burial site of Ishmael in the Book of Mormon and location where the family of Lehi changed direction on their journey away from Jerusalem.)

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1 Nephi 7:3-17

Joseph Smith Jr.

June, 1829

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Orson Pratt 1873 Discourse

Orson Pratt

18 May, 1873

But will these things be brought to light? Yes. The records, now slumbering in the hill Cumorah, will be brought forth by the power of God, to fulfill the words of our text, that "the knowledge of God shall cover the earth, as the waters cover the great deep..."

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Orson Pratt 1877 Discourse

Orson Pratt

9 Dec, 1877

When these plates, now hidden in the hill Cumorah, are brought to light we shall have the history of the Old Testament much more fully, with the addition of a great many prophecies that are not now contained in the record. The prophecies of Joseph in Egypt were very great, and we are told in the "Book of Mormon" that there were a great many given to him. When we have all those, also the prophecies of Neum, a great Prophet who prophesied concerning Christ; also those of Zenos and Zenock, and others of which only bare reference is given.

The Telegraph, Painesville, OH, January 31, 1834

Painesville Telegraph Announcement

Painesville Telegraph

31 Jan, 1834

To the Public.
The undersigned Committee appointed by a public meeting held in Kirtland, Geauga Co., Ohio, for the purpose of ascertaining the origin of the Book of MORMON, would say to the Public, that when met as directed by said meeting, it became a subject of deliberation whether the committee without violating the spirit of that instrument which declares that ‘no human authority can in any case whatsoever control or interfere with the rights of conscience' could take measures to avert the evils which threaten the Public by location in this vicinity, of Joseph Smith Jun. otherwise known as the Mormon Prophet - and who is now, under pretense of Divine Authority, collecting about him an impoverished population, alienated in feeling from other portions of the community, thereby threatening us with an insupportable weight of pauperism. The committee were of the opinion that the force of truth might without delay be applied to the Book of Mormon, and the character of Joseph Smith, Jun. With this object in view, the Committee employed D.P. Hurlbut to ascertain the real origin of the Book of Mormon, and to examine the validity of Joseph Smith's claims to the character of a Prophet. The result of this inquiry so far as it has proceeded has been partially laid before the public in this vicinity by Mr. Hurlbut and the Committee are now making arrangements for the Publication and extensive circulation of a work which will prove the ‘ Book of Mormon' to be a work of fiction and imagination, and written more than twenty years ago, in Salem, Ashtabula County, Ohio by Solomon Spalding, Esq. and completely divest Joseph Smith of all claims to the character of an honest man, and place him at an immeasurable distance from the high station which he pretends to occupy.
O. A. CRARY
AMOS DANIELS.
JOHN F. MORSE.
SAMUEL WILSON.
JOSIAH JONES.
WARREN CORNING Jr.
JAMES H. PAINES.
JOS. H. WAKEFIELD.
SYLVESTER CORNWELL.
TIMOTHY D. MARTINDALE.
Kirtland, Geauga Co, Ohio.

Naked Truths About Mormonism, Vol 1, No 1, pg 2, col 3

Lorenzo Saunders' Search

Lorenzo Saunders, witnessed by Linus S. Parmelee

21 Jul, 1887

Lorenzo Saunders being duly sworn deposes and says: That I reside in Reading, Hillsdale County, State of Michigan; that I was born in the town of Palmyra, Wayne County, State of New York, on June 7, A. D. 1811, and am now seventy-six years of age. That I lived in said town of Palmyra until I was forty-three years of age. That I lived within one mile of Joseph Smith at the time said Joseph Smith claimed that he found the "tablets" on which the "Book of Mormon" was revealed. That I went to the "Hill Cumorah" on the Sunday following the date that Joseph Smith claimed he found the plates, it being three miles from my home, and I tried to find the place where the earth had been broken by being dug up, but was unable to find any place where the ground had been disturbed.

(Note: No images of this manuscript are available. Please contact me if you have any information regarding it.)

Naked Truths About Mormonism, Vol 1, No 1, pg 2, col 6

William Hine Account

Martin's wife cooked for them, and one day while they were at dinner she put one hundred and sixteen pages, the first part they had translated, in her dress bosom and went out. They soon missed the one hundred and sixteen pages and followed her into the road and demanded them of her. She refused, and said if it was the Lord's work you can translate them again, and I will follow you to the ends of the earth.
Dr. Seymour came along and she gave them to him to read, and told him not to let them go. Dr. Seymour lived one and a half miles from me. He read most of it to me when my daughter Irene was born; he read them to his patients about the country. It was a description of the mounds about the country and similar to the "Book of Mormon." I doubt if the one hundred and sixteen pages were included in the "Book of Mormon." After I came to Kirtland, in conversation with Martin Harris, he has many times admitted to me that this statement about his wife and the one hundred and sixteen pages, as above stated, is true.

(Note: No images of this source are available online. Please contact me if you have any information.)

Naked Truths About Mormonism, Vol 1, No 2, pg 1, col 3

Caroline Smith Account

I heard Martin Harris say that the first part of the "Book of Mormon" was stolen and that he thought his wife took it and it was not printed in the "Book of Mormon."

(Note: Mrs. Caroline Smith was the sister of the infamous Mormon, Orrin Porter Rockwell.)

Mormonism Unvailed, E.D. Howe, pg 249

The testimony of David Stafford, witnessed by Fred'k Smith, Justice of the Peace

David Stafford, withnessed by Fred'k Smith

5 Dec, 1833

I have been acquainted with the family of Joseph Smith Sen. for several years, and I know him to be a drunkard and a liar, and to be much in the habit of gambling. He and his boys were truly a lazy set of fellows, and more particularly Joseph, who, very aptly followed his father's example, and in some respects was worse. When intoxicated he was very quarrelsome. Previous to his going to Pennsylvania to get married, we worked together making a coal-pit. While at work at one time, a dispute arose between us, (he having drinked a little too freely) and some hard words passed between us, and as usual with him at such times, was for fighting. He got the advantage of me in the scuffle, and a gentleman by the name of Ford interfered, when Joseph turned to fighting him. We both entered a complaint against him and he was fined for the breach of the Peace.

History of the Pioneer Settlement of Phelps and Gorham's Purchase, pg 214

Joseph Smith a passable exhorter in juvenile debating club

Orasmus Turner

But Joseph had a little ambition, and some very laudable aspirations; the mother's intellect occasionally shone out in him feebly, especially when he used to help us to solve some portentous questions of moral or political ethics, in our juvenile debating club, which we moved down to the old red school-house on Durfee street, to get rid of the annoyance of critics that used to drop in upon us in the village; and, subsequently, after catching a spark of Methodism in the camp-meeting, away down in the woods, on the Vienna road, he was a very passable exhorter in evening meetings.

Mormonism Unvailed, E.D. Howe, pgs 262-263

Testimony of Joseph Smith's father-in-law

I first became acquainted with Joseph Smith, Jr. in November, 1825. He was at that time in the employ of a set of men who were called "money diggers;" and his occupation was that of seeing, or pretending to see by means of a stone placed in his hat, and his hat closed over his face. In this way he pretended to discover minerals and hidden treasure. His appearance at this time, was that of a careless young man - not very well educated, and very saucy and insolent to his father. Smith, and his father, with several other 'money-diggers' boarded at my house while they were employed in digging for a mine that they supposed had been opened and worked by the Spaniards, many years since. Young Smith gave the 'money-diggers' great encouragement, at first, but when they had arrived in digging, to near the place where he had stated an immense treasure would be found - he said the enchantment was so powerful that he could not see. They then became discouraged, and soon after dispersed. This took place about the 17th of November, 1825; and one of the company gave me his note for $12.68 for his board, which is still unpaid.

William Smith on Mormonism, pg 12

William Smith's Statement

I was permitted to lift them as they laid in a pillow-case; but not to see them, as it was contrary to the commands he had received. They weighed about sixty pounds according to the best of my judgment.

The Old Soldier's Testimony, The Saints' Herald, Vol 31, No 40

1884 William Smith Sermon

We handled them and could tell what they were. They were not quite as large as this Bible. Could tell whether they were round or square. Could raise the leaves this way (raising a few leaves of the Bible before him). One could easily tell that they were not a stone, hewn out to deceive, or even a block of wood. Being a mixture of gold and copper, they were much heavier than stone, and very much heavier than wood.

Latter Day Saints' Messenger and Advocate Volume 1, February 1835, pgs 78-80

Oliver Cowdery account in the Messenger & Advocate

   On the evening of the 21st of September, 1823, previous to retiring to rest, our brother's mind was unusually wrought up on the subject which had so long agitated his mind-his heart was drawn out in fervent prayer, and his whole soul was so lost to every thing of a temporal nature, that earth, to him, had lost its claims, and all he desired was to be prepared in heart to commune with some kind messenger who could communicate to him the desired information of his acceptance with God.
   At length the family retired, and he, as usual, bent his way, though in silence, where others might have rested their weary frames "locked fast in sleep's embrace;" but repose had fled, and accustomed slumber had spread her refreshing hand over others beside him- he continued still to pray-his heart, though once hard and obdurate, was softened, and that mind which had often fitted, like the "wild bird of passage," had settled upon a determined basis not to be decoyed or driven from its purpose.
   In this situation hours passed unnumbered-how many or how few I know not, neither is he able to inform me; but supposes it must have been eleven or twelve, and perhaps later, as the noise and bustle of the family, in retiring, had long since ceased.-While continuing in prayer for a manifestation in some way that his sins were forgiven; endeavoring to exercise faith in the scriptures, on a sudden a light like that of day, only of a purer and far more glorious appearance and brightness, burst into the room.-Indeed, to use his own description, the first sight was as though the house was filled with consuming and unquenchable fire. This sudden appearance of a light so bright, as must naturally be expected, occasioned a shock or sensation, visible to the extremities of the body. It was, however, followed with a calmness and serenity of mind, and an overwhelming rapture of joy that surpassed nnderstanding [understanding], and in a moment a personage stood before him.
   Notwithstanding the room was previously filled with light above the brightness of the sun, as I have before described, yet there seemed to be an additional glory surrounding or accompanying this personage, which shone with an increased degree of briliancy [brilliancy], of which he was in the midst; and though his countenanc [countenance] was as lightening, yet it was of a pleasing, innocent and glorious appearance, so much so, that every fear was banished from the heart, and nothing but calmness pervaded the soul.
   It is no easy task to describe the appearance of a messenger from the skies- indeed, I doubt there being an individual clothed with perishable clay, who is capable to do this work. To be sure, the Lord appeared to his apostles after his resurrection, and we do not learn as they were in the least difficultied to look upon him; but from John's description upon Patmos, we learn that he is there represented as most glorious in appearance; and from other items in the sacred scriptures we have the fact recorded where angels appeared and conversed with men, and there was no difficulty on the part of the individuals, to endure their presence; and others where their glory was so conspicuous that they could not endure. The last description or appearance is the one to which I refer, when I say that it is no easy task to describe their glory.
   But it may be well to relate the particulars as far as given-The stature of this personage was a little above the common size of men in this age; his garment was perfectly white, and had the appearance of being without seam.
   Though fear was banished form his heart, yet his surprise was no less when he heard him declare himself to be a messenger sent by commandment of the Lord, to deliver a special message, and to witness to him that his sins were forgiven, and that his prayers were heard; and that the scriptures might be fulfilled, which say -"God has chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; and base things of the world, and things wich [which] are despised, has God chosen; yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things which are, that no flesh should glory in his presence. Therefore, says the Lord, I will proceed to do a marvelous work among this people, even a marvelous work and a wonder; the wisdom, of their wise shall perish, and the understanding of their prudent shall be hid; for according to his covenant which he made with his ancient saints, his people, the house of Israel, must come to a knowledge of the gospel, and own that Messiah whom their fathers rejected, and with them the fulness of the Gentiles be gathered in, to rejoice in one fold under one Shepherd."
   "This cannot be brought about until first certain preparatory things are accomplished, for so has the Lord purposed in his own mind. He has therefore chosen you as an instrument in his hand to bring to light that which shall; perform his act, his strange act, and bring to pass a marvelous work and a wonder. Wherever the sound shall go it shall cause the ears of men to tingle, and wherever it shall be proclaimed, the pure in heart shall rejoice, while those who draw near to God with their mouths, and honor him with their lips, while their hearts are far from him, will seek its overthrow, and the destruction of those by whose hands it is carried. Therefore, marvel not if your name is made a derision, and had as a by-word among such, if you are the instrument in bringing it, by the gift of God, to the knowledge of the people."
   He then proceeded and gave a general account of the promises made to the fathers, and also gave a history of the aborigines of this country, and said they were literal descendants of Abraham. He represented them as once being an enlightened and intelligent people, possessing a cerrect [correct] knowledge of the gospel, and the plan of restoration and redemption. He said this history was written and deposited not far from that place, and that it was our brother's privilege, if obedient to the commandments of the Lord, to obtain, and translate the same by the means of the Urim and Thummim, which were deposited for that purpose with the record.
   "Yet," said he, "the scripture must be fulfilled before it is translated, which says that the words of a book, which were sealed, were presented to the learned; for thus has God determined to leave men without excuse, and show to the meek that his arm is not shortened that it cannot save."
   A part of the book was sealed, and was not to be opened yet. The sealed part, said he, contains the same revelation which was given to John upon the isle of Patmos, and when the people of the Lord are prepared, and found worthy, then it will be unfolded unto them.
   On the subject of bringing to light the unsealed part of this record, it may be proper to say, that our brother was expressly informed, that it must be done with an eye single to the glory of God; if this consideration did not wholly characterize all his proceedings in relation to it, the adversary of truth would overcome him, or at least prevent his making that proficiency in this glorious work which he otherwise would.
   While describing the place where the record was deposited, he gave a minute relation of it, and the vision of his mind being opened at the same time, he was permitted to view it critically; and previously being acquainted with the place, he was able to follow the direction of the vision, afterward, according to the voice of the angel, and obtain the book.

Feb, 1835

The Joseph Smith Papers, Lucy Mack Smith, History, 1844-1845, pgs 58-62

Lucy's account leading up to receiving the plates

   Soon after this Mr Smith had occasion to send Joseph to Manchester on buisness he set out in good season and we expected him to be at home as soon as 6 oclock but he did not arrive...
   ...he did not return home till the night was considerably advanced his Father and myself were together no one else was present when he entered the house he threw himself into a chair seemingly much exhausted he was as pale as ashes his Father exclaimed "Joseph why have you staid so late has anything happened you we have been in distress about you these 3 hours
   after Joseph recovered himself a little he said Father I have had the severest chastisement that I ever had in my life
   Chastisement indeed! said Mr Smith Well upon my word I would like to who has been takeing you to task and what their pretext was its pretty well too, if you are to be detained till this time of night to take lectures for your bad practises.
   Joseph smiled to see his Father so hasty and indignant. Father said he it was the angel of the Lord. he says I have been negligent that the time has now come when the record should be brought forth and that I must be up and doing that I must set myself about the things which God has commanded me to do but Father give yourself no uneasiness as to this reprimand for I know that course I am to pursue an all will be well".
   It was signified to him when he should make annother effort to obtain the plates which was september 22 but at this time he did not make this known to us
   On the night of the 21st I sat up very late as my buisness pressed upon my hands. & I did not retire untill past 12 about 12 Joseph came to me and asked me if I had a chest with a lock and key I knew in a moment what it was wanted for and not was moving having a lock but what was broken I was alarmed fearing that this might be a matter of great importance to him at that time I told him this but he replied But Joseph replied never mind I can do very well just now without it be Calm all is right
   but I found it very difficult to do so for I had not forgotten the first failure he left soon after with his wife taking Mr. Knights horse and wagon I spent the night in prayer and at reasonable time for rising I went to preparing breakfast my heart fluttering at every footfall for I now expected Joseph & Emma every moment and was in dread of a second disapointment in his obtaining the plates...
...Joseph returned
I trembled so much with fear lest all might be lost aging by some small failure in keeping the commandments that I was under the necessity of laving the room to conceal my feelings Joseph saw this and followed me Mother said he do not be uneasy all is right see here said he I have got the key
I knew not what he meant but took the article in my hands and upon examining it found with no covering but a silk handkerchief that it consisted of 2 smooth 3 cornered diamonds set in glass and the glass was set in silver bows stones conected with each other in the same way that old fashioned spectacles are made He took them again and left me but did not tell me anything of the record
soon after he came again and asked my advice what it was best to do about getting a chest made I told him to go to a cabbinet maker who had been making some furniture for my oldest daughter

Lippincott's Magazine 26:152, pgs 198-99

Martin Harris Conversion according to Frederic G. Mather

Martin Harris, a farmer near Palmyra, visited the Smiths while he was yet in doubt concerning the doctrines of Mormonism. One night, while he was in his room, curtained off from the single large room of the interior, there appeared to him no less a personage than Jesus Christ. Harris was informed that Mormonism was the true faith, and Van Camp knows that it was a log house, although no vestige now remains, because Harris told him that his celestial visitor was lying on the beam overhead!

The Joseph Smith Papers, History, 1838-1856, volume A-1 [23 December 1805-30 August 1834], pg 11

Account in Joseph Smith's 1838 History

   By this timely aid was I enabled to reach the place of my destination in Pensylvania, and immediately after my arrival there I commenced copying the characters of all the plates. I copyed a considerable number of them and by means of the Urim and Thummin I translated some of them which I did between the time I arrived at the house of my wife's father in the month of December, and the February following. Some time in this month of February the aforementioned Mr Martin Harris came to our place, got the characters which I had drawn off of the plates and started with them to the City of New York. For what took place relative to him and the characters I refer to his own account of the circumstances as he related them to me after his return which was as follows. "I went to the City of New York and presented the Characters which had been translated, with the translation thereof, to Professor Anthony a gentleman celebrated for his literary attainments. Professor Anthony stated that the translation was correct, more so than any he had before seen translated from the Egyptian.
   I then shewed him those which were not yet translated, and he said that they were Egyptian, Chaldeak, Assyriac, and Arabac, and he said that they were true charac ters. He gave me a certificate certifying to the people of Palmyra that they were true characters and that the translation of such of them as had been translated was also correct.
   I took the Certificate and put it into my pocket, and was just leaving the house, when Mr Anthony called me back and asked me how the young man found out that there were gold plates in the place where he found them. I answered that an Angel of God had revealed it unto him. He then said to me, let me see that certificate, I accordingly took it out of my pocket and gave it him when he took it and tore it to pieces, saying that there was no such thing now as ministring of angels, and that if I would bring the plates to him, he would translate them. I left him and went to Dr Mitchel who sanctioned what Professor Anthony had said respecting both the Characters and the translation."

Ontario. Common Pleas Court papers in cases of Joseph Smith Sr. and Jeremiah Hurlbut, Church History Library, pg 5

Goods and Services Rendered to Smith family in 1818

Jeremiah Hurlbut

Summer, 1818

(Note: This list shows Hurlbut's resources that were used by the Smiths, including "half of Tax on land," indicating that the Smiths lived on his farm. A list of goods and services rendered by the Smiths to Jeremiah Hurlbut can be seen here.)

Lippincott's Magazine 26:152, pg 200

There was, however, another object for which Smith said the Lord had sent him to Susquehanna; and that was -- a wife. Until he obtained one there was no use in trying to get certain buried treasures at Palmyra. A headless Spaniard guarded it with great vigilance, but would, it appeared, be driven away if Smith should shake millinery and dry-goods bills at him. Joseph stopped at the house of Isaac Hale, already noticed as having furnished board to the diggers. Mr. Hale owned a farm. on the north side of the river, a mile and a half below the present borough of Susquehanna. He had three daughters, two of them already married. The second daughter, Emma, was easily persuaded to join her fortunes with those of the adventurer. The father, however, made so much opposition that they crossed over into the State of New York, and were married at Windsor, a neighboring town. This was probably early in 1826. Mr. Hale threatened to shoot his son-in-law the "Peeker," as he called him -- if he ever returned.

Wilford Woodruff's Journal

Wilford Woodruff's Journal

Wilford Woodruff

11 Sep, 1859

Presidet Young also said that the seer stone which Joseph Smith first obtained He got in an Iron kettle 25 feet under ground. He saw it while looking in another seers stone which a person had. He went right to the spot & dug & found it.

(Note: No images of this journal are available online. Please contact me if you have any information.)

Autobiography and Journal of William I. Appleby, 1848, Church History Library, pgs 30-31

He commenced reading his Bible, but his education was very limited; he could Just read; and scarce write his name; believing what he read; until he came to the following passage, "If any lack Wisdom, let him ask of God, and it shall be given him" James 1.5, This was Joy to his soul, it was peace to his troubled spirit he saw that it was his privelege to ask God, and according to his faith receive; accordingly he retired to a secret grove, not far from his Fathrs house; and there day after day, did this youth pour out his soul to God to know which of the sects was right, and had the true doctrine that he might obey the same, and become a member of the Church."
one day while praying a glorious light encircled him, his mind was caught away, from the things of the World, and he was immediately wrapt in a Heavenly Vision, He saw two angelic beings, whose countenances were glorious beyond expression, stand before him, they declared themselves to be angels, sent from the courts of glory, to communicate to him, that his sins were forgiven; that his prayers were heard, and he was told not to go after any of the Sects, for the whole World, said they, are believing in incorrect doctrines: that the authority of the Priesthood had long since been taken from the earth, and they informed him if he was faithful, the true plan of salvation should be revealed to him hereafter." After which they disappeared leaving his mind in peace and tranquility.

Mormonism Unvailed, E.D. Howe, pg 278-80

John Spalding Affidavit

John Spalding

Solomon Spaulding was born in Ashford, Conn. in 1761, and in early life contracted a taste for literary pursuits.... After preaching three or four years, he gave it up, removed to Cherry Valley, N.Y., and commenced the mercantile business in company with his brother Jasiah. In a few years he failed in business, and in the year 1809 removed to Conneaut, in Ohio. The year following, I removed to Ohio, and found him engaged in building a forge. I made him a visit in about three years after; and found that he had failed, and considerably involved in debt. He then told me had he been writing a book, which he intended to have printed, the avails of which he thought would enable him to pay all his debts. The book was entitled the ‘Manuscript Found,' of which he read to me many passages. It was an historical romance of the first settlers of America, endeavoring to show that the American Indians are the descendants of the Jews, or the lost tribes. It gave a detailed account of their journey from Jerusalem, by land and sea, till they arrived in America, under the command of NEPHI AND LEHI. They afterwards had quarrels and contentions, and separated into two distinct nations, one of which he denominated Nephites and the other Lamanites. Cruel and bloody wars ensued, in which great multitudes were slain. They buried their dead in large heaps, which cause the mounds so common in this country. Their arts, sciences, and civilizations were brought into view, in order to account for all the curious antiquities, found in various parts of North and South America. I have recently read the Book of Mormon, and to my great surprise I find nearly the same historical matter, names, &c. as they were in my brother's writings. I well remember that he wrote in the old style, and commenced about every sentence with ‘and it came to pass,' or ‘now it came to pass,' the same as in the Book of Mormon, and according to the best of my recollection and belief, it is the same as my brother Solomon wrote, with the exception of the religious matter. By what means it has fallen into the hands of Joseph Smith, Jr. I am unable to determine.

(Note: John Spaulding was Solomon Spaulding's brother)

The Three Brothers: Sketches of the Lives of Rev. Aurora Seager, Rev. Micah Seager, Rev. Schuyler Seager, D. D. (New York, 1880), pgs 21-22

Diary mention of Methodist Camp Meeting on June 19, 1818

Aurora Seager

Jun, 1818

I received, on the 18th of June, a letter from Brother Hibbard, informing me that I had been received by the New York Conference, and, at my request, had been transferred to the Genesee Conference. On the 19th I attended a camp-meeting at Palmyra. The arrival of Bishop Roberts, who seems to be a man of God, and is apostolic in his appearance, gave a deeper interest to the meeting until it closed. On Monday the sacrament was administered, about twenty were baptized; forty united with the Church, and the meeting closed. I accompanied the Bishop to Brother Hawks, at Phelps, and on the 14th of July I set out with Brother Paddock for the Genesee conference, which was to hold its session at Lansing, N.Y.

(Note: No images of this diary are available online. Please contact me if you have any information.)

The Joseph Smith Papers, Revelation, Spring 1829 [D&C 10], pgs 1-4

May 1829 Revelation

   NOW, behold I say unto you, that because you delivered up so many writings, which you had power to translate, into the hands of a wicked man, you have lost them, and you also lost your gift at the same time, nevertheless it has been restored unto you again: therefore, see that you are faithful and go on unto the finishing of the remainder of the work as you have begun. Do not run faster than you have strength and means provided to translate, but be diligent unto the end, that you may come off conquerer; yea, that you may conquer satan, and those that do uphold his work.
   2 Behold they have sought to destroy you; yea, even the man in whom you have trusted, and for this cause I said, that he is a wicked man, for he has sought to take away the things wherewith you have been intrusted; and he has also sought to destroy your gift, and because you have delivered the writings into his hands, behold they have taken them from you: therefore, you have delivered them up; yea, that which was sacred unto wickedness. And behold, satan has put it into their hearts to alter the words which you have caused to be written, or which you have translated, which have gone out of your hands; and behold I say unto you, that because they have altered the words, they read contrary from that which you translated and caused to be written; and on this wise the devil has sought to lay a cunning plan, that he may destroy this work; for he has put it into their hearts to do this, that by lying they may say they have caught you in the words which you have pretended to translate.
   3 Verily I say unto you, that I will not suffer that satan shall accomplish his evil design in this thing, for behold he has put it into their hearts to tempt the Lord their God; for behold they say in their hearts, We will see if God has given him power to translate, if so, he will also give him power again; and if God giveth him power again, or if he translate again, or in other words, if he bringeth forth the same words, behold we have the same with us, and we have altered them: Therefore, they will not agree, and we will say that he has lied in his words, and that he has no gift, and that he has no power: therefore, we will destroy him, and also the work, and we will do this that we may not be ashamed in the end, and that we may get glory of the world.
   4 Verily, verily I say unto you, that satan has great hold upon their hearts; he stirreth them up to do iniquity against that which is good, that he may lead their souls to destruction, and thus he has laid a cunning plan to destroy the work of God; yea, he stirreth up their hearts to anger against this work; yea, he saith unto them, Deceive and lie in wait to catch, that ye may destroy: behold this is no harm, and thus he flattereth them and telleth them that it is no sin to lie, that they may catch a man in a lie, that they may destroy him, and thus he flattereth them, and leadeth them along until he draggeth their souls down to hell; and thus he causeth them to catch themselves in their own snare; and thus he goeth up and down, to and fro in the earth, seeking to destroy the souls of men.
   5 Verily, verily I say unto you, wo be unto him that lieth to decieve, because he supposeth that another lieth to decieve, for such are not exempt from the justice of God.
   6 Now, behold they have altered those words, because satan saith unto them, He hath decieved you, and thus he flattereth them away to do iniquity, to tempt the Lord their God.
   7 Behold I say unto you, that you shall not translate again those words which have gone forth out of your hands; for behold, they shall not lie any more against those words; for behold, if you should bring forth the same words, they would say that you have lied; that you have pretended to translate, but that you have contradicted your words; and behold they would publish this, and satan would harden the hearts of the people, to stir them up to anger against you, that they might not believe my words: thus satan would overpower this generation, that the work might not come forth in this generation: but behold here is wisdom, and because I show unto you wisdom, and give you commandments concerning these things, what you shall do, show it not unto the world until you have accomplished the work.
   8 Marvel not that I said unto you, here is wisdom, show it not unto the world, for I said, show it not unto the world, that you may be preserved. Behold I do not say that you shall not show it unto the righteous; but as you cannot always judge the righteous, or as you cannot always tell the wicked from the righteous: therefore, I say unto you, hold your peace until I shall see fit to make all things known unto the world concerning the matter.
   9 And now, verily I say unto you, that an account of those things that you have written, which have gone out of your hands, are engraven upon the plates of Nephi; yea, and you remember, it was said in those writings, that a more particular account was given of these things upon the plates of Nephi.
   10 And now, because the account which is engraven upon the plates of Nephi, is more particular concerning the things, which in my wisdom I would bring to the knowledge of the people in this account: therefore, you shall translate the engravings which are on the plates of Nephi, down even till you come to the reign of king Benjamin, or until you come to that which you have translated, which you have retained; and behold, you shall publish it as the record of Nephi, and thus I will confound those who have altered my words. I will not suffer that they shall destroy my work; yea, I will show unto them that my wisdom is greater than the cunning of the devil.
   11 Behold they have only got a part, or an abridgment of the account of Nephi. Behold there are many things engraven on the plates of Nephi, which do throw greater views upon my gospel: therefore, it is wisdom in me, that you should translate this first part of the engravings of Nephi, and send forth in this work. And behold, all the remainder of this work, does contain all those parts of my gospel which my holy prophets; yea, and also my disciples desired in their prayers, should come forth unto this people. And I said unto them, that it should be granted unto them according to their faith in their prayers; yea, and this was their faith, that my gospel which I gave unto them, that they might preach in their days, might come unto their brethren, the Lamanites, and also, all that had become Lamanites, because of their dissensions.

May, 1829

(Note: This revelation was later canonized by the LDS church and exists today as D&C 10:1-48)

The Joseph Smith Papers, Doctrine and Covenants, 1835, pg 161

Revelation on John the Beloved

2 And for this cause the Lord said unto Peter, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? For he desiredst of me that he might bring souls unto me; but thou desiredst that thou might speedily come unto me in my kingdom. I say unto thee, Peter, this was a good desire, but my beloved has desired that he might do more, or a greater work, yet among men than what he has before done; yea, he has undertaken a greater work; therefore, I will make him as flaming fire and a ministering angel: he shall minister for those who shall be heirs of salvation who dwell on the earth; and I will make thee to minister for him and for thy brother James: and unto you three I will give this power and the keys of this ministry until I come.

(Note: The second half of this verse was not present in the original 1829 revelation or the copy in the 1833 Book of Commandments.)

The Joseph Smith Papers, Doctrine and Covenants, 1835, pg 180

Revelation in the 1835 Doctrine and Covenants

and also John the son of Zacharias, which Zacharias he (Elias) visited and gave promise that he should have a son, and his name should be John, and he should be filled with the spirit of Elias; which John I have sent unto you, my servants, Joseph Smith, jr. and Oliver Cowdery, to ordain you unto this first priesthood which you have received, that you might be called and ordained even as Aaron:
...
And also with Peter, and James, and John, whom I have sent unto you, by whom I have ordained you and confirmed you to be apostles and especial witnesses of my name, and bear the keys of your ministry: and of the same things which I revealed unto them, unto whom I have committed the keys of my kingdom, and a dispensation of the gospel for the last times: and for the fulness of times, in the which I will gather together in one all things both which are in heaven and which are on earth:

(Note: This text does not appear in the original Aug 1830 revelation, the March 1833 issue of "The Evening and the Morning Star," or the copy of the revelation in the 1833 Book of Commandments. It does appear in the May 1836 issue of "The Evening and the Morning Star.")

Gospel Luminary 2, no. 49 (10 Dec. 1829): 194

Letter From Oliver Cowdery

   "And after that which was not sealed, was translated, the book should again be hid-up, unto the Lord, that it might not be destroyed; and come forth again, in the own due time of him, who knows all things [coming] unto the children of men."
   "You also wished Mr. Harris to inform you respecting his seeing this book, whether there could not possibly have been some juggling at the bottom of it. A few words on that point may suffice.-
   "It was a clear, open beautiful day, far from any inhabitants, in a remote field, at the time we saw the record, of which it has been spoken, brought and laid before us, by an angel, arrayed in glorious light, [who] ascend [descended I suppose] out of the midst of heaven."
   "Now if this is human juggling-judge ye."
   Yours with much esteem,
   OLIVER H. P. COWDERY.

9 Nov, 1829

The Joseph Smith Papers, "Articles of the Church of Christ," June 1829, pgs 1-3

Articles of the Church of Christ

   A commandment from God unto Oliver how he should build up his Church & the manner thereof--
   Saying Oliver listen to the voice of Christ your Lord & your God & your Redeemer & write the words which I shall command you concerning my Church my Gospel my Rock & my Salvation. Behold the world is ripening in iniquity & it must needs be that the children of men are stirred up unto repentance both the Gentiles & also the House of Israel for behold I command all men every where to repent & I speak unto you even as unto Paul mine apostle for ye are called even with that same calling with which he was called Now therefore whoso ever repenteth & humbleth himself before me & desireth to be baptized in my name shall ye baptize them And after this manner did he command me that I should baptize them Behold ye shall go down & stand in the water & in my name shall ye baptize them And now behold these are the words which ye shall say calling them by name saying Having authority given me of Jesus Christ I baptize you in the name of the Father & of the Son & of the Holy Ghost Amen And then shall ye immerse them in the water & come forth again out of the water & after this manner shall ye baptize in my name For behold verily I say unto you That the Father & the Son & the Holy Ghost are one & I am in the Father & the Father in me & the Father & I are one
   And ye are also called to ordain Priests & Teachers according to the gifts & callings of God unto men & after this manner shall ye ordain them Ye shall pray unto the Father in my name & then shall ye lay your hands upon them & say In the name of Jesus Christ I ordain you to be a Priest or if he be a Teacher I ordain you to be a Teacher to preach repentance & remission of sins through Jesus Christ by the endurance of faith on his name to the end Amen And this shall be the duty of the Priest He shall kneel down & the members of the Church shall kneel also which Church shall be called The Church of Christ & he shall pray to the Father in my name for the church & if it so be that it be built upon my Rock I will bless it And after that ye have prayed to the Father in my name ye shall preach the truth in soberness casting out none from among you but rather invite them to come And the Church shall oft partake of bread & wine & after this manner shall ye partake of it The Elder or Priest shall minister it & after this manner shall he do he shall kneel with the Church & pray to the Father in the name of Christ & then shall ye say O God the Eternal Father we ask thee in the name of thy Son Jesus Christ to bless & sanctify this bread to the souls of all those who partake of it that they may eat in remembrance of the body of thy Son & witness unto thee O God the Eternal Father that they are willing to take upon them the name of thy Son & always remember him & keep his commandments which he hath given them that they may always have his spirit to be with them Amen
   And then shall ye take the cup & say O God the Eternal Father we ask thee in the name of thy Son Jesus Christ to bless & sanctify this wine to the souls of all those who drink of it that they may do in remembrance of the blood of thy Son which was shed for them that they may witness unto thee O God the Eternal Father that they do always remember him that they may have his spirit to be with them Amen
   And now behold I give unto you a commandment that ye shall not suffer any one knowingly to partake of my flesh & blood unworthily when ye shall minister it for whoso eateth & drinketh my flesh & blood unworthily eateth & drinketh damnation to his soul Therefore if ye know that a man is unworthy to eat & drink of my flesh & blood ye shall forbid him nevertheless ye shall not cast him out from among you but ye shall minister unto him & shall pray for him unto the Father in my name & if it so be that he repenteth & is baptized in my name then shall ye receive him & shall minister unto him of my flesh & blood but if he repenteth not he shall not be numbered among my people that he may not destroy my people For behold I know my Sheep & they are numbered nevertheless ye shall not cast him out of your Synagogues or your places of worship for unto such shall ye continue to minister for ye know not but what they will return & repent & come unto me with full purpose of heart & I shall heal them & ye shall be the means of bringing Salvation unto them Therefore keep these sayings which I have commanded you that ye come not under condemnation for wo unto him whom the Father condemneth--
   And the church shall meet together oft for prayer & suplication casting out none from your places of worship but rather invite them to come And each member shall speak & tell the church of their progress in the way to Eternal life
   And there shall be no pride nor envying nor strifes nor malice nor idoletry nor witchcrafts nor whoredoms nor fornications nor covetiousness nor lying nor deceits nor no manner of iniquity & if any one is guilty of any or the least of these & doth not repent & shew fruits meets for repentance they shall not be numbered among my people that they may not destroy my people
   And now I speak unto the Church Repent all ye ends of the Earth & come unto me & be baptized in my name which is Jesus Christ & endure to the end & ye shall be saved Behold Jesus Christ is the name which is given of the Father & there is none other name given whereby man can be saved Therefore all men must take upon them the name which is given of the Father for in that name shall they be called at the last Therefore if they know not the name by which they are called they cannot have place in the Kingdom of my Father Behold ye must walk uprightly before me & sin not & if ye do walk uprightly before me & sin not my grace is sufficient for you that ye shall be lifted up at the last day Behold I am Jesus Christ the Son of the liveing God I am the same which came unto my own & my own received me not I am the light which shineth in darkness & the darkness comprehendeth it not these words are not of men nor of man but of me Now remember the words of him who is the first & the last the light & the life of the world And I Jesus Christ your Lord & your God & your Redeemer by the power of my Spirit hath spoken it Amen-- And now if I have not authority to write these things judge ye behold ye shall know that I have authority when you & I shall be brought to stand before the judgement seat of Christ Now may the grace of God the Father & our Lord Jesus Christ be & abide with you all & finally save you Eternally in his Kingdom through the Infinite atonement which is in Jesus Christ Amen-- Behold I am Oliver I am an Apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God the Father & the Lord Jesus Christ Behold I have written the things which he hath commanded me for behold his word was unto me as a burning fire shut up in my bones & I was weary with forbearing & I could forbear no longer Amen--
   Written in the year of our Lord & Saviour 1829-- A true copy of the articles of the Church of Christ &c

An Address To All Believers in Christ, 1887, pgs 64-66

David Whitmer on High Priests

   When the Church of Christ was established at Jerusalem, and upon this continent, and in 1829, the officers which were to be in the church were made known at its beginning, and not two years afterwards.
   In Kirtland, Ohio, in June, 1831, at a conference of the church, the first High Priests were ordained into the church. Brother Joseph ordained Lyman Wight, John Murdock, Harvey Whitlock, Hyrum Smith, Reynolds Cahoon and others to the office of a High Priest. When they were ordained, right there at the time, the devil caught and bound Harvey Whitlock so he could not speak, his face being twisted into demon-like shape. Also John Murdock and others were caught by the devil in a similar manner. Now brethren, do you not see that the displeasure of the Lord was upon their proceedings in ordaining High Priests? Of course it was. These facts are recorded in the History of the Church - written by my brother, John Whitmer, who was the regularly appointed church historian. I was not at that conference, being then in Hiram, which is near Kirtland, Ohio. I also have the testimony of Harvey Whitlock whom the devil caught and bound: also John Whitmer, who was present, and others who were present at the time, so I know it is true. John Whitmer wrote this in the church history when he was in full fellowship with the church. As a faithful historian he speaks of this matter, and tries to explain it away by saying, "While the Lord poured out his spirit, the devil took occasion to make his power known; he bound Harvey Whitlock so that he could not speak, and others were affected, but the Lord showed to Joseph the seer, the design of this thing: He commanded the devil in the name of Christ and he departed to our joy and comfort." It was not given to Brother John nor any of them at that time to understand this matter of the devil entering into the first High Priests that were ordained in the church. They were all blind as to the design of that thing, and did not see what it meant. Of course it was given to Brother Joseph to cast the devil out, but what was the design of the devil entering into these men just as soon as they were ordained the first High Priests ever ordained in the church? Of course it was to show that God's sore displeasure was upon their erring works of ordaining High Priests into the Church of Christ. Any spiritual man can see this. Brother John was himself ordained a High Priest at that time, so he was in error and could not see it; but he saw it very clearly in 1848, when the Lord opened our eyes to see and understand it. Prejudiced persons are blind and do not want to see and understand except their own preconceived way. There is none so blind as those who will not see. In Brother John's history he speaks of the Spirit of God being poured out in abundance upon that occasion, some seeing visions, etc., but brethren, you will learn in the next world, if you do not know it already, that the devil can give visions, appearing as an Angel of Light. Brother John gives an account of a prophecy uttered by Lyman Wight just after Brother Joseph ordained him a High Priest, which prophecy will prove to be a false prophecy. Brother John's history of the church says as follows: "He (Joseph) laid his hands upon Lyman Wight and ordained him to the high priesthood after the holy order of God. And the spirit fell upon Lyman, and he prophesied concerning the coming of Christ. He said that there were some in this congregation that should live until the Savior should descend from Heaven with a shout, with all the holy angels with him, etc." The early future will determine as to whether this prophecy was true or false.
   Some of the brethren have gone outside of the written word of God, and accepted as evidence, histories that were written 350 to 400 years after Christ, to prove that High Priests were in the Church of Christ.. This seems strange to me. They have quoted from the history of St. Jerome, who was Secretary to the Pope at Rome, about 382 years after Christ. I should not wonder if the apostolic church did have High Priests and many other offices and ordinances that were abominable before God, after they drifted into error like the Latter Day Saints have. They have also quoted from Theodoret who died 457 years after Christ. His writings extend from A.D. 325 to A.D. 429. My authority for the above is Lippincott's Biographical Dictionary. Now shall we take such evidence as this to prove the office of High Priests being in the church when it was in its purity, when the written word of God mentions all the church officers in many places and says nothing about a single High Priest? Nay verily. As for me, I must take the Scriptures for my authority. I cannot understand how any person can claim that an important office like High Priests should be, or was in the Church of Christ when it was in the true faith, when nothing is said in the Scriptures about it. The Scriptures were given by inspiration of God: and do you suppose that God would leave out of his word the great office of a High Priest, if they were to be in the Church of Christ? Of course not. It is charging God foolishly to believe that he would leave out of his word this office or any other office that he intended should be in his church.

Zion's Ensign, January 13, 1894, pg 6

The Testimony of William Smith

J. W. Peterson

13 Jan, 1894

Â Â Â Brother Briggs and I visited him next day after he returned from St. Paul, it being about two weeks before his death. We found him able to be about the house and quite willing to talk. After passing the time of day, etc., Brother Briggs and he spoke of former meetings and finally drifted on to the subject of Brother Smith's early boyhood and his knowledge of the rise of the Church, Book of Mormon, etc.
Â Â Â Brother Briggs then handed me a pencil and asked Brother Smith if he ever saw the plates his brother had had, from which the Book of Mormon was translated.
Â Â Â He replied, "I did not see them uncovered, but I handled them and hefted them while wrapped in a tow frock and judged them to have weighed about sixty pounds. I could tell they were plates of some kind and that they were fastened together by rings running through the back. Their size was as described in mother's history."
Â Â Â Brother Briggs then asked, "Did any others of the family see them."
Â Â Â "Yes," said he; "father and my brother Samuel saw them as I did while in the frock. So did Hyrum and others of the family."
Â Â Â "Was this frock one that Joseph took with him especially to wrap the plates in?"
Â Â Â "No, it was his every-day frock such as young men used to wear then."
Â Â Â "Didn't you want to remove the cloth and see the bare plates?" said Brother Briggs.
Â Â Â "No," he replied; "for father had just asked if he might not be permitted to do so, and Joseph, putting his hand on them said; 'No, I am instructed not to show them to any one. If I do, I will transgress and lose them again.' Besides, we did not care to have him break the commandment and suffer as he did before."

(Note: This interview, which reportedly occurred a few days before the death of William Smith in November 1893, was originally published in Zion's Ensign. No copies of the original are available online. Please contact me if you have any information on that source. It was reprinted several weeks later in the Millenial Star, which can be read here/)

Gold Bible, No. 5, The Reflector, Palmyra, 28 Feb, 1831, pg 109

Abner Cole Account

   It is well known that Jo Smith never pretended to have any communion with angels, until a long period after the pretended finding of his book, and that the juggling of himself or father, went no further than the pretended faculty of seeing wonders in a "peep stone," and the occasional interview with the spirit, supposed to have the custody of hidden treasures; and it is also equally well known, that a vagabond fortune-teller by the name of Walters, who then resided in the town of Sodus, and was once committed to the jail of this county for juggling, was the constant companion and bosom friend of these money digging impostors.
   There remains but little doubt, in the minds of those at all acquainted with these transactions, that Walters, who was sometimes called the conjurer, and was paid three dollars per day for his services by the money diggers in this neighborhood, first suggested to Smith the idea of finding a book. Walters, the better to carry on his own deception with those ignorant & deluded people who employed him, had procured an old copy of Cicero's Orations, in the latin language, out of which he read long and loud to his credulous hearers, uttering at the same time an unintelligible jargon, which he would afterwards pretend to interpret, and explain, as a record of the former inhabitants of America, and a particular account of the numerous situations where they had deposited their treasures previous to their final extirpation.
   So far did this impostor carry this diabolical farce, that not long previous to the pretended discovery of the "Book of Mormon," Walters assembled his nightly band of money diggers in the town of Manchester, at a point designated in his magical book, and drawing a circle around the laborers, with the point of an old rusty sword, and using sundry other incantations, for the purpose of propitiating the spirit, absolutely sacrificed a fowl, ("Rooster,")in the presence of his awe-stricken companions, to the foul spirit, whom ignorance had created, the guardian of hidden wealth; and after digging until day-light, his deluded employers retired to their several habitations, fatigued and disappointed.

28 Feb, 1831

Journal of Book of Mormon Studies 10/2 (2001): pgs 59-61

NHM Altar 1

1988

(inscription essentially the same as Altar 2)

(Note: This altar, dated approximately 600 BCE, was removed from its original location at the Bar'an temple in Marib, Yemen, and put on tour with the Queen of Sheba exhibit in Europe in October, 1997.)

Letter of Joseph Smith to N. E. Seaton, Esq., The True Latter Day Saints' Herald (Cincinnati), August 1862, Vol 3, No. 2, pg 27

Joseph Smith 1833 Letter

The Book of Mormon is a record of the forefathers of our western tribes of Indians; having been found through the ministration of an holy angel, and translated into our own language by the gift and power God, after having been hid up in the earth for the last fourteen hundred years, containing the word of God which was delivered unto them.

4 Jan, 1833

lds.org, The Coming Forth of the Book of Mormon, The Dictated Manuscript, image 1, December 1983

1 Nephi 7:17 - 8:11

(Note: A smaller, higher resolution image is available here and here.)

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Jesse Nathaniel Smith Journal

Feb, 1874

Jesse Nathaniel Smith

I heard him (Brigham Young) at an evening meeting in Cedar City describe an apartment in the Hill Cumorah that some of the brethren had been permitted to enter. He said there was great wealth in the room in sacred implements, vestments, arms, precious metals and precious stones, more than a six-mule team could draw

Mormonism: its leaders and designs, by John Hyde, 1857, pg 263

John Hyde description

John Hyde

1857

It was quite common in the western part of New York, about thirty years ago, for men to dig for treasure which they supposed had been hidden by Captain Kidd and others. Many plans were tried and much imposition practiced by means of divining-rods, dreams, and seeing-stones. It was not at all a new thing for Smith, therefore, to pretend to the power of seeing where gold was by the use of a ‘peep-stone,' nor did it surprise the inhabitants of that locality.

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External Link

St Johns Rod

Daniel Dorchester

7 Jun, 1879

Mormonism Unvailed, E.D. Howe, pgs 250-51

The testimony of Barton Stafford

Barton Stafford, witnessed by Thos. P. Baldwin

3 Nov, 1833

Being called upon to give a statement of the character of the family of Joseph Smith, Sen. as far as I know, I can state that I became acquainted with them in 1820, and knew them until 1831, when they left this neighborhood.--Joseph Smith, Sen. was a noted drunkard and most of the family followed his example, and Joseph, Jr. especially, who was very much addicted to intemperance. In short, not one of the family had the least claims to respectability. Even since he professed to be inspired of the Lord to translate the Book of Mormon, he one day while at work in my father's field, got quite drunk on a composition of cider, molasses and water. Finding his legs to refuse their office he leaned upon the fence and hung for sometime; at length recovering again, he fell to scuffling with one of the work-men, who tore his shirt nearly off from him. His wife who was at our house on a visit, appeared very much grieved at his conduct, and to protect his back from the rays of the sun, and conceal his nakedness, threw her shawl over his shoulders and in that plight escorted the Prophet home. As an evidence of his piety and devotion, when intoxicated, he frequently made his religion the topic of conversation!

The Voice of Joseph, pg 3

1850 Lorenzo Snow version

Lorenzo Snow

1850

When about 15 years of age, being seriously impressed with the necessity of seeking the Lord and preparing for a future state, his mind became much perplexed through difficulties thrown in the path of his researches by the multitude of religious sects and parties with which he was surrounded. Each system claimed its right and power to give belief and hope, but none to communicate knowledge of its divine Authority. In comparing them one with another there seemed too much confusion, the same also appeared in looking at each separately: - turning therefore from these clashing systems, and having been encouraged, and inspired with the following passage in St. James "If any of you lack wisdom let him ask of God;" he retired to a grove, a little distance from his father's, and in fervent prayer besought the Lord to communicate with him, and reveal the way of salvation. While thus engaged a light brilliant and glorious appeared in the heavens gradually descending towards him till he was enveloped in its power, and wrapped in celestial vision; when he beheld two glorious beings similar in dress and appearance who informed him that the religious sects had all departed from the ancient doctrine of the apostles, and that the Gospel, with its gifts and blessings should be made known to him at a future period. Many important things were manifested in this vision which the brevity of this work will not admit our noticing.

Palmyra Register, Palmyra, NY, June 28, 1820

Newspaper mention of Methodist Camp Meeting on June 26, 1820

Palmyra Register

28 Jun, 1820

Effects of Drunkenness. -- DIED at the house of Mr. Robert M'Collum, in this town, on the 26th inst., James Couser, aged about forty years. The deceased, we are informed, arrived at Mr. M'Collum's house the evening preceding, from a camp-meeting which was held in this vicinity, in a state of intoxication... It is supposed he obtained his liquor, which was no doubt the cause of his death, at the Camp-ground, where, it is a notorious fact, the intemperate, the lewd and dissolute part of the community too frequently resort for no better objewct, than to gratify their base propensities.

(Note: On July 5, 1820, the Palmyra Register wrote a retraction here which sheds further light on the camp meeting.)

The Joseph Smith Papers, Journal, 1835-1836, pgs 25-26

Joseph Smith 1835 diary account

When I was about 17 years old I saw another vision of angels in the night season after I had retired to bed I had not been a sleep, but was meditating upon my past life and experience, I was verry concious that I had not kept the commandments, and I repented hartily for all my sins and transgression, and humbled myself before Him whose eyes are over all things, all at once the room was iluminated above the brightness of the sun an angel appeared before me, his hands and feet were naked pure and white, and he stood between the floors of the room, clothed with purity inexpressible, he said unto me I am a messenger sent from God, be faithful and keep his commandments in all things, he told me of a sacred record which was written on plates of gold, I saw in the vision the place where they were deposited, he said the Indians were the literal descendants of Abraham he explained many of the prophesies to me, one I will mention which is in Malachi 4 chapt. behold the day of the Lord cometh &c. also that the Urim and Thumim, was hid up with the record, and that God would give me powre to translate it, with the assistance of this instrument he then gradually vanished out of my sight, or the vision closed, while meditating on what I had seen, the angel appeard to me again and related the same things and much more, also the third time bearing the same tidings, and departed; during the time I was in this vision I did not realize any thing around me except what was shown me in this communication: after the vision had all passed, I found that it was nearly day-light, the family soon arose, I got up also:

9 Nov, 1835

William Smith on Mormonism, pgs 10-11

William Smith account

At the end of the appointed time he went and obtained the plates which were pointed out to him by the angel. The story being noised abroad, he was pursued while on his way home with the plates, by two persons who desired to obtain the possession of the plates to convert them into money. However, he escaped to the house and brought the plates with him, wrapped up in a tow frock. He could not permit us to see them, because he said the angel told him not to do so, and he was determined to obey strictly this time; for he had disobeyed before and was compelled to wait four years before he could come into possession of the plates.
In consequence of his vision, and his having golden plates and refusing to show them, a great persecution arose against the whole family, and he was compelled to remove into Pennsylvania with the plates, where he translated them by means of the Urim and Thummim, (which he obtained with the plates), and the power of God.

The Joseph Smith Papers, Lucy Mack Smith, History, 1844-1845, pgs 62-69

Lucy's account of receiving the golden plates

   one of the neighbor began to ask Mr Smith many questions about the plates. here let me mention that no one knew anything of this business from us except one confidential friend of My Husband's to whom he named it some 2 or 3 years before. It now seemed that satan had stirred up the hearts of those who had in any way got a hint of the matter to search into it and make every possible move towards preventing the work
   Mr. Smith was soon informed that 10 or 12 men were clubed together with one willard chase a Methodist class leader at their head and what was most rediculous they had sent for a conjuror to come 60 miles to divine the place where the record was deposited by magic art
   we were apprehensive that the pates were taken out and secreted some where and we were somwhat uneasy least they might like Moses who was hid in the bulrushes be discovered by our enemies-accordingly the morning after we heard of their plans Mr Smith went over a hill that lay east of us to see what he could discover among the neighbors there at the first house he came to he found the conjuror Willard chase and the company all together this was the house of one Mr Laurence he made an errand and went in and sat down near the door leaving the door ajar for the men were so near that he could hear their conversation they were devising many plans and schemes to find Joe Smiths gold bible as they termed it the conjurer was really animated although he had travelled 60 miles during the latter part of the day and the night before.
   the woman was uneasy at the exposures they were making she stepped through a back door into the yard and called to her husband in a suppressed voice (but so loud that Mr. Smith heard every word distinctly) Sam, Sam said she you are cutting your own throat-the conjuror bawlled out again at the top of his voice I am not afraid of any body we will have the plates in spite of Joe Smith or all the Devils in Hell-
   ...we went to Emma Joseph's wife and asked her if she knew aught of the record whether Joseph had taken them out or where they were She said she did not know he then related what he had seen and heard
   Emma said she did not know what to do but she thought if Joseph was to have the record he would get it yes said Mr Smith he will if he is watchful and obeidient but remmember that for a small thing Esau lost his blessing and birthright it may be so with Joseph
   Well said Emma if I had a horse I would go and see him Mr Smith said she should have one in 15 minutes...
   ...Emma was soon on her way to her husband...
   Joseph kept the urim and thumim constantly about his person as he could by this means ascertain at any moment if the plates were in danger & having just looked into them before Emma got there he perceived her coming and came up out of the well and met her - When she informed him of what had occurred he told her that the record was perfectly safe for the present. he however concluded to go home with her and told Wells that his buisness at home made it necessary for him to return...
   when Hyrum came Joseph requested him to bring a chest that had a good lock and Key and have it here immediately so that it may be ready there said Joseph by the time I get home
   having left these directions he went to bring the record which he had deposited in a cavity in a birch log 3 miles distant and covered it with the bark of the same he took the plates from their place and wrapping them in his linen frock put them under his arm and started for the house
   after walking a short distance in the road he concluded it would be safer to go across through the woods in a moment he struck through the timber where there was a large windfall to cross he had not proceeded far in this direction till as he was jumping over a log a man spran up and gave him a heavy blow with a gun Joseph leveled him to the ground and ran at the top of his speed about 1/2 a mile farther he was met again in precisely the same way he soon brought this one down also and ran on again - but before he got home he was accosted the 3 time with a severe stroke with a gun when he struck the last one he dislocated his thumb which however he did not notice till he came in sight of the house where he threw himself down in the a corner of the fence to recover his breath and as soon as he could get on he rose and finished his race for the house- where he arrived altogether speechless from fright and exhaustion
   after a moment's rest he said mother send carlos for father and Mr. Knight and his friend and tell them to go and see if they can find some men who have been pursueing me then let carlos go tell Hyrum to bring his chest...
   When the chest came Joseph locked up the record and threw himself on the bed after resting himself so a little so that he could converse he went out & related his adventure to his father and Mr Knight who had come back from their scouting expedition without seeing any one - he showed his thumb saying I must stop talking Father and get you to put my thumb in place for it is very painful
   when this was done he related to our guests the whole history of the record which interested them very much and listened and beleived all that was told them up to the time when he took it out of stone box in the hill of cumorah which took place the moring that Mr Knight missed his horse and waggon
   When Joseph took the plates into his hands at this time the angel of the Lord stood by and said now you have have got the record into your own hands and you are but a man therefore you will have to be watchful and faithful to your trust or you will be overpowered by wicked men for they will lay every plan and scheme that is possible to get them away from you and if you do not take heed continually they will suceed while they were in my hands I could keep them and no man had power to take them away but now I give them up to you beware and look well to your ways- and you shall have power to retain them untill the time for them to be translated
   The thing which spoke of that Joseph termed a Key was indeed nothing more nor less than a urim and Thummim by which the angel manifested those things to him that were shown him in vision by the which also he could at any time ascertain the approach of danger either to himself or the record and for this cause he kept these things constantly about his person.
   he now commenced work with his Father on the farm in order to be near the treasure that was committed to his care

Gleanings by the way, pgs 233-38

Charles Anthon 1841 Letter to Rev. T. W. Coit

Charles Anthon

3 April, 1841

   Many years ago-the precise date I do not now recollect,-a plain-looking countryman called upon me with a letter from Dr. Samuel L. Mitchell, requesting me to examine, and give my opinion upon a certain paper, marked with various characters, which the doctor confessed he could not decipher, and which the bearer of the note was very anxious to have explained. A very brief examination of the paper convinced me that it was a mere hoax, a very clumsy one too. The characters were arranged in columns, like the Chinese mode of writing, and presented the most singular medley that I ever beheld. Greek, Hebrew and all sorts of letters, more or less distorted, either through unskilfulness or from actual design, were intermingled with sundry delineations of half moons, stars, and other natural objects, and the whole ended in a rude representation of the Mexican zodiac. The conclusion was irresistible, that some cunning fellow had prepared the paper in question for the purpose of imposing upon the countryman, who brought it, and I told the man so without any hesitation. He then proceeded to give me the history of the whole affair, which convinced me that he had fallen into the hands of some sharper, while it left me in great astonishment at his simplicity.
   The countryman told me that a gold book had been recently dug up in the western or northern part (I forget which), of our state, and he described this book as consisting of many gold plates like leaves, secured by a gold wire passing through the edge of each, just as the leaves of a book are sewed together, and presented in this way the appearance of a volume. Each plate, according to him, was inscribed with unknown characters, and the paper which he handed me, a transcript of one of these pages.
   On my asking him by whom the copy was made, he gravely stated, that along with the golden book there had been dug up a very large pair of spectacles! so large in fact that if a man were to hold them in front of his face, his two eyes would merely look through one of the glasses, and the remaining part of the spectacles would project a considerable distance sideways! These spectacles possessed, it seems a very valuable property, of enabling any one who looked through them, (or rather through one of the lenses,) not only to decipher the characters on the plates, but also to comprehend their exact meaning, and be able to translate them!
   My informant assured me that this curious property of the spectacles had been actually tested, and found to be true. A young man, it seems, had been placed in the garret of a farm-house, with a curtain before him, and having fastened the spectacles to his head, had read several pages in the golden book, and communicated their contents in writing to certain persons stationed on the outside of the curtain. He had also copied off one page of the book in the original character, which he had in like manner handed over to those who were separated from him by the curtain, and this copy was the paper which the countryman had brought with him.
   As the golden book was said to contain very great truths, and most important revelations of a religious nature, a strong desire had been expressed by several persons in the countryman's neighborhood, to have the whole work translated and published. A proposition had accordingly been made to my informant, to sell his farm, and apply the proceeds to the printing of the golden book, and the golden plates were to be left with him as a security until he should be reimbursed by the sale of the work. To convince him more clearly that there was no risk whatever in the matter, and that the work was actually what it claimed to be, he was told to take the paper, which purported to be a copy of one of the pages of the book, to the city of New York, and submit it to the learned in that quarter, who would soon dispel all his doubts, and satisfy him as to the perfect safety of the investment.
   As Dr. Mitchell was our 'Magnus Appollo' in those days, the man called first upon him; but the Doctor, evidently suspecting some trick, declined giving any opinion about the matter, and sent the countryman down to the college, to see, in all probability, what the 'learned pundits' in that place would make of the affair.
   On my telling the bearer of the paper that an attempt had been made to impose on him and defraud him of his property, he requested me to give him my opinion in writing about the paper which he had shown me. I did so without hesitation, partly for the man's sake, and partly to let the individual 'behind the curtain' see that his trick was discovered. The import of what I wrote was, as far as I can now recollect, simply this, that the marks in the paper appeared to be merely an imitation of various alphabetical characters, and had, in my opinion, no meaning at all connected with them. The countryman then took his leave, with many thanks, and with the express declaration that he would in no shape part with his farm, or embark in the speculation of printing the golden book.
   The matter rested here for a considerable time, until one day, when I had ceased entirely to think of the countryman and his paper, this same individual to my great surprise paid me a second visit. He now brought with him a duodecimo volume, which he said was a translation into English of the 'Golden Bible.' He also stated that notwithstanding his original determination not to sell his farm, he had been induced eventually to do so, and apply the money to the publication of the book, and received the golden plates as a security for repayment. He begged my acceptance of the volume, assuring me that it would be found extremely interesting, and that it was already 'making great noise' in the upper part of the state. Suspecting now, that some serious trick was on foot, and that my plain-looking visitor might be in fact a very cunning fellow, I declined his present, and merely contented myself with a slight examination of the volume while he stood by. The more I declined receiving it, however, the more urgent the man became in offering the book until at last I told him plainly that if he left the volume, as he said he intended to do, I should most assuredly throw it after him as he departed.
   I then asked him how he could be so foolish as to sell his farm and engage in this affair; and requested him to tell me if the plates were really of gold. In answer to this latter inquiry, he said, that he had not seen the plates themselves, which were carefully locked up in a trunk, but that he had the trunk in his possession. I advised him by all means to open the trunk and examine its contents, and if the plates proved to be gold, which I did not believe at all, to sell them immediately. His reply was, that if he opened the trunk, the 'curse of Heaven would descend upon him and his children.' However, added he, 'I will agree to open it, provided you take the 'curse of Heaven' upon yourself, for having advised me to the step.' I told him I was perfectly willing to do so, and begged he would hasten home and examine the trunk, for he would find he had been cheated. He promised to do as I recommended, and left me, taking his book with him. I have never seen him since.
   Such is a plain statement of all I know respecting Mormons. My impression now is, that the plain-looking countryman was none other than the Prophet Smith himself, who assumed an appearance of great simplicity in order to entrap me, if possible, into some recommendation of his book. That the Prophet aided me by his inspiration in interpreting the volume, is only one of the many amusing falsehoods which the Mormonites utter, relative to my participation in their doctrines. Of these doctrines I know nothing whatever, nor have I ever heard a single discourse from any of their preachers, although I have often felt a strong curiosity to become an auditor, since my friends tell me that they frequently name me in their sermons, and even go so far as to say, that I am alluded to in the prophecies of scripture!
   If what I have here written shall prove of any service in opening the eyes of some of their deluded followers to the real designs of those who profess to be the apostles of Mormonism, it will afford me satisfaction equalled, I have no doubt, only by that which yourself will feel on this subject.

   I remain, very respectfully and truly, your friend,

Joseph Knight reminiscences, Church History Library, pgs 3-4

Nothing material took place untill toard fall the forepart of September I went to Rochester on Buisness and returnd By Palmyra to be there about the 22nt of September I was there several Days I will say there a man near By the name Samuel Lawrance he was a Seear and he had Bin to the hill and knew about the things in the hill and he was trying to obtain them he had talked with me and told me the Conversation he had with the personage which told him if he would Do right according to the will of God he mite obtain the 22nt Day of September Next and if not he never would have them now Joseph was some affraid of him that he mite be a trouble to him he therefore sint his father up to Sams as he Called him near night to see if there was any signs of his going away that night he told his father to stay till near Dark and if he saw any signs of his going you till if I find him there I will thrash the stumps with him so the old man came a way and saw no thing like it this is to shoe the troubles he had from time to time to obtain the plates so that night we all went to Bed and in the morning I got up and my Horse and Carriage was gone but after a while he Came home and he turned out the Horse all Come into the house to Brackfirst but no thing said about where they had Bin after Brackfirst Joseph Cald me into the other Room and he set his foot on the Bed and leaned his head on his hand and says well I am Dissopinted well say I I am sorrey well says he I am grateley Dissopinted it is ten times Better then I expected Then he went on to tell the length and width and thickness I expected. Then he went on to tell the length and width and thickness of the plates and said he they appear to be Gold but he seamed to think more of the glasses or the urim and thummem then he Did of the Plates for says he I can see anything they are Marvelus now they are written in Caracters and I want them translated now he was Commanded not to let no one see those things But a few for witness at a given time now it soon got about that Joseph Smith had found the plates and peopel Come in to see them But he told them that they Could not for he must not shoe them but many insisted and oferd money and Property to see them but for keeping them from the Peopel they persecuted and abused them and they ware obliged to hide them and they hid them under a Brick harth in the west Room about this time Came this Samuel Lawrance and one Beeman a grate Rodsman and wanted to talk with him and he went into the west Room and they Proposed to go shares with him and tried every way to Bargain with him But Could not then Beeman took out his Rods and hild them up and they pointed Dow to the harth whare they ware hid there says Beeman it is under that harth so they had to garde the house until some time in November he obtaind fifty Dollars in money and hired a man to move him and his wife to Pensylvany to hir Fathers his wife Being onwell and wanted to go to her Fathers

Ontario. Common Pleas Court papers in cases of Joseph Smith Sr. and Jeremiah Hurlbut, Church History Library, pg 7

Summary of Lawsuit against Jeremiah Hurlbut in 1819

Abraham Spears

6 Feb, 1819

by consent of the Defendant February 6th parties presant, Jury summond by Daniel Uandee Constable and Drawn and after hearing the proof and alagations of Both parties they found for the plaintiff $40.78

Lippincott's Magazine 26:152, pg 198

The profession of a water-witch did not bring enough ducats to the Smith family; so the attempt was made to find hidden treasures. Failing in this, the unfolding flower of Mormonism would have been nipped in the bud had not Joe's father and brother been engaged in digging a well upon the premises of Clark Chase in September, 1819. Joseph, Jr., stood idly by with some of the Chase children when a stone resembling a child's foot was thrown from the well. The Chase children claimed the curiosity, as it was considered, but Joe seized and retained it. Afterward, for a series of years, he claimed that by the use of it he was enabled to discover stolen property and to locate the place where treasure was buried.

Joseph Smith the Prophet His Family and His Friends, pg 79

But while he was engaged in looking through his peep-stone and old white hat, directing the digging for money, and boarding at uncle Isaac Hale's, he formed an intimacy with Mr. Hale's daughter, and after the abandonment of the money-digging speculation, he consummated the elopement and marriage to the said Emma Hale, and she became his accomplice in his humbug Golden Bible and Mormon religion.

Autobiography and Journal of William I. Appleby, 1848, Church History Library, pg 33

A hole of sufficient depth had been dug, and a flat stone laid in the bottom; then there were fore set erect, at the outer edges of the bottom stone, joined together by some kind of Cement, so as to form a Box on the Bottom stone was laid a Shield or Breastplate, from that arose three pillars formed of Cement, on the top of these pillars laid the Record, together with the "Urim and Thummim" The whole not extending quite even with the top of the side stones, over the whole was places a crowning stone, a small part of which was visible when he first visited the spot. Each plate was about six by eight inches, and as thick as common tin, and in each side beautifully engraved and filled with black cement, the whole being about six inches in thickness, and put together with three rings, running through the whole a part of which was sealed. The unsealed parts has been translated; and contains the Book of Mormon; and living witnesses who have seen the plates, and hefted them, have borne testimony to the same.

Truman Coe to Mr. Editor, Ohio Observer (Hudson, Ohio), 11 August 1836

He relates that when he was 17 years of age, while seeking after the Lord he had a nocturnal vision, and a wonderful display of celestial glory. An angel descended and warned him that God was about to make an astonishing revelation to the world, and then directed him to go to such a place, and after prying up a stone he should find a number of plates of the color of gold inscribed with hieroglyphics, and under them a breastplate, and under that a transparent stone or stones which was the Urim and Thummin mentioned by Moses. The vision and the command were repeated four times that night and once on the following day.

Mormonism Unvailed, E.D. Howe, pgs 280-81

Martha Spalding Affidavit

Martha Spalding

I was personally acquainted with Solomon Spaulding, about twenty years ago. I was at his house a short time before he left Conneaut; he was then writing a historical novel founded upon the first settlers of America. He represented them as an enlightened and warlike people. He had for many years contended that the aborigines of America were the descendants of some of the lost tribes of Israel, and this idea he carried out in the book in question. The laps of time which has intervened, prevents my recollecting but few of the leading incidents of his writings; but the names of Nephi and Lehi are yet fresh in my memory, as being the principal heroes of his tale. They were officers of the company which first came off from Jerusalem. He gave a particular account of their journey by land and sea, till they arrived in America, after which, disputes arose between the chiefs, which caused them to separate into different lands, one of which was called Lamanites and the other Nephites. Between these were recounted tremendous battles, which frequently covered the ground with the slain; and their being buried in large heaps was the cause of the numerous mounds in the country. Some of these people he represented as being very large. I have read the Book of Mormon, which has brought fresh to my recollection the writings of Solomon Spaulding; and I have no manner of doubt that the historical part of it, is the same that I read and heard read, more than 20 years ago. The old, obsolete style, and the phrases of ‘and it came to pass,' etc. are the same.

(Note: Martha Spaulding was John Spaulding's wife)

The Joseph Smith Papers, Lucy Mack Smith, History, 1844-1845, pgs 71-74

   The reader will notice that on a preceeding page I spoke of a confidential friend to whom Mr. Smith mentioned the existence of the record 2 or 3 years before it came forth. This was no other than Martin Harris one of the Witnesses to the book of Mormon after it was translated To him Joseph desired me to go and one afternoon as he wished to see him But this was an errand that I somewhat disliked for his wife was a peculiar sort of a woman one that was habitaully of a very jealous temperment and being hard of hearing She was always suspicious of some secret being in agitation that was designedly kept from her hearing on this account I would rather not go unless I could approach her upon the subject before I spoke to him about it Joseph consented to this and I went to Mr Harris away according to his request
   When I arrived there I carefully detailed the particulars of the finding record as far as wisdom dictated and necessity demanded in order to satisfy the woman's mind but she did not wait for me to get through with my story till she commenced urging me to receive a considerable amount of money which she had at her own command a kind of private purse which her husband permited her to keep to satisfy her peculiar disposition- She also had a sister in the house who was extremely anxious to help me to r 5 dollars in money I told her I came on no such buisness that I did not want her money that Joseph would attend to his own affairs that I would like to speak to Mr. Harris a moment and then I would return home as my family would soon be expecting me back She said that she was determined to assist in the buisness and she knew that he would want money and she could spare $200 as well as not but finally she went with me to her Husband & told him I wanted to speak to him he said he was not going to stop his work for said he I am now just laying the last brick of this hearth you see this is the last work that I have to do for one year on the House or about the house or on the farm and when this is done I am going away to hire a hand to work a year for me as I shall travel 12 month before I settle myself at home again he soon left and after being gone a short time he came and told me that he was now a free man his hands were altogether untied to go and come and do as he pleased. I told him in short the errand on which I had come- he said he would see Joseph in a few days- Yes said Mrs Harris and I am coming to see him too and I will be there tuesday afternoon and stop over night accordingly She came as soon she came in and was well seated She began to importune My Son as to the truth of what he said now declaring that she would see the Gold plates if he really had any and she was resolved to help him in publishing them.
   he told her that She was mistaken that She could not see them and as he was not permitted to exhibit them to any one except those whom the Lord will appoint to testify of them and as to assistance I always prefer dealing with men rather than their wives This highly displeased Mrs Harris for She was a woman who piqued herself upon her superiority to her husband- well now Joseph said She are you not telling me a lie can you look full in my eye and say before God that you have in reality found that record as you pretend he said indifferently why yes Mrs Harris I would as soon look into your face and say so as not if you would be at all gratified by it
   well Now Joseph said She I will tell what I will do If I can get a witness that you do speak the truth I will beleive it and I want to do something about the translation and I mean to help you any way She went to bed and in the morning told us a very remarkable dream She said that a personage had appeared to her the night before and said to her that inasmuch as she had disputed the servant of the Lord and said that his word was not to be believed and asked him many improper questions that she had done that which was not right in the sight of God Now said behold here are the plates look upon them and believe she then described the record minutely and again said that She had made up her mind as to what she would do that She had in her possession 28 dollars that her mother gave her just before she died when She was on her death bed Joseph should take that and if he would he might give his note but he should certainly accept of it on sone terms this last proposition he acceeded to in order get rid of her importunities...
   Alvin and Joseph were one day in Palmira at a public house doing some buisness with the landlord When Mr. Haris entered the room there was many strangers present when he came in he walked up to My Son giving his said how do you do Mr Smith then taking a bag of silver from his pocket Said here Mr Smith is $50 I give it to you to do the Lords work with. "No said he I give it to the Lord for his own work No said Joseph we will give you a note and Mr Hale I presume will sign it with me yes replied Alva I will but Mr Harris presisted that he would give the money to the Lord and called upon all present to witness to the fact that he gave it freely and did not demand any compensation or return for the same that it was for the purpose of helping Mr Smith to do the Lord's work

The Joseph Smith Papers, Book of Mormon, 1830, pg 7

Nephi's Abridgment

Book of Mormon

but I shall make an account of my proceedings in my days-Behold I make an abridgment of the record of my father, upon plates which I have made with mine own hands; wherefore, after that I have abridged the record of my father, then will I make an account of mine own life.

The Joseph Smith Papers, Book of Mormon, 1830, pgs 157-58

Words of Mormon

Book of Mormon

And now, I speak somewhat concerning that which I have written: for after that I had made an abridgment from the plates of Nephi, down to the reign of this king Benjamin, of which Amaleki spake, I searched among the records which had been delivered into my hands, and I found these plates, which contained this small account of the Prophets, from Jacob, down to the reign of this king Benjamin; and also, many of the words of Nephi. And the things which are upon these plates pleasing me, because of the prophecies of the coming of Christ; and my fathers knowing that many of them have been fulfilled; yea, and I also know that as many things as have been prophesied concerning us down to this day, has been fulfilled; and as many as go beyond this day, must surely come to pass; wherefore, I chose these things, to finish my record upon them, which remainder of my record I shall take from the plates of Nephi; and I cannot write a hundredth part of the things of my people.
But behold, I shall take these plates, which contain these prophecyings and revelations, and put them with the remainder of my record, for they are choice unto me; and I know they will be choice unto my brethren. And I do this for a wise purpose; for thus it whispereth me, according to the workings of the spirit of the Lord which is in me. And now, I do not know all things; but the Lord knoweth all things which is to come; wherefore, he worketh in me to do according to his will.

Amboy Journal, June 11, 1879, Vol. 24, No. 11.

Alva Hale Statement

A. G. SKINNER

24 May, 1879

Mr. Alva Hale says: "Joe Smith never handled one shovel full of earth in those diggings. All that Smith did was to peep with stone and hat, and give directions where and how to dig, and when and where the enchantment removed the treasure. That Smith said if he should work with his hands at digging there, he would lose the power to see with the stone."

(Note: No images of this source are available online. Please contact me if you have any information.)

The Joseph Smith Papers, History, 1838-1856, volume A-1 [23 December 1805-30 August 1834], pgs 17-18

Canonized Account

   We still continued the translation, when in the ensuing month (May, Eighteen hundred and twenty nine) we on a certain day went into the woods to pray and inquire of the Lord respecting baptism for the remission of sins as we found mentioned in the translation of the plates. While we were thus employed praying and calling upon the Lord, a Messenger from heaven, descended in a cloud of light, and having laid his hands upon us, he ordained us, saying unto us; "Upon you my fellow servants in the name of Messiah I confer the priesthood of Aaron, which holds the keys of the ministring of angels and of the gospel of repentance, and of baptism by immersion for the remission of sins, and this shall never be taken again from the earth, untill the sons of Levi do offer again an offering unto the Lord in righteousness." He said this Aaronic priesthood had not the power of laying on of hands, for the gift of the Holy Ghost, but that this should be conferred on us hereafter and he commanded us to go and be baptized, and gave us directions that I should baptize Oliver Cowdery, and afterward that he should baptize me. and that I should be called the first elder of the Church and he the second.
   Accordingly we went and were baptized, I baptized him first, and afterwards he baptized me, after which I laid my hands upon his head and ordained him to the Aaronick priesthood, and afterward he laid his hands on me and ordained me to the same priesthood, for so we were commanded.
   The messenger who visited us on this occasion and conferred this priesthood upon us said that his name was John, the same that is called John the Baptist in the new Testament, and that he acted under the direction of Peter, James, and John, who held the keys of the priesthood of Melchisedeck, whih priesthood he said should in due time be conferred on us. And that I should be called the first Elder of the Church and he the second.
   It was on the fifteenth day of May, Eighteen hundred and twenty nine that we were baptized; under and ordained under the hand of that Messenger.
   Immediately upon our coming up out of the water after we had been baptized we experienced great and glorious blessings from our Heavenly Father.
   No sooner had I baptized Oliver Cowdery than the Holy Ghost fell upon him and he stood up and prophecied many things which should shortly come to pass: And again so soon as I had been baptized by him, I also had the Spirit of Prophecy, when standing up I prophecied concerning the rise of this church, and many other things connected with the Church and this generation of the children of men. We were filled with the Holy Ghost, and rejoiced in the God of our Salvation.
   Our minds being now enlightened, we began to have the Scriptures laid open to our understandings, and the true meaning and intention of their more mysterious passages revealed unto us, in a manner which we never could attain to previously, nor ever before had thought of. In the meantime we were forced to keep secret the circumstances of our having been baptized, and having received this priesthood; owing to a spirit of persecution which had already manifested itself in the neighborhood. We had been threatened with being mobbed, from time to time, and this too by professors of religion, and their intentions of mobbing us, were only counteracted by the influence of my wife's father's family (under Divine Providence) who had became very friendly to me and were opposed to mobs; and were willing that I should be allowed to continue the work of translation without interruption: And therefore offered and promised us protection from all unlawful proceedings as far as in them lay.

Oliver Cowdery to Phineas Young, 23 March 1846

Oliver Cowdery Letter to Phineas Young

I have cherished a hope, and that one of my fondest, that I might leave such a character, as those who might believe in my testimony, after I should be called hence, might do so, not only for the sake of the truth, but might not blush for the private character of the man who bore that testimony. I have been sensitive on this subject, I admit; but I ought to be so-you would be, under the circumstances, had you stood in the presence of John, with our departed Brother Joseph, to receive the Lesser Priesthood-and in the presence of Peter, to receive the Greater, and looked down through time, and witnessed the effects these two must produce,-you would feel what you have never felt, were wicked men conspiring to lessen the effects of your testimony on man, after you should have gone to your long sought rest.

23 Mar, 1846

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1833 Letter to the American Revivalist

Joseph Smith Jr.

2 Feb, 1833

The Book of Mormon is a record of the forefathers of our western tribes of Indians; having been found through the ministration of an holy Angel, translated into our own language by the gift and power of God, after having been hid up in the earth for the last fourteen hundred years, containing the word of God which was delivered unto them. By it, we learn, that our western tribes of Indians, are descendants from that Joseph that was sold in Egypt, and that the land of America is a promised land unto them...

Memorandum, made by John H. Gilbert, Esq., Sept. 8th, 1892, Palmyra, N.Y.

Martin Harris according to John H. Gilbert

John H. Gilbert

8 Sep, 1892

Martin was something of a prophet: - He frequently said that "Jackson would be the last president that we would have; and that all persons who did not embrace Mormonism in two years would be stricken off the face of the earth.: He said that Palmyra was to be the New Jerusalem, and that her streets were to be paved with gold.

(Note: No images of this document are available online. It appears to have at one time been located at the King's Daughters Library in Palmyra, which appears to have been permanently closed. It was quoted in the Millennial Star on October 29, 1942 which can be read here. Please contact me if you have any information on images of the present whereabouts of this source.)

Caution Against the Golden Bible, New-York Telescope, Feb 20, 1830, pg 2

Caution Against the Golden Bible

C. C. Blatchley

20 Feb, 1830

In the Investigator, No. 12, Dec. 11, I published, by way of caution, a letter of Oliver H.P. Cowdry, in answer to my letter to Joseph Smith, Jun. Martin Harris, and David Whitmore-the believers in said bible of gold plates-which they affirm they have miraculously, or supernaturally beheld. I sought for evidences, and such as could not be disputed, of the existence of this bible of golden plates. But the answer was-the world must take their words for its existence; and that the book would appear this month.

William Smith notes, transcript in the LDS Church Archives

William Smith Notes

The fact also that these tablets of which I have spoken were seen by a number persons, who testify that they not only saw with their eyes, but handled with their hands the said records, is conclusive proof that this Mormon revelation was not a transcript taken from any romance written by Solomon Spaulding or by any other person. The witnesses, all of them, being men of respectable standing in society.... It is due to say that for many years I have been personally acquainted with the persons whose names are given in testimony of the record found and translated by my brother Joseph Smith -- and were I under oath I could not say aught of these men for respectability or for their truthful veracity -- no persons to my knowledge has ever attempted to impeach, nor has either or any one of these witnesses even, to my knowledge, counteracted the testimony as given above concerning the real existence of these Mormon tablets.

1875

(Note: Spelling and punctuation corrected. No images of these notes are available online. Please contact me if you have any information.)

The Telegraph, Painesville, Vol II, No. 40, March 22, 1831

Letter to the Painesville Telegraph

Ten Palmyra Residents

12 Mar, 1831

The first idea of a "Book," was doubtless suggested to the Smiths by one Walters, a juggling fortune-teller, who made the ignorant believe that an old book in his possession, in the Latin language, contained an account of the anti-deluvians, &c. and the word was given out that the book Smith was about to find, was a history of hidden treasures.

Joseph Knight reminiscences, Church History Library, pg 5

Joseph Knight Reminiscences

Now the way he translated was he put the urim and thummim into his hat and Darkned his Eyes than he would take a sentance and it would apper in Brite Roman Letters. Then he would tell the writer and he would write it. Then that would go away the next sentance would Come and so on. But if it was not Spelt rite it would not go away till it was rite, so we see it was marvelous. Thus was the hol translated.

Journal of Book of Mormon Studies 10/2 (2001): pgs 59-61

NHM Altar 3

1988

(inscription essentially the same as Altar 2)

(Note: This altar, dated approximately 600 BCE, pictured in the back row on the far right, was found in the excavation of the Bar'an temple in Marib, Yemen, and moved to the raised sanctuary of the temple.)

Milo Andrews [Andrus], 1853 July 17, Sunday morning meeting in the Tabernacle. Reported by George D. Watt.

1853 Milo Andrus Recollection

Milo Andrus

17 Jul, 1853

I was a boy first 19 years of age when I heard the testimony of that man Joseph Smith that angel came and that [glory?] and trees seemed to be consumed in blaze and he was there entrusted with this information that darkness covered the earth that the great mass of Christian world universally wrong their creeds all upon uncertain foundation now as young as you are I call upon you from this obscurity go forth and build up my kingdom on the earth

(Note: Milo Andrus turned 19 on March 6, 1833. This account is from a transcription of a discourse given by Andrus on July 17, 1853 in the Tabernacle. The transcription was made by LaJean Purcell Carruth on October 3, 2012. An image of part of the original discourse can be found here. However, the portion of the original containing this quote is not present.)

lds.org, The Coming Forth of the Book of Mormon, The Dictated Manuscript, image 2, December 1983

1 Nephi 8:11-27

(Note: A smaller but higher resolution image can be seen here and here.)

Benajah Williams Diary, July 15-16, 1820

George Lane at Camp Meeting in Richmond, July 1820

Benajah Williams

Jul 15-16, 1820

Sat. 15th Had a two Days meeting at Sq Bakers in Richmond. Br. Wright being gone to camp meeting on Ridgeway circuit I expected to find Br. J. Hayes at the Meeting & calculated to get him to take the lead of the meeting but when on my way to meeting met him going to conference & tried to get him to return but he thout not best as his horse was young, he said he could not ride through by conference by the time it commenced Then I thout what shall I do I shall have to take the lead at the meeting & do the p- but the Lord prepaired him self a preacher it rained powerfully until 11 o'clock so that I was verry wet I called with some of the Brtheren at Br. Eldredges and took dinner then rode to the place appointed for meeting. & found Br. Lane a Presiding Elder from Susquehanna District with five more preachers. Br. Warner p. on Sat. Br. Griffing exhorted. We had a good prayer meeting at six in the evening.
Sab. 16th Our Lovefeast began at 9 & the Lord was present to bless & we had a shout in the camp. Br E Bibbins p- at 11 from...the lord attended the word & the people were satisfied with the Sermons. Br. Lane exhorted and spoke on Gods method in bringing about Reffermations his word was with as from the authority of God. & not as the Areons. After him Br. Griffin with life & energy & Br. Vose closed the Meeting after with some of the Brethren dined with Br. W. E....

(Note: Richmond, NY, is located approximately 28 miles from Palmyra. George Lane was at the time stationed in the Susquehannah District, whereas Palmyra was in the Ontario District. There is no evidence that Joseph Smith attended this camp meeting.)

Origin, rise, and progress of Mormonism, by Pomeroy Tucker,. pg 17

Pomeroy Tucker Claim

Joseph, moreover, as he grew in years, had learned to read comprehensively, in which qualification he was far in advance of his elder brother, and even of his father; and his talent was assiduously devoted, as he quitted or modified his idle habits, to the perusal of works of fiction and records of criminality, such for instance as would be classed with the "dime novels" of the present day. The stories of Stephen Burroughs and Captain Kidd, and the like, presented the highest charms for his expanding mental perceptions.

Mormonism Unvailed, E.D. Howe, pgs 251-52

Testimony of Henry Harris

Henry Harris, witness by Jonathan Lapham

   I, Henry Harris, do state that I became acquainted with the family of Joseph Smith, Sen. about the year 1820, in the town of Manchester, N. York. They were a family that labored very little--the chief they did, was to dig for money. Joseph Smith, Jr. the pretended Prophet, used to pretend to tell fortunes; he had a stone which he used to put in his hat, by means of which he professed to tell people's fortunes.
   Joseph Smith, Jr. Martin Harris and others, used to meet together in private, a while before the gold plates were found, and were familiarly known by the name of the "Gold Bible Company." They were regarded by the community in which they lived, as a lying and indolent set of men and no confidence could be placed in them.
   The character of Joseph Smith, Jr. for truth and veracity was such, that I would not believe him under oath. I was once on a jury before a Justice's Court and the Jury could not, and did not, believe his testimony to be true.

Latter Day Saints' Messenger and Advocate Volume 1, December 1834, pgs 42-43

Description by Oliver Cowdery in the Messenger and Advocate

   I shall, therefore, pass over that, till I come to the 15th year of his life.
   It is necessary to premise this account by relating the situation of the public mind relative to religion, at this time: One Mr. Lane, a presiding Elder of the Methodist church, visited Palmyra, and vicinity. Elder Lane was a tallented man possessing a good share of literary endowments, and apparent humility. There was a great awakening, or excitement raised on the subject of religion, and much enquiry for the word of life. Large additions were made to the Methodist, Presbyterian, and Baptist churches.-Mr. Lane's manner of communication was peculiarly calculated to awaken the intellect of the hearer, and arouse the sinner to look about him for safety-much good instruction was always drawn from his discourses on the scriptures, and in common with others, our brother's mind became awakened.
   For a length of time the reformation seemed to move in a harmonious manner, but, as the excitement ceased, or those who had expressed anxieties, had professed a belief in the pardoning influence and condescension of the Savior, a general struggle was made by the leading characters of the different sects, for proselytes. Then strife seemed to take the place of that apparent union and harmony which had previously characterized the moves and exhortations of the old professors, and a cry-I am right-you are wrong-was introduced in their stead.
   In this general strife for followers, his mother, one sister, and two of his natural brothers, were persuaded to unite with the Presbyterians. This gave opportunity for further reflection; and as will be seen in the sequel, laid a foundation, or was one means of laying a foundation for the attestation of the truths, or professions of truth, contained in that record called the word of God.
   After strong solicitations to unite with one of those different societies, and seeing the apparent proselyting disposition manifested with equal warmth from each, his mind was led to more seriously contemplate the importance of a move of this kind.

Dec, 1834

Elders' Journal, Vol. 1, No. 2, pgs 42-43

Account in the 1838 Elder's Journal

Elder's Journal

Jul, 1838

Question 4th. How, and where did you obtain the book of Mormon?
Answer. Moroni, the person who deposited the plates, from whence the book of Mormon was translated, in a hill in Manchester, Ontario County New York, being dead; and raised again therefrom, appeared unto me, and told me where they were; and gave me directions how to obtain them.

The Joseph Smith Papers, Lucy Mack Smith, History, 1844-1845, pgs 69-71

Lucy's account of Palmyra persecution

   one day he came to the house in haste and inquired if there had been a company of men there I told him there had no one came to the house since he left it he said that there would be a mob there that night if not before to search for the records and that it must be removed
   Soon after one esqur Beaman came from the village of Livonia a man in whom we reposed much confidence and who was well worthy of the same to him Joseph told his apprehension of a mob and says he we must drive them away but the first thing to be attended to was to secrect the record and breastplate it was resolved that a portion of the hearth should be taken up and the plates buried under the same and the hearth relaid to prevent suspicion
   this was carefully and speedily done and the hearth was scarcely laid down when a large company of men came rushing up to the house armed with guns. Joseph threw the door open and taking a hint from the stratagem of his Grandfather Mack he halooed as if he had a legion at hand giving the word of command with great immportance and in a tone like stentor at the same time the males that belonged to the house from the Father down to little carlos ran out to with such vehemence upon the men that they and fled and were pursued by our little spartan band away into the woods and dispersed themselves to their several homes
   We had but a few days rest however for Joseph soon received another intimation of the approach of a mob and the necessity of removing the record & breastplate again from its hiding place he took them up and carried it them out to a cooper shop across the road and took them out of the box and after wrapping them carefully in cloths laid them away in the midst of a quantity of flax which was stowed in the shop loft he then nailed up the box as before and tore up the floor and put the box under it-
   As soon as it was dark the mob came on and ransacked the place but did come into the house after a satisfactory research they went away
   the next morning we found the floor of the cooper shop taken up and the wooden box which was put under it Split to peices
   and in a few days we learned the cause of this last move and why their curiosity led them in this direction a young woman who was sister to willard chase had found an a green glass & by looking thrugh it she could see many wonderful things and among the rest of her discoveries she said she had found out the exact place where Joe Smith kept his gold bible hid so in pursuance to her directions they gathered their forces and laid siege to the cooper shop
   but went away disapointed But this did not shake their confidence in Miss chase for they still went from place to place by her suggestion determined to get possession of the object of their research

Origin, rise, and progress of Mormonism : biography of its founders and history of its church : personal remembrances and historical collections hitherto unwritten ..., pg 19

Pomeroy Tucker's View

In September, 1819, a curious stone was found in the digging of a well upon the premises of Mr. Clark Chase, near Palmyra. This stone attracted particular notice on account of its peculiar shape, resembling that of a child's foot. It was of a whitish, glassy appearance, though opaque, resembling quartz. Joseph Smith, Sr., and his elder sons Alvin and Hyrum, did the chief labor of this well-digging, and Joseph, Jr., who had been a frequenter in the progress of the work, as an idle looker-on and lounger, manifested a special fancy for this geological curiosity; and he carried it home with him, though this act of plunder was against the strenuous protestations of Mr. Chase's children, who claimed to be its rightful owners.
Joseph kept this stone, and ever afterward refused its restoration to the claimants. Very soon the pretension transpired that he could see wonderful things by its aid. This idea was rapidly enlarged upon from day to day, and in a short time his spiritual endowment was so developed that he asserted the gift and power (with the stone at his eyes) of revealing both things existing and things to come.

Journal of Discourses, Vol 6, pg 335

1854 Orson Hyde

Someone may say, "If this work of the last days be true, why did not the Savior come himself to communicate this intelligence to the world?" Because to the angels was committed the power of reaping the earth, and it was committed to none else. And after the mighty champions that hold the keys of this dispensation came and brought the intelligence that the time of harvest was now-that the time of the end was drawing nigh-when this proclamation was made, and the announcement saluted the ears of the children of men, what was to be done next? Behold, the gathering of the Saints begins.

6 Apr, 1854

The Ontario Court of Common Pleas, docket entry

Completion of the Appeal of the Lawsuit in August, 1819

Ontario Court of Common Pleas

Aug, 1819

Jeremiah Hurlbut
vs
Joseph Smith impleaded
with Alvin Smith
The like as 2d above.

(Note: The entry at the top of the page reads "The like having been duly ordered on motion of F. Smith Plaintiffs Atty interlocutory judgment & that a writ of inquiry issue.")

Mormonism Unvailed, E.D. Howe, pg 236

Peter Ingersoll Account

Peter Ingersoll

2 Dec, 1833

Joseph then went to Palmyra; and, said he, I there met that dam fool, Martin Harris, and told him that I had a command to ask the first honest man I met with, for fifty dollars in money, and he would let me have it. I saw at once, said Jo, that it took his notion, for he promptly gave me the fifty.

Mormonism Unvailed, E.D. Howe, pg 247

Willard Chase Statement

In the Spring 1829, Harris went to Pennsylvania, and on his return to Palmyra... said he, you will see Joseph Smith, Jr. walking through the streets of Palmyra, with a Gold Bible under his arm, and having a gold breast-plate on, and a gold sword by his side. This, however, by the by, proved false.

Joseph Knight reminiscences, Church History Library, pg 3

Joseph then went to Mr Stowels whare he had lived sometime Before but Mr Stowel Could not pay him money for his work very well and he came to me perhaps in November and worked for me until about the time that he was Married which I think was in February and I paid him the money and I furnished him with a horse and Cutter to go and see his girl Down to Mr. Hails and soon after this he was Married and Mr Stowel moved him and his wife to his fathers in Palmyra Ontario County

The Joseph Smith Papers, Preface to Book of Mormon, circa August 1829

1829 Preface to the Book of Mormon

To the Reader--
As many fals reports have been sirculated respecting this work & also many unlawful measures taken by evil desineing persons to destroy me also the work I would inform you that I translated by the gift & power of God & caused to be written one hundred & sixteen pages the which I took from the Book of Lehi which was an account abridged from the plates of Lehi by the hand of Mormon which said account some person or persons have stolen & kept from me notwithstanding my utmost exersion to recover it again & being commanded of the Lord that I should not translate the same over again for Satan had put it into their hearts to tempt the Lord their God by altering the records that they did read conterary from that which I translated & caused to be written & if I should bring forth the same words again or in other words if I should translate the same over again they would publish that which they had stolen & Satan would stir up the hearts of this generation that they might not receive this work but behold the Lord said unto me I will not suffer that Satan shall accomplish his evil design in this thing therefore thou shalt translate from the plates of Nephi untill you ye come to that which ye have translated which ye have retained & behold ye shall publish it as the record of Nephi & thus I will confound those who have altered my words I will not suffer that they shall destroy my work yea I will shew unto them that my wisdom is greater then the cunning of the Devil wherefore to be obediant unto the commandments of God I have through his grace & mercy accomplished that which he hath commanded me respecting this thing

Aug, 1829

"Mormonism," Protestant Sentinel (Schenectady, New York) n.s. 5/1 (4 June 1834): 4-5

New England Review Account

New England Review

May, 1834

In the year 1828, one Joseph Smith, an illiterate young man, unable to read his own name, of Palmyra, Wayne County, New York, was reported to have found several golden plates, together with a pair of spectacles, relics of high antiquity. The spectacles were designed to aid mental vision, under rather peculiar circumstances. They were to be adjusted, and the visage thrust into a close hat. This done Smith could interpret the sacred mysteries of the plates, in which lay, by the hypothesis, in the top of the hat!

(Note: This article was reprinted on June 4, 1834 titled "Mormonism" in the Protestant Sentinel. No images of the original are available online. Please contact me if you have any information.)

Peoria Register and North-Western Gazetteer, Vol 5, No 23, Sep 3, 1841

He brought them home, but was unable to read them. He afterwards made a facsimile of some parts of the inscription, and sent it to professor Anthon of New York city. The professor pronounced the characters to be ancient Hebrew corrupted, and the language to be degenerate Hebrew, with a mixture of Egyptian. He could decypher only one entire word.

Letter of Hiram Page to William E. McLellin March 4, 1848, RLDS Archives, Independence, Missouri

Hiram Page Letter to William E McLellin

Hiram Page

4 Mar, 1848

in the beginning we find the first ordinations were by Peter James and John they ordained Joseph and Oliver; to what priesthood were they ordained; the answer must be to the Holy priesthood or the office of an elder or an apostle which is an additional grace added to the office of an elder these offices Oliver received from those holy messengers before the 6th of April 1830;

(Note: No image of the original letter is available online. Please contact me if you have any information regarding this source.)

The Telegraph, Painesville, OH, Vol II, No. 39, March 15, 1831

Martin Harris in Painesville Telegraph

Painesville Telegraph

15 Mar, 1831

Martin Harris, another chief of the Mormon impostors, arrived here last Saturday from the bible quarry in New York. He immediately planted himself in the bar-room of the hotel, where he soon commenced reading and explaining the Mormon hoax, and all the dark passages from Genesis to Revelations. He told all about the gold plates, Angels, Spirits, and Jo Smith. -- He had seen and handled them all, by the power of God! Curiosity soon drew around thirty or forty spectators, and all who presumed to question his blasphemous pretentions, were pronounced infidels. He was very flippant, talking fast and loud, in order that others could not interpose an opinion counter to his. Every idea that he advanced, he knew to be absolutely true, as he said, by the spirit and power of God. In fine, the bystanders had a fair specimen of the Mormon slang, in this display of one of their head men.

Origin, rise, and progress of Mormonism, pgs 31-32

Account of William T. Hussey and Azel Vandruver

An anecdote touching this subject used to be related by William T. Hussey and Azel Vandruver. They were notorious wags, and were intimately acquainted with Smith. They called as his friends at his residence, and strongly importuned him for an inspection of the "golden book," offering to take upon themselves the risk of the death-penalty denounced. Of course, the request could not be complied with; but they were permitted to go to the chest with its owner, and see where the thing was, and observe its shape and size, concealed under a piece of thick canvas. Smith, with his accustomed solemnity of demeanor, positively persisting in his refusal to uncover it, Hussey became impetuous, and (suiting his action to his word) ejaculated, "Egad! I'll see the critter, live or die!" And stripping off the cover, a large tile-brick was exhibited. But Smith's fertile imagination was equal to the emergency. He claimed that his friends had been sold by a trick of his; and "treating" with the customary whisky hospitalities, the affair ended in good-nature.

Interview with E. L. Kelley, 12 Nov. 1884, pg12

Lorenzo Saunders Interview

Lorenzo Saunders

12 Nov, 1884

At the time the big hole was dug in the hill they was duped by one Walters who pretended to be a conjurer, I heard Willard Chase say that he was duped. They could not be deceived in it after he had gone through with a certain movements &... charged them $7.

(Note: No images of this interview are available online. Please contact me if you have any information.)

Journal of Discourses, Vol 19, pg 38

Brigham Young Account

I could relate many very singular circumstances. I lived right in the country where the plates were found from which the Book of Mormon was translated, and I know a great many things pertaining to that country. I believe I will take the liberty to tell you of another circumstance that will be as marvelous as anything can be. This is an incident in the life of Oliver Cowdery, that he did not take the liberty of telling such things in meeting as I take. I tell these things to you, and I have a motive for doing so. I want to carry them to the ears of my brethren and sisters, and to the children also, that they may grow to an understanding of some things that seem to be entirely hidden from the human family. Oliver Cowdery went with the Prophet Joseph when he deposited these plates. Joseph did not translate all of the plates; there was a portion of them sealed, which you can learn from the Book of Doctrine and Covenants. When Joseph got the plates, the angel instructed him to carry them back to the Hill Cumorah, which he did. Oliver says that when Joseph and Oliver went there, the hill opened, and they walked into a cave, in which there was a large and spacious room. He says he did not think, at the time, whether they had the light of the sun or artificial light, but that it was just as light as day. They laid the plates on a table; it was a large table that stood in the room. Under this table there was a pile of plates as much as two feet high, and there were altogether in this room more plates than probably many wagon loads; they were piled up in corners and along the walls. The first time they went there the sword of Laban hung upon the wall; but when they went again it had been taken down and laid upon the table across the gold plates; it was unsheathed, and on it was written these words: 'This sword will never be sheathed again until the kingdoms of this world become the kingdom of our God and his Christ." I tell you this is coming not only from Oliver Cowdery, but others who were familiar with it, and who understood it just as well as we understand coming to this meeting, enjoying the day, and by and by we separate and go away, forgetting most of what is said, but remembering some things. So is it with other circumstances in life. I relate this to you and I want you to understand it. I take this liberty of referring to those things so that they will not be forgotten and lost. Carlos Smith was a young man of as much veracity as any young man we had, and he was a witness to these things. Samuel Smith saw some things, Hyrum saw a good many things, but Joseph was the leader.

17 Jun, 1877

No Preview Available

1 Nephi 8:27 - 9:4

Joseph Smith Jr.

June, 1829

Mormonism Unvailed, E.D. Howe, pgs 281-82

Henry Lake Affidavit

Henry Lake

Sep, 1833

I left the state of New York, late in the year 1810, and arrived at this place, about the 1st of Jan. following. Soon after my arrival, I formed a co-partnership with Solomon Spalding, for the purpose of re-building a forge which he had commenced a year or two before. He very frequently read to me from a manuscript which he was writing, which he entitled the "Manuscript Found," and which he represented as being found in this town. I spent many hours in hearing him read said writings, and became well acquainted with its contents. He wished me to assist him in getting his production printed, alleging that a book of that kind would meet with a rapid sale. I designed doing so, but the forge not meeting our anticipations, we failed in business, when I declined having any thing to do with the publication of the book. This book represented the American Indians as the descendants of the lost tribes, gave an account of their leaving Jerusalem, their contentions and wars, which were many and great. One time, when he was reading to me the tragic account of Laban, I pointed out to him what I considered an inconsistency, which he promised to correct; but by referring to the Book of Mormon, I find to my surprise that it stands there just as he read it to me then. -Some months ago I borrowed the Golden Bible, put it into my pocket, carried it home, and thought no more of it. -About a week after, my wife found the book in my coat pocket, as it hung up, and commenced reading it aloud as I lay upon the bed. She had not read 20 minutes till I was astonished to find the same passages in it that Spalding had read to me more than twenty years before, from his "Manuscript Found." Since that, I have more fully examined the said Golden Bible, and have no hesitation in saying that the historical part of it is principally, if not wholly taken from the "Manuscript Found." I well recollect telling Mr. Spalding, that the so frequent use of the words "And it came to pass," "Now it came to pass," rendered it ridiculous. Spalding left here in 1812, and I furnished him the means to carry him to Pittsburgh, where he said he would get the book printed, and pay me. But I never heard any more from him or his writings, till I saw them in the Book of Mormon.

Naked Truths About Mormonism, Vol 1, No 2, pg 1, col 3

Caroline Smith Statement

Catherine Smith, sister of the prophet, showed me in their house a chest with lock where the plates were kept, but they feared they would be stolen, and then she took up four bricks in the hearth and said they had been buried there.

(Note: Mrs. Caroline Smith was the sister of the infamous Mormon, Orrin Porter Rockwell.)

He was very poor and with several visionary companions was engaged at times in digging for money at places near the Susquehanna River.

Arabia, by Jean Baptiste Bourguignon Anville, 1794, David Rumsey Historical Map Collection

1794 Map

12 May, 1794

(Old map showing the location of "Nehem")

(Note: Marib, the location of the discovery of the NHM altars above, is shown as "Mareb" on this map. It is also important to note that the character roughly transliterated as "h" in the place called Nehem is not the same as the corresponding character on the NHM altars.)

The Historical Magazine, May 1870, Vol 8, No 5, pg 316

Judge Woodard Letter

Daniel Woodard

Nov, 1870

Joseph Smith, Sr., was, at times, engaged in hunting for Captain Kidd's buried treasure;

Elizabeth Kane's Journal, 15 Jan, 1873

Artemisia Beaman Account

Elizabeth Kane

Jan 15, 1873

Not only was there religious excitement, but the phantom treasures of Captain Kidd were sought for far and near, and even in places like Cumorah where the primeval forest still grew undisturbed the fold finders sought for treasure without any traditionary rumor even to guide them.

1820 Minutes for Palmyra, New York, pg 221

Road survey placing the Smith cabin in Palmyra

13 Jun, 1820

Minutes of the survey of a public highway beginning on the south line of Township No. 12, 2nd Range of township in the Town of Palmyra, 3 rods, 114 links southeast of Joseph Smith's dwelling house, thence north 3 degrees, west 192 rods...

(Note: Both the original and a written copy made in the 1800's are in the possession of the Town of Palmyra.)

Mormonism Unvailed, E.D. Howe, pg 258

The testimony of Joshua Stafford

Joshua Stafford

I, Joshua Stafford, became acquainted with the family of Jospeh Smith, Sen. about the year 1819 or 20. They then were laboring people, in low circumstances. A short time after this, they commenced digging for hidden treasures, and soon after they became indolent, and told marvellous stories about ghosts, hob-goblins, caverns, and various other mysterious matters.

Latter Day Saints' Messenger and Advocate Volume 1, February 1835, pg 78

Correction by Oliver Cowdery placing religious excitement in 1823

   You will recollect that I mentioned the time of a religious excitement, in Palmyra and vicinity to have been in the 15th year of our brother J. Smith Jr's, age-that was an error in the type-it should have been in the 17th.-You will please remember this correction, as it will be necessary for the full understanding of what will follow in time. This would bring the date down to the year 1823.
   I do not deem it to be necessary to write further on the subject of this excitement. It is doubted by many whether any real or essential good ever resulted from such excitements, while others advocate their propriety with warmth.
   The mind is easily called up to reflection upon a matter of such deep importance, and it is just that it should be; but there is a regret occupying the heart when we consider the deep anxiety of thousands, who are lead away with a vain imagination, or a groundless hope, no better than the idle wind or the spider's web.
   But if others were not benefited, our brother was urged forward and strengthened in the determination to know for himself of the certainty and reality of pure and holy religion.-And it is only necessary for me to say, that while this excitement continued, he continued to call upon the Lord in secret for a full manifestation of divine approbation, and for, to him, the all important information, if a Supreme being did exist, to have an assurance that he was accepted of him. This, most assuredly, was correct-it was right. The Lord has said, long since, and his word remains steadfast, that for him who knocks it shall be opened, & whosoever will, may come and partake of the waters of life freely.

Feb, 1835

Journal of Discourses, Vol 2, pgs 170-171

1855 account by Brigham Young

It was in this goverment, formed by men inspired of God... that the Lord sent forth His angel to reveal the truths of heaven as in times past, even as in ancient days...
The messenger did not come to an eminent divine of any of the so-called orthodoxy, he did not adopt their interpretation of the Holy Scriptures. The Lord did not come with the armies of heaven, in power and great glory, nor send His messengers panoplied with aught else than the truth of heaven, to communicate to the meek, the lowly, the youth of humble origin, the sincere enquirer after the knowledge of God. But He did send His angel to this same obscure person, Joseph Smith jun., who afterwards became a Prophet, Seer, and Revelator, and informed him that he should not join any of the religious sects of the day, for they were all wrong; that they were following the precepts of men instead of the Lord Jesus; that He had a work for him to perform, inasmuch as he should prove faithful before Him.

18 Feb, 1855

The Joseph Smith Papers, History, 1838-1856, volume A-1 [23 December 1805-30 August 1834], pgs 5-7

Original verson of 1838 canonized account

   on the evening of the above mentioned twenty first of september, after I had retired to my bed for the night I betook myself to prayer and supplication to Almighty God for forgiveness of all my sins and follies, and also for a manifestation to me that I might know of my state and standing before him. For I had full confidence in obtaining a divine manifestation as I had previously had one. While I was thus in the act of calling upon God I discovered a light appearing in the room which continued to increase until the room was lighter than at noonday, when immediately a personage appeared at my bedside standing in the air for his feet did not touch the floor. He had on a loose robe of most exquisite whiteness. It was a whiteness beyond any thing earthly I had ever seen; nor do I believe that any earthly thing could be made to appear so exceedingly white and brilliant, his hands were naked and his arms also a little above the wrist. So also were his feet naked, as were his legs a little above the ankles. His head and neck were also bare. I could discover that he had no other clothing on but this robe, as it was open so that I could see into his bosom. Not only was his robe exceedingly light, but not so very bright as immediately around his person. When I first looked upon him I was afraid, but the fear soon left me. He called me by name, and said unto me that he was a messenger sent from the presence of God to me, and that his name was Nephi. That God has a work for me to do, and that my name should be had for good and evil, among all nations, kindreds, and tongues; or that it should be both good and evil spoken of among all people. He said there was a book deposited written upon gold plates, giving an account of the former inhabitants of this continent, and the source from whence they sprang. He also said that the fullness of the everlasting gospel was contained in it, as delivered by the Saviour [Savior] to the ancient inhabitants. Also that there were two stones in silver bows, and these stones fastened to a breastplate constituted what is called the Urim and Thummim, deposited with the plates, and the possession and use of these stones was what constituted seers in ancient or former times, and that God had prepared them for the purpose of translating the book. After telling me these things he commenced quoting the prophecies of the Old Testament, he first quoted part of the third chapter of Malachi; and he quoted also the fourth or last chapter of the same prophecy though with a little variation from the way it reads in our Bibles. Instead of quoting the first verse as reads in our books he quoted thus, "For behold the day cometh that shall burn as an oven, and all the proud yea and all that do wickedly shall burn as stubble, for they that cometh shall burn them saith the Lord of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch," and again he quoted the fifth verse thus, "Behold I will reveal unto you the Priesthood by the hand of Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord." He also quoted the next verse differently, "And he shall plant in the hearts of the children the promises made to the fathers, and the hearts of the children shall turn to their fathers, if it were not so the whole earth would be utterly wasted at his coming." In addition to these he quoted also the eleventh chapter of Isaiah saying that it was about to be fulfilled. He quoted also the third chapter of Acts, twenty second and twenty third verses precisely as they stand in our New Testament. He said that that prophet was Christ, but the day had not yet come when "they who would not hear his voice should be cut off from among the people," but soon would come.
   He also quoted the second chapter of Joel from the twenty eighth to the last verse. He also said that this was not yet fulfilled but was soon to be. And he further stated the fulness [fullness] of the gentiles was soon to come in. He quoted many other passages of scripture and offered many explanations which cannot be mentioned here. Again he told me that when I got those plates of which he had spoken (for the time that they should be obtained was not yet fulfilled) I should not show them to any person, neither the breastplate with the Urim and Thummim only to those to whom I should be commanded to show them, if I did I should be destroyed. While he was conversing with me about the plates the vision was opened to my mind that I could see the place where the plates were deposited and that so clearly and distinctly that I know the place again when I visited it. After this communication I saw the light in the room begin to gather immediately around the person of him who had been speaking to me, and it continued to do so until the room was again left dark except just around him, when instantly I saw as it were a conduit open right up into heaven, and he ascended up till he entirely disappeared and the room was left as it had been before this heavenly light had made its appearance.
   I lay musing on the singularity of the scene and marvelling [marveling] greatly at what had been told me by this extraordinary messenger, when in the midst of my meditation I suddenly discovered that my room was again beginning to get lighted, and in an instant, as it were, the same heavenly messenger was again at my bed side. He commenced and again related the very same things which he had done at his first visit without the least variation, which having done, he informed me of great judgments which were coming upon the earth, with great desolations by famine, sword, and pestilence, and that these grievous judgments would come on the earth in this generation. Having related these things he again ascended as he had done before.
   By this time so deep were the impressions made on my mind that sleep had fled from my eyes and I lay overwhelmed in astonishment at what I had both seen and heard; but what was my surprise when again I beheld the same messenger at my bedside, and heard him rehearse or repeat over again to me the same things as before and added a caution to me, telling me that Satan would try to tempt me (in consequence of the indigent circumstances of my father's family) to get the plates for the purpose of getting rich. This he forbid me, saying that I must have no other object in view in getting the plates but to glorify God, and must not be influenced by any other motive but that of building his kingdom, otherwise I could not get them. After this third visit he again ascended up into heaven as before and I was again left to ponder on the strangeness of what I had just experienced, when almost immediately after the heavenly messenger had ascended from me the third time, the cock crew, and I found that day was approaching so that our interviews must have occupied the whole of that night.

(Note: Sometime after the original was penned the name Nephi was crossed out and replaced with the name Moroni with the note, "Evidently a clerical error; see Book Doc & Cov., Sec 50, par 2; Sec 106, par 20; also Elder’s Journal Vol. 1, page 43. Should read Moroni.?")

Joseph Knight reminiscences, Church History Library, pgs 4-5

He now Began to be anxious to git them translated he therefore with his wife Drew of the Caricters exactley like the ancient and sent Martin Harris to see if he Could git them Translated he went to Albeny and to Philadelpha and to new york and he found men that Could Translate some of the Carictors in all those places Mitchel and Anthony of New York ware the most Larded But there were some Caricters they could not well understand therefore Anthony told him that he thot if he had the original he culd translate it and he rote a very good piece to Joseph and said if he would send the original he would translate it but at Last Martin Harris told him that he Could not have the original for it was Commanded not to be shone and he was mad and said what Does this mean and he tore the paper that he wrote all to pieces and stampid it under his feet and says Bring me the original or I will not translate it Mr. Harris seeing he was in a passion he said well I will go home and see and if they can be had I will wright to you immeditely so he Came home and told how it was and they went to him no more then was fulfild the 29th Chapter of Isiah

Broome Republican, July 28, 1880, vol 73, No 6

Recollection of Mrs. Doolittle

Broome Republican

28 Jul, 1880

Mrs. Methetable Doolittle, who is now living alone on a little place in Susquehanna borough, lived in Wurtsboro, Sullivan county, and visited at the house of Isaac Hale, Joe Smith's father-in-law, when she was seventeen years old. She remembers Emma, afterwards the wife of the Prophet, as a handsome and attractive girl, about her own age. She says Emma was decoyed away for a ride, and married in Windsor, very much against the wishes of her parents.

Historical Magazine (second series),Vol 7, Interview with the Father of Joseph Smith, pg 307

When his work was ended at Harmony, he returned with her to his father's, in Wayne county; and, at the expiration of the year, he procured a horse and light wagon, with a small chest and a pillow-case, and proceeded, punctually, with his wife, to find the hidden treasure. When they had gone as far as they could with the wagon, Joseph took the pillow-case and started for the rock. Upon passing a fence, a host of devils began to screech and to scream, and made all sorts of hideous yells, for the purpose of terrifying him and preventing the attainment of his object; but Joseph was courageous, and pursued his way, in spite of them all. Arriving at the stone, he again lifted it, with the aid of superhuman power, as at first, and secured the first, or uppermost article, this time putting it carefully into the pillow-case, before laying it down. He now attempted to secure the remainder; but just then the same old man appeared, and said to him, that the time had not yet arrived for their exhibition to the world; but that when the proper time came he should have them, and exhibit them with the one he had now secured; until that time arrived, no one must be allowed to touch the one he had in his possession; for if they did, they would be knocked down by some superhuman power. Joseph ascertained that the remaining articles were a gold hilt and chain, and a gold ball with two pointers. The hilt and chain had once been part of a sword of unusual size; but the blade had rusted away and become useless. Joseph then turned the rock back, took the article in the pillow-case, and returned to the wagon; the devils, with more hideous yells than before, followed him to the fence; as he was getting over the fence, one of the devils struck him a blow on his side, where a black and blue spot remained three or four days; but Joseph persevered and brought the article safely home.

Historical Magazine (second series),Vol 7, Interview with the Father of Joseph Smith, pg 308

After thus translating a number of plates, Harris wanted to return to Palmyra, taking a part of the writings with hint; but the Lord objected, for fear that Harris would show them to unbelievers, who would make sport and derision of them. But Harris finally obtained leave to take them, on condition that he should let no one see them, except those who believed in them; in this he was indiscreet, and showed them to some one that he ought not to. When he next went to his drawer to get them, behold! they were not there; the Lord had taken them away.
Joseph and Harris returned to Harmony, and found the plates missing-the Lord had taken them also. Then Joseph put on the spectacles, and saw where the Lord had hid them, among the rocks, in the mountains. Though not allowed to get them, he could, by the help of the spectacles, read them where they were, as well as if they were before him. They were directed not to re-translate the part already gone over, for fear the new work would not correspond, in every particular, with the old; their enemies might take advantage of that circumstance, and condemn the whole. But they could begin where they left off, and translate until they were directed to stop; for, in consequence of their indiscretion, they would not be allowed to translate the whole, at present. At some future time, they would be allowed to translate the whole; and then their translation, the gold plates, the gold hilt, ball and pointers could all be circulated together, each a witness of the others.

Gold Bible No 6, The Reflector, Palmyra, NY, Mar 19, 1831, pg 126

David Whitmer and Martin Harris according to Palmyra Newspaper

   Whitmar's description of the Book of Mormon, differs entirely from that given by Harris; both of whom it would seem, have been of late permitted, not only to see and handle it, but to examine its contents. Whitmar relates that he was led by Smith into an open field, on his father's farm near Waterloo, when they found the book lying on the ground; Smith took it up and requested him to examine it, which he did for the space of half an hour or more, when he returned it to Smith, who placed it in its former position, alledging that the book was in the custody of another, intimating that some Divine agent would have it in safe keeping.
   This witness describes the book as being something like 8 inches square; (our informantdid not recollect precisely,) the leaves were plates of metal of a whitish yellow color, and of thethickness of tin plate; the back was secured with three small rings of the same metal, passing through each leaf in succession;-that the leaves were divided equi-distant, between the back & edge, by cutting the plates in two parts, and united again with solder, so that the front might be opened, as it were by a hinge, while the back part remained stationary and immoveable, and in this manner remained to him and the other witnesses a sealed book, which would not be revealed for ages to come, and that even the prophet himself was not as yet permitted to understand. On opening that portion of the book which was not secured by the seals, he discovered incribed on the aforesaid plates, divers and wonderful characters; some of them large and some small, but beyond the wisdom of man to understand without supernatural aid.
   Some of the other apostles give somewhat similar accounts, but varying in many particulars, according to their various powers of description.-Harris, however, gives the lie to a very important part of Whitmar's relation, and declares that the leaves or pages of the book are not cut, and a part of them sealed, but that it opens like any other book, from the edge to the back, the rings operating in the place of common binding.

19 Mar, 1831

Reuben Miller Journal, Oct. 21, 1848, Church History Library, pgs 17-18

Oliver Cowdery according to Reuben Miller journal

Reuben Miller

21 Oct, 1848

The holy Priesthood is here. I was present with Joseph when an holy angel from God came down from heaven and conferred on us or restored the lesser or Aaronic Priesthood, and said to us, at the same time, that it should remain upon the earth while the earth stands. I was also present with Joseph when the higher or Melchisedek Priesthood was conferred by the holy angel from on high. This Priesthood was then conferred on each other, by the will and commandment of God. This Priesthood, as was then declared, is also to remain upon the earth until the last remnant of time. This holy Priesthood or authority we then conferred upon many, and is just as good and valid as though God had done it in person.

Origin, rise, and progress of Mormonism : biography of its founders and history of its church : personal remembrances and historical collections hitherto unwritten pgs 40-41

Pomeroy Tucker Description

He was one of the earliest, if not, in truth, the only real believer. He was a religious monomaniac, reading the Scriptures intently, and could probably repeat from memory nearly every text of the Bible from beginning to end, giving the chapter and verse in each case. His superstition and cupidity were both appealed to in this matter. Though he unreservedly gave in his adhesion to the book as of divine appointment, he was by no means so prompt in his willingness to bear the whole cost of printing it, for he was proverbially a covetous, money-loving man, but an honest and benevolent one. His habit had been to look out for the best chances in a bargain, and it was natural that he should desire further opportunity for examination and consideration, and also for trying his influence in proselyting -- the latter object being with a view to judging of the question of reimbursement, should he advance the money required

New England Christian Herald, Nov 7, 1832

Josiah Stowell Testimony

Josiah Stowell

7 Nov, 1832

Josiah Stowel, being by me sworn, saith... that Smith, the prisoner, went in the night, and brought the Bible, (as Smith said;) witness saw a corner of it; it resembled a stone of a greenish caste; should judge it to have been about one foot square and six inches thick; he would not let it be seen by any one; the Lord had commanded him not; it was unknown to Smith, that witness saw a corner of the Bible, so called by Smith; told the witness the leaves were of gold; there were written characters on the leaves;

The Joseph Smith Papers, Lucy Mack Smith, History, 1844-1845, pgs 62-63

Lucy Smith Account of a Conjurer

   Mr. Smith was soon informed that 10 or 12 men were clubed together with one willard chase a Methodist class leader at their head and what was most rediculous they had sent for a conjuror to come 60 miles to divine the place where the record was deposited by magic art
   we were apprehensive that the pates were taken out and secreted some where and we were somwhat uneasy least they might like Moses who was hid in the bulrushes be discovered by our enemies-accordingly the morning after we heard of their plans Mr Smith went over a hill that lay east of us to see what he could discover among the neighbors there at the first house he came to he found the conjuror Willard chase and the company all together this was the house of one Mr Laurence he made an errand and went in and sat down near the door leaving the door ajar for the men were so near that he could hear their conversation they were devising many plans and schemes to find Joe Smiths gold bible as they termed it the conjurer was really animated although he had travelled 60 miles during the latter part of the day and the night before.
   the woman was uneasy at the exposures they were making she stepped through a back door into the yard and called to her husband in a suppressed voice (but so loud that Mr. Smith heard every word distinctly) Sam, Sam said she you are cutting your own throat-the conjuror bawlled out again at the top of his voice I am not afraid of any body we will have the plates in spite of Joe Smith or all the Devils in Hell-

(Note: Luman Walters was apparently living in Pultneyville, in the Sodus township, in 1827, which is approximately 16 miles from Palmyra, not 60.

This quote comes from Lucy's original manuscript transcribed in 1844-1845 by Martha Jane and Howard Coray. In 1845 the Corays produced an altered copy which can be read in full here. This altered manuscript was used in the 1853 publication by Orson Pratt in England under the title "Biographical Sketches of Joseph Smith, the Prophet, and his Progenitors for many Generations" which can be read in full here.)

Mormonism Unvailed, E.D. Howe, pg 265

Isaac Hale Statement

The manner in which he pretended to read and interpret, was the same as when he looked for the money-diggers, with a stone in his hat, and his hat over his face, while the Book of Plates were at the same time hid in the woods!

Lorenzo Saunders, Interviewed by E. L. Kelley, 12 November 1884, pgs 8-9, E. L. Kelley Papers,

Lorenzo Saunders Interview

Lorenzo Saunders

12 Nov, 1884

Willard Chase claimed his sister Sally had a peep stone. The Lord bless you I have seen her peep stone a hundred times; It was a little bit of a stone & it was green & she would hold it before light. After I left there, it was thirty years ago:--after I left there I can not tell you whether the peep stone was used or not... as I told Jo. Smith when he dug one out of a well on Chases Farm in the Shape of a baby's foot. They dug that hole for money. Chase's & Smiths altogether was digging it. I knew all about the stone; Edmund Chase told me all about it, He lives here now, this side of Kalamazoo. He is a man older than I am. his name is Edmund Chase.

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Edward Stephenson Account

Edward Stevenson

1877

It was likewise stated to me by David Whitmer in the year 1877 that Oliver Cowdery told him that the Prophet Joseph and himself had seen this room and that it was filled with treasure, and on a table therein were the breastplate and the sword of Laban, as well as the portion of gold plates not yet translated, and that these plates were bound by three small gold rings, and,would also be translated, as was the first portion in the days of Joseph. When they are translated much useful information will be brought to light. But till that day arrives, no Rochester adventurers shall ever see them or the treasures, although science and mineral rods testify that they are there.

Mormonism Unvailed, E.D. Howe, pgs 282-283

John N. Miller Affidavit

John N. Miller

Sep, 1833

In the year 1811, I was in the employ of Henry Lake and Solomon Spalding, at Conneaut, engaged in rebuilding a forge. While there, I boarded and lodged in the family of said Spalding, for several months. I was soon introduced to the manuscript of Spalding, and perused them as often as I had leisure. He had written two or three books or pamphlets on different subjects; but that which more particularly drew my attention, was one which he called the "Manuscript Found." From this he would frequently read some humorous passages to the company present. It purported to be the history of the first settlement of America, before discovered by Columbus. He brought them off from Jerusalem, under their leaders; detailing their travels by land and water, their manners, customs, laws, wars, &c. He said that he designed it as a historical novel, and that in after years it would be believed by many people as much as the history of England. He soon after failed in business, and told me he should retire from the din of his creditors, finish his book and have it published, which would enable him to pay his debts and support his family. He soon after removed to Pittsburgh, as I understood.
I have recently examined the Book of Mormon, and find in it the writings of Solomon Spalding, from beginning to end, but mixed up with scripture and other religious matter, which I did not meet with in the "Manuscript Found." Many of the passages in the Mormon Book are verbatim from Spalding, and others in part. The names of Nephi, Lehi, Moroni, and in fact all the principal names, are bro't fresh to my recollection, by the Gold Bible. When Spalding divested his history of its fabulous names, by a verbal explanation, he landed his people near the Straits of Darien, which I am very confident he called Zarahemla, they were marched about that country for a length of time, in which wars and great blood shed ensued, he brought them across North America in a north east direction.

Marion Enterprise, September 28, 1923, vol 43, no 39, pg 1

Philetus B. Spear Account

Philetus B. Spear

Joe was an ungainly looking lad, clothing poor, with associates of the lower class. He had for a library a copy of the 'Arabian Nights,' stories of Captain Kidd, and a few novels. --- Though of a coarse wit and of some influence, he gave no promise in his youth of the power exercised in his later years. --- The attention of the people was first called to him by the claims made that Joe could find anything lost or hidden. Once in a while he would succeed in telling where a thing was to be found, and, forgetting his many failures, the one success was loudly proclaimed. --- This prepared the public to believe him when he claimed to know where Captain Kidd had hidden money in Palmyra. A company was organized to dig in a certain hill specified by 'Joe.' This company was solemnly told that a spell was upon the treasure. --- No one could find it unless digging in the night.

(Note: This account was written down by Reverend Jared S. Nasmith and published in Plattsville, Wisconsin circa 1873. However, no copies of the original printing have been located. This copy comes from a much later printing in the Marion Enterprise, Newark New York on September 28, 1923. Spear died in 1901.)

Visitors Centers & Historic Sites of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Pictures of a modern replica of the log home on the south-edge of the Palmyra district

(Note: Discoveries made in an excavation of this site, described here, were used in determining the location of this replica cabin.)

Mormonism Unvailed, E.D. Howe, pgs 261-62

The testimony of 51 Smith neighbors

51 named Smith neighbors

4 Dec, 1833

We, the undersigned, have been acquainted with the Smith family, for a number of years, while they resided near this place, and we have no hesitation in saying, that we consider them destitute of that moral character, which ought to entitle them to the confidence of any community. They were particularly famous for visionary projects, spent much of their time in digging for money which they pretended was hid in the earth; and to this day, large excavations may be seen in the earth, not far from their residence, where they used to spend their time in digging for hidden treasures. Joseph Smith, Senior, and his son Joseph, were in particular, considered entirely destitute of moral character, and addicted to vicious habits.
...And in reference to all with whom we were acquainted, that have embraced Mormonism from this neighborhood, we are compeled to say, were very visionary, and most of them destitute of moral character, and without influence in this community; and this may account why they were permitted to go on with their impositions undisturbed. It was not supposed that any of them were possessed of sufficient character or influence to make any one believe their book or their sentiments, and we know not of a single individual in this vicinity that puts the least confidence in their pretended revelations.

Journal of Discourses, Vol 2, pg 196

1855 account by Wilford Woodruff

Wilford Woodruff

25 Feb, 1855

That same organization and Gospel that Christ died for, and the Apostles spilled their blood to vindicate, is again established in this generation. How did it come? By the ministering of an holy angel from God, out of heaven, who held converse with man, and revealed unto him the darkness that enveloped the world, and unfolded unto him the gross darkness that surrounded the nations, those scenes that should take place in this generation, and would follow each other in quick succession, even unto the coming of the Messiah. The angel taught Joseph Smith those principles which are necessary for the salvation of the world; and the Lord gave him commandments, and sealed upon him the Priesthood, and gave him power to administer the ordinances of the house of the Lord. He told him the Gospel was not among men, and that there was not a true organization of His kingdom in the world, that the people had turned away from His true order, changed the ordinances, and broken the everlasting covenant, and inherited lies and things wherein their was no profit. He told him the time had come to lay the foundation for the establishment of the Kingdom of God among men for the last time, preparatory to the winding up scene. Joseph was strengthened by the Spirit and power of God, and was enabled to listen to the teachings of the angel. He told him he should be made an instrument in the hands of the Lord, if he kept His commandments, in doing a good work upon the earth, that his name should be held in honor by the honest in heart, and in dishonor throughout the nations by the wicked. He told him he should be an instrument in laying the foundation of a work that should gather tens of thousands of the children of men, in the generation in which he lived, from every nation under heaven, who should hear the sound of it through his instrumentality. He told him the nations were wrapt in wickedness and abomination, and that the judgments of God were ready to be poured out upon them in their fulness; that the angels were holding the vials of His wrath in readiness; but the decree is, that they shall not be poured out until the nations are warned, that they may be left without an excuse.
This man to whom the angel appeared obeyed the Gospel; he received it in meekness and humility, and bowed down before the Lord and worshipped Him, and did the best he could in his illiterate state; he was as it were but a mere plow-boy.

The Pearl of Great Price, being a choice selection from the revelations, translations, and narrations of Joseph Smith, first prophet, seer, and revelator to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, pg 49

Name change to Moroni

"He called me by name and said unto me that he was a messenger sent from the presence of God to me, and that his name was Moroni."

1878

Origin, rise, and progress of Mormonism : biography of its founders and history of its church : personal remembrances and historical collections hitherto unwritten ...

Pomeroy Tucker's View

Protracted revival meetings were customary in some of the churches, and Smith frequented those of different denominations, sometimes professing to participate in their devotional exercises. At one time he joined the probationary class of the Methodist church in Palmyra, and made some active demonstrations of engagedness, though his assumed convictions were insufficiently grounded or abiding to carry him along to the saving point of conversion, and he soon withdrew from the class. The final conclusion announced by him was, that all sectarianism was fallacious, all the churches on a false foundation, and the Bible a fable.

The Joseph Smith Papers, Lucy Mack Smith, History, 1844-1845, pgs 71 & 75

Lucy's Account

It soon became necessary to take some measures to accomplish the translation of the record into English but he was instructed to take off a fac simile of the alphabet Egyptian charecters Alphabetically and send them to all the learned men that he could find and ask them for the translation of the same. Joseph was very solicitous about the work but as yet no means had come into his hands of accomplishing the same...
it was agreed that Martin Harris should follow him as soon as he should have sufficient time to transcribe the Egyptian alphabet which Mr. Harris was to take to the east and through the country in every direction to all who were professed linguists to give them an opertunity of showing their talents.

Lippincott's Magazine 26:152, pgs 199-200

When "peeking" he kneeled and buried his face in his white stovepipe hat, within which was the peek-stone. He declared it to be so much like looking into the water that the "deflection of flight" sometimes took him out of his course. On a wilderness-hill -- now a part of Jacob J. Skinner's farm -- his peek-stone discovered a ton of silver bars which had been buried by weary Spaniards as they trudged up the Susquehanna. An expedition for their recovery was undertaken as soon as Smith could muster enough followers to do the work. Unlike St. Paul, Joe did not work with his own hands, and he did not hesitate to be chargeable to any one. Several round excavations were made on the crown of a hill, the largest of which was about thirty-five feet in diameter and of about the same depth. The water was drained toward the south, and a shanty covered the hole from the eyes of the scoffers and the profane. The diggers had proceeded with great labor, and were just ready to grasp the silver, when the charm moved it three hundred feet to the north-east. Joe tracked it with his peek-stone to its hiding-place. It was not so far under the surface this time -- only about twenty feet -- and the faithful again worked with a will. The dilatory movements of the silver caused anxiety to Mr. Isaac Hale, with whom the diggers had been "boarding round." Hale was a stiff old Methodist whose business judgment told him that he was taking too much stock in this "big bonanza." For all his anxiety, the silver again flitted away, and alighted fifty feet beyond the big hole. They determined to capture it if they ran the hill through a sieve. The third hole had been sunk fifteen out of the necessary twenty feet when the treasure once more jumped to the other side of the big hole. Then the prophet had a vision: the blood of a black sheep must be shed and sprinkled around the diggings. Black sheep were scarce, and while they waited for one the faithful obtained their needed rest. At length, no sheep appearing, Joe said that a black dog might answer. A dog, therefore, was killed, and the blood was sprinkled on the ground. After that the silver never went far away. Still, it waltzed about the big hole in such a lively manner that frequent tunnelling to effect its capture availed nothing. At last the prophet decided that it was of no use to dig unless one of their number was made a sacrifice. None of the faithful responded to his call, and thus the magnificent scheme was abandoned. Oliver Harper, one of the diggers who furnished the money, was soon afterward murdered. The prophet thought this might answer for a sacrifice: he again rallied the diggers, but the charm remained stubborn and would not reveal the silver.*

* On a scorching day in July I visited Susquehanna to obtain an authentic narrative from several parties who were eye-witnesses of the events which they related. At the residence of Mrs. Elizabeth Squires I found both herself and Mrs. Sally McKune, the widow of Joseph McKune. Mrs. Squires is considerably over seventy, and Mrs. McKune is about eighty, years of age. Both these ladies lived in the neighborhood at the time of the Smith manifestations. The statement given above with regard to the digging for treasure is that of Mrs. McKune, supplemented by Mrs. Squires. Jacob J. Skinner, the present owner of the farm, was about sixteen years old at the time of the search. For a number of years he has been engaged in filling the holes with stone to protect his cattle, but the boys still use the north-east hole as a swimming-pond in the summer.

The Joseph Smith Papers, History, 1834-1836, pg 12

Birth of Lucy Smith

Lucy Smith, born in Palmyra, Ontario Co. N.Y. July 18, 1821

1834-36

Historical Magazine (second series),Vol 7, Interview with the Father of Joseph Smith, pg 307

During that year, Joseph went to the town of Harmony, in the State of Pennsylvania, at the request of some one who wanted the assistance of his divining rod and stone in finding hidden treasure, supposed to have been deposited there by the Indians or others. While there, he fell in company with a young woman; and, when he first saw her, he was satisfied that she was the person appointed to go with him to get the treasure he had so often failed to secure. To insure success, he courted and married her.

Peoria Register and North-Western Gazetteer, Vol 5, No 23, Sep 3, 1841

The others were joining, some one church, and some another, in that vicinity, but Joseph hesitated between the different denominations. While his mind was perplexed with this subject he prayed for divine direction, and afterwards was awaked one night by an extraordinary vision. The glory of the Lord filled the chamber with a dazzling light, and a glorious angel appeared to him and told him that he was a chosen vessel of the Lord to make known true religion.

William E. McLellin Journal, July 18, 1831, pgs 1-2

David Whitmer in William E. McLellin Journal

D. Whitmer then arose and bore testimony to having seen an Holy Angel who had made known the truth of the record to him. All these strange things I pondered in my heart.

18 July, 1831

(Note: No images of William E. McLellin's journal are available online. Please contact me if you have any information.)

A History of Illinois, from Its Commencement as a State in 1818 to 1847, pg 257

Governor Ford Account

Thomas Ford

1854

The most probable account of these certificates is, that the witnesses were in the conspiracy, aiding the imposture; but I have been informed by men who were once in the confidence of the prophet, that he privately gave a different account of the matter. It is related that the prophet's early followers were anxious to see the plates; the prophet had always given out that they could not be seen by the carnal eye, but must be spiritually discerned; that the power to see them depended upon faith, and was the gift of God, to be obtained by fasting, prayer, mortification of the flesh, and exercises of the spirit; that so soon as he could see the evidences of a strong and lively faith in any of his followers, they should be gratified in their holy curiosity. He set them to continual prayer, and other spiritual exercises, to acquire this lively faith by means of which the hidden things of God could be spiritually discerned; and at last, when he could delay them no longer, he assembled them in a room, and produced a box, which he said contained the precious treasure. The lid was opened; the witnesses peeped into it, but making no discovery, for the box was empty, they said, "Brother Joseph, we do not see the plates." The prophet answered them, "O ye of little faith! how long will God bear with this wicked and perverse generation? Down on your knees, brethren, every one of you. and pray God for the forgiveness of your sins, and for a holy and living faith which cometh down from heaven." The disciples dropped to their knees, and began to pray in the fervency of their spirit, supplicating God for more than two hours with fanatical earnestness; at the end of which time, looking again into the box, they were now persuaded that they saw the plates. I leave it to philosophers to determine whether the fumes of an enthusiastic and fanatical imagination are thus capable of blinding the mind and deceiving the senses by so absurd a delusion.

Journal of Discourses, Vol 2, pgs 180-181

Brigham Young 1855 Speech

I well knew a man who, to get the plates, rode over sixty miles three times the same season they were obtained by Joseph Smith. About the time of their being delivered to Joseph by the angel, the friends of this man sent for him, and informed him that they were going to lose that treasure, though they did not know what it was. The man I refer to was a fortune-teller, necromancer, an astrologer, a soothsayer and possessed as much talent as any man that walked on the American soil, and was one of the wickedest men I ever saw. The last time he went to obtain the treasure he knew sure where it was, but did not know its value. Allow me to tell you that a Baptist deacon and others of Joseph's neighbors were the very men who sent for this necromancer the last time he went for the treasure. I never heard a man who could swear like that astrologer; he swore scientifically, by rule, by note. To those who love swearing, it was musical to hear him, but not so for me, for I would leave his presence. He would call Joseph everything that was bad and say "I believe he will get the treasure after all". He did get it and the war commenced directly. When Joseph obtained the treasure, the priests the deacons and religionists of every grade, went hand in hand with the fortune-teller, and with every wicked person, to get it out of his hand, and to accomplish this, a part of them came out and persecuted him.

18 Feb, 1855

Latter Day Saints' messenger and advocate, Volume 1, October, 1834, pg 14

Oliver Cowdery Account

Near the time of the setting of the Sun, Sabbath evening, April 5th, 1829, my natural eyes, for the first time beheld this brother. He then resided in Harmony, Susquehanna county Penn. On Monday the 6th, I assisted him in arranging some business of a temporal nature, and on Tuesday the 7th, commenced to write the book of Mormon. These were days never to be forgotten-to sit under the sound of a voice dictated by the inspiration of heaven, awakened the utmost gratitude of this bosom! Day after day I continued, uninterrupted, to write from his mouth, as he translated, with the Urim and Thummim, or, as the Nephites whould have said, "Interpreters," the history, or record, called "The book of Mormon."

Oct, 1834

(Note: A transcript of this account was also created in Joseph Smith's history dated 1834-1836 which can be read here.)

Correspondence, The Deseret News, 14 Aug, 1878, Vol 27, No 28

David Whitmer Interview

P. Wilhelm Poulson

14 Aug, 1878

   I -- Where are the plates now?
   He -- In a cave, where the angel has hidden them up till the time arrives when the plates, which are sealed, shall be translated. God will yet raise up a mighty one, who shall do his work till it is finished and Jesus comes again.

   I -- Where is that cave?
   He -- In the state of New York.

   I -- In the Hill Cumorah?
   He -- No, but not far from that place...

Mormonism Unvailed, E.D. Howe, pgs 186-87

Ezra Booth Letter

Ezra Booth

Sep, 1831

You have probably read the testimony of the three witnesses appended to the Book of Mormon. These witnesses testify that an angel appeared to them, and presented them the golden plates, and the voice of God declared it to be a divine record. To this they frequently testify, in the presence of large congregations. When in Missouri, I had an opportunity to examine a commandment given to these witnesses, previous to their seeing the plates. They were informed that they should see and hear those things by faith, and then they should testify to the world, as though they had seen and heard, as I see a man, and hear his voice: but after all, it amounts simply to this--that by faith or imagination, they saw the plates and the angel, and by faith or imagination they heard the voice of the Lord.

Mormonism Unvailed, E.D. Howe, pg 284

Aaron Wright Affidavit

Aaron Wright

Aug, 1833

I first became acquainted with Solomon Spalding in 1808 or 9, when he commenced building a forge on Conneaut creek. When at his house, one day, he showed and read to me a history he was writing, of the lost tribes of Israel, purporting that they were the first settlers of America, and that the Indians were their descendants. Upon this subject we had frequent conversations. He traced their journey from Jerusalem to America, as it is given in the Book of Mormon, excepting the religious matter. The historical part of the Book of Mormon, I know to be the same as I read and heard read from the writings of Spalding, more than twenty years ago; the names more especially are the same without any alteration. He told me his object was to account for all the fortifications, &c. to be found in this country, and said that in time it would be fully believed by all, except learned men and historians. I once anticipated reading his writings in print, but little expected to see them in a new Bible. Spalding had many other manuscripts, which I expect to see when Smith translates his other plate. In conclusion, I will observe, that the names of, and most of the historical part of the Book of Mormon, were as familiar to me before I read it, as most modern history. If it is not Spalding's writing, it is the same as he wrote; and if Smith was inspired, I think it was by the same spirit that Spalding was, which he confessed to be the love of money.

Naked Truths About Mormonism, Vol 1, No 1, pg 2, col 4

Williard Chase, a Methodist who lived about two miles from uncle's, while digging a well, found a gray smooth stone about the size and shape of an egg. Sallie, Williard's sister, also a Methodist, told me several times that young Jo Smith, who became the Mormon prophet, often came to inquire of her where to dig for treasures. She told me she would place the stone in a hat and hold it to her face, and claimed things would be brought to her view. Sallie let me have it several times, but I never could see anything in or through it. I heard that Jo obtained it and called it a peep-stone, which he used in the place of the witch hazel.

(Note: No images of this source are available online. Please contact me if you have any information.)

The Prophet of Palmyra, Thomas Gregg, 1890, pg 36

Stephen Harding Account

Stephen S. Harding

Feb, 1882

When I was a student at Brookville, in the fall of 1827, the Brookville Enquirer was laid upon my table, when my eye fell upon a paragraph, credited to some Eastern paper, of the finding of a book of metallic plates, called the 'Golden Bible.' It was found by a young man by the name of Joe Smith, who had spent his time for several years in telling fortunes and digging for hidden treasures, and especially for pots and iron chests of money, supposed to have been buried by Captain Kidd. This paragraph interested me more at the time from the fact that all this had happened near the village of Palmyra, N. Y.

History, 1838-1856, volume A-1, The Joseph Smith Papers

Discovery of Zelph

Tuesday the 3rd. During our travels we visited several of the mounds which had been thrown up by the ancient inhabitants of this country, Nephites, Lamanites &c, and this morning I went up on a high mound, near the river, accompanied by the brethren. From this mound we could overlook the tops of the trees and view the prairie on each side of the river as far as our vision could extend, and the scenery was truly delightful.
On the top of the mound were stones which presented the appearance of three altars having been erected one above the other, according to ancient order; and human bones were strewn over the surface of the ground. The brethren procured a shovel & hoe and removing the earth to the depth of about one foot discovered the skeleton of a man. almost entire, and between his ribs was a Lamanitish arrow, which evidently produced his death. Elder Brigham Young retained the arrow, and the brethren carried some pieces of the skeleton to Clay county. The contemplation of the scenery before us produced peculiar sensations in our bosoms; and the visions of the past being opend to my understanding by the Spirit of the Almighty I discovered that the person whose Skeleton was before us, was a white Lamanite, a large thick set man, and a man of God. He was a warrior under the great prophet Onandagus, who was known from the hill Cumorah, or eastern sea, to the Rocky Mountains. His name was Zelph. The curse was taken from him, or, at least, in part. One of his thigh bones was broken by a stone flung from a sling, while in battle, years before his death. He was killed in battle, by the arrow found among his ribs, during a last great struggle with the Lamanites and Nephites.

3 Jun, 1834

(Note: This account took place while Zion's Camp was in eastern Illinois, at a location currently known as Naples Mound #8. This mound has been identified as a Hopewell burial site dating between 100 BCE and 500 CE.)

Mormonism Unvailed, E.D. Howe, pg 262

The testimony of 11 Smith acquaintances

Eleven Smith acquaintances

3 Nov, 1833

We, the undersigned, being personally acquainted with the family of Joseph Smith, sen. with whom the celebrated Gold Bible, so called, originated, state: that they were not only a lazy, indolent set of men, but also intemperate; and their word was not to be depended upon; and that we are truly glad to dispense with their society.

Journal of Discourses, Vol. 12, pg 67

Brigham Young describes the religious excitement

When the Lord called upon Joseph he was but a boy - a child, only about fourteen years of age. He was not filled with traditions; his mind was not made up to this, that, or the other. I very well recollect the reformation which took place in the country among the various denominations of Christians - the Baptists, Methodists, Presbyterians, and others - when Joseph was a boy. Joseph's mother, one of his brothers, and one, if not two, of his sisters were members of the Presbyterian Church, and on this account the Presbyterians hung to the family with great tenacity. And in the midst of these revivals among the religious bodies, the invitation, "Come and join our church," was often extended to Joseph, but more particularly from the Presbyterians. Joseph was naturally inclined to be religious, and being young, and surrounded with this excitement, no wonder that he became seriously impressed with the necessity of serving the Lord. But as the cry on every hand was, "Lo, here is Christ," and "Lo, there!"...

23 Jun, 1867

Journal of Discourses, Vol 6, pg 29

1857 Heber C. Kimball

Heber C. Kimball

8 Nov, 1857

Do you suppose that God in person called upon Joseph Smith, our Prophet? God called upon him; but God did not come himself and call, but he sent Peter to do it. Do you not see? He sent Peter and sent Moroni to Joseph, and told him that he had got the plates. Did God come himself? No...
Why did he not come along? Because he has agents to attend to his business, and he sits upon his throne and is established at head-quarters, and tells this man, "Go and do this;" and it is behind the vail just as it is here. You have got to learn that.

The Joseph Smith Papers, "Church History," 1 March 1842, pg 2

Wentworth Letter account

   On the evening of the 21st of September, A. D. 1823, while I was praying unto God, and endeavoring to exercise faith in the precious promises of scripture on a sudden a light like that of day, only of a far purer and more glorious appearance, and brightness burst into the room, indeed the first sight was as though the house was filled with consuming fire; the appearance produced a shock that affected the whole body; in a moment a personage stood before me surrounded with a glory yet greater than that with which I was already surrounded. This messenger proclaimed himself to be an angel of God sent to bring the joyful tidings, that the covenant which God made with ancient Israel was at hand to be fulfilled, that the preparatory work for the second coming of the Messiah was speedily to commence; that the time was at hand for the gospel, in all its fulness [fullness] to be preached in power, unto all nations that a people might be prepared for the millennial reign.
   I was informed that I was chosen to be an instrument in the hands of God to bring about some of his purposes in this glorious dispensation.
   I was also informed concerning the aboriginal inhabitants of this country, and shown who they were, and from whence they came; a brief sketch of their origin, progress, civilization, laws, governments, of their righteousness and iniquity, and the blessings of God being finally withdrawn from them as a people was made known unto me: I was also told where there was deposited some plates on which were engraven an abridgement of the records of the ancient prophets that had existed on this continent. The angel appeared to me three times the same night and unfolded the same things.

Mormonism Unvailed, E.D. Howe, pgs 240-241

Testimony of Willard Chase

In the year 1822, I was engaged in digging a well. I employed Alvin and Joseph Smith to assist me; the latter of whom is now known as the Mormon prophet. After digging about twenty feet below the surface of the earth, we discovered a singularly appearing stone, which excited my curiosity. I brought it to the top of the well, and as we were examining it, Joseph put it into his hat, and then his face into the top of his hat. It has been said by Smith, that he brought the stone from the well; but this is false. There was no one in the well but myself. The next morning he came to me, and wished to obtain the stone, alledging that he could see in it; but I told him I did not wish to part with it on account of its being a curiosity, but would lend it. After obtaining the stone, he began to publish abroad what wonders he could discover by looking in it, and made so much disturbance among the credulous part of community, that I ordered the stone to be returned to me again. He had it in his possession about two years.-I believe, some time in 1825, Hiram Smith (brother of Joseph Smith) came to me, and wished to borrow the same stone, alledging that they wanted to accomplish some business of importance, which could not very well be done without the aid of the stone. I told him it was of no particular worth to me, but merely wished to keep it as a curiosity, and if he would pledge me his word and honor, that I should have it when called for, he might take it; which he did and took the stone. I thought I could rely on his word at this time, as he had made a profession of religion. But in this I was disappointed, for he disregarded both his word and honor.
In the fall of 1826, a friend called upon me and wished to see that stone, about which so much had been said; and I told him if he would go with me to Smith's, (a distance of about half a mile) he might see it. But to my surprise, on going to Smith's, and asking him for the stone, he said, "you cannot have it;" I told him it belonged to me, repeated to him the promise he made me, at the time of obtaining the stone: upon which he faced me with a malignant look and said, "I don't care who in the Devil it belongs to, you shall not have it."

History of the Pioneer Settlement of Phelps and Gorham's Purchase, pgs 212-13

Orsamus Turner Account

Orsamus Turner

(Joseph Smith Sr.) first settled in or near Palmyra village, but as early as 1819 was the occupant of some new land on "Stafford street," in the town of Manchester, near the line of Palmyra. *Here the author remembers to have first seen the family, in the Winter of '19, and '20, in a rude log house, with but a small spot underbrushed around it.

Joseph Smith the Prophet His Family and His Friends, pgs 78-79

Some time previous to 1825, a man by the name of Wm. Hale, a distant relative of uncle Isaac Hale, came to Isaac Hale and said that he had been informed by a woman by the name of Odle, who claimed to possess the power of seeing under ground (such persons were then commonly called peepers), that there were great treasures concealed in the hill northeast from Isaac Hale's house, and by her directions Wm. Hale commenced digging. But, being too lazy to work and too poor to hire, he obtained a partner by the name of Oliver Harper, of York State, who had the means to hire help. But after a short time operations were suspended, for a time, during which Wm. Hale heard of Peeper Joseph Smith, jr., and wrote to him and soon visited him, and found Smith's representations were so flattering that Smith was either hired or became a partner with Wm. Hale, Oliver Harper and a man by the name of Stowell, who had some property. They hired men and dug in several places. The account given in the history of Susquehanna County, p, 580, of a pure white dog to be used as a sacrifice to restrain the enchantment, and of the anger of the Almighty at the attempt to palm off on Him a white sheep for a white dog, is a fair sample of Smith's revelations, and of the God that inspired him. Their digging in several places was in compliance with 'Peeper' Smith's revelations, who would attend with his peep-stone in his hat, and his hat drawn over his face, and tell them how deep they would have to go; and when they found no trace of the chest of money, he would peep again and weep like a child, and tell them that the enchantment had removed it on account of some sin, or thoughtless word, and finally the enchantment became so strong that he could not see, and the business was finally abandoned. Smith could weep and shed tears at any time if he chose to.

Origin, rise, and progress of Mormonism, pgs 289-90

Martin Harris in Jesse Townsend Letter

Jesse Townsend

24 Dec, 1833

At the same time it was assumed to the uninitiated that it would be "immediate death" for any except the translators to see the plates. Poor Martin's faith was apparently strengthened by this pretension, but afterward the "command" was modified, and he claimed to have seen the plates with "spiritual eyes."

Millenial Star, 20 Aug, 1859, Vol 21, pgs 545-546

Martin Harris according to David B. Dille

David B. Dille

15 Sep, 1853

Mr. Harris further said: 'I took a transcript of the characters of the plates to Dr. Anthon, of New York. When I arrived at the home of Professor Anthon, I found him in his office and alone, and presented the transcript to him, and asked him to read it. He said if I would bring the plates, he would assist in the translation. I told him I could not, for they were sealed. Professor Anthon then gave me a certificate certifying that the characters were Arabic, Chaldaic and Egyptian.
I then left Dr. Anthon, and was near the door, when he said, 'How did the young man know the plates were there? I said an angel had shown them to him. Professor Anthon then said, 'Let me see the certificate!' Upon which, I took it from my waistcoat pocket and unsuspectingly gave it to him. He then tore it up in anger, saying: there was no such things as angels now, it was all a hoax. I then went to Dr. Mitchell with the transcript, and he confirmed what Professor Anthon had said.'

(Note: According to the source, this is "from a manuscript found in the Millenial Star Office, written by Elder D. B. Dille.")

Journal of Discourses, Vol 5, pg 55

Brigham Young 1857 Speech

I never heard such oaths fall from the lips of any man as I heard uttered by a man who was called a fortune teller, and who knew where those plates were hid. He went three times in one summer to get them,-the same summer in which Joseph did get them. Baptist, Presbyterian, and Methodist priests and deacons sent for him to tell where those plates were, and to get them out of the hill where they were deposited; and he had not returned to his home from the last trip he made for them more than a week or ten days before Joseph got them. Joseph was what we call an ignorant boy, but this fortune teller whose name I do not remember was a man of profound learning. He had put himself in possession of all the learning in the States,-had been to France, Germany, Italy, and through the world,-had been educated for a priest and turned out to be a devil. I do not know but that he would have been a devil if he had followed the profession of a priest among what are termed the christian denominations. He could preach as well as the best of them, and I never heard a man swear as he did. He could tell that those plates were there, and that they were a treasure whose value to the people could not be told; for that I myself heard him say.

19 July, 1857

"Mormonism," New York Weekly Messenger and Young Men's Advocate (29 April 1835)

The Pioneer Account

The Pioneer

Mar, 1835

the writing on them was in the "Reformed Egyptian language,"-that he was inspired to interpret the writing, or engraving, by putting a plate in his hat, putting two smooth flat stones, which he found in the box, in the hat, and putting his face therein-that he could not write, but as he translated, one Oliver Cowdery wrote it down.

(Note: This article was reprinted on April 29, 1835 as "Mormonism" in The New York Weekly Messenger and Young Men's Advocate. No images of the original are available online. Please contact me if you have any information.)

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Saints Herald 1881 Account

Tell us about the cave you spoke of.
"The cave is over there in the hill now--a large cave."
In what hill? The hill they call "Mormon" Hill?
"No; it is about a mile from that; but what are you so particular about it for?"
We want to go and see it--we want to see the thing itself. Now you have been there; give us the description, while we write it down, so that we can find it.
"No; I never saw it; besides it is all caved in now, so you could not see anything. There is no cave there now, it is all fallen in."

Joseph Smith's Journal, 1835-1836, 9 Nov, 1835, The Joseph Smith Papers

1835 Diary Account

he said unto me I am a messenger sent from God... also that the Urim and Thumim, was hid up with the record, and that God would give me power to translate it, with the assistance of this instrument... I obtained them, and translated them into the english language; by the gift and power of God and have been preaching it ever since.

9 Nov, 1835

Mormonism Unvailed, E.D. Howe, pgs 284-85

Oliver Smith Affidavit

Oliver Smith

Aug, 1833

When Solomon Spalding first came to this place, he purchased a tract of land, surveyed it out and commenced selling it. While engaged in this business, he boarded at my house, in all nearly six months. All his leisure hours were occupied in writing a historical novel, founded upon the first settlers of this country. He said he intended to trace their journey from Jerusalem, by land and sea, till their arrival in America, give an account of their arts, sciences, civilization, wars and contentions. In this way, he would give a satisfactory account of all of the old mounds, so common to this country. During the time he was at my house, I read and heard read one hundred pages or more. Nephi and Lehi were by him represented as leading characters, when they first started for America. Their main object was to escape the judgments which they supposed were coming upon the old world. But no religious matter was introduced, as I now recollect. Just before he left this place, Spalding sent for me to call on him, which I did. -He then said, that although he was in my debt, he intended to leave the country, and hoped I would not prevent him, for, says he, you know I have been writing the history of the first settlement of America, and I intend to go to Pittsburgh, and there live a retired life, till I have completed the work, and when it is printed, it will bring me a fine sum of money, which will enable me to return and pay off all my debts-the book, you know will sell, as every one is anxious to learn something upon that subject. This was the last I heard of Spalding or his book, until the Book of Mormon came into the neighborhood. When I heard the historical part of it related, I at once said it was the writings of old Solomon Spalding. Soon after, I obtained the book, and on reading it, found much of it the same as Spalding had written, more than twenty years before.

Naked Truths About Mormonism, Vol 1, No 1, pg 2, col 4

I was born in New York State near the Massachusetts line, May 7, 1809. In 1812 my parents moved to a farm two miles from the village, and in the township of Palmyra, New York. In 1823 mother died, and I went to her sister's, Mrs. Earl Wilcox, where I lived much of the time until December, 1828, when I went to live with father who had again married and settled on a farm on the Holland Patent, twenty miles west of Rochester, New York. Uncle Earl's farm was four miles south of Palmyra village, and his house was nearly opposite old Jo Smith's, father of the Mormon prophet. Old Jo was dissipated. He and his son Hyrum worked some at coopering. Hyrum was the only son sufficiently educated to teach school. I attended when he taught in the log schoolhouse east of uncle's. He also taught in the Stafford District. He and Sophronia were the most respected of the family, who were not much thought of in the community. They cleared the timber from only a small part of their farm, and never paid for the land. They tried to live without work. I have often heard the neighbors say they did not know how the Smiths lived, they earned so little money. The farmers who lived near the Smiths had many sheep and much poultry stolen. They often sent officers to search the premises of the Smiths for stolen property, who usually found the house locked. It was said the creek near the house of the Smiths was lined with the feet and heads of sheep. Uncle's children were all sons, and they played with Smith's younger children, I associated much with Sophronia Smith, the oldest daughter, as she was the only girl near my age who lived in our vicinity. I often accompanied her, Hyrum, and young Jo Smith, who became the Mormon prophet, to apple parings and parties. Jo was pompous, pretentious and active at parties.

(Note: No images of this source are available online. Please contact me if you have any information.)

Naked Truths About Mormonism, Vol 1, No 1, pg 2, col 6

William Hine Statement

I heard a man say who was a neighbor to the Mormon Smith family, in Palmyra, N.Y., that they were thieves, indolent, the lowest and meanest family he ever saw or heard of. Hyrum was the best of the family. Many letters were received from Palmyra, stating the bad character of the Smith's.

(Note: No images of this source are available online. Please contact me if you have any information.)

Naked Truths About Mormonism, Vol 1, No 2, pg 1, col 1

Christopher Stafford Statement

Christopher M. Stafford

23 Mar, 1885

Old Jo claimed to be a cooper but worked very little at anything. He was intemperate. Hyrum worked at cooperage. Alvin was the oldest son and worked the farm and was the stay of the family. He died a few years after they came. I exchanged work with Jo but more with his brother Harrison, who was a good, industrous boy. I did not enjoy my meals at the Smith's, they were so filthy. Jo got drunk while we were haying for my uncle, Wm. Stafford; also at a husking at our house, and stayed overnight. I have often seen him drunk. Jo was the laziest one of the family, and a dull scholar, as were all the Smiths except Harrison and Catherine. I attended school with them, also Bill and Carlos.

Naked Truths About Mormonism, Vol 1, No 2, pg 1, col 2

Joseph Rogers Statement

Joseph Rogers

16 May, 1887

I had the affidavits of six creditable farmers who lived in Manchester, N.Y., that Jo Smith, who became the Mormon prophet, stole their chickens and sheep. I lost them moving. Farmers said he was a terror to the neighborhood and that he would either have to go to State prison, be hung, or leave the county, or he would be killed. Jo contrived in every way to obtain money without work. The farmers claimed that not a week passed without Jo stole something. I knew at least one hundred farmers in the towns of Phelps, Manchester and Palmyra, N.Y., who would make oath that Jo Smith the Mormon prophet was a liar, intemperate and a base imposter. His father, old Jo, was called a devil. He was very intemperate, profane and vulgar in conversation. Jo, the prophet, said much about his troubles with the devil and that he, the devil, got the better of him much of the time. Jo traveled about the country considerable and was well known.

Naked Truths About Mormonism, Vol 1, No 2, pg 1, col 4

Sylvia Walker Statement

Mrs. Sylvia Walker

20 Mar, 1885

I was born in Manchester, Ontario County, N.Y., Aug. 27, 1818, and lived there until 1852, when I came to Ohio. The Mormon Smith family lived in sight of my parents' house. I attended school to Oliver Cowdrey with Carlos, Sam, Bill, Catherine, and Lucy Smith, who were very poor scholars. Jo, Hyrum and Sophrona, the other children, were older. I have been at their house. They were the lowest family I ever knew. They worked very little and had the reputation of stealing everything they could lay their hands on. Old Jo was very intemperate. When Jo told his neighbors about finding gold plates no one believed him nor paid any attention to it, he had humbugged them so much. Much of the time he claimed he was in Pennsylvania. I attended a Mormon meeting in old Jo Smith's loghouse. Martin Harris spoke and Darius Pearse laughed at something he said. He reproved Pearse, who left the house, and when he was in the road began to denounce the Smith family and talked nearly one hour. The audience left the house and listened to him. He reviewed the character of them and said they stole six of his fat sheep. His talk greatly pleased his neighbors. He was one of our best citizens.

New light on Mormonism, by Ellen E. Dickinson, 1885, pgs 28-29

Ellen Dickinson Account

Ellen E. Dickinson

1885

   It is said that Joseph at an early age could read, but not write; and when quite young committed these lines to memory from the story of Captain Kidd, the notorious pirate, which seemed to give him great pleasure:
   "My name was Robert Kidd
   As I sailed, as I sailed;
   And most wickedly I did
   As I sailed, as I sailed."

Letter to Emma Smith, 4 June 1834, The Joseph Smith Papers, JS Letterbook 2, pp 56-59

Letter to Emma

The whole of our journey, in the midst of so large a company of social honest and sincere men, wandering over the plains of the Nephites, recounting occasionaly the history of the Book of Mormon, roving over the mounds of that once beloved people of the Lord, picking up their skulls & their bones, as a proof of its divine authenticity, and gazing upon a country the fertility, the splendour and the goodness so indescribable, all serves to pass away time unnoticed...

4 Jun, 1834

(Note: This letter, written in the handwriting of James Mulholland, recounts the passage of Zion's Camp through Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois.)

Origin, rise, and progress of Mormonism : biography of its founders and history of its church : personal remembrances and historical collections hitherto unwritten ..., pgs 12-13

   Joseph Smith, Sr., who, with his wife Lucy and their family, removed from Royalton, Vt., to Palmyra, N. Y., in the summer of 1816...
   In 1818 they settled upon a nearly wild or unimproved piece of land, mostly covered with standing timber, situate about two miles South of Palmyra, being on the north border of the town of Manchester, Ontario County. The title of this landed property was vested in non-resident minor heirs; and the premises being uncared for by any local agent or attorney, the Smiths took posession of it by the rights of 'squatter sovereignty.' Thus they remained unmolested in its possession for some twelve years, occupying as their dwelling-place, in the first instance, a small, one-story, smoky log-house, which they had built prior to removing there. This house was divided into two rooms, on the ground-floor, and had a low garret, in two appartments. A bedroom wing, built of sawed slabs, was afterward added.
   Subsequently this property was purchased by Mr. Smith on contract, a small payment thereon being made by him to bind the bargain; and in this way his occupancy of the premises was prolonged until after the blooming of the Mormon scheme in 1829.

The Reflector, Palmyra, Gold Bible, no. 3

The Palmyra Reflector's take

Joseph Smith, senior, the father of the personage of whom we are now writing, had by misfortune or otherwise been reduced to extreme poverty before he migrated to Western New-York. His family was large consisting of nine or ten children, among whom Jo junior was the third or fourth in succession. We have never been able to learn that any of the family were ever noted for much else than ignorance and stupidity, to which might be added, so far as it may respect the elder branch, a propensity to superstition and a fondness for everything marvelous.
We have been credibly informed that the mother of the prophet, had connected herself with several religious societies before her present illumination; this also was the case with other branches of the family, but how far the father of the prophet, ever advanced in these particulars, we are not precisely informed, it however appears quite certain that the prophet himself never made any serious pretensions to religion until his late pretended revelation.

1 Feb, 1831

The Joseph Smith Papers, Lucy Mack Smith, History, 1844-1845, pgs 40-41

Lucy's handwritten account

One evening we were sitting till quite late conversing upon the subject of the diversity of churches that had risen up in the world and the many thousand opinions in existence as to the truths contained in scripture. Joseph never said many words upon any subject but always seemed to reflect more deeply that common persons of his age upon everything of a religious nature.
After we ceased conversation he went to bed and was pondering in his mind which of the churches were the true one but he had not laid there long till he saw a bright light enter the room where he lay he looked up and saw an angel of the Lord standing by him The angel spoke I perceive that you are enquiring in your mind which is the true church there is not a true church on Earth No not one and has not been since Peter took the Keys of the Melchesidec priesthood after the order of God into the Kingdom of Heaven The churches that are now upon the Earth are all man made churches There is a record for you and Joseph but you cannot get it untill you learn to keep the commandments of God For it is not to get gain But it is to bring forth that light and intelligence which has been long lost in the Earth Now Joseph beware or when you go to get the plates your mind will be filld with darkness and all maner of evil will rush into your mind To prevent you from keeping the commandments of God that you may not succed in doing his work and you must tell your father of this for he will believe every word you say the record is on a side hill on the Hill of Cumorah 3 miles from this place remove the Grass and moss and you will find a large flat stone pry that up and you will find the record under it laying on 4 pillars - of cement then the angel left him

The Old Soldier's Testimony, The Saints' Herald, Vol 31, No 40

1884 Sermon by William Smith

It will be remembered that just before the angel appeared to Joseph, there was an unusual revival in the neighborhood. It spread from town to town, from city to city, from county to county, and from state to state. My mother attended those meetings, and being much concerned about the spiritual welfare of the family, she persuaded them to attend the meetings. Finally my mother, one sister, my brothers Samuel and Hyrum became Presbyterians. Joseph and myself did not join; I had not sown all my wild oats. At the close of these meetings the different ministers began to beat around to see how many converts they could get to join their respective churches. All said, Come and join us, we are right.

Mormonism-No. II, Tiffany's Monthly, 5(4), Joel Tiffany, pp. 162-63

Martin Harris, According to Joel Tiffany

Joel Tiffany

Mr. Harris says... "Joseph had a stone which was dug from the well of Mason Chase, twenty-four feet from the surface. In this stone he could see many things to my certain knowledge. It was by means of this stone he first discovered these plates. In the first place, he told me of this stone, and proposed to bind it on his eyes, and run a race with me in the woods. A few days after this, I was at the house of his father in Manchester, two miles south of Palmyra village, and was picking my teeth with a pin while sitting on the bars. The pin caught in my teeth, and dropped from my fingers into shavings and straw. I jumped from the bars and looked for it. Joseph and Northrop Sweet also did the same. We could not find it. I then took Joseph on surprise, and said to him-I said, 'Take your stone.' I had never seen it, and did not know that he had it with him. He had it in his pocket. He took it and placed it in his hat-the old white hat-and placed his face in his hat. I watched him closely to see that he did not look one side; he reached out his hand beyond me on the right, and moved a little stick, and there I saw the pin, which he picked up and gave to me. I know he did not look out of the hat until after he had picked up the pin.
Joseph had had this stone for some time."

Origin, rise, and progress of Mormonism : biography of its founders and history of its church : personal remembrances and historical collections hitherto unwritten pgs 41-42

before doing so, he sought out the "wisdom of learned men," as he said, relative to the genuineness of the revelation and discovery. he accordingly procured from Smith some resemblances of antique characters or hieroglyphics purporting to be exact copies from the plates; which, together with the translations in his possession, he carried to New York City, where he sought for them the interpretation and bibliogical scrutiny of such scholars as Hon. Luther Bradish, Dr. Mitchell, Professor Anthon, and others. All the gentlemen applied to were understood to have scouted the whole pretense as too depraved for serious attention, while commiserating the applicant as the victim of fanaticism or insanity.
Harris, nevertheless, stood firm in his position, regarding these untoward results merely as "proving the lack of wisdom" on the part of the rejecters, and also as illustrating the truth of his favorite quotation, that "God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise."

Journal of Discourses, Vol 10, pg 127

1863 version by John Taylor

John Taylor

1 Mar, 1863

How did this state of things called Mormonism originate? We read that an angel came down and revealed himself to Joseph Smith and manifested unto him in vision the true position of the world in a religious point of view. He was surrounded with light and glory while the heavenly messenger communicated these things unto him, after a series of visitations and communications from the Apostle Peter and others who held the authority of the holy Priesthood, not only on the earth formerly but in the heavens afterwards.

Truman Coe to Mr. Editor, Ohio Observer (Hudson, Ohio), 11 August 1836

The manner of translation was as wonderful as the discovery. By putting his finger on one of the characters and imploring divine aid, then looking through the Urim and Thummin, he would see the import written in plain English on a screen placed before him. After delivering this to his emanuensi, he would again proceed in the same manner and obtain the meaning of the next character, and so on till he came to a part of the plates which were sealed up, and there was commanded to desist: and he says he has a promise from God that in due time he will enable him to translate the remainder. This is the relation as given by Smith.

Peoria Register and North-Western Gazetteer, Vol 5, No 23, Sep 3, 1841

1841 Interview with William Smith

Joseph Smith, now 35 years of age, is the eldest of five brothers, all born at Norwich, in the state of Vermont. The family originated in the south part of New England, but my informant could not tell precisely where. In the year 1816-1817, the whole family removed to the state of New York, and lived sometimes in Palmyra, and sometimes in the adjacent town of Manchester. They were in rather low circumstances, and followed farming.

The Joseph Smith Papers, Letterbook 2, pg 64

Martin Harris speech in Stephen Burnett Letter

Stephen Burnett

15 Apr, 1838

Origin, rise, and progress of Mormonism : biography of its founders and history of its church : personal remembrances and historical collections hitherto unwritten ..., pg 38

Pomeroy Tucker Reference

These pioneer Mormon disciples, so far as their names can now be recollected, were as follows, viz. ... Luman Walters, of Pultneyville

Lorenzo Saunders, Interviewed by William H. Kelley, 17 September 1884, 1-18, E. L. Kelley Papers, RLDS Church Library-Archives, Independence, Missouri.

Lorenzo Saunders Interview with William Kelley

William H. Kelley

Sep 17, 1884

Q. Did you ever see the Smiths dig yourself or [others?] for money?
A. I never saw them digging for money. I saw them dig in a hill, said to be for that purpose; that young Joe could look in his peep stone and see a man sitting in a gold chair. Old Joe said he was king i.e. the man in the chair; a king of one of the Nephites or Lamanites who was shut in there in the time of one of their big battles. This digging was a mile from Smiths. Don't know as there was ever anything in the cave. The cave was on our place. This was in 1826. The cave had a door to it. We tore it off and sunk it in a pit of water where they got dirt to cover a cole pit.

Lorenzo Saunders, Interviewed by E. L. Kelley, 12 November 1884, 1-22, E. L. Kelley Papers, Miscellany, RLDS Church Library-Archives, Independence, Missouri.

Lorenzo Saunders Interview with Edmund Kelley

Edmund L. Kelley

Nov 12, 1884

   E.L.K. You see I have been up there and look after these Chases. His brother Able Chase says he never saw any digging there.
   Mr. S. (Excited) I tell you, sir, I am one of them that saw digging there & I will Swear to it. I am one of them that went & tore the door down to the cave. My Father was in possession & he ordered us to break that door down & put the hole up.-
   Benjamin Tabor owned the land at that time. The cave was situated on the East side of the hill. It was a farm of a hundred acres; He had it on an article & his article run out & he was likely to lose it. I went to Albany & I sold it to Amos Macy. I never Saw young Jo. Smith there by the cave. I will tell you I take the evidence from what the old man said respecting that; The old man said that Jo. could see in his peep stone what there was in that cave. & the old man said that Joseph could see.

(Note: Saunders' father died on October 10, 1825)

No Preview Available

Orson Pratt Account

Orson Pratt

Sep, 1882

But the grand repository of all the numerous records of the ancient nations of the western continent, was located in another department of the hill, and its contents put under the charge of holy angels, until the day should come for them to be transferred to the sacred temple of Zion.

Mormonism Unvailed, E.D. Howe, pgs 285-86

Nahum Howard Affidavit

Nahum Howard

Aug, 1833

I first became acquainted with Solomon Spalding, in Dec. 1810. After that time I frequently saw him at his house, and also at my house. I once in conversation with him expressed a surprise at not having any account of the inhabitants once in this country, who erected the old forts, mounts, &c. He then told me that he was writing a history of that race of people; and afterwards frequently showed me his writings, which I read. I have lately read the Book of Mormon, and believe it to be the same as Spalding wrote, except the religious part. He told me that he intended to get his writings published in Pittsburgh, and he thought that in one century from that time, it would be believed as much as any other history.

Naked Truths About Mormonism, Vol 1, No 1, pg 2, col 6

William Hine statement

Jo Smith claimed to be a seer. He had a very clear stone about the size and shape of a duck's egg, and claimed that he could see lost or hidden things through it. He said he saw Captain Kidd sailing on the Susquehanna River during a freshet, and that he buried two pots of gold and silver. He claimed he saw writing cut on the rocks in an unknown language telling where Kidd buried it, and he translated it through his peep-stone. I have had it many times and could see in it whatever I imagined...
...Jo dug next for Kidd's money, on the west bank of the Susquehanna, half a mile from the river, and three miles from his salt wells.

(Note: No images of this source are available online. Please contact me if you have any information.)

Journal of Discourses, Vol 12, pg 333

1863 version by George A. Smith

George A. Smith

15 Nov, 1863

   When Joseph Smith was about fourteen or fifteen years old... He had read the Bible and had found that passage in James which says, "If any of you lack wisdom let him ask of God that giveth to all men liberally and upbraideth not," and taking this literally, he went humbly before the Lord and inquired of Him, and the Lord answered his prayer, and revealed to Joseph, by the ministration of angels, the true condition of the religious world. When the holy angel appeared, Joseph inquired which of all these denominations was right and which he should join, and was told they were all wrong, - they had all gone astray, transgressed the laws, changed the ordinances and broken the everlasting covenant, and that the Lord was about to restore the priesthood and establish His Church, which would be the only true and living Church on the face of the whole earth.
   Joseph, feeling that to make known such a vision would be to subject himself to the ridicule of all around him, knew not what to do. But the vision was repeated several times, and in these repetitions he was instructed to communicate that which he had seen to his father...
   These visits led, in a short time, to the bringing forth of the record known as the Book of Mormon...

The Testimony of William Smith, Millennial Star 61, pgs 133-34

Last Statement of William Smith

Why, there was a joint revival in the neighborhood between the Baptists, Methodists and Presbyterians and they had succeeded in stirring up quite a feeling, and after the meeting the question arose which church should have the converts. Rev. Stockton was the president of the meeting and suggested that it was their meeting and under their care and they had a church there and they ought to join the Presbyterians, but as father did not like Rev. Stockton very well, our folks hesitated and the next evening a Rev. Mr. Lane of the Methodists preached a sermon on "what church shall I join?" And the burden of his discourse was to ask God, using as a text, "If any man lack wisdom let him ask of God who giveth to all men liberally." And of course when Joseph went home and was looking over the text he was impressed to do just what the preacher had said...

26 Feb, 1894

Messenger and Advocate Volume 1, December 1834, pg 40

Letter to Oliver Cowdery

During this time, as is common to most, or all youths, I fell into many vices and follies; but as my accusers are, and have been, forward to accuse me of being guilty of gross and outragious violations of the peace and good order of the community, I take the occasion to remark, that, though, as I have said above, "as is common to most, or all youths, I fell into many vices and follies," I have not, neither can it be sustained, in truth, been guilty of wronging or injuring any man or society of men; and those imperfections to which I alude, and for wich I have often had occasion to lament, were a light, and too often, vain main, exhibiting a foolish and trifling conversation.
This being all, and the worst, that my accusers can substantiate against my moral character, I wish to add, that it is not without a deep feeling of regret that I am thus called upon in answer to my own conscience, to fulfill a duty I owe to myself, as well as to the cause of truth, in making this public confession of my former uncircumspect walk, and unchaste conversation: and more particularly, as I often acted in violation of those holy precepts which I knew came from God. But as the "Articles and Covenants" of this church are plain upon this particular point, I do not deem it important to proceed further. I only add, that I do not, nor never have, pretended to be any other than a man "subject to passion," and liable, without the assisting grace of the Savior, to deviate from that perfect path in which all men are commanded to walk!

Dec, 1834

Lippincott's Magazine 26:152, pgs 201-2

Frederick G. Mather Account

The "celestial machinery" for the translating process was very simple. A copy of the hieroglyphics was taken, and then Smith either wrote his translation on a slate or dictated for others to write on paper. Martin Harris having taken a scroll containing some of the hieroglyphics to Professor Anthon, the characters were pronounced to be partly Greek, partly Hebrew and partly Roman inverted, with a rude copy of Humboldt's Mexican calendar at the end.

Lippincott's Magazine 26:152, pgs 198-99

In the year 1815 there came to the town of Palmyra, in Wayne county, a family by the name of Smith. Their former home was Sharon, Vermont...
After living in Palmyra for about ten years, the Smith family moved southward a few miles and settled in Manchester, the northern town of Ontario county. Their residence was a primitive one, even for those days. William Van Camp, the aged editor of the Democratic Press at Lyons, recalls the fact that it was a log house from the following circumstance. Martin Harris, a farmer near Palmyra, visited the Smiths while he was yet in doubt concerning the doctrines of Mormonism. One night, while he was in his room, curtained off from the single large room of the interior, there appeared to him no less a personage than Jesus Christ. Harris was informed that Mormonism was the true faith, and Van Camp knows that it was a log house, although no vestige now remains, because Harris told him that his celestial visitor was lying on the beam overhead!

Autobiography and Journal of William I. Appleby, 1848, Church History Library, pgs 31-32

one night while being on his bed, praying to God for some kind Messinger to inform him of the right and true way; Suddenly a light above the brightness of day burst into him room, and immediately he was wrapt in a Heavenly vision; He saw a personage about the ordinary size of man in the middle of the room before him. He was dressed in a white flowing robe, made fast at the wrists and ancles, and appeared to be without seam, He declared himself to be an Angel of God, sent forth to inform him that the time had nearly arrived, fore the Gospel to be preached in power in all the World, as a witness of the coming of Christ, which was near at hand; also that this continent had been inhabited by two distinct races of people. The first was called Jaredites, and came directly from the Tower of Babel. The second was called Nephites the descendants of Joseph, who came to this land in the day of Zedekiah King of Judah, about six hundred years Before Christ! That they brought with them the Scriptures of the old Testament, engraved upon Brass Plates down to the days of Jeremiah: that they prospered in Arts and Agriculture, had their Prophets among them who kept a history of their proceedings engraved on plates, that Christ after his crucifixun visited them, chose twelve Apostles, ordained them and gave unto them his law, and that the Church of Christ was established here with Prophets and Apostles, the spiritual gifts &c: that in the fourth century after Christ they were nearly all destroyed on account of their Wickedness, and what remained fell into idolatry: the last Prophets Moroni was commanded by the Lord to make an abridgement of all their records; which he did: on Gold Plates, and sealed it up by the prayer of faith, with a promise from the Lord, that it should be preserved, and in the last days be brought fourth and go to the remnant of their seed: the Indians said he of whom are a remnant; and that this Record was deposited in a hill called by the Nephites Cumorah: not far from this place; That the Record was wrote in the Reformed Egyptian, and that it could not be translated by the wisdom of this generation, but if he was faithful he should be the honoured instrument in bringing it forth, and translating the same, by the "Urim and Thummim" that was deposited with the Records; That this Record, contained the fulness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ in its purity; that the knowledge it contained should go to every nation, kindred, tongues and people, and that the Indian and the Jew should be brought to a knowledge of Christ by believing and obeying the same, and when it comes forth, persecution will rage: your life will be sought after" &c. After which the Messenger left him.

History of Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania, Emily C. Blackman, pgs 579-82

History of Susquehanna County

Emily C. Blackman

   Many stories respecting Joe Smith are still current in the localities frequented here:--
   "A straggling Indian, who was passing up the Susquehanna, had told of buried treasure. Joseph, hearing of this, hunted up the Indian, and induced him to reveal the place where it was buried. The Indian told him that a point, a certain number of paces due north from the highest point of Turkey Hill, on the opposite side of the Susquehanna River, was the place. Joseph now looked about for some man of means to engage in the enterprise. He induced a well-to-do farmer by the name of Harper, of Harpersville, N. Y., to go in with him. They commenced digging on what is now the farm of Jacob I. Skinner, in Oakland township. After digging a great hole, that is still to be seen, Harper got discouraged, and was about abandoning the enterprise. Joe now declared to Harper that there was an enchantment about the place that was removing the treasure farther off; that Harper must get a perfectly white dog, 1 and sprinkle his blood over the ground, and that would prevent the enchantment from removing the treasure. Search was made all over the country, but no perfectly white dog could be found. Joseph said he thought a white sheep would do as well. A sheep was killed and his blood sprinkled as directed. The digging was then resumed by Harper. After spending $2000 he utterly refused to go any further. Joseph now said that the enchantment had removed all the treasure; that the Almighty was displeased with them for attempting to palm off on Him a white sheep for a white dog, and had allowed the enchantment to remove the treasure. He would sit for hours looking into his hat at the round colored stone, and tell of seeing things far away and supernatural. At times he was melancholy and sedate, as often hilarious and mirthful; an imaginative enthusiast, consititutionally opposed to work, and a general favorite with the ladies
   "Smith early put on the airs of a prophet, and was in the habit of 'blessing' his neighbors' crops for a small consideration. On one occasion a neighbor had a piece of corn planted rather late, and on a moist piece of ground, and, feeling a little doubtful about its ripening, got Smith to bless it. It happened that that was the only piece of corn killed by the frost in the neighborhood. When the prophet's attention was called to the matter, he got out of the difficulty by saying that he made a mistake, and had put a curse on the corn instead of a blessing. Rather an unneighborly act, and paid for too!"
   Harris came from Coventry, Chenango County, N. Y. (Query. Was he not the same Martin Harris who, in 1799, was imprisoned and broke jail at Wilkes-Barre?).
   Joe often told Mrs. D. Lyons of the hidden treasure, and of the "enchantment" about it, and that it was necessary that one of the company should die before the enchantment could be broken.
   After Oliver Harper's death the digging was prosecuted with renewed energy. Harper had been efficient in procuring men and means to carry on the enterprise, which was not to search for the "plates" from which Joe pretended to receive revelations, but for reported hidden treasure.
   A belief that money will yet be found as predicted still affects some weak characters, and even within the last five years digging has been carried on slyly at night on or towards Locust Hill, but not in the same place where Joe's believer's worked....
   Reference has been made to the difference of opinion in regard to Joe's first operations in Susquehanna County. R. C. Doud asserts that in 1822 he was employed, with thirteen others, by Oliver Harper, to dig for gold under Joe's directions (though the latter was not present at the time), on Joseph McKune's land; and that Joe had begun operations the year previous. He states that George Harper, a brother of Oliver, had no faith in the enterprise, but tracked the party to Hale's farm. The digging was kept up constantly; seven resting and seven at work.
   On the old Indian road from Windsor to Chenango Point, about four miles west of Windsor, men were digging, at the same time, for silver, upon Joe's telling them where it could be found. Mr. D. further states that he himself had no faith at all, but hired at so much per day, and it was of no consequence to him whether his employer gained his point or not.
   It is said that even Mr. Isaac Hale was at first a little deluded about the digging, while he boarded the party. This probably was some time before he had met Joe Smith; as it would appear, that the time referred to by Mrs. D. Lyons, was in 1825, when the digging was renewed after Harper's death, and Joe himself was present.
   Jacob I. Skinner. son of Jacob (who was twin-brother of Israel Skinner), has the deed of the land on which Joe's followers experimented. It is something over a quarter of a mile north of the river to "the diggings," up Flat Brook. The accompanying diagram will illustrate the relative positions of the pits.
   Starting from Susquehanna Depot to reach his place, one crosses the bridge and turns to the left following the road nearest the river, which strikes the old river at Shutt's house; then continuing on down until he crosses a creek and comes in sight of a school-house, with a grove beyond it, in front of which, on the opposite side of the road, is a graveyard. Just above the school-house he turns into a road on the right, and follows up "Flat Brook" to the farm now owned by J. I. Skinner. From his house a path leads about 120 yards southeast to the largest excavation, which was also the last one, from which proceeds a drain about twelve rods long.
   The sides of the pits were once perpendicular, but one has been wholly filled up, and corn is growing over it; another, in addition to the large one mentioned, is now partially filled, and the sides in consequence are sloping. In the fourth (the one just over the fence), no alteration has been made, except as cattle have pushed in the surface around it to reach the water which gathers there. It is under the trees, the land not having yet been cleared.

The Joseph Smith Papers, Letter to the Church in Caldwell County, Missouri, 16 December 1838, pg 2

David Whitmer - Joseph Smith's opinion

This poor man who professes to be much of a prophet has no other dumb ass to ride but David Whitmer to forbid his madness when he goes up to curse Israel, and this ass not being of the same kind of Balaams therefore the angel notwithstanding appeared unto him yet he could not penetrate his understanding sufficiently so but what he brays out cursings instead of blessings. Poor ass

16 Dec, 1838

Gazetteer of Caledonia and Essex Counties, VT, pg 154

Note on John Walter

Hamilton Child

May, 1887

John Walter, a native of Connecticut, came to Burke some time previous to 1800, and first settled on road 21, which farm he afterwards sold to Abner Coe, after having lived there about ten years. He finally moved to East Haven, where he died at the great age of 101 years. He had several children.

(Note: John Walter was Luman Walters' father. According to the source, the town of Burke was settled by Luman's uncle Lemuel Walter in 1794.)

History, 1838-1856, volume A-1 [April, 1829], The Joseph Smith Papers

Oliver Cowdery and the Urim and Thummim

Two days after the arrival of Mr Cowdery (being the seventh of April) I commenced to translate the book of Mormon and he commenced to write for me, which having continued for some time I enquired of the Lord through the Urim and Thummin and obtained the following revelation.

(Note: "The following revelation" as mentioned in this quote refers to what is presently known as D&C Section 11)

Reminiscences of Joseph, the Prophet, 1893, pgs 14-15

David Whitmer According to Edward Stevenson

It was likewise stated to me by David Whitmer in the year 1877 that Oliver Cowdery told him that the Prophet Joseph and himself had seen this room and that it was filled with treasure, and on a table therein were the breastplate and the sword of Laban, as well as the portion of gold plates not yet translated, and that these plates were bound by three small gold rings, and would also be translated, as was the first portion in the days of Joseph. When they are translated much useful information will be brought to light. But till that day arrives, no Rochester adventurers shall ever see them or the treasures, although science and mineral rods testify that they are there. At the proper time when greed, selfishness and corruption shall cease to reign in the hearts of the people, these vast hoards of hidden treasure shall be brought forth to be used for the cause and kingdom of Jesus Christ.

1893

Revelations and Translations, Volume 3: Printer's Manuscript of the Book of Mormon

Images of the stone given by Joseph Smith to Oliver Cowdery

The Joseph Smith Papers

Aug 4, 2015

(Note: According to the description in the Ensign, "The stone pictured here has long been associated with Joseph Smith and the Book of Mormon translation... This stone passed from Joseph Smith to Oliver Cowdery and then to the Church through Brigham Young and others."

These images were published in Revelations and Translations, Volume 3: Printer's Manuscript of the Book of Mormon as part of the Joseph Smith Papers Project, described here.)

Mormonism Unvailed, E.D. Howe, pgs 286-87

Artemas Cunningham Affidavit

Artemas Cunningham

Artemas Cunningham, of Perry, Geauga county, states as follows:
"In the month of October, 1811, I went from the township of Madison to Conneaut, for the purpose of securing a debt due me from Solomon Spalding. I tarried with him nearly two days, for the purpose of accomplishing my object, which I was finally unable to do. I found him destitute of the means of paying his debts. His only hope of ever paying his debts, appeared to be upon the sale of a book, which he had been writing. He endeavored to convince me from the nature and character of the work, that it would meet with a ready sale. Before showing me his manuscripts, he went into a verbal relation of its outlines, saying that it was a fabulous or romantic history of the first settlement of this country, and as it purported to have been a record found buried in the earth, or in a cave, he had adopted the ancient or scripture style of writing. He then presented his manuscripts, when we sat down and spent a good share of the night, in reading them, and conversing upon them. I well remember the name of Nephi, which appeared to be the principal hero of the story. The frequent repetition of the phrase, "I Nephi," I recollect as distinctly as though it was but yesterday, although the general features of the story have passed from my memory, through the lapse of 22 years. He attempted to account for the numerous antiquities which are found upon this continent, and remarked that, after this generation had passed away, his account of the first inhabitants of America would be considered as authentic as any other history. The Mormon Bible I have partially examined, and am fully of the opinion that Solomon Spalding had written its outlines before he left Conneaut."

Early Days of Mormonism, by James H. Kennedy, pg 13

James Kennedy Account

James H. Kennedy

1888

   The boy's education, or rather the rude smattering of learning that went by that name, was but added preparation for that which lay before him; he was not given to books, and the few he was persuaded to read were of vicious tendency, and set his imagination in the wrong direction. His favorites have been described as the "Life of Stephen Burroughs," a scoundrel dressed in the garb of the church, and the autobiography of the pirate Kidd. Smith afterward made confession that the book last named made a deep impression upon him, and owned to a special fascination in these lines found therein:
   "My name was Robert Kidd,
   As I sailed, as I sailed;
   And most wickedly I did,
   God's laws I did forbid,
   As I sailed, as I sailed."

Miscellaneous Records, C: 342-44, 347-48, Ontario County Records Center and Archives, Canandaigua, New York

Power of Attorney

Caspar Eddy

14 Jul, 1820

it is my design to substitute Zachariah Seymour of the town of Canandaigua and county of Ontario in my room & stead to perform all the trusts ... in said power of attorney as fully as I can or may do by virtue of said power ... In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this fourteenth day of July Eighteen hundred and twenty

(Note: Power of attorney over the Smith Manchester property was granted to Caspar Eddy on June 21st, 1820, and then transfered to Zachariah Seymour on July 14th, 1820. This transfer was signed by commissioner Hugh Jameson on July 15th, 1820. The Smiths subsequently purchased the Manchester farm from Seymour and made payments to him.)

Journal of Discourses, Vol 12, pg 67

1867 account by Brigham Young

Said he, "Lord, teach me, that I may know for myself, who among these are right." And what was the answer? "They are all out of the way; they have gone astray, and there is none that doeth good, no not one." When he found out that none were right, he began to inquire of the Lord what was right, and he learned for himself. Was he aware of what was going to be done? By no means. He did not know what the Lord was going to do with him, although He had informed him that the Christian churches were all wrong, because they had not the Holy Priesthood, and had strayed from the holy commandments of the Lord, precisely as the children of Israel did.

23 Jun, 1867

The Saints' Herald, Vol 22, pgs 541-42

Martin Harris Jr. report on death and testimony of his father

Martin Harris Jr.

July, 1875

He went by the request of the Prophet Joseph Smith to the city of New York, and presented a transcript of the records of the Book of Mormon to Professor Anthon and Dr. Mitchell and asked them to translate it. He also presented the same transcript to many other learned men at the different schools of learning in Geneva, Ithica, and Albany with the same request but was unsuccessful in obtaining the translation of the transcript from any of them. After his return from the City of New York he was employed as a scribe to the Prophet Joseph in the translation of the records of the Book of Mormon.

(Note: This obituary, as given in the Saint's Herald, is preceded by the following introduction: "We publish the following obituary of Martin Harris, Senior, clipped from the Ogden Junction, only regretting its late appearance in our columns, as it will be of interest to all who have ever heard of the deceased." No images of the original obituary in the Ogden Junction are available online. Please contact me if you have any information.)

The Joseph Smith Papers, History, 1838-1856, volume A-1 [23 December 1805-30 August 1834], pg 5

Joseph's admission in the cannonized account

I was left to all kinds of temptations, and mingling all kinds of society I frequently into many foolish errors and displayed the weakness of youth and the corruption of human nature which I am sorry to say led me into divers temptations to the gratification of many appetites offensive in the sight of God. In consequence of these things I often felt condemned for my weakness and imperfections;

(Note: This admission refers to the time period between the Spring of 1820 and September 21, 1823. This manuscript, dated 1839, is in the handwriting of scribe James Mulholland. In December 1842 Willard Richards made some revisions.)

Lippincott's Magazine 26:152, pg 199

There had been various religious awakenings in the neighborhood, and when the various sects began to quarrel over the converts Joe arose and announced that his mission was to restore the true priesthood. He appointed a number of meetings, but no one seemed inclined to follow him as the leader of a new religion.

Wilford Woodruff's Journal

Dedication of the Manti temple

Wilford Woodruff

18 May, 1888

Before leaving I consecrated upon the altar the seer stone that Joseph Smith found by revelation some 30 feet under the Earth carried by him through life.

(Note: No images of this statement from Wilford Woodruff's journal are available online. Please contact me if you have any information.)

Historical Magazine (second series),Vol 7, Interview with the Father of Joseph Smith, pg 306

After this, Joseph spent about two years looking into this stone, telling fortunes, where to find lost things, and where to dig for money and other hidden treasure. About this time he became concerned as to his future state of existence, and was baptized, becoming thus a member of the Baptist Church. Soon after joining the Church, he had a very singular dream; but he did not tell his father of his dream, until about a year afterwards. He then told his father that, in his dream, a very large and tall man appeared to him, dressed in an ancient suit of clothes, and the clothes were bloody. And the man said to him that there was a valuable treasure, buried many years since, and not far from that place; and that he had now arrived for it to be brought to light, for the benefit of the world at large; and, if he would strictly follow his directions, he would direct him to the place where it was deposited, in such a manner that he could obtain it. He then said to him, that he would have to get a certain coverlid, which he described, and an old-fashioned suit of clothes, of the same color, and a napkin to put the treasure in; and go to a certain tree, not far distant, and when there, he would see other objects that he would take or keep in range and follow, until he was directed to stop, and there he would find the treasure that he was in pursuit of; and when he had obtained it, he must not lay it down until he placed it in the napkin.

Gleanings by the way, pgs 256-257

Martin Harris according to John Clark

John A. Clark

24 Aug, 1840

To know how much this testimony is worth I will state one fact. A gentleman in Palmyra, bred to the law, a professor of religion, and of undoubted veracity told me that on one occasion, he appealed to Harris and asked him directly,-"Did you see those plates?" Harris replied, he did. "Did you see the plates, and the engraving on them with your bodily eyes?" Harris replied, "Yes, I saw them with my eyes,-they were shown unto me by the power of God and not of man." "But did you see them with your natural,-your bodily eyes, just as you see this pencil-case in my hand? Now say no or yes to this." Harris replied,-"Why I did not see them as I do that pencil-case, yet I saw them with the eye of faith; I saw them just as distinctly as I see any thing around me,-though at the time they were covered over with a cloth.

Reuben Miller Journal, Oct. 21, 1848, Church History Library, pg 16

Oliver Cowdery according to Reuben Miller journal

Reuben Miller

21 Oct, 1848

I beheld with my eyes and handled with my hands the gold plates from which it was translated. I also saw with my eyes and handled with my hands the 'holy interpreters.' That book is true.

"Ambition and Superstition," Miscellaneous Undated Items, Diedrich Willers Papers, Box 1, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York

Diedrich Willers Document

Diedrich Willers Jr.

Unknown

Fortune tellers are consulted as to the future, many in this neighborhood where ever they wish to find out something which is lost or pry into hidden mysteries will consult Dr Walters

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History, 1838-1856, volume A-1 [23 December 1805-30 August 1834], The Joseph Smith Papers

Canonized Account

there were two stones in silver bows and these put into a breast plate which constituted what is called the Urim & Thummin deposited with the plates, and that was what constituted seers in ancient or former times and that God had prepared them for the purpose of translating the book.

The New York Herald, 25 Jun, 1893

The New York Herald Account

The New York Herald

Jun 25, 1893

   AT THE PROPHET'S CAVE.

   Next we visited the cave where the Mormon plates were translated. It is situated on the eastern brow of Cave Hill, a prominence about two-thirds as large as Mormon Hill and exactly half way between Mormon Hill and Palmyra. It is four miles from Palmyra to Mormon Hill. The door jambs leading into the cave are still sound and partly visible, but the earth has been washed down by storms and the opening to the cave nearly filled, so that it cannot be entered at present. A few years ago it was dug out, the earth removed from the door and Orson Saunders, who went in, said that he found quite a large chamber many feet in extent, with the marks of the pick plainly visible in the light of his candles. The passageway within the chamber was eight feet wide and seven feet high. The Miner boys intended to keep the cave open for public inspection, but the mouth was choked by a small land slide during a heavy rain and since then Nature has been allowed its way. The door jamb is heavy plank of beech or maple, and the inscriptions, which had evidently been cut deeply by a sharp knife, were partially worn away.

   This hill was one of the favorite places which Smith selected for his money digging exploits. In the old days half a dozen of these holes could be found on any of the hills of the neighborhood. It is quite a severe climb to reach the mouth of the cave, but Major Gilbert made the ascent without difficulty and rather gloried in the vigor of his ninety-one years.

Mormonism Unvailed, E.D. Howe, pgs 287-90

E. D. Howe Investigation

E. D. Howe

   Our next object was to ascertain, if possible, the disposition Spalding made of his manuscripts. For this purpose, a messenger was despatched to look up the widow of Spalding, who was found residing in Massachusetts. From her we learned that Spalding resided in Pittsburgh, about two years, when he removed to the township of Amity, Washington Co. Pa. where he lived about two years, and died in 1816. His widow then removed to Onondaga county, N. Y., married again, and lived in Otsego county, and subsequently removed to Massachusetts. She states that Spalding had a great variety of manuscripts, and recollects that one was entitled the "Manuscript Found," but of its contents she has now no distinct knowledge. While they lived in Pittsburgh, she thinks it was once taken to the printing office of Patterson & Lambdin; but whether it was ever brought back to the house again, she is quite uncertain : if it was, however, it was then with his other writings, in a trunk which she had left in Otsego county, N. Y. This is all the information that could be obtained from her, except that Mr. Spalding, while living, entertained a strong antipathy to the Masonic Institution, which may account for its being so frequently mentioned in the Book of Mormon. The fact also, that Spalding, in the latter part of his life, inclined to infidelity, is established by a letter in his hand-writing, now in our possession.
   The trunk referred to by the widow, was subsequently examined, and found to contain only a single M. S. book, in Spalding's hand-writing, containing about one quire of paper. This is a romance, purporting to have been translated from the Latin, found on 24 rolls of parchment in a cave, on the banks of Conneaut Creek, but written in modern style, and giving a fabulous account of a ship's being driven upon the American coast, while proceeding from Rome to Britain, a short time previous to the Christian era, this country then being inhabited by the Indians. This old M. S. has been shown to several of the foregoing witnesses, who recognise it as Spalding's, he having told them that he had altered his first plan of writing, by going father back with dates, and writing in the old scripture style, in order that it might appear more ancient. They say that it bears no resemblance to the "Manuscript Found."...
   It was inferred at once that some light might be shed upon this subject, and the mystery revealed, by applying to Patterson & Lambdin, in Pittsburgh. But here again death had interposed a barrier. That establishment was dissolved and broken up many years since, and Lambdin died about eight years ago. Mr. Patterson says he has no recollection of any such manuscript being brought there for publication, neither would he have been likely to have seen it, as the business of printing was conducted wholly by Lambdin at that time. He says, however, that many M. S. books and pamphlets were brought to the office about that time, which remained upon their shelves for years, without being printed or even examined. Now, as Spalding's book can no where be found, or any thing heard of it after being carried to this establishment, there is the strongest presumption that it remained there in seclusion, till about the year 1823 or '24, at which time Sidney Rigdon located himself in that city. We have been credibly informed that he was on terms of intimacy of Lambdin, being seen frequently in his shop. Rigdon resided in Pittsburgh about three years, and during the whole of that time, as he has since frequently asserted, abandoned preaching and all other employment, for the purpose of studying the bible. He left there and came into the county where he now resides, about the time Lambdin died, and commenced preaching some new points of doctrine, which were afterwards found to be inculcated in the Mormon Bible. He resided in this vicinity about four years previous to the appearance of the book, during which time he made several long visits to Pittsburgh, and perhaps to the Susquehannah, where Smith was then digging for money, or pretending to be translating plates. It may be observed also, that about the time Rigdon left Pittsburgh, the Smith family began to tell about finding a book that would contain a history of the first inhabitants of America, and that two years elapsed before they finally got possession of it.

(Note: More information on Mr. Patterson's statement can be found here)

Naked Truths About Mormonism, Vol 1, No 1, pg 3, col 1

Henry Sayer Account

Henry A. Sayer

24 Feb, 1885

I was the nineteenth, born May 4, 1810. My parents desired their children to be American citizens, and emigrated in 1816 to Luzurne County, Pa., seven miles from Wilkesbarre. When a young man I spent much of the summers along the Susquehanna River. I became acquainted with Jo, Hyrum, and Bill Smith, whom I often saw hunting and digging for buried money, treasure, or lost and hidden things. Jo claimed to receive revelations from the Lord where to dig. People would say, "Jo, what did the Lord tell you last night, or what did you dream?" "Jo, what are you going to dig for next?" "Jo, I found a hollow tree or stump; go and see what you can find there." He had a peep-stone which he claimed had an attraction, and he could see hidden things through it. He was generally called the Peeker. He was said to be the laziest whelp about the country. He had men to do the digging.

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Unsigned draft letter, Solomon Spalding Miscellaneous Papers, New York Public Library

Aaron Wright draft letter

Aaron Wright

31 Dec, 1833

Dear Sir

Whereas I have been informed that you have been appointed with others to investigate the subject of mormonism and a resolution has been past to ascertain the real orrigin of the sd Book this is therefore to inform you that I have made a statement to D P Hurlbut relative to writings of S Spalding Esq sd Hurlbut is now at my store I have examined the writings which he has obtained from sd Spaldings widowe I recognise them to be the writings hand writing of sd Spalding but not the manuscript I had refferance to in my statement before alluded to as he informed me he wrote in the first place he wrote for his own amusement and then altered his plan and commenced writing a history of the first Settlement of America the particulars you will find in my testimony Dated Sept 1833 August 1833 -- for years before he left this place I was quite intimate with sd Spalding we had many private interviews the history he was writing was the topic of his conversation relating his progress and Contemplating the avails of the same I also contemplated reading his history but never saw it in print untill I saw the Book of Mormon where I find much of the history and the names verbatim the Book of mormon does not contain all the writings sd Spladings I expect to see them if Smith is permitted to go on and as he says get his other plates the first time that Mr Hyde a mormon Preacher from Kirtland preached in the centre School house in this place the Hon Nehmiah King attended as soon as Hyde had got through King left the house and said that Hide had preached from the writings of S Spalding

In conclusion I will observe that the names and most of the historical part of the Book of Mormon is as familiar to me as Most modern history if if is not Spaldings writings copied it is the same as he wrote and if Smith was inspired I think it was by the same Spirit that Spalding possessed which he confessed to be the love of money

Coneaut Dec 31 1833 Ashtabula Co NY

A General History of the Robberies and Murders of the Most Notorious Pirates, Arthur L. Hayward, 1927, pg 389. Reprinted in 2002 by Charles Johnson

Sailing through the Comoros Islands

Arthur L. Hayward

1927

It happened that at this time the Pirate ships were most of them out in search of prey, so that according to the best intelligence Captain Kid could get, there was not one of them at that time about the island; wherefore, having spent some time in watering his ship and taking in more provisions, he thought of trying his fortune on the coast of Malabar, where he arrived in the month of June following, four months from his reaching Madagascar. Hereabouts he made an unsuccessful cruise, touching sometimes at the island of Mohilla, sometimes at that of Johanna, between Malabar and Madagascar.

(Note: This account refers to journeys made by Captain Kidd and his crew in 1697, where they made anchorage on the island of Johanna (or Anjouan) near a place called "Meroni," known today as Mirontsi. The capital of the Comoros Islands on the Grande Comore island, known as "Moroon" in the late 1700's, became known as "Moroni" by the late 1800's. Alternate spellings of the archipelago in old maps include "Comoro," "Comore," and "Comora." For more information, consult this article.)

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Tower Hill

Joseph Smith Jr.

19 May, 1838

Saturday, 19.-This morning we struck our tents and formed a line of march, crossing Grand River at the mouth of Honey Creek and Nelson's Ferry. Grand River is a large, beautiful, deep and rapid stream, during the high waters of Spring, and will undoubtedly admit of navigation by steamboat and other water craft. At the mouth of Honey Creek is a good landing. We pursued our course up the river, mostly through timber, for about eighteen miles, when we arrived at Colonel Lyman Wight's home. He lives at the foot of Tower Hill (a name I gave the place in consequence of the remains of an old Nephite altar or tower that stood there), where we camped for the Sabbath.

Buffalo Medical Journal, Buffalo, NY, Volume 9, edited by Austin Flint & S. B. Hunt, 1854

Description in Buffalo Medical Journal

S. B. Hunt

1854

Give our somewhile competitor, Dr. Walters, the celebrated "witch doctor," of Canandaigua, an education, dress him in broadcloth, polish up his boorishness and reform his profanity, but leave him the same unmitigated scamp he now is, and according to this scale of qualification, he would not merit expulsion from the oldest, most venerable, and most thoroughly organized of our state societies.

Population schedules of the fourth census of the United States, 1820, New York, pg 168

U.S. 1820 Census Record

U.S. 1820 Census Records

1820-21

Farmington...
524 Joseph Smith

(Note: In 1820 Manchester was named Farmington. This census report was gathered sometime between August 7th, 1820 and February 5th, 1821.)

The Joseph Smith Papers, History, 1838-1856, volume A-1 [23 December 1805-30 August 1834], pgs 7 & 8

Joseph Smith's canonized account

In the year Eighteen hundred and twenty four my fathers family met with a great affliction by the death of my eldest brother Alvin. In the month of October Eighteen hundred and twenty five I hired with an old Gentleman, by name of Josiah Stoal who lived in Chenango County, State of New York. He had heard something of a silver mine having been opened by the Spaniards in Harmony, Susquahanah County, State of Pensylvania, and had previous to my hiring with him been digging in order if possible to discover the mine. After I went to live with him he took me among the rest of his hands to dig for the silver mine, at which I continued to work for nearly a month without success in our undertaking, and finally I prevailed with the old gentleman to cease digging after it. Hence arose the very prevalent story of my having been a money digger.

Joseph Smith the Prophet His Family and His Friends, pg 79

The statement that the prophet Joseph Smith made in our hearing at the commencement of his translating his book in Harmony, as to the manner of his finding the plates, was as follows: He said that by a dream he was informed that at such a place in a certain hill, in an iron box, were some gold plates with curious engravings, which he must get and translate, and write a book; that the plates were to be kept concealed from every human being for a certain time, some two or three years;

Wayne Sentinel, Feb 18, 1824

Installment of Reverend Benjamin Stockton in 1824

The installation of the Rev. BENJAMIN B. STOCKTON will take place this day at the Presbyterian Meeting-House in this village. -- The exercises to commence at 11 o'clock A.M.

18 Feb, 1824

(Note: This installment was reported in the Wayne Sentinel again on Feb 25, 1824, which states "On Wednesday last the Rev. BENJAMIN B. STOCKTON was installed Pastor of the Presbyterian Church and Congregation in this place. A meeting of the Presbytery was held in the Presbyterian Meeting-House...." which can be seen here. The installation was again recorded by the Woman's Society of the Western Presbyterian Church in a 1907 history of Palmyra, which can be read here.)

Journal of Discourses, Vol 13, pgs 77-78

1869 version by George A. Smith

George A. Smith

20 Jun, 1869

   When Joseph Smith was about 15 years old there was, in the western part of the State of New York, a considerable excitement upon the subject of religion...
   Of the family of Joseph Smith, his mother, his brothers Hyrum and Samuel, and sister Sophronia, became members of the Presbyterian Church. Joseph reflected much upon the subject of religion, and was astonished at the ill-feeling that seemed to have grown out of the division of the spoils, if we may so use the term, at the close of the reformation. He spent much time in prayer and reflection and in seeking the Lord. He was led to pray upon the subject in consequence of the declaration of the Apostle James: "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not."
   He sought the Lord by day and by night, and was enlightened by the vision of an holy angel. When this personage appeared to him, one of his first inquiries was, "Which of the denominations of Christians in the vicinity was right?" He was told they had all gone astray, they had wandered into darkness, and that God was about to restore the Gospel in its simplicity and purity to the earth; he was, consequently, directed not to join any one of them, but to be humble and seek the Lord with all his heart, and that from time to time he should be taught and instructed in relation to the right way to serve the Lord.
   These visions continued from time to time...

Doctrines of Salvation,Vol. 3, p. 225

Joseph Fielding Smith

Joseph Fielding Smith

1 Mar, 1959

We have been taught since the days of the Prophet that the Urim and Thummim were returned with the plates to the angel. We have not record of the Prophet having the Urim and Thummim after the organization of the Church. Statements of translations by the Urim and Thummim after that date are evidently errors. The statement has been made that the Urim and Thummim was on the altar in the Manti Temple when that building was dedicated. The Urim and Thummim so spoken of, however, was the seer stone which was in the possession of the Prophet Joseph Smith in early days. This seer stone is now in the possession of the church.

(Note: No images of this copyrighted material are available online. This book may be purchased from various sources.)

The Joseph Smith Papers, Lucy Mack Smith, History, 1844-1845, pgs 76-77

Lucy Harris' Copy of the Transcript

When a short space of time had elapsed Mr H returned but his wifes anger kindled afresh at her husbands presence so much so that she prepared a bed and room for him alone which she refused to enter- A young man had been paying his addresses to Lucy Haris Martins oldest daughter by the name of Dikes this young Gentlemen the Father of Girl was very fond and the young Lady was not at all averse to him but of course Mrs. Harris was decidedly upon the negative. But just at this juncture a scheme entered her brain that changed her deportment to Mr Dikes very materially- She told Mr Dikes that if he would contrive to get the egyptian characters out of Martins possession and hire a room in Palmira & transcribe them accurately and bring her the transcripts that she would give him her daugter Lucy to wife Mr Dikes readily agreed to this and sufice it to say he succeeded to the woman's satisfaction and received the promised reward. When Mr Haris began again to prepare to set out for Penn in order to set himself about the writing of the translation of the plates His wife told that she fully decreed in her heart to go also He proposed to her that she should go with him and stay a week or two on a visit and then he would take her home and go again to do the work of writing the Book She acceeded to this very cheerfully- But her husband did suspect what he was to encounter The first time he exhibited the egyptian charecters She took out of her pocket an exact copy of them and informed those present that Joe smith was not the only one that was in possesion of this great curiosity that she herself had the same characters and they were quite as genuine as those displayed them by Mr H she pursued this course wherevers she went untill she reached my sons house

Journal of Discourses, Vol 7, pgs 163-64

Brigham Young Discourse

Man is here like a feather trembling between the two, liable continually to be operated upon by the power of the enemy; and it is through that power that the children of men are made to doubt the evidences of their own senses, when, at the same time, if they would reflect for a moment and listen to the intelligence which God has placed within them, they would know, when they saw what is termed a miracle, the power by which it is wrought: they would know when they have seen with their eyes and felt with their hands, or when they have had a heavenly vision.
Some of the witnesses of the Book of Mormon, who handled the plates and conversed with the angels of God, were afterwards left to doubt and to disbelieve that they had ever seen an angel. One of the Quorum of the Twelve-a young man full of faith and good works, prayed, and the vision of his mind was opened, and the angel of God came and laid the plates before him, and he saw and handled them, and saw the angel, and conversed with him as he would with one of his friends; but after all this, he was left to doubt, and plunged into apostacy, and has continued to contend against this work. There are hundreds in a similar condition.

5 Jun, 1859

The Geneva Gazette, Vol 15, No 34, 26 Aug, 1859, pg 2

Conjuration Stone

William S. Green

26 Aug, 1859

   Not all Dead Yet.

   We have often heard it remarked that "the fools are not all dead yet." We are convinced of the fact by a letter which has been placed in our hands, of which the following is a ver batim copy. Dr. Walters, to whom it is addressed, has some reputation as a physician skilled in the curative properties of "roots and yarbs" and brandy; but that he brings to his aid a "conjurashion stone," as believed in by this Vermont Doctor, surpasses the credulity of Dr. Walters' neighbors;
   Montpeller Oct 12 56
   Dr Luman Walter Bethel ontario Co N Y
   Sur after hearing of you from your neffew that is here now as A, repisenetive I thought I would Rite to you & &c Sur I am at practice here on the Botonic Practis But the old fogies, the old Drs. is down on me I am in ful Believer of one Being Goverend By some Ruling Spirit, that fore tells them, some is powerful, & others is not, I no that ther is some thing to it and I am a furm Believer of it in fore sight and fore seying and Reading A pursens thaughts By Just looking at them that I Do no and firmley Believe in the Jeuine and true spiriuelst and fore telling &c
   Sur can you and will you tell me what my Luck is and will Be to come whether Good or Bad and what I shall Be Likeley to follow and will Do the Best at and in what place and if you can and will Lend me your influence in the Practice of Phisick in the healing Art of Diseasis Also what you will ask me for this if you can and will Give me this Aid, I am Poor that you can se in your conjureashion stone Now if you can lend me your aid Do for I really want help to Give the old Drs fits and I will recompence you if I ever can Git Abel to Return the favior Sur do not think strange of this Please Look my Life over if you can and will and Right to me and Let me no About it By Return of male I was Born in cambridge, Washington co. N y December 14, 18,14.
   Respectifulley Yours &c
   Dr Wm S. Green,
   Also if you can and will what you Will Ask mem for the Art of fore seying and telling As it is an Art from spirits, of the Departed Purmited By God to convey ideas to mortel man here upon urth and Pleas Do not Neglect to Answer and I trust with confydence you will &c
   Wm S Green,

Orson Hyde, Ein Ruf aus der Wüste, 1842, pg 27, The Joseph Smith Papers

Orson Hyde Account

(English Translation)
Two transparent stones, clear as crystal, were found with the records. They were called "seers" and were used by the ancients. The manner in which they were used is as follows: These two stones, called Urim and Thummim, in diameter the size of an English crown but a little thicker, were placed where there was no light. Those using them then offered prayers unto the Lord and the answer appeared written with letters of light on the Urim and Thummim, but disappeared again soon after. Thus: "The light shineth in darkness, and the darkness comprehended it not" [John 1:5] - In this manner these records were translated into English.

1842

(Note: The English translation is available here.)

Palmyra and Vicinity, 1930, pg 238

Thomas Cook Account

Thomas L. Cook

1930

   Looking to the southwest we can plainly see "Old Sharp," the hill on which Joseph Smith sacrificed the sheep, as before mentioned. After Joseph had found the golden plates on Mormon Hill, Thum Moroni, his guardian angel, told him to go east of the house and dig a cave. There he would nleet him and reveal to him the hieroglyphics on the golden plates, and following the command he commenced digging on the east side of "Old Sharp." After digging about twenty feet Thum Moroni informed him it was not holy ground. From here he went to the next hill east, on the west side of Canandaigua Road, where he again commenced digging. After he had dug about twenty feet he was again told he was not yet on holy ground.
   He then repaired to the east side of Miner's Hill, which was at that time covered with forest, and after digging twenty feet it was made known to him that this was the accepted spot and to dig twenty feet more, making nearly forty feet.
   After the cave had been dug a door was put up at the opening and fastened, and every evening, just at twilight, for the next three months he visited the cave, always accompanied by two or more, but always entering the cave alone.
   For several years this cave remained practically intact. After it had commenced to fall in, Wallace W. Miner, a grandson of Amos Miner, the owner of the hill at that time, partly restored the old cave. The grandson, who is now over eighty six years of age, owns and occupies the farm, but no trace of the old Joe Smith cave can be found.
   "Old Sharp" was just across the town line going south, located on the Chase farm. Mr. Chase was one of the early settlers. As mentioned before, his log house was about thirty rods south of the town and county line and on the east side of the road or new highway.

Naked Truths About Mormonism, Vol 1, No 1, pg 2, col 6

William Hine Account

About the spring of 1828, Jo came in front of my house where several men were pitching quoits. I said, "Peeker, what have you found?" He said he had found some metal plates which would be of great use to the world. He had them in a box in a handkerchief which he carried in one hand. I said, "Let me see them." Jo Smith said they must first be sent to Philadelphia to be translated. He said the only man in the world who could translate them lived there. After they were translated the world could see them. Calvin Smith, whose farm joined mine, said with an oath, he would see them. Jo said if he laid his hands on him he would prosecute him. I told Calvin he better not. Since I have seen the conduct of the Mormons, I have many times regretted that I interfered. Citizens wrote to parties in Philadelphia, where Jo said he had sent the plates and word was returned they had not received them. Jo said they could not be translated in Philadelphia and they had been sent to New York City. Justice N. K. Nobles wrote to New York and could learn nothing about them.

(Note: No images of this source are available online. Please contact me if you have any information.)

Boston Recorder, 19 April, 1839, Vol 24, No 16

Account from Spaulding's Widow

Matilda Davison

1 Apr, 1839

   ...Rev. Solomon Spaulding, to whom I was united in marriage in early life, was a graduate of Dartmouth College, and was distinguished for a lively imagination and a great fondness for history. At the time of our marriage, he resided in Cherry Valley, N.Y. From this place we removed to New Salem, Ashtabula county, Ohio; sometimes called Conneaut, as it is situated upon Conneaut Creek. Shortly after our removal to this place, his health sunk, and he was laid aside from active labors. In the town of New Salem, there are numerous mounds and forts, supposed by many to be the dilapidated dwellings and fortifications of a race now extinct. These ancient relics arrest the attention of the new settlers, and become objects of research for the curious. Numerous implements were found and other articles evincing great skill in the arts. Mr. Spaulding being an educated man and passionately fond of history, took a lively interest in these developments of antiquity; and in order to beguile the hours of retirement and furnish employment for his lively imagination, he conceived the idea of giving an historical sketch of this long lost race. Their extreme antiquity of course would lead him to write in the most ancient style, and as the Old Testament is the most ancient book in the world, he imitated its style as nearly as possible. His sole object in writing this historical romance was to amuse himself and his neighbors. This was about the year 1812. Hull's surrender at Detroit, occurred near the same time, and I recollect the date well from that circumstance. As he progressed in his narrative, the neighbors would come in from time to time to hear portions read, and a great interest in the work was excited among them. It claimed to have been written by one of the lost nation, and to have been recovered from the earth, and, assumed the title of "Manuscript Found." The neighbors would often inquire how Mr. S. progressed in deciphering "the manuscript," and when he had sufficient portion prepared he would inform them, and they would assemble to hear it read. He was enabled from his acquaintance with the classics and ancient history, to introduce many singular names, which were particularly noticed by the people and could be easily recognized by them. Mr. Solomon Spaulding had a brother, Mr. John Spaulding residing in the place at the time, who was perfectly familiar with this work and repeatedly heard the whole of it read.
   From New Salem we removed to Pittsburgh, Pa. Here Mr. Spaulding found an acquaintance and friend, in the person of Mr. Patterson, an editor of a newspaper. He exhibited his manuscript to Mr. P. who was very much pleased with it, and borrowed it for perusal. He retained it a long time and informed Mr. S. that if he would make out a title page and preface, he would publish it and it might be a source of profit. This Mr. S. refused to do for reasons which I cannot now state. -- Sidney Rigdon,* who has figured so largely in the history of the Mormons, was at this time connected with the printing office of Mr. Patterson, as is well known in that region, and as Rigdon himself has frequently stated. Here he had ample opportunity to become acquainted with Mr. Spaulding's manuscript and to copy it if he chose. It was a matter of notoriety and interest to all who were connected with the printing establishment. At length the manuscript was returned to its author, and soon after we removed to Amity, Washington county, Pa., where Mr. S. deceased in 1816. The manuscript then fell into my hands and was carefully preserved. It has frequently been examined by my daughter, Mrs. McKenstry, of Monson, Mass., with whom I now reside, and by other friends. -- After the "Book of Mormon" came out, a copy of it was taken to New Salem, the place of Mr. Spaulding's former residence and the very place where the "Manuscript Found" was written. A woman preacher appointed a meeting there, and in the meeting read and repeated copious extracts from the "Book of Mormon." The historical part was immediately recognized by all the older inhabitants, as the identical work of Mr. S., in which they had been so deeply interested years before. Mr. John Spaulding was present, who is an eminently pious man, and recognized perfectly the work of his brother. He was amazed and afflicted, that it should have been perverted to so wicked a purpose. His grief found vent in a flood of tears, and he arose on the spot, and expressed to the meeting his deep sorrow and regret, that the writings of his sainted brother should be used for a purpose so vile and shocking. The excitement in New Salem became so great, that the inhabitants had a meeting and deputed Dr. Philastus Hurlbut, one of their number to repair to this place and to obtain from me the original manuscript of Mr. Spaulding, for the purpose of comparing it with the Mormon Bible, to satisfy their own minds, and to prevent their friends from embracing an error so delusive. This was in the year 1834. Dr. Hurlbut brought with him an introduction and request for the manuscript, signed by Messrs. Henry Lake, Aaron Wright and others, with all whom I was acquainted, as they were my neighbors when I resided in New Salem.
   I am sure that nothing would grieve my husband more, were he living, than the use which has been made of his work. The air of antiquity which was thrown about the composition, doubtless suggested the idea of converting it to the purposes of delusion. Thus an historical romance, with the addition of a few pious expressions and extracts from the sacred Scriptures, has been construed into a new Bible and palmed off upon a company of poor deluded fanatics, as divine. I have given the previous brief narration, that this work of deep deception and wickedness may be searched to the foundation, and its author exposed to the contempt and execration he so justly deserves.

(Note: A rebuttal to this account was printed by Alexander Badlam in the Quincy Whig on November 16, 1839, which can be read in the Jan 1840 edition of the Times and Seasons here. A response to this rebuttal was published in August, 1840 in John Clark's "Gleanings by the Way," which can be read here.

On Nov 27, 1839, Parley P. Pratt wrote a separate response to Mrs. Davidson's account to the New Era, which can be read in the Jan 1840 edition of the Times and Seasons here. The official response given by Sidney Rigdon is below.)

Histoire Generale des Voyages, Abbe Prevost, 1748, pg 544

Meroni in the Comore Islands

Jacque-Nicolas Bellin

1748

(Note: Moroon on the Grande Comore island can be seen on this 1778 map. )

The Joseph Smith Papers, "Church History," 1 March 1842, pg 2

Wentworth Letter Account

I was also informed concerning the aboriginal inhabitants of this country, and shown who they were, and from whence they came; a brief sketch of their origin, progress, civilization, laws, governments, of their righteousness and iniquity, and the blessings of God being finally withdrawn from them as a people was made known unto me: I was also told where there was deposited some plates on which were engraven an abridgement of the records of the ancient prophets that had existed on this continent.

The Joseph Smith Papers, Lucy Mack Smith, History, 1844-1845, pg. 37

Smith family contracts for Manchester land and builds cabin

My Husband and 2 oldest sons set themselves about raising the means of paying for 100 Acers of land for which Mr Smith contracted and which was then in the hands of a land agent Mr . In one years time we made nearly all of the first payment The Agent adivised us to build a log house on the land and commence clearing it we did so. It was not long till we had 30 acres ready for cultivation

Journal of Discourses, Vol 18, pg 239

1874 statement by Brigham Young

Do we believe that the Lord sent his messengers to Joseph Smith, and commanded him to refrain from joining any Christian church, and to refrain from the wickedness he saw in the churches, and finally delivered to him a message informing him that the Lord was about to establish his kingdom on the earth, and led him on step by step until he gave him the revelation concerning the plates? Yes, this is all correct.

23 Jun, 1874

Latter Day Saints' Messenger and Advocate Volume 2, No. 1, October 1835, pgs 200-201

Olivery Cowdery's account

Soon after this visit to Cumorah, a gentleman from the south part of the State, (Chenango County,) employed our brother as a common laborer, and accordingly he visited that section of the country; and had he not been accused of digging down all, or nearly so, the mountains of Susquehannah, or causing others to do it by some art of nicromancy, I should leave this, for the present, unnoticed. You will remember, in the mean time, that those who seek to vilify his character, say that he has always been notorious for his idleness. This gentleman, whose name is Stowel, resided in the town of Bainbridge, on or near the head waters of the Susquehannah river. Some forty miles south, or down the river, in the town of Harmony, Susquehannah county, Pa. is said to be a cave or subterraneous recess, whether entirely formed by art or not I am uninformed, neither does this matter; but such is said to be the case,-when a company of Spaniards, a long time since, when the country was uninhabited by white settlers, excavated from the bowels of the earth ore, and coined a large quantity of money; after which they secured the cavity and evacuated, leaving a part still in the cave, purposing to re-turn at some distant period. A long time elapsed and this account came from one of the individuals who was first engaged in this mining business. The country was pointed out and the spot minutely described. This, I believe, is the substance, so far as my memory serves, though I shall not pledge my veracity for the correctness of the account as I have given.-Enough however, was credited of the Spaniard's story, to excite the belief of many that there was a fine sum of the precious metal being coined in this subterraneous vault, among whom was our employer; and accordingly our brother was required to spend a few months with some others in excavating the earth, in pursuit of this treasure.

Oct, 1835

Letter from Emma Bidamon to Emma S. Pilgrim, March 27, 1870

Emma's Description in a letter to Mrs. Charles Pilgrim

Emma Smith Bidamon

27 Mar, 1876

Now the first that my husband translated was translated by the use of the Urim and Thummim, and that was the part that Martin Harris lost, after that he used a small stone, not exactly black, but was rather a dark color.

(Note: No image of this letter is available online. Please contact me if you have any information regarding it.)

Minutes of the Annual Conferences (1773-1828), pg 418 & 446

George Lane's appointment to Palmyra in 1824

1824

MINUTES TAKEN AT THE SEVERAL ANNUAL CONFERENCES OF THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH, FOR THE YEAR 1823 (July 15)...
   Quest. 15. Where are the preachers stationed this year?...
   SUSQUEHANNAH DIST... George Lane...

MINUTES OF CONFERENCES FOR 1824 (July 25)...
   Quest. 14. Where are the preachers stationed this year?
   ONTARIO DIST. George Lane...

(Note: Palmyra is located in the Ontario district)

Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, May 2, 1877, Vol 30, No. 33

W. D. Purple Account

W. D. Purple

28 Apr, 1877

There had lived a few years previous to this date, in the vicinity of Great Bend, a poor man named Joseph Smith, who, with his family, had removed to the western part of the State, and lived in squalid poverty near Palmyra, in Ontario County. Mr. Stowell, while at Lanesboro, heard of the fame of one of his sons, named Joseph, who, by the aid of a magic stone had become a famous seer of lost or hidden treasures. These stories were fully received into his credulous mind, and kindled into a blaze his cherished hallucination. Visions of untold wealth appeared through this instrumentality, to his longing eyes. He harnessed his team, and filled his wagon with provisions for "man and beast," and started for the residence of the Smith family. In due time he arrived at the humble log-cabin, midway between Canandaigua and Palmyra, and found the sought for treasure in the person of Joseph Smith, Jr., a lad of some eighteen years of age. He, with the magic stone, was at once transferred from his humble abode to the more pretentious mansion of Deacon Stowell. Here, in the estimation of the Deacon, he confirmed his conceded powers as a seer, by means of the stone which he placed in his hat, and by excluding the light from all other terrestrial things, could see whatever he wished, even in the depths of the earth. This omniscient attribute he firmly claimed. Deacon Stowell and others, as firmly believed it. Mr., Stowell, with his ward and two hired men, who were, or professed to be, believers, spent much time in mining near the State line on the Susquehanna and many other places, I myself have seen the evidences of their nocturnal depredations on the face of Mother Earth, on the Deacon's farm, with what success "this deponent saith not."

(Note: No images of this edition of the Chenango Union are available online. On July 26, 1877, this article was reprinted in the Watkins Express and can be read in its original format here.)

The Mormon Prophet, Joseph Smith, says the Independent Republican, resided in Susquehanna county for several years, about the time he was "translating" the Book of Mormon... He and one Harris, who was employed with him in the translation, would work a day or two at haying or harvesting, buy a bag of corn, get it ground, and live on it till it was gone, in the meantime working away at the translation, which was accomplished by Smith's looking through a stone at the "plates" concealed in a hat, and dictated to Harris, who wrote down the translation.

The Joseph Smith Papers, Book of Mormon, 1830, pg 111

2 Nephi 27:15-20

But behold, it shall come to pass that the Lord God shall say unto him to whom he shall deliver the book, Take these words which are not sealed, and deliver them to another, that he may shew them unto the learned, saying: Read this, I pray thee. And the learned shall say, Bring hither the book, and I will read them: and now, because of the glory of the world, and to get gain, will they say this, and not for the glory of God. And the man shall say, I cannot bring the book, for it is sealed. Then shall the learned say, I cannot read it. Wherefore it shall come to pass, that the Lord God will deliver again the book and the words thereof, to him that is not learned; and the man that is not learned, shall say, I am not learned. Then shall the Lord God say unto him, The learned shall not read them, for they have rejected them, and I am able to do mine own work; wherefore, thou shalt read the words which I shall give unto thee.

Millenial Star, Vol 48, pgs 366-67

Martin Harris according to Edward Stevenson

   In the year 1870, I was called to perform a mission to the United States, and in the course of my journey I called at Kirtland, Ohio, to see the Temple, this being the first one built by the Latter-day Saints. It was at this time that I met Martin Harris again, after a lapse of thirty-six years. It was customary for him to avail himself of every opportunity to bear testimony to all strangers, and those visiting Kirtland and the Temple, believing it to be his special duty to do so, as he had been commanded by the angel of the Lord. It certainly was a great pleasure to me to find him still constant in his testimony... He seemed impressed, and said whatever befell him he knew that Joseph was a Prophet, for he had not only proved it from the Bible but that he had stood with him in the presence of an angel, and he also knew that the Twelve Apostles were chosen of God... In 1871... I called for my charge at Kirtland, Ohio, finding Martin Harris anxiously waiting...
   The following day, Sunday, after my arrival in Kirtland, the Temple was opened to me with permission to preach in it, and a vote was taken for a second meeting in the afternoon, which was well attended. At our hotel in Chicago, where we laid over one day, Martin bore his testimony to several crowds gathered around to see "the man who had seen an angel." All seemed astonished to hear him relate the vision with a force and will hard to gainsay.
   On our arrival at Des Moines, the capital of Iowa, where there was a Branch of the Church presided over by J. M. Ballinger, we rested a few days, and a new suit of clothes very much helped the feelings and appearances of the old gentleman. I took him to the leading newspaper office of the capital, and after being questioned, Martin bore his testimony to the editor and others, which was published with very favorable notice of the remarkable man who claimed to have stood in the presence of an angel in this our day. It was remarked that he was bright and smart for one of his years (about eighty). Martin also bore his testimony at a meeting, the audience listening to him with marked attention. The following day we baptized a Mrs. Fifield, in the Des Moines river, and proceeded on our journey to Salt Lake City, where Martin Harris bore his testimony in the Tabernacle to a densely crowded house, and was listened to with almost breathless silence. Here again I was witness once more to the faithful, earnest testimony of his standing in the presence of the angel, hearing his voice and seeing the plates, &c. He accompanied me to several other meetings, and every time he was unequivocating in his firmness and testimony. Many interesting incidents were related by Martin on our journey, one of which I will relate. He said that on one occasion several of his old acquaintances made an effort to get him tipsy by treating him to some wine. When they thought he was in a good mood for talk they put the question very carefully to him, "Well, now, Martin, we want you to be frank and candid with us in regard to this story of your seeing an angel and the golden plates of the Book of Mormon that are so much talked about. We have always taken you to be an honest good farmer and neighbor of ours but could not believe that you did see an angel. Now, Martin, do you really believe that you did see an angel, when you were awake?" No, said Martin, I do not believe it. The crowd were delighted, but soon a different feeling prevailed, as Martin true to his trust, said, "Gentlemen, what I have said is true, from the fact that my belief is swallowed up in knowledge; for I want to say to you that as the Lord lives I do know that I stood with the Prophet Joseph Smith in the presence of the angel, and it was the brightness of day." Martin Harris related this circumstance to me substantially as I give it, adding that, although he drank wine with them as friends, he always believed in temperance and sobriety.

7 Jun, 1886

William E. Berrett and Alma P. Burton, eds., Readings in L.D.S. Church History from Original Manusripts, v. 1, p. 63

Martin Harris Deathbed Account

Three of us took some tools to go to the hill and hunt for more boxes of gold or something, and indeed we found a stone box. We got quite excited about it and dug carefully around it, and by some unseen power it slipped back into the hill. We stood there and looked at it and one of us took a crow-bar and tried to drive it through the lid and hold it, but the bar glanced off and broke off one of the corners of the box. Sometime that box will be found and you will see the corner broken off, and then you will know I have told you the truth

October, 1930

Luman Walters tombstone, Shuman Cemetery, Potter, Yates County, NY. Photographed by Dan Vogel, 1992

Gravestone

Luman Walter

2 Jun, 1860

L. Walter
Died
June 2, 1860.
Aged 72 years.

(Note: On June 16th, 1863, a surrogate's court was held in which it was decided that the real estate of Luman Walters would be sold as a means of liquidating his debts. The details can be read here.)

Naked Truths About Mormonism, Vol 1, No 1, pg 2, col 6

William Hine statement

   I was born February 11, 1803, at Colesville, Windsor Township, Broome County, N.Y. Jo Smith, who became the Mormon prophet, and his father came from Palmyra, or Manchester, N.Y., and dug for salt two summers, near and in sight of my house. The old settlers used to buy salt from an Indian squaw, who often promised to tell the whites where the salt spring was, but she never did. Jo Smith claimed to be a seer. He had a very clear stone about the size and shape of a duck's egg, and claimed that he could see lost or hidden things through it. He said he saw Captain Kidd sailing on the Susquehanna River during a freshet, and that he buried two pots of gold and silver. He claimed he saw writing cut on the rocks in an unknown language telling where Kidd buried it, and he translated it through his peep-stone. I have had it many times and could see in it whatever I imagined. Jo claimed it was found in digging a well in Palmyra, N.Y. He said he borrowed it. He claimed to receive revelations from the Lord through prayer, and would pray with his men, mornings and at other times. His father told me he was fifteen years old. I called him half-witted. He was miserably clad, coarse and awkward. He had men who did the digging and they and others would take interests. Some would lose faith and others would take their places. They dug one well thirty feet deep and another seventy-five at the foot and south side of the Aquaga Mountain, but found no salt.
   My nephew now owns the land he dug on. Asa Stowel furnished the means for Jo to dig for silver ore, on Monument Hill. He dug over one year without success. Jo dug next for Kidd's money, on the west bank of the Susquehanna, half a mile from the river, and three miles from his salt wells. He dug for a cannon the Indians had buried, until driven away by the owner of the land. He dug for many things and many parties, I never knew him to find anything of value. He and his workmen lived in a shanty while digging for salt. When it rained hard, my wife has often made beds for them on the floor in our house. Jo became known all over New York and Pennsylvania. Sometimes his brothers were with him...
   ...Jo and his father were all the time telling of hidden things, lead, silver and gold mines which he could see. I called him Peeker...
   ...Calvin Smith and I, while burning brush, found a hole which, when cleaned out, was fifteen feet deep; it was covered with poles which had been split with tomahawks; a tree near by was marked each side for seventy feet. Gun barrels and various Indian implements were found later near by. The hole was within twenty rods of Jo's salt digging.

(Note: No images of this source are available online. Please contact me if you have any information.)

Quincy Whig, June 8, 1839, Vol 2, No 6, columns 2-3

Response by Sidney Rigdon

Sidney Rigdon

27 May, 1839

   Messrs. Bartlett & Sullivan:
   In your paper of the 18th inst. I see a letter signed by somebody, calling herself Matilda Davidson, pretending to give the origin of Mormonism, as she is pleased to call it, by relating a moonshine story about a certain Solomon Spalding, a creature with the knowledge of whose earthly existence, I am entirely indebted to this production; for surely, until Doctor Philastus Hurlburt informed me that such a being lived, at some former period, I had not the most distant knowledge of his existence; and all I now know about his character is, the opinion I form from what is attributed to his wife, in obtruding my name upon the public in the manner in which she is said to have done it, by trying to make the public believe, that I had knowledge of the ignorant, and according to her own testimony, the lying scribblings of her deceased husband; for if her testimony is to be credited, her pious husband, in his life time, wrote a bundle of lies, for the righteous purpose of getting money. How many lies he had told for the same purpose while he was preaching, she has not so kindly informed us; but we are at liberty to draw our own conclusions; for he that would write lies to get money, would also preach lies for the same object. This being the only information which I have, or ever had, of this said Rev. Solomon Spalding, I, of necessity have but a very light opinion of him as a gentleman, a scholar, or a man of piety; for had he been either, he certainly would have taught his pious wife not to lie, nor unite herself with adulterers, liars, and the basest of mankind.
   It is only necessary to say, in relation to the whole story about Spalding's writings being in the hands of Mr. Patterson, who was in Pittsburg, and who is said to have kept a printing office, and my saying that I was concerned in said office, &c. &c. is the most base of lies, without even the shadow of truth; there was no man by the name of Patterson during my residence at Pittsburgh who had a printing office; what might have been before I lived there I know not. Mr. Robert Patterson, I was told, had owned a printing office before I lived in that city, but had been unfortunate in business, and failed before my residence there. This Mr. Patterson, who was a Presbyterian preacher, I had a very slight acquaintance with during my residence in Pittsburgh. He was then acting under an agency, in the book and stationery business, and was the owner of no property of any kind, printing office, or any thing else, during the time I resided in the city.
   If I were to say that I ever heard of the Rev. Solomon Spalding, and his hopeful wife, until Dr. P. Hurlburt wrote his lie about me, I should be a liar like unto themselves. Why was not the testimony of Mr. Patterson obtained to give force to this shameful tale of lies; the only reason is, that he was not a fit tool for them to work with; he would not lie for them; for if he were called on, he would testify to what I have here said.
   Let me here, gentlemen, give a history of this Dr. P. Hulburt and his associates, who aided in getting up and propagating this batch of lies.
   I have seen and heard, at one time and another, by the persecutors and haters of the truth, a great deal said about the eminent physician, Doctor Hulburt. I never thought the matter worthy of notice, nor probably ever should, had it not made its appearance in your paper, or some one of equal respectability. And I believe, gentlemen, had you have known the whole history of this budget of lies, it would never have found a place in your paper. --
But to my history.
   This said Doctor was never a physician, at any time, nor anything else, but a base ruffian. He was the seventh son, and his parents called him Doctor; it was his name, and not the title of his profession.
   He once belonged to the Methodist Church and was excluded for immoralities. He afterwards imposed himself on the Church of "Latter Day Saints," and was excluded for using obscene language to a young lady, a member of said church, who resented his insult with indignation, which became both her character and profession.
   After his exclusion, he swore -- for he was vilely profane -- that he would have revenge, and commenced his work. He soon found assistance, a pious old deacon of the Campbellite church, by the name of Onis [sic] Clapp, and his two sons, Thomas J. Clapp and Matthew S. Clapp, both Campbellite preachers, abetted and assisted by another Campbellite preacher by the name of Adamson Bentley. Hulburt went to work, catering lies for the company. Before Hulburt got through, his conduct became so scandalous, that the company utterly refused to let his name go out with the lies which he had collected, and he and his associates had made; and they substituted the name of E. D. Howe. The change, however, was not much better. There were scandalous immoralities about the Howe family of so black a character, that they had nothing to lose, and became good tools for this holy company to work with. A man of character would never have put his name to a work which Hulburt was concerned in. But while Hulburt was busily employed in the service of the company, old deacon Clapp was employed in taking care of his wife...

The Courier-Journal, Southwestern Wayne County, May 1, 1974, Vol 46, No 18

Rediscovery in 1974

Andrew H. Kommer

May 1, 1974

   PALMYRA -- Mormon leaders in Salt Lake City, Utah, are playing it down, but Palmyra dairy farmer Andrew Kommer says he thinks he's "got something" and has already begun taking measures to protect it. Last week Kommer brought bulldozers to a site on Miner's Hill, on Miner Road, to uncover a cave that he says was dug by prophet and founder of the Mormon Church, Joseph Smith, 150 years ago.
   A bulldozed path leads the way to the side of the hill where Kommer and two workers spent most of last week clearing the cave and erecting iron bars to "keep the sightseers from hurting themselves."
   An official in the Mormon historian's office in Utah said no records could be found to indicate that Joseph Smith dug the caves in Question...
   ...Jim Young, 26; 171 Canandaigua Road, Palmyra said when he was "12 or 13" he and another boy, Dick Van Haneghan, discovered the cave on Miner's Hill while exploring. He said they could crawl a "few feet" into the cave on their hands and knees, but could not stand up or penetrate further than that.
   Kommer said he had known about the cave "all along" and had wanted to uncover it, but had not had the chance until now. "The dairy business is a little slow, and I'm partially retired, so I thought I'd take a look under," he said.
   Reporters inspected the cave shortly after supports had been added and bars erected at the mouth of the cave which is about six feet high at the largest point in the middle and 10-12 feet long.
   Kommer said he may sell the land to the Mormons if they are interested or may allow tourists, who flock 200,000 strong along nearby Canandaigua Road to Hill Cumorah to see the annual "America's Witness For Christ" (Mormon Pageant), to view the site. Tourists will not be allowed into the cave.

(Note: No images of the original article are available online. This photo was published in an article written for Dialogue by Dan Vogel, which can be found here.)

The Location of Joseph Smith's Early Treasure Quests, Dialogue, a Journal of Mormon Thought, Vol 27, No 3, Pg 209

1992 Revisit

Dan Vogel

Oct 7, 1992

Today the entrance of the cave is closed and overgrown with foliage.

(Note: This photograph taken during the visit was provided by Dan Vogel, and is not part of the publication in Dialogue, a Journal of Mormon Thought.)

Millenial Star, 12 Dec, 1881, Vol 21, pgs 786-787

Deseret News Letter to Chicago Times on Interview with David Whitmer

Deseret News correspondent

14 Oct, 1881

The tablets or plates were translated by Smith, who used a small oval or kidney-shaped stone, called Urim and Thummim, which seemed endowed with the marvelous power of converting the characters on the plates, when used by Smith, into English, who would then dictate to Cowdery what to write. Frequently one character would make two lines of manuscript while others made but a word or two words. Mr. Whitmer emphatically asserts, as did Harris and Cowdery, that while Smith was dictating the translation he had no manuscript notes or other means of knowledge, save the Seer stone and the characters as shown on the plates, he being present and cognizant how it was done.

(Note: This account is taken from a letter written from the Deseret News to the Chicago Times regarding an interview held between one of their correspondents and David Whitmer. No images of the original letter or any publication in the Chicago Times or Deseret News is available online. Please contact us if you have any information.)

No Preview Available

External Link

Traits of the Mosaic History

Joseph Smith, Jr

15 Jun, 1842

No Preview Available

External Link

Times and Seasons Conclusion

Joseph Smith Jr.

15 Jul, 1842

Manchester, New York, Assessment Roll, 29 June 1822, 16, & Manchester, New York, Assessment Roll, 24 July 1823, 17, Ontario County Records Center and Archives, Canandaigua, New York

Manchester Assessment Roll

Manchester Assessment Roll

1821-23

(Note: Joseph Smith Sr. was first taxed for the Manchester property in July, 1821, with an assessed value of $700. Between 29 June 1822 and 24 July 1823 the value rose from $700 to $1000. According to the Laws of the State of New York, Chapter 52, subsection 3, passed on April 5, 1813 and viewable here, these values "shall be considered the true valuation of real estates within this state, and shall not thereafter be varied, except where the value of any shall be increased by the erection of houses, or by any other improvements.")

The Daily Inter Ocean, Chicago, IL, 17 Oct, 1886, Vol 15, No 207, pg 17

David Whitmer description

By fervent prayer and by otherwise humbling himself, the prophet however, again found favor, and was presented with a strange, oval-shaped, chocolate-colored stone, about the size of an egg, only more flat, which, it was promised would serve the same purpose as the missing Urim and Thummim (the latter was a pair of transparent stones set in a bow-shaped frame and very much resembled a pair of spectacles). With this stone all of the present Book of Mormon was translated. It is the only one of these relics which is not in the possession of the Whitmers. For years Oliver Cowdery surrounded it with care and solicitude, but at his death, old Phineas Young, a brother of Brigham Young, and an old-time and once intimate friend of the Cowdery family, came out from Salt Lake City, and during his visit he contrived to get the stone from its hiding place, through a little deceptive sophistry, expended upon the grief-stricken widow. When he returned to Utah he carried it in triumph to the apostles of Brigham Young's "lion house."

The Joseph Smith Papers, Lucy Mack Smith, History, 1844-1845, pg 40

Lucy's mention of Magic Circles

I shall change my theme for the present but let not my reader suppose that because I shall pursue another topic for a season that we stopt our labor and went at trying to win the faculty of Abrac drawing Magic circles or sooth saying to the neglect of all kinds of buisness we never during our lives suffered one important interest to swallow up every other obligation but whilst we worked with our hands we endeavored to remmember the service of & the welfare of our souls.

Journal of Discourses, Vol 20, pg 167

1879 John Taylor Reference

John Taylor

Mar 2, 1879

None of them was right, just as it was when the Prophet Joseph asked the angel which of the sects was right that he might join it. The answer was that none of them are right. What, none of them? No. We will not stop to argue that question; the angel merely told him to join none of them that none of them were right.

The Methodist magazine, Revival of Religion on Ontario District, pg 158-60

Letter From Rev. George Lane

Rev. George Lane

25 Jan, 1825

   With inexpressible gratitude to the great Head of the church, I am enabled to inform you that the work of the Lord is prospering gloriously on Ontario district...
   From Catharine I went to Ontario circuit, where the Lord had already begun a gracious work in Palmyra. This is a pleasant village, situate on the great western canal, about twenty-two miles east of Rochester, and is now in a flourishing condition. In this place the work commenced in the spring, and progressed moderately until the time of the quarterly meeting, which was held on the 25th and 26th of September. About this time it appeared to break out afresh. Monday evening, after the quarterly meeting, there were four converted, and on the following evening, at a prayer meeting at Dr. Chase's, there were seven. Among these was a young woman by the name of Lucy Stoddard...
   December 11th and 12th our quarterly meeting for Ontario circuit was held in Ontario. It was attended with showers of blessings, and we have reason to believe that much good was done. Here I found that the work, which had for some time been going on in Palmyra, had broken out from the village like a mighty flame, and was spreading in every direction. When I left the place, December 22d, there had, in the village and its vicinity, upward of one hundred and fifty joined the society, besides a number that had joined other churches, and many that had joined no church.

The Joseph Smith Papers, Lucy Mack Smith, History, 1844-1845, pgs 39-40

Death of Land Agent

In the spring after we moved onto the farm we commenced making mapel sugar of which we averaged 1000 lbs per year. we then began to make preparations for building a house as the Land Agent of whom we purchased our farm was dead and we could not make the last payment we also planted a large orchard and made every possible preparation for ease to when advanced age should deprive us of the ability to make those pysical exertions which we were then capable of

(Note: The land agent was Zachariah Seymour. This quote comes from Lucy's original manuscript transcribed in 1844-1845 by Martha Jane and Howard Coray. In 1845 the Corays produced an altered copy which can be read in full here. This altered manuscript was used in the 1853 publication by Orson Pratt in England under the title "Biographical Sketches of Joseph Smith, the Prophet, and his Progenitors for many Generations" which can be read in full here.)

Zachariah Seymour gravestone

Find A Grave

2 Jul, 1822

ZACHARIAH SEYMOUR
Born in Hartford Conn. Died July 2, 1822 AE 63

Correspondence, The Saints' Herald, 1875, Vol 22, Pg 630

Martin Harris First Letter to H. B. Emerson

Mr. Emerson, Sir: -- I received your favor. In reply I will say concerning the plates: I do say that the angel did show me the plates containing the Book of Mormon. Further, the translation that I carried to Prof. Anthon was copied from these same plates; also, that the professor did testify to it being a correct translation.

23 Nov, 1870

Auburn Weekly Union, Vol 6, No 20, 13 Jun, 1860, pg 5

Obituary

Auburn Weekly Union

13 Jun, 1860

Dr. L. Walters, for many years known as a successful but eccentric practitioner of the medical profession, died at his residence at Bethel, Ontario county, on Saturday last. He styled himself a seer or clarvoyant doctor, and has effected many very wonderful cures. He only required the name and age of his patient to enable him to give a complete diagnosis of the case without seeing the person.

(Note: Bethel was the original name of Gorham Village until about 1856.)

The Latter-day Saints' Millennial Star Vol 44, No 6, 6 Feb, 1882, pgs 86-87

Martin Harris according to Edward Stevenson

Martin Harris related an incident that occurred during the time that he wrote that portion of the translation of the Book of Mormon which he was favored to write direct from the mouth of the Prophet Joseph Smith. He said that the Prophet possessed a seer stone, by which he was enabled to translate as well as from the Urim and Thummim, and for convenience he then used the seer stone, Martin explained the translation as follows: By aid of the seer stone, sentences would appear and were read by the Prophet and written by Martin and when finished he would say "Written," and if correctly written that sentence would disappear and another appear in its place, but if not written correctly it remained until corrected, so that the translation was just as it was engraven on the plates, precisely in the language then used. Martin said, after continued translation they would become weary, and would go down to the river and exercise by throwing stones out on the river, etc. While so doing on one occasion, Martin found a stone very much resembling the one used for translating, and on resuming their labor of translation, Martin put in place the stone that he had found. He said that the Prophet remained silent, unusually and intently gazing in darkness, no traces of the usual sentences appearing. Much surprised, Joseph exclaimed, "Martin! What is the matter? All is as dark as Egypt!" Martin's countenance betrayed him, and the Prophet asked Martin why he had done so. Martin said, to stop the mouths of fools, who had told him that the Prophet had learned those sentences and was merely repeating them, etc.
Martin said further that the seer stone differed in appearance entirely from the Urim and Thummim that was obtained with the plates, which were two clear stones set in two rims, very much resembling spectacles, only they were larger. Martin said there were not many pages translated while he wrote, after which Oliver Cowdery and others did the writing.

4 Sep, 1870

(Note: According to the source in the Millenial Star, this is from the "Monday Evening News, Steptember(sic) 5, 1870", which would place the account given on September 4, 1870.)

The Millennial Harbinger, Third Series, Alexander Campbell, January 1844, Vol 1, No 1

Adamson Bentley letter

Adamson Bentley

22 Jan, 1841

Your request that I should give you all the information I am in possession of respecting Mormonism. I know that Sydney Rigdon told me there was a book coming out (the manuscript of which had been found engraved on gold plates) as much as two years before the Mormon book made its appearance in this country or had been heard of by me. The same I communicated to brother A Campbell. The Mormon book has nothing of baptism for the remission of sins in it; and of course at the time Rigdon got Solomon Spaulding's manuscript he did not understand the scriptures on that subject.* I cannot say he learnt it from me, as he had been about a week with you in Nelson and Windham, before he came to my house. I, however, returned with him to Mentor. He stated to me that he did not feel himself capable of introducing the subject in Mentor, and would not return without me if he had to stay two weeks with us to induce me to go. This is about all I can say. I have no doubt but the account given in Mormonism Unmasked, is about the truth. It was got up to deceive the people and obtain their property, and was a wicked contrivance with Sidney Rigdon and Joseph Smith, Jr. May God have mercy on the wicked men, and may they repent of this their wickedness!

(Note: Alexander Campbell and Walter Scott published their support for Bentley's letter, including their own recollections that Rigdon had referred to the Book of Mormon before 1830, in the January 1844 edition of the Millenial Harbinger, which can be read here.)

Times and Seasons, Vol 3, pgs 921-922

Facts are Stubborn Things

From an extract from "Stephen's Incidents of Travel in Central America," it will be seen that the proof of the Nephites and Lamanites dwelling on this continent, according to the account in the Book of Mormon, is developing itself in a more satisfactory way than the most sanguine believer in that revelation could have anticipated. It certainly affords us a gratification that the world of mankind does not enjoy, to give publicity tosuch important developments of the remains and ruins of those mighty people.
When we read in the Book of Mormon that Jared and his brother came on to this continent from the confusion and scattering at the Tower, and lived here more than a thousand years, and covered the whole continent from sea to sea, with towns and cities; and that Lehi went down by the Red Sea to the great Southern Ocean, and crossed over to this land, and landed a little south of the Isthmus of Darien, and improved the country according to the word of the Lord, as a branch of the house of Israel, and then read such a goodly traditionary account as the one below, we can not but think the Lord has a hand in bringing to pass his strange act, and proving the Book of Mormon true in the eyes of all the people. The extract below, comes as near the real fact, as the four Evangelists do to the crucifixion of Jesus.-Surely "facts are stubborn things." It will be as it ever has been, the world will prove Joseph Smith a true prophet by circumstantial evidence, in experiments, as they did Moses and Elijah.

15 Sep, 1842

The Joseph Smith Papers, Lucy Mack Smith, History, 1844-1845, pg. 45

Frame house raised on Manchester property

We were still making arrangements for building my oldest son took principle Charge of this and when the month of November 1822 arrived the House was raised and all the Materials procured for completing the building. Alvin was very much animated by Idea as he said of making Father & mother so comfortable. he say now I am going to have a nice pleasant rom for them to sit in & everything arranged for their comfort and they shall not work as they have done any more.
On the 15th of this month Alvin came in to the and said to me mother I am very sick...

Historical Magazine (second series),Vol 7, Interview with the Father of Joseph Smith, pgs 305-6

I think it was in the year 1830, I heard that some ancient records had been discovered that would throw some new light upon the subject of religion; being deeply interested in the matter, I concluded to go to the place and learn for myself the truth of the matter. Accompanied by a friend, Jacob Ramsdell, I set out to find the Smith family, then residing some three or four miles South of the village of Palmyra, Waynecounty, New York, and near the line of the town of Manchester. Joseph, Junior, afterwards so well known, not being at home, we applied to his father for the information we wanted. This Joseph Smith, Senior, we soon learned, from his own lips, was a firm believer in witchcraft and other supernatural things; and had brought up his family in the same belief. He also believed that there was a vast amount of money buried somewhere in the country; that it would some day be found; that he himself had spent both time and money searching for it, with divining rods, but had not succeeded in finding any, though sure that he eventually would.

Journal of Discourses, Vol 21, pg 308

Orson Pratt on the two personages

God prior to this time, had given revelation to this youth, on many occasions. The first one that he gave to him was in the spring of 1820, before Joseph Smith was of the age of fifteen. Then a wonderful revelation was given to him, the first one he ever received. In a great and glorious open vision, in answer to his prayers, there was the manifestation of two of the great personages in the heavens - not angels, not messengers, but two persons that hold the keys of authority over all the creations of the universe. Who were they? God the Eternal Father and his Son Jesus Christ, through whom God the Father made the worlds! These glorious personages descended from heaven; two personages whose countenances outshone the sun at noonday; two personages clothed with a pillar of light round about them, descended, stood before this lad, and revealed themselves to him.

19 Sep, 1880

Elders' Journal, Vol. 1, No. 2, pg 43

Official admission of Joseph's money-digging

Question 10. Was not Jo Smith a money digger.
Answer. Yes, but it was never a very profitable job to him, as he only got fourteen dollars a month for it.

Jul, 1838

(Note: This piece is attributed to Joseph Smith.)

Brigham Young's own story in his own words, compiled by Lee Nelson, pg 47

Brigham Young's Journal

I met with the Twelve at Brother Joseph's. He conversed with us in a familiar manner on a variety of subjects, and explained to us the Urim and Thummim which he found with the plates, called in the Book of Mormon the Interpreters. He said that every man who lived on the earth was entitled to a seerstone, and should have one, but they are kept from them in consequence of their wickedness, and most of those who do find one make an evil use of it; he showed us his seerstone.

27 Dec, 1841

(Note: No image of the original journal appears to be available online. Please contact me if you have any information regarding it.)

Journal of Discourses, Vol 19, pg 38

Discourse from Brigham Young

When Joseph got the plates, the angel instructed him to carry them back to the hill Cumorah, which he did. Oliver says that when Joseph and Oliver went there, the hill opened, and they walked into a cave, in which there was a large and spacious room. He says he did not think, at the time, whether they had the light of the sun or artificial light; but that it was just as light as day. They laid the plates on a table; it was a large table that stood in the room. Under this table there was a pile of plates as much as two feet high, and there were altogether in this room more plates than probably many wagon loads; they were piled up in the corners and along the walls. The first time they went there the sword of Laban hung upon the wall; but when they went again it had been taken down and laid upon the table across the gold plates; it was unsheathed, and on it was written these words: "This sword will never be sheathed again until the kingdoms of this world become the kingdom of our God and his Christ." I tell you this as coming not only from Oliver Cowdery, but others who were familiar with it, and who understood it just as well as we understand coming to this meeting, enjoying the day, and by and by we separate and go away, forgetting most of what is said, but remembering some things.

17 Jun, 1877

The Latter Day Illuminary, Volume 6, No 1, pg 61

Baptist Church Publication

Latter Day Illuminary

Jan, 1825

In Palmyra, the revival is spreading. A ministering brother thus writes us, under date of December 25th: "As I came on my journey this way, I tarried a few days, and baptized eight."

Correspondence, The Saints' Herald, 1875, Vol 22, Pg 630

Martin Harris Second Letter to H. B. Emerson

Question 1. "Did you go to England to lecture against Mormonism?"
Answer. I answer emphatically, No, I did not. No man ever heard me in any way deny the truth of the Book of Mormon, the administration of the angel that showed me the plates; nor the organization of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, under the administration of Joseph Smith Jun., the prophet whom the Lord raised up for that purpose, in these the latter days, that he may show forth his power and glory. The Lord has shown me these things by his Spirit, by the administration of holy angels, and confirmed the same with signs following, step by step, as the work has progressed, for the space of fifty-three years.

January, 1871

Geneva Daily Times, July 26, 1929, p. 6

Geneva Daily Times Article

Geneva Daily Times

26 Jul, 1929

   Doctor of Olden Days Used Herb Remedies

   Reminiscences of Dr. Luman Walters Who Was Noted for His Cures Which Were Accomplished by Peculiar Personal Methods.

   Gorham, July 26-In the olden days, roots, herbs and vegetables were considered highly essential as medicine for nervous disorders by a number of physicians. Among the early physicians to use these ingredients in his prescriptions for nervous disorders was Dr. Luman Walters, a noted physician and surgeon who practiced in the village of Gorham over a half century ago.
   Dr. Walters was the grandfather of Alonzo Walters of this village. He was a native of Vermont and ran away from home when he was six years old, his people never seeing or hearing of him again until he was a full fledged doctor. He would never divulge of who brought him up, he having worked his way through medical college. Shortly after leaving medical college, he located at Sodus Point and later came to Gorham where he began the practice of medicine.
   According to older residents here Dr. Walters was one of the town characters. He engaged several men to gather various roots, such as burdock, mustard and other forms of vegetation which he compounded into medicine at his laboratory. According to his grandson shortly after coming to Gorham, Dr. Walters was called on a case of croup, the patient being an infant. The baby was given up by the other resident physicians when Dr. Walters was called on the case. The doctor rushed into the house, asked the other two physicians if they were thorough with the case, with the reply that they were. Dr. Walters immediately took the infant from the crib, holding the child by its feet which caused the croup to break and placing the babe back in its crib, told the mother that her child would live.
   The case brought fame to the new physician and his practice from that day increased. People came from every state in the union to take his treatments. Dr. Walters made his visits on horse back and lived in where the residence of Herbert Kearney on Main street, is now. This building was at one time a tavern. One evening the Doctor was disturbed by noise. The next morning he went to the landlord and inquired what was his price for the building. The landlord stated his price and said "come on, down to Matt Pulver and we will sign the papers." This was done immediately and before noon that day, the doctor had the landlord and all the rest of the guests ejected from the building and from that day on, the Doctor used the building as a sanitarium for treating his patients.
   One of Dr. Walters specialists was reading the mind and being able to tell people where they could find lost articles, friends and the future. An instance is related where a Dutchman living in this vicinity lost two cows. Coming in the Doctor's office, he said, "Doctor where are my cows?" The Doctor replied you old fool Dutchman, go home and dig your cows out from underneath the straw stack in your barnyard. The Dutchman went home and sure enough, he found his cows, underneath the straw stack dead.
   According to Charles Johnson, the last Civil War veteran in the town of Gorham, Johnson earned his first money gathering herbs for Dr. Walters to use in his practice of medicine. Dr. Walters was one of the pioneer physicians in this vicinity and older residents take great pride in relating how he put Gorham on the map by his famous cures which brought many to this village for consultation with this famous medical man.

Letter from Emma Bidamon to Emma S. Pilgrim, March 27, 1870

Emma's Description in a letter to Mrs. Charles Pilgrim

Emma Smith Bidamon

27 Mar, 1876

(Note: No image of this letter is available online. Please contact me if you have any information regarding it.)

Naked Truths About Mormonism, Vol 1, No 2, pg 1, col 1

Christopher Stafford Statement

Christopher M. Stafford

23 Mar, 1885

Jo Smith told me there was a peep-stone for me and many others if we could only find them.

Gleanings by the way, pgs 316-317

Storm Rosa letter

Dr. Storm Rosa

3 Jun, 1841

Sidney Rigdon is at the western settlement; he embraced the Mormon religion in the latter part of October, 1830. See page 102 of the book published by E. D. Howe, above referred to.
In the early part of the year -- either May or June -- I was in company with Sidney Rigdon, and rode with him on horseback a few miles. Our conversation was principally upon the subject of religion, as he was at that time a very popular preacher of the denomination calling themselves 'disciples' or Campbellites. He remarked to me, that it was time for a new religion to spring up; that mankind were all rife and ready for it. I thought he alluded to the Campbellite doctrine -- he said it would not be long before something would make its appearance -- he also said that he thought of leaving for Pennsylvania, and should be absent for some months. I asked him how long -- he said it would depend upon circumstances. I began to think a little strange of his remarks, as he was a minister of the Gospel.

Mormonism Exposed, by Samuel Williams, 1842, pg 16

Robert Patterson Letter

Robert Patterson

Apr 2, 1842

R. Patterson had in his employment Silas Engles at the time a foreman printer, and general superintendent of the printing business. As he (S. E.) was an excellent scholar, as well as a good printer, to him was entrusted the entire concerns of the office. He even decided on the propriety or otherwise of publishing manuscripts when offered -- as to their morality, scholarship, &c., &c. In this character he informed R. P. that a gentleman, from the East originally, had put into his hands a manuscript of a singular work, chiefly in the style of our English translation of the Bible, and handed the copy to R. P., who read only a few pages, and finding nothing apparently exceptionable, he (R. P.) said to Engles, he might publish it, if the author furnished the funds or good security. He (the author) failing to comply with the terms, Mr. Engles returned the manuscript, as I supposed at that time, after it had been some weeks in his possession with other manuscripts in the office.

The Spaulding Story, Concerning the Origin of the Book of Mormon, by John E. Page, 1843, pgs 7-8

Statement by Sidney Rigdon's Brother and Brother-in-Law

Carvil Rigdon & Peter Boyer

Jan 27, 1843

The following statement of facts in relation to the birth, life, education, and occupation of Sidney Rigdon, Minister of the gospel of Jesus Christ, in the Church of the Latter Day Saints, is taken from the family records, as kept by his parents and by the subscribers.

He (S. Rigdon) was born on his father's farm. Piny Fork of Peter's Creek, St. Clair township. Alleghany Co., Pa., Feb., 19, 1793, where he lived till the winter of 1818 and 1819,* and followed farming and received a common English education. In the fall of 1817 he professed religion, † and joined the regular Baptist Church of that place, and in the winter of 1818 and '19 he went to Beaver Co., Pa., where he studied divinity with a Baptist preacher by the name of Clark, and was licensed to preach by the Conoquenessing Church (time not recollected) and went from there to Warren, Ohio, and was ordained a regular Baptist preacher, and returned to Pittsburgh in the winter of 1821 and '22, and took the care of the First Regular Baptist Church, and there continued to preach till the Baptist Association met in Pittsburgh, (precise time not recollected, but we think about the fall of 1824) at which time they brought some charges against him for not being sound in the faith; brought him to trial, but denied him the liberty of speaking in self-defence, and he declared a non-fellowship with them, and began to preach Campbellism. And he, and they that joined with him got the liberty of the Court House, there they held their meetings, and he and his brother-in-law, Mr. Brooks, followed the tanning business till the winter of 1827-'28, when he (S. Rigdon) moved somewhere into the Western Reserve, in Ohio, and there continued to preach till the Latter Day Saints came to that part of the country, and he joined them, and continues to be an elder in that church (of Latter Day Saints, called Mormons.
In confirmation of the above statements, we hereby subscribe our names.
CARVIL RIGDON,
PETER BOYER.

* 1819 is the year that Mrs. McKinstry, the daughter of Mr. S. Spaulding, says she read her father's romance for diversion, when she was 12 years old, and her mother, who is now Mrs. Matilda Davison, says that Mr. S. Spaulding wrote the romance in 1812. She is particular on this point, it being the year of Hull's surrender.
† 1817 being the time of S. Rigdon's professing religion, is one year after the death of Mr. Spaulding, as Mrs. Davison says that he died in 1816. "The manuscript then fell into my hands and was carefully preserved; it has frequently been examined by my daughter, Mrs. McKinstry, of Monson, Mass., with whom I now reside, and by other friends." Question: when did S. Rigdon ever see the Spaulding manuscript? I answer never! NO NEVER!! NEVER!!!

(Note: No images of the original 1843 publication of this booklet are available online. Only 2 or 3 copies have survived. A copy of the 1866 republication can be read at this link.)

Discovering Joseph Smith's Cave in Miner's Hill, Manchester, New York, By: KC Kern

Rediscovery in 2015

KC Kern and Greg Pavone

Sep, 2015

   While in Palmyra, NY, we stumbled into an older local non-Mormon man who asked us if we had ever heard of the "lost Mormon cave." It was news to us. He went on to explain that as a younger man sometime in the early 1960s, he visited and entered a nearby cave that was discovered by some local kids. Word had it that Joseph Smith himself had dug the cave. He told of how the past property owner had cleared the cave and tried to turn it into a commercial attraction, but now the cave had all but disappeared into the brush of the hill. We felt impelled to follow up on this story. Over the next year, we looked up every historical source to ever mention the cave and determined the cave's likely geographic location. We contacted the current property owners and secured permission to engage in excavation activities. We rented a Kubota KX191 Mini-Excavator, and in the first week of September, 2015, after months of planning, we had boots on the ground and began the field work...
   On the east side of Miner's Hill, near the top, we found a large depression in the slope in front of a landing located at the top of a small access trail. A walnut tree of considerable size was growing out of the dirt in the depression. The first item of business was cutting down the tree and removing the stump with our rented excavator. With the stump gone, we continued digging into the hill. With the help of a neighbor's metal detector, we recovered door hinges, a chain, and a padlock early in the digging. Plastic lining started to turn up in the earth as well. All these artifacts would have been part of the external structure that Andrew Kommer would have built around the cave in the 1970s.
   The digging continued, now moving higher up the slope. Soon the excavator shovel reached a consistency of dirt that was markedly different. We had cut through topsoil and had hit packed clay. In a moment of rest, a large chunk of dirt near the top of the dig site collapsed inward, leaving a hole. The neighbor who had brought the metal detector climbed up, put his arm in the hole, and noted a void in the earth. After a little manual clearing he looked in and saw the main arch of the cave, its ceiling, and walls. Most of the cave was filled with dirt that had collapsed in from the front. The cave interior was like half an igloo. The back wall was curved like the side walls and ceiling arch.
   After some enthusiastic celebration at having made this breakthrough, the remaining task was to dig the fallen earth out in order to restore the cave floor to its original level. This proved to be particularly challenging because we did not want to risk destroying the cave ceiling by bringing the excavator arm and bucket into the cave interior. We continued to use the excavator to clear the earth leading up to the covered area, but all of the dirt inside the cave itself had to be cleared out by hand.
   We spent many hours with a pickaxe, a shovel, and a wheelbarrow incrementally shaving down the ground level of the cave, leaving a cross section of the fallen earth on the sides for reference. After several days of digging, we finally reached some wood planks directly under the cave ceiling. The planks contained round nails and appeared to be milled lumber, indicating that they probably dated to the 1970s as well. At this point, we could stand up in and even walk around inside the cave.
   We photographed and measured the cave as we had thus far dug it out. There may be other secrets waiting to be discovered under the cave floor or in the surrounding earth.

Visitors Centers & Historic Sites of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Pictures of a replica of the frame home on the Manchester property

William Smith on Mormonism, pgs 6 & 8

1883 William Smith account

   In 1822 and 1823, the people in our neighborhood were very much stirred up with regard to religious matters...
   All this however was beneficial to him, as it urged him forward, and strengthened him in the determination to know for himself of the certainty and reality of pure and holy religion. He continued in secret to call upon the Lord for a full manifestation of his will, the assurance that he was accepted of him, and that he might have an understanding of the path of obedience.
   At length he determined to call upon the Lord until he should get a manifestation from him. He accordingly went out into the woods and falling upon his knees called for a long time upon the Lord for wisdom and knowledge. While engaged in prayer a light appeared in the heavens, and descended until it rested upon the trees where he was. It appeared like fire. But to his great astonishment, did not burn the trees. An angel then appeared to him and conversed with him upon many things. He told him that none of the sects were right; but that if he was faithful in keeping the commandments he should receive, the true way should be made known to him; that his sins were forgiven, etc. A more elaborate and accurate description of his vision, however, will be found in his own history.

Hosea Stout diary in Juanita Brooks, On the Mormon Frontier: The Diaries of Hosea Stout, 1844-1861, v. 2, p. 593

Brigham Young with seer stone in 1856

Hosea Stout

25 Feb, 1856

President Young exhibited the Seer's stone with which the Prophet Joseph discovered the Plates of the Book of Mormon, to the regents this evening. It is said to be a silecious granite dark color almost black with light colored stripes some what resembling petrified poplar or cotton wood bark It was about the size but not the shape of a hen's egg

(Note: No image of this diary or document appears to be available online. Please contact me if you have any information regarding it.)

Image of "Holiness to the Lord" Parchment

(Note: This page was found among Hyrum Smith's belongings after his death.)

Wayne Sentinel, Mar 2, 1825

Wayne Sentinel Article

Religious.--An article in the Religious Advocate gives the pleasing fact that a revival of religion had taken place in the town of Palmyra, Macedon, Manchester, Phelps, Lyons and Ontario, and that more than 200 souls had become hopeful subjects of Divine Grace, &c. It may be added, that in Palmyra and Macedon, including Methodist, Presbyterian and Baptist Churches, more than 400 have already testified that the Lord is good. The work is still progressing. In the neighboring towns, the number is great and fast increasing. Glory be to God on high; and on earth, peace and good will to all men.

2 Mar, 1825

Deseret News, Wednesday, 16 October 1872, 21/37

David Whitmer according to J. J. Thayne

J. J. Thayne

16 Oct, 1872

He brought twenty-two persons back with him, [one of whom] is Mr. John Lefler, who, it will be remembered, inquired of Bishop Moon, while the latter was on his mission last year, concerning of the Book of Mormon, and to satisfy himself, he in company with Bro. Moon, visited Mr. David Whitmer, one of the witnesses of the Book of Mormon, and heard him bear testimony that he saw the angel of God and heard him declare that the plates were a divine record.

(Note: No images of this edition of the Deseret News are available online. Please contact me if you have any information.)

Last Testimony of Sister Emma, The Saints' Herald, Vol 26, No 19, 1 Oct, 1879, pgs 289-90

Emma Smith Last Testimony

Emma Smith Bidamon

   Q. What of the truth of Mormonism?
   A. I know Mormonism to be the truth; and believe the Church to have been established by divine directions. I have complete faith in it. In writing for your father I frequently wrote day after day, often sitting at the table close by him, he sitting with his face buried in his hat, with the stone in it, and dictating hour after hour with nothing between us.
   Q. Had he not a book or manuscript from which he read, or dictated to you?
   A. He had neither manuscript nor book to read from.
   Q. Could he not have had, and you not know it?
   A. If he had had anything of the kind he could not have concealed it from me.    Q. Are you sure that he had the plates at the time you were writing for him?
   A. The plates often lay on the table without any attempt at concealment, wrapped in a small linen table cloth, which I had given him to fold them in. I once felt of the plates, as they thus lay on the table, tracing their outline and shape. They seemed to be pliable like thick paper, and would rustle with a metalic sound when the edges were moved by the thumb, as one does sometimes thumb the edges of a book.
   Q. Where did father and Oliver Cowdery write?
   A. Oliver Cowdery and your father wrote in the room where I was at work.
   Q. Could not father have dictated the Book of Mormon to you, Oliver Cowdery and the others who wrote for him, after having first written it, or having first read it out of some book?
   A. Joseph Smith [and for the first time she used his name direct, having usually used the words, "your father," or "my husband"] could neither write nor dictate a coherent and well-worded letter; let alone dictating a book like the Book of Mormon. And, though I was an active participant in the scenes that transpired, and was present during the translation of the plates, and had cognizance of things as they transpired, it is marvelous to me, "a marvel and a wonder," as much so as to any one else.
   Q. I should suppose that you would have uncovered the plates and examined them?
   A. I did not attempt to handle the plates, other than I have told you, nor uncover them to look at them. I was satisfied that it was the work of God, and therefore did not feel it to be necessary to do so.
   Major Bidamon here suggested: Did Mr. Smith forbid your examining the plates?
   A. I do not think he did. I knew that he had them, and was not specially curious about them. I moved them from place to place on the table, as it was necessary in doing my work.
   Q. Mother, what is your belief about the authenticity, or origin of the Book of Mormon?
   A. My belief is that the Book of Mormon is of divine authenticity-I have not the slightest doubt of it. I am satisfied that no man could have dictated the writing of the manuscripts unless he was inspired; for, when acting as his scribe, your father would dictate to me hour after hour; and when returning after meals, or after interruptions, he would at once begin where he had left off, without either seeing the manuscript or having any portion of it read to him. This was a usual thing for him to do. It would have been improbable that a learned man could do this; and, for one so ignorant and unlearned as he was, it was simply impossible.

The Millennial Harbinger, Third Series, Alexander Campbell, January 1844, Vol 1, No 1

Alexander Campbell statement

Alexander Campbell

1844

The conversation alluded to in brother Bentley's letter of 1841, was in my presence as well as in his, and my recollection of it led me some two or three years ago to interrogate brother Bentley touching his recollections of it, which accord with mine in every particular, except the year in which it occurred -- he placing it in the summer of 1827 -- I, in the summer of 1826 -- Rigdon at the time observing that in the plates dug up in New York there was an account not only of the Aborigines of this country but also it was stated that the Christian religion had been preached in this country during the first century just as we were preaching it on the Western Reserve. Now as the Book of Mormon was being manufactured at that time, for the copy-right was taken out in June, 1829, two years according to Elder Bentley, and three years according to me, after said conversation, (and certainly it was not less than two years,) the inference of brother Scott touching the person upon whom the theft was committed would be plausible, if it was a fact that baptism for remission of sins is no part of the Book, but something superadded since from the practice in Ohio in the end of 1827 and beginning of 1828, a year or more after Rigdon made the aforesaid statement.

The Spalding Memorial, by Samuel Jones Spalding, 1872, pgs 160-162

Letter from Solomon Spaulding's Brother

Josiah Spalding

Jan 6, 1855

   EASTFORD, Jan. 6 1855.

   REV. SIR: -
   I received your letter of the 21st of December requesting me to give you a sketch of my brother Solomon's life. I should be pleased to oblige you satisfactorily, but my recollection and faculty of mind is so much impaired with age and infirmity, being within two months of ninety years of age, I can give but a broken narrative.
   He was born 1761. In the first part of the Revolutionary war he was in the army or at work on the farm. I do not recollect when he commenced study for education at High School, nor how long he continued there; but when he left there he went to study with the celebrated Zephaniah Swift to prepare for the practice of law. How long he studied with him I do not recollect; but before he got through, his mind changed from law to gospel and he left and went to college; but when I do not recollect. I believe he was in college about three years. He did not study theology at any public school after he left college.
   When he left college he was out of health, and was so for years. He was approbated to preach as a Congregationalist, and followed that calling a number of years, but never settled, on account of his health, though often urged. In 1795 he married. I went to Cherry Valley and commenced merchandising. I had no wife. He followed soon after with his wife and joined me in partnership. He left the store to my care. He took the charge of an academy and preached occasionally for a while. We continued in Cherry Valley about four years, and then we moved our store sixteen miles, to Richfield. We soon after went into a large speculation in new land in Pennsylvania and Ohio, and after a few years he moved out there with his wife; she never had any children. He sold a large amount of land on credit, principally to people in Ohio.
   The war that broke out with England seriously affected that country. That circumstance, with some other misfortunes that happened, placed us in difficult circumstances. We were under the necessity to make great sacrifices to pay our debts. I went to see my brother and staid with him some time. I found him unwell, and somewhat low in spirits. He began to compose his novel, which it is conjectured that the Mormons made use of in forming their bible. Indeed, although there was nothing in it of Mormonism or that favored error in any way, yet I am apprehensive that they took pattern from it in forming their delusion. You may find my reason in what follows. In the town where he lived, which I expect is now called Salem, Ohio, there is the appearance of an ancient fort, and near by a large mound, which, when opened, was found to contain human bones. These things gave it the appearance of its being inhabited by a civilized people. These appearances furnished a topic of conversation among the people. My brother told me that a young man told him that he had a wonderful dream. He dreamed that he himself (if I recollect right) opened a great mound, where there were human bones. There he found a written history that would answer the inquiry respecting the civilized people that once inhabited that country until they were destroyed by the savages. This story suggested the idea of writing a novel merely for amusement. The title of his novel, I think, was "Historical Novel," or "Manuscript Found." This novel is the history contained in the manuscript found. The author of it he brings from the Old World, but from what nation I do not recollect; I think not a Jew; nor do I recollect how long since, but I think before the Christian Era. He was a man of superior learning suited to that day. He went to sea, lost his point of compass, and finally landed on the American shore; I think near the mouth of the Mississippi River. There he reflects most feelingly on what he suffered, his present condition and future prospects; he likewise makes some lengthy remarks on astronomy and philosophy, which I should think would agree in sentiment and style with very ancient writings. He then started and traveled a great distance through a wilderness country inhabited by savages, until he came to a country where the inhabitants were civilized, cultivated their land, and had a regular form of government, which was at war with the savages. There I left him and never saw him nor his writings any more.
   He soon after moved to Pittsburg, in Pennsylvania, where he lived awhile and then moved farther, to a place where he died. His widow then returned to the State of New York, and lived there awhile and then came to Connecticut. She informed me, if I recollect right, that my brother continued his history of the civilized nation and the progress of the war until the triumph of the savages to the destruction of the civilized government. Likewise she informed me that soon after they arrived at Pittsburg a man followed them, I do not recollect his name, but he was afterwards known to be a leading Mormon. He got into the employment of a printer, and he told the printer about my brother's composition. The printer called and requested the privilege of taking it home to read. He, my brother, let him take it; he kept it some time, and then he urged him, my brother, to let him print it. He, my brother, would not consent, but took it back, and she said that she brought it to New York and put it into a chest where she lived. And at a time when she was from home a stranger called upon her and requested her to let him see the novel that her husband composed. He said that he lived at the West, and it was reported there that it gave rise to Mormonism; if not true he wished to counteract the report. She told him that he might go to the house; it was in a chest, he might take it and examine it.
   He went to the chest, and I think she told me that he said that he could not find it, but it has never been found since, But what use could they make of it? I never saw the Mormon bible but once, and then only for a minute, no time to examine it. I have but little knowledge of Mormonism; I have been out of the way of it. You, sir, no doubt, have more knowledge; but if I have been rightly informed, there is a striking resemblance between the first start and introduction of the Mormon bible and my brother's novel. They both claimed that the manuscripts from which they pretend they copied were of very ancient date and written by men that came here from the old world. The Mormon bible was not published until after my brother's death.
   Yours respectfully,
   JOSIAH SPALDING.

"Life story of Sidney Rigdon", by his son, John W. Rigdon, pg 193

Sidney Rigdon Statement to his son about the Book of Mormon.

John W. Rigdon

My father, after I had finished saying what I have repeated above, looked at me a moment, raised his hand above his head and slowly said, with tears glistening in his eyes: "My son, I can swear before high heaven that what I have told you about the origin of that book is true. Your mother and sister, Mrs. Athalia Robinson, were present when that book was handed to me in Mentor, Ohio, and all I ever knew about the origin of that book was what Parley P. Pratt, Oliver Cowdery, Joseph Smith and the witnesses who claimed they saw the plates have told me, and in all of my intimacy with Joseph Smith he never told me but one story.

The Joseph Smith Papers, Lucy Mack Smith, History, 1844-1845, pg. 46

Alvin asks Hyrum on his deathbed to finish the frame house

He then called Hyrum to him and said Hyrum I must die and now I want to say a few things to you that you you must remember I have done all that I could do to make our dear Parents comfortable I now want you to go on and finish the House take care them in their old age and do not ever let them work hard any more.

The Old Soldier's Testimony, The Saints' Herald, Vol 31, No 40

William Smith Sermon in 1884

And here let me say, that it was at the suggestion of the Rev. M____, that my brother asked of God. He said, "Ask of God," It was the Church of Christ he was seeking for, what all should seek, God promised to give knowledge to all who lacked, if they would ask. Accordingly he went and bowed in prayer to God. While he was engaged in prayer, he saw a pillar of fire descending. Saw it reach the top of the trees, He was overcome, became unconscious, did not know how long he remained in this condition, but when he came to himself, the great light was about him, and he was told by the personage whom he saw descend with the light, not to join any of the churches. That he should be instrumental in the hands of God in establishing the true church of Christ. That was the record hidden in the hill Cumorah which contained the fulness of the gospel. You should remember Joseph was but about eighteen years old at this time, too young to be a deceiver.

Image of "Saint Peter Bind Them" Parchment

(Note: This page was found among Hyrum Smith's belongings after his death.)

Samuel Bateman diary, Lee Library

Samuel Bateman diary

Samuel Bateman

17 Aug, 1887

On Sunday last I saw and handled the seer stone that the Prophet Joseph Smith had. It was a dark color, not round on one side. It was shaped like the top of a baby's shoe, one end like the toe of the shoe, and the other round

(Note: No images of this diary are available online. Please contact me if you have any information.)

Martin Harris according to Ole A. Jensen

Ole A. Jensen

July, 1875

   One morning in July I thought I would go to see Brother Harris. He lived about three blocks from my home and I had heard that he was not well. People were coming from far and near to see him and hear his testimony.
   When I arrived I found two other men present--Brother James Joseph Keep and Brother John Godfrey. Brother Harris lay in bed resting on his elbow. "How are you Brother Harris?" I asked. "Oh, pretty well" he replied.
   "We came to hear your testimony of the Book of Mormon," I said. He raised up and said, "Yes, I wish I could make the whole world hear my Testimony. "He stretched out his arm and said, "Brothers I believe there is an angel here to hear what I am going to say to you and you will never forget what I say."
   "The Prophet Joseph Smith, Oliver Cowdery, David Whitmer and myself went into a small grove to pray to obtain a promise that we should behold with our own eyes that we could testify to the whole world.At length the angel stood before Oliver and David with the plates in his hand.I had gone a little apart to pray, and in my desperation I asked the prophet to kneel and pray with me.He did so and immediately the angel stood before me and said, "LOOK." When I glanced at him I fell to the ground but immediately got up and saw the angel turn the leaves of the golden plates over and I said, "IT IS ENOUGH MY LORD AND MY GOD." I then heard the voice of God say, "THE BOOK OF MORMON IS TRUE AND TRANSLATED CORRECTLY."
   Brother Harris then turned over as if he had no more to say and we made ready to leave. He spoke again and said, "I will tell you of the most wonderful thing that happened, after Joseph received the plates. Three of us, myself and two more, took some tools and went to the hill to dig for more plates of gold or something and indeed we found a stone box. We got quite excited and dug around it very carefully and just when we were ready to lift it up out of the hole, some unseen power slid it back into the hill. We stood and looked at it and one of us tried to drive a crowbar through the lid to hold it, but the crowbar glanced off and the corner of the lid was chipped off.
   Sometime that box will be found and you will find one corner of the lid broken and you will know that I have spoken the truth. Brother's just as sure as you are standing here and see me, just so sure did we see the Angel with the golden plates in his hand. He showed them to me and I promised I would bear witness of this truth both here and hereafter."
   His lips really trembled and tears came to my eyes. I should have liked to ask more, but did not do so. I refreshed myself, shook hands, thanked him and left.

(Note: This is a recollection of Martin Harris by Ole A. Jensen recorded in Clarkson, UT in July 1875, the same month that Martin Harris died. The recorded manuscript was apparently signed by Jensen, James Joseph Keep, and John Godfrey. No images of the document are available online. Please contact me if you have any information.)

Correspondence, The Saints' Herald, Vol 26, No 12, June 15, 1879, pgs 190-91

Michael Morse Interview

William Wallace Blair

22 May, 1879

   He further states that when Joseph was translating the Book of Mormon, he, (Morse), had occasion more than once to go into his immediate presence, and saw him engaged at his work of translation.
   The mode of procedure consisted in Joseph's placing the Seer Stone in the crown of a hat, then putting his face into the hat, so as to entirely cover his face, resting his elbows upon his knees, and then dictating word after word, while the scribe - Emma, John Whitmer, O. Cowdery, or some other, wrote it down.
   Bro. Cadwell enquired how he (Morse) accounted for Joseph's dictating the Book of Mormon in the manner he had described. To this he replied he did not know. He said it was a strange piece of work, and he had thought that Joseph might have found the writings of some good man and, committing them to memory, recited them to his scribes from time to time.
   We suggested that if this were true, Joseph must have had a prodigious memory – a memory that could be had only by miraculous endowment. To this Mr Morse replied that he, of course, did not know as to how Joseph was enabled to furnish the matter he dictated.

Origin, rise, and progress of Mormonism, Pomeroy Tucker, 1867, pgs 28, 75, 81-82, 120-126

   This review comes down to the summer of 1827. A mysterious stranger now appears at Smith's residence, and holds private interviews with the far-famed money-digger. For a considerable length of time no intimation of the name or purpose of this personage transpired to the public, not even to Smith's nearest neighbors. It was observed by some of them that his visits were frequently repeated. The sequel of these private interviews between the stranger and the money-digger will sufficiently appear hereafter....
   ...Up to this time Sidney Rigdon had played his part in the background and his occasional visits at Smith's residence had been noticed by uninitiated observers as those of the mysterious stranger. It had been his policy to remain in concealment until all things should be in readiness for blowing the trumpet of the new gospel... This man Rigdon now appeared as the first regular Mormon preacher in Palmyra. Martin Harris was his forerunner, and relieved him of his incognito position...
   ...Rigdon had been an occasional sojourner at Smith's for a year or more, though the reader may fail to perceive what this circumstance had to do with the case...
   ...it is a noticeable incident in the whole progress of the imposture, that the uneducated and ignorant character of Smith was turned to his advantage over his followers. His want of cultivation in respect to "the world's wisdom," precluded in their minds the idea of the exercise of any natural or acquired faculties in producing his wonderful revelations and translations. Their reasoning was: "He is unlearned of men, therefore how could he acquire the ancient learning displayed, if it were not supernaturally communicated to him? And they argued, that he could not have made the translations without the plates. Convincing logic for Mormon fanatics!
   Here comes in for application and reflection the coincidence of Sidney Rigdon's long-continued incognito sojournments at the money-digger's residence during the Mormon incubation. Who can doubt that he and Smith had become confederates in a grand scheme of cupidity and imposture? They had surreptitiously possessed themselves of a fabulous composition peculiarly adapted to their design. Secrecy and falsehood were necessary to the success of such a scheme, and to these, it is self-evident, they were mutually sworn. The following explanatory statements, received from the best authority, supply the proof:
   "About the year 1809, the Reverend Solomon Spaulding, a clergyman who had graduated from Dartmouth College, and settled in the town of Cherry Valley, in the State of New York, removed from that place to New Salem (Conneaut), Ashtabula County, Ohio. Mr. Spaulding was an enthusiastic archaeologist. The region to which he removed was rich in American antiquities. The mounds and traces of fortifications abounding there, which have puzzled the brains of many patient explorers, attracted his attention. On account of failing health, he had retired from the active labors of his profession; and being possessed of a lively imagination, and familiar with the classics and ancient history, he sought to beguile the hours of retirement and employ his mind by writing a fabulous historical record of a long-lost race, adopting the hypothesis that his manuscript was found in one of the mounds. He accepted the theory that the American continent had been peopled by a colony of the ancient Israelites. The ample material by which he was surrounded, full of mythical interest and legendary suggestiveness, led him to the conception of the curious literary project referred to. the work was commenced, and progressed slowly for some time. Portions of it were read by Mr. Spaulding to his friends, as its different sections were completed, and after about three years' labor, that is, in 1812 or 1813, the volume was completed, bearing the title of 'The Manuscript Found.'"
   Mr. Spaulding submitted his work to a printer named Patterson, at Pittsburgh, Pa., with a view to its publication on joint account. The printing proposal, however, for some reason, was not carried out, and the manuscript remained in Patterson's office until 1816, when it was reclaimed by the author, who in that year removed to Amity, Washington County, N. Y., where he died in 1827. The manuscript remained in the widow's possession until it was missed or stolen from a trunk in Otsego County, where she had removed, about the time the "Book of Mormon" began to be publicly mentioned.
   "In the employment of the printer Patterson was a versatile genius, one Sidney Rigdon, to whom no trade came amiss, and who happened at the time to be a journeyman printer at work with Patterson. Disputations on questions of theology were the peculiar delight of Rigdon; and the probable solution of the mystery of this Book of Mormon, is found in the fact, that he had made a copy of Spaulding's manuscript, and communicated information of the existence of the fictitious record to Joseph Smith, Jr.," after becoming acquainted with Smith's money-digging operations. Patterson died in 1826.
   From all the evidence possessed, there can be no doubt that the plan of founding a new system of religion was concocted by these two shrewd and unscrupulous persons, and that the Spaulding fable was its basis. "The fact that the style of the Mormon book so closely imitates that of the received version of the Bible -- a point which seems to have been constantly kept in view by Mr. Spaulding, probably in order to invest the fiction with a stronger character of reality -- answered admirably for the purposes of Rigdon and Smith. Superstition readily embraces any thing which has a show of reality, especially if it be sustained by a sanction apparently divine; and the success of this remarkable literary imposture is not more wonderful than the devotion of the Mohammedan to the Koran, which, like the Book of Mormon, is accepted as the standard of a religious faith. The Millerite fanaticism was less marked, but found not less earnest followers."
   These statements are derived from the declaration of Mrs. Spaulding herself, as made in 1831, and subsequently. In that year, Dr. Philastus Hurlburt, living near New Salem, Ohio (after Mormonism had become seated in that State), who had obtained a copy of the Book of Mormon, came by appointment of a public meeting of his neighbors, in pursuit of information on the subject, to Palmyra, N. Y., where he stated that he was acquainted with several reliable persons who had seen the Spaulding manuscript, and who recognized its identity in the main with the printed book. He furthermore obtained the same recognition from Mrs. Spaulding, and from Mr. John Spaulding, a brother of the deceased.
   No doubt the Spaulding manuscript was altered by Rigdon and Smith to suit the case in hand and meet rising exigencies. Instead, it is apparent from the marked changes in style of composition occurring in numbers of instances, that emendations and additions were made by some other than the original writer's hand. Then too, the verbose title-page -- the incendiarism of Mrs. Harris -- the testimonies of witnesses, and the long line of revelations that followed -- which are not presumed to have been composed by the illiterate Smith, but by Rigdon during Smith's lifetime -- all these are strong corroborative considerations connected with the proofs that Rigdon supplied the literary aliment needed in conforming the Spaulding production to the grand co-partnership Mormon speculation. And it is not known that he has ever disclaimed the part that for more than thirty years has been publicly assigned to him in the great plagiarism and imposture.
   Rigdon was in possession of a copy of this manuscript before he had heard of Smith's money-digging delusions, and the application ultimately made of it, as Smith's accomplice, was incidental. It is not a noteworthy retribution in his case, that his Mormon history should come to a sudden close after the murder of Joseph Smith and his brother Hyrum in 1844, when he was defeated by Brigham Young in a contest for the successorship as prophet, and quit Nauvoo and the "saints," under the ban of expulsion? He was expelled from a church and colony which he had been so instrumental in bringing into being, and went to Allegany County, N. Y., where he has lived to the present time. A citizen of that county, in reply to inquiries writes: "Rigdon used to lecture on various scientific subjects, and was regarded as a man of ability and a good public speaker. He has been solicited to publish an authentic history of the Mormon speculation, but is said to decline doing so from fear of Mormon vengeance. It is supposed he might, if so minded, give a better reason for his refusal. He is now seventy-five years of age, and his habits are those of seclusion and reticence."

In memory of Alvin, Son of Joseph & Lucy Smith, who died Nov. 19, 1823, in His 25 year of His life.

Find A Grave

Alvin Smith gravestone

19 Nov, 1823

Graphic Reproduction of "Jehovah, Jehovah, Jehovah" Parchment

(Note: This page was found among Hyrum Smith's belongings after his death.)

An Address To All Believers in Christ, 1887, pg 32

Stone Given to Oliver Cowdery

After the translation of the Book of Mormon was finished, early in the spring of 1830, before April 6th, Joseph gave the stone to Oliver Cowdery and told me as well as the rest that he was through with it, and he did not use the stone any more.

Kansas City Times, April 11, 1895

Katherine Smith Salisbury 1895 Talk

Katherine Smith Salisbury

11 Apr, 1895

I stand before you a remnant of the family that brought forth the sacred record, to bear my testimony.
I can remember the time that this work commenced, that my brother had the vision, that he saw the angel and talked with him. After he had his first vision he lay on his bed one night studying what he had seen.

(Note: No image of this article is available online. Please contact me if you have any information.)

Their Subsequent History, The Salt Lake Daily Tribune, October 6, 1875, Vol 9, No 147

Oliver Cowdery and David Whitmer according to William E. McLellin

John Hanson Beadle

6 Oct, 1875

Oliver Cowdery, first witness of the Book of Mormon, after being "cut off for lying, counterfeiting and immorality," turned his attention to law and real estate in which his success was only average. It was a favorite practice with him when half drunk to preach a Mormon sermon. When visited by any of the Saints, or a stranger, he invariably asserted the truth of his "testimony;" but among his friends privately he admitted that it was "all a bottle of smoke." He died in Richmond, Ray county, and Elizabeth, his wife, afterward married an old farmer, with whom she is living up in Iowa -- "fair, fat and sixty," and not caring much about Mormonism.
David Whitmer, second witness, still lives in Richmond -- a well to do livery man and stock dealer, accounted by all the citizens a perfect gentleman. He generally refuses to talk about Mormonism, but when hard pressed by interviewers insists that "an angel showed him the plates." Privately he informs his friends that his statement is true, but he means Mr. John Angell, a neighbor of the Smiths! The "curse" don't appear to have got him bad, but there is no telling what may happen. It would be a great card for some missionary from Salt Lake to restore the old man and bring him to Utah, as Stevenson did Martin Harris; but as Whitmer is rich, while Harris was a pauper, he might not be so easily restored.

Testimony of David Whitmer, is it True, or False!, The Saints' Herald, Vol 26, No 22, 15 Nov, 1879, pg 341

Traughber Argument

J. L. Traughber, Jr.

13 Oct, 1879

   Editors Herald: -- In the Saints' Herald of April 15, 1879, I notice an article from the pen of Elder T. W. Smith, which originally appeared in the Fall River (Mass.) Herald, in which article the writer makes mention of the testimony of David Whitmer, as published in the Chicago Times, in 1875, and further says:
   "I personally heard him state, in January, 1877, in his own house in Richmond, Ray county, Mo., in most positive language, that he did truly see, in broad day-light, a bright and most beautiful being, an 'angel from heaven,' who did hold in his hands the golden plates, which he turned over leaf by leaf, explaining the contents here and there."
   I have heard the same from the mouth of Father Whitmer, more than once; and every time I ever heard him tell the particulars of that glorious scene, he always told it just the same; and as far as I have ever heard, from reliable witnesses, he has always told the same story -- "straight as a nail." Had Elder Smith stopped at the end of the above quoted sentence, I would have had no ground for bringing his name into this article; but he did not. He further adds:
   "He also described the size and general appearance of the plates, and he further said that he saw Joseph translate, by the aid of Urim and Thummim, time and again, and he then produced a large pile of foolscap paper closely written in a very fair hand, which he declared was the manuscript written mainly by Oliver Cowdery and Martin Harris, as the translation was being read by the aid of the Urim and Thummim of the characters on the plates by Joseph Smith, which work of translation he frequently saw."
   I, too, have seen the "manuscripts" and examined them. I, too, have heard Father Whitmer say that he was present many times while Joseph was translating; but I never heard him say that the translation was made by aid of Urim and Thummim; but in every case, and his testimony is always the same, he declared that Joseph first offered prayer, then took a dark colored, opaque stone, called a "seerstone," and placed it in the crown of his hat, then put his face into the hat, and read the translation as it appeared before him. The was the daily method of procedure, as I have often heard Father Whitmer declare; and, as it is generally agreed to by parties who know the facts, that a considerable portion of the work of translation was performed in a room of his father's house, where he then resided, there can be no doubt but what Father David Whitmer is a competent witness of the manner of translating. said.
   I am aware of the fact that the "Urim and Thummim" story has long been foisted upon the world as the true account of the origin of the Book of Mormon, but the times demand, and the interest of truth demands that the truth should be told. We need not be afraid of truth; and I greatly doubt if anybody will be ultimately benefitted by the perpetuation of a falsehood, which was invented for the purpose of gaining prestige, in the minds of the people, for ambitious leaders.
   The proofs are clear and positive that the story of the Urim and Thummim Translation does not date back, for its origin further than 1833, or between that date and 1835; for it is not found in any printed document of the Church of Christ up to the latter part of the year 1833, or the year 1834. The "Book of Commandments" to the Church of Christ, published in Independence, Mo., in 1833, does not contain any allusion to Urim and Thummim; though the term was inserted in some of the revelations in their reprint in the "Book of Doctrine and Covenants" in 1835.
   Who originated the Urim and Thummin story, I do not know; but this I do know, that it is not found in the first printed book of the revelations to the Church of Christ, and there is other testimony to show that it is not true. It is proper to notice what it is claimed the Urim and Thummim was. P. P. and O. Pratt both say that it was an instrument composed of two clear or transparent stones set in the two rims of a bow. It is also confounded with the "Interpreters," which were shaped something like a pair of ordinary spectacles, though larger.

The Washington Reporter, May 13, 1868, Vol 59, No 40

Jesse Hamilton Statement on location of Spaulding's Death

Rev. Jesse Wells Hamilton

May 6, 1868

   Messrs. Editors: -- Appleton & Co., of New York, lately published a book on the "Rise and Progress of Mormonism." The author -- Mr. Tucker -- takes the same view with Elder Hyde who published a work on Mormonism some time ago. They both state that Solomon Spalding, a clergyman, of feeble health, wrote a book which was never published by him or his authority -- that after his death Joseph Smith, the Mormon prophet, by dishonest means, got hold of this manuscript and published it as the Mormon Bible. This is their theory and it is doubtless the correct one.
   Elder Hyde says that Mr. Spalding came to Pittsburgh in 1812, and after two years he removed to Amity, Washington county, Pa., where he died in 1816. Mr. Tucker also says that he died in 1816, but that his death took place at Amity, Washington county, New York. Now this may be an error of the types, and if so the publisher should correct it. If it be not an error of the types, I would call attention to the fact that Elder Hyde is right and Mr. Tucker wrong in this particular.
   Now for the facts. That Mr. Spalding died at Amity, Washington county, Pa., is beyond dispute. He was buried in the Presbyterian grave yard in that place. His grave is frequently pointed out to strangers who visit the village. It was marked by a head and foot stone of a somewhat sandy texture which crumbles when exposed for a long time. The head stone has fallen but the foot stone is yet standing, and on it are marked the initials of Mr. Spalding's name. Some of the older people in the neighborhood remember to have seen Mr. Spalding. It is said he was fond of reading select passages of his romance to any who would listen.
   I write for the integrity of history. If Mr. Spalding lived and died in Amity, Pennsylvania, let it be known. If he wrote a romance for pastime, which became the basis of the Mormon heresy, it should be known. There is nothing more certain than that Solomon Spalding, a clergyman, a fine scholar, a man of bankrupt fortune, of feeble health, and of an imaginative turn of mind, who wrote a romance in Bible style, did live and die in Amity, Washington county, Pa.

(Note: The referenced work by an Elder Hyde was John Hyde's Mormonism, Its Leaders and Designs published in 1857. Pomeroy Tucker acknowledged the error in this subsequent edition of the paper.)

The Joseph Smith Papers, Lucy Mack Smith, History, 1844-1845, pg. 48

Autopsy Performed by Dr. McIntrye and Dr. Robinson

Dr. Mcintire & Dr. Robinson performed the operation the last named Dr. was 70 years old of age

Joseph Smith's Jupiter Talisman

27 Jun, 1844

(Note: This talisman was found on Joseph Smith's body after his death.)

Salt Lake City, Council Meeting, LJA 9-13-4, 149-150; BYC, The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, 2010, Vol. 2, Pg. 1004

Brigham Young 1855 Council Meeting

Oliver sent me Joseph's first seer stone; Oliver always kept it until he sent it to me - the second seer stone Dr. Williams had - the third one was a very large - and Joseph found two small ones on the beach in Nauvoo - a little larger than a black walnut without the shock on - Joseph said there is a stone for every person on the earth - I don't know that I have ever had a desire to have one.

30 Sep, 1855

(Note: No image of the original is available online. Please contact me if you have any information regarding it.)

Millenial Star, 9 Dec, 1878, Vol 40, pgs 771-772

David Whitmer interview with Orson Pratt

   Elder O. P. Do you remember what time you saw the plates?
   D. W. It was in June, 1829-the latter part of the month, and the eight witnesses saw them, I think, the next day or the day after. (i. e. one or two days after). Joseph showed them the plates himself, but the angel showed us (the three witnesses) the plates, as I suppose to fulfil the words of the book itself. Martin Harris was not with us at this time; he obtained a view of them afterwards, (the same day). Joseph, Oliver and myself were together when I saw them. We not only saw the plates of the Book of Mormon but also the brass plates, the plates of the Book of Ether, the plates containing the records of the wickedness and secret combinations of the people of the world down to the time of their being engraved, and many other plates. The fact is, it was just as though Joseph, Oliver and I were sitting just here on a log, when we were overshadowed by a light. It was not like the light of the sun nor like that of a fire, but more glorious and beautiful. It extended away round us, I cannot tell how far, but in the midst of this light about as far off as he sits (pointing to John C. Whitmer, sitting a few feet from him), there appeared as it were, a table with many records or plates upon it, besides the plates of the Book of Mormon, also the Sword of Laban, the directors-i. e., the ball which Lehi had, and the Interpreters. I saw them just as plain as I see this bed (striking the bed beside him with his hand), and I heard the voice of the Lord, as distinctly as I ever heard anything in my life, declaring that the records of the plates of the Book of Mormon were translated by the gift and power of God."
   Elder O. P. Did you see the Angel at this time?
   D. W. Yes; he stood before us. Our testimony as recorded in the Book of Mormon is strictly and absolutely true, just as it is there written.

7 Sep, 1878

Kansas City Journal, June 5, 1881

David Whitmer Newspaper Account

   Soon after I received another letter from Cowdery, telling me to come down to Pennsylvania and bring him and Joseph to my father's house, giving me a reason therefore that they had received a commandment from God to that effect. I went down to Harmony, and found everything just as they had written me. The next day after I got there they packed up the plates [did not say "packed up the plates"] and we proceeded on our journey to my father's house where we arrived in due time, and the day after we [he, Smith] commenced upon the translation of the remainder of the plates. I, as well as all of my father's family, Smith's wife, Oliver Cowdery, and Martin Harris were present during the translation. [I did not wish to be understood as saying that those referred to as being present were all the time in the immediate presence of the translator, but were at the place and saw how the translation was conducted.] The translation was by Smith and the manner as follows:
   "He had two small stones of a chocolate color, nearly egg-shape and perfectly smooth, but not transparent, called interpreters, which were given him with the plates. He did not use the plates in the translation, but would hold the interpreters to his eyes and cover his face with a hat, excluding all light, and before his eyes would appear what seemed to be parchment, on which would appear the characters of the plates in a line at the top and immediately below would appear the translation, in English, which Smith would read to his scribe, who wrote it down exactly as it fell from his lips. The scribe would then read the sentence written, and if any mistake had been made the characters would remain visible to Smith until corrected, when they faded from sight to be replaced by another line. The translation at my father's occupied about one month, that is from June 1 to July 1, 1829."
   "Were the plates under the immediate control of Smith all the time?"
   "No, they were not. I will explain how that was. When Joseph first received the plates he translated 116 pages of the book of 'Lehi,' with Martin Harris as scribe. When this had been completed they rested for a time, and Harris wanted to take the manuscript home with him to show to his family and friends. To this Joseph demurred, but finally asked the Lord if Harris might be allowed to take it. The answer was 'no.' Harris teased Joseph for a long time and finally persuaded him to ask the Lord a second time, pledging himself to be responsible for its safe keeping. To this second inquiry the Lord told Joseph Harris he might take the manuscript, which he did, showing it to a great many people, but through some carelessness allowed it to be stolen from him. This incurred the Lord's displeasure, and he sent an angel to Joseph demanding the plates, and until Joseph had thoroughly repented of his transgressions would not allow him to have the use of them again. When Joseph was again allowed to resume the translation the plates were taken care of by a messenger of God, and when Joseph wanted to see the plates this messenger was always at hand. The 116 pages of the book of 'Lehi' which were stolen were never recovered nor would the Lord permit Joseph to make a second translation of it.
   [It is my understanding that the seer stone referred to was furnished when he commenced translating again after losing the 116 pages. My statement was and now is that in translating he put the seer stone in his hat and putting his face in his hat so as to exclude the light and that then the light and characters appeared in the hat together with the interpretation which he uttered and was written by, the scribe and which was tested at the time as stated.]

5 Jun, 1881

(Note: No images of this paper are available online. Please contact me if you have any information.)

The Washington Reporter, May 20, 1868, Vol 59, No 41

Joseph Miller First Statement

Joseph Miller, Sr.

May 18, 1868

   Messrs. Editors: -- Having noticed in your paper of the 13th inst., a communication in reference to Solomon Spaulding, I thought it might be interesting to your readers to hear something more in respect to the death of a man who has unintentionally deceived many persons.
   I was well acquainted with Solomon Spaulding. He came to Amity, I think, in the summer of 1815. He lived in the house now occupied by Obadiah Clutter, and kept a public house. He told me that he had formerly lived at or near New Lisbon, Ohio; that while there he had lost his health and had written what he called his "manuscript." It was in the style of a novel, well written, and I and others would frequently set and listen to his reading of it. His manuscript was written on loose sheets of paper with a pen.
   I nursed him in his last sickness, made his coffin, and Thomas Vennum and myself bailed his wife Matilda in the administration of his estate, as will appear by the records of the Orphans' Court for the winter of 1817.

Gain Robinson Day Book, [21 July 1823 to 2 June 1826], King's Daughters Library, Palmyra, NY

$3.00 Charge by Dr. Robinson

Gain C. Robinson

19 Nov, 1823

Joseph Smith visit attend 300

(Note: This is recorded in the Day Book of Dr. Gain C. Robinson, owner of the first drugstore in Palmyra. "300" is taken to mean "$3.00". No image of the original is available online. Contact me if you have any information regarding this source.)

Hamiltonian, Hamilton, Mo, Jan. 21, 1881

David Whitmer Interview with John Murphy

John Murphy

June, 1880

[Murphy]: "First of all, I heard you saw an angel. I never saw one. I want your description of [the] shape, voice, brogue and the construction of his language. I mean as to his style of speaking. You know that we can often determine the class a man belongs to by his language."
[Whitmer]: "It had no appearance or shape."
[Murphy]: "Then you saw nothing nor heard nothing?"
[Whitmer]: "Nothing, in the way you understand it."
[Murphy]: "How, then, could you have borne testimony that you saw and heard an angel?"
[Whitmer]: "Have you never had impressions?"
[Murphy]: "Then you had impressions as the quaker when the spirit moves, or as a good Methodist in giving a happy experience, a feeling?"
[Whitmer]: "Just so."

(Note: No images of this edition of the Hamiltonian are available online. This article was reprinted in the Kingston Times on December 16, 1887, which can be read here. Please contact me if you have any information regarding this source.)

William Smith on Mormonism, pg 11

William Smith Account

he translated them by means of the Urim and Thummim, (which he obtained with the plates), and the power of God. The manner in which this was done was by looking into the Urim and Thummim, which was placed in a hat to exclude the light, (the plates lying near by covered up), and reading off the translation, which appeared in the stone by the power of God. He was engaged in this business as he had opportunity for about two years and a half.

Inscribed Smith Family Dagger

27 Jun, 1844

(Note: This dagger was found among Hyrum Smith's belongings after his death.)

The Montrose Democrat, June 29, 1905, pg 5

Hallstead Herald Recollection

The Montrose Democrat

Jun 29, 1905

William Smith, brother of Mrs. McIntosh, is a very interesting personage to converse with... He remembers of seeing the "peeping stone" which Joe put in his hat and pretended to discover money by so doing. The stone was similar to the speckled stones which are still to be found along the river shore.

(Note: The William Smith mentioned in this article is not to be confused with William Smith, brother of Joseph Smith.)

The Washington Reporter, April 7, 1869, Vol 60, No 25

Joseph Miller Second Statement

Joseph Miller, Sr.

Mar 26, 1869

   When Mr. Spalding lived in Amity, Pa., I was well acquainted with him. I was frequently at his house. He kept what was called a tavern. It was understood that he had been a preacher, but his health failed him and he ceased to preach. I never knew him to preach after he came to Amity.
   He had in his possession some papers which he said he had written. He used to read select portions of these papers to amuse us of evenings.
   These papers were detached sheets of foolscap. He said he wrote the papers as a novel. He called it the "Manuscript Found," or "the Lost Manuscript Found." He said he wrote it to pass away the time when he was unwell; and after it was written he thought he would publish it as a novel, as a means to support his family.
   Some time since, a copy of the Book of Mormon came into my hands. My son read it for me, as I have a nervous shaking of the head that prevents me from reading. I noticed several passages which I recollect having heard Mr. Spalding read from his "Manuscript." One passage, on page 148 (the copy I have is published by J. O. Wright & Co., New York) I remember distinctly. He speaks of a battle, and says the Amalekites had marked themselves with red on their foreheads to distinguish them from the Nephites. The thought of being marked on the forehead with red, was so strange, it fixed itself in my memory. This together with other passages, I remember to have heard Mr. Spalding read from his "Manuscript."
   Those who knew Mr. Spalding will soon all be gone and I among the rest. I write that what I know may become a matter of history; and that it may prevent people from being led into Mormonism, that most seductive delusion of the devil.
   From what I know of Mr. Spalding's "Manuscript" and the Book of Mormon, I firmly believe that Joseph Smith, by some means, got possession of Mr. Spalding's "Manuscript," and possibly made some changes in it and called it the "Book of Mormon."

Richmond Conservator, 24 March, 1881

David Whitmer Rebuttal to John Murphy

Unto all Nations, Kindreds, tongues and people unto whom this present Shall come. It having been represented by one John Murphy of Polo Mo. that I in a conversation with him last Summer, denied my testimony as one of the three witnesses to the Book of Mormon. To the end therefore, that he may understand me now if he did not then, and that the world may know the truth, I wish now standing as it were, in the very sunset of life, and in the fear of God, once for all to make this public Statement; That I have never at any time, denied that testimony or any part thereof, which has so long since been published with that book as one of the three witnesses. Those who know me best, well know that I have adhered to that testimony. And that no man may be misled or doubt my present views in regard to the same, I do now again affirm the truth of all my statement, as then made and published. He that hath an ear to hear, let him hear; It was no Delusion. What is written is written, and he that readeth let him understand.

19 Mar, 1881

(Note: No images of the original publication in the Richmond Conservator are available online. This typescript is available on Wikisource. David Whitmer reprinted this letter in his "An Address to all Believers in Christ in 1887," which can be read here. )

David Whitmer, interview by Zenas H. Gurley Jr., 14 Jan. 1885, typescript, LDS archives.

David Whitmer interview with Zenas Gurley

   19 Q. Were the plates from which the Book of Mormon was translated in Joseph Smiths possession while translating and seen and handled by several different persons, if not, where were they?
   Ans -- I do not know.
   20 Q. Did Joseph use his "peep stone" to finish up the translation? if so why?
   Ans -- He used a stone called a "Seer stone," the "Interpreters" having been taken away from him because of transgression.
...
   25 Q. Were you present during any of the time of translation, if so, state how it was done.
   Ans -- The "Interpreters" were taken from Joseph after he allowed Martin Harris to carry away the 116 pages of Ms -- of the Book of Mormon as a punishment, but he was allowed to go on and translate by the use of a "Seer stone" which he had, and which he placed in a hat into which he buried his face, stating to me and others that the original Character[s] appeared upon parchment and under it the translation in english, which enabled him to read it readily. While Brother Whitmer was too feeble to write much, being unable to write the answers to the foregoing 25 questions in person -- Yet it was with his consent and in his presence that I wrote them and corrected them, as they appear here.

The Washington Reporter, April 21, 1869, Vol 60, No 27

Redick McKee Statement

Redick McKee

Apr 14, 1869

   Messrs. Editors: -- Here on business with the Government, I have accidentally found, in the Wheeling Intelligence of the 8th inst., an article copied from your paper, under the caption, "Who wrote the book of Mormon?" The statement of Joseph Miller, Sr., enclosed in the communication of your correspondent, J. W. Hamilton, carries me back in memory, to scenes and occurrences of my youth, at the pleasant old village of Amity, in your county, and are corroborative in some measure, of their conjecture as to the real author of that curious production, the "Mormon Bible."
   With a view to throw some additional light upon a subject, which in the future, if not at present, may possess historical importance, I have concluded to employ a leisure hour in giving you some of my recollections, touching the "Lost history found," and its author.
   In the fall of 1814 I arrived in the village of "good will," and for 18 or 20 months, sold goods in the store previously occupied by Mr. Thomas Brice. It was on the Main street, a few rods West of Spalding's tavern, where I was a boarder.
   With both Mr. Solomon Spalding and his wife, I was quite intimately acquainted. He was regarded as an amiable, inoffensive, intelligent old gentleman, of some sixty winters; and as having been formerly a teacher or professor in some eastern Academy or College, but I was not aware of his having been a preacher or called "Reverend." He was afflicted with a rupture, which made locomotion painful, and confined him much to his house. They possessed but little of this world's goods; and, as I understood, selected Amity as a residence, because it was a healthy and inexpensive place to live in.
   I recollect quite well Mr. Spalding spending much time in writing on sheets of paper (torn out of an old book), what purported to be a veritable history of the nations or tribes who inhabited Canaan when, or before, that country was invaded by the Israelites, under Joshua. He described, with great particularity, their numbers, customs, modes of life; their wars, stratagems, victories, and defeats, &c. His style was flowing and grammatical, though gaunt and abrupt; very like the story of the "Maccabees" and other apocryphal books, in the old bibles. He called it "Lost History Found," -- "Lost Manuscript," or some such name; not disguising that it was wholly a work of the imagination, written to amuse himself, and without any immediate view to publication.
   I read, or heard him read, many wonderful and amusing passages from different parts of his professed historical records; and was struck with the minuteness of his details and the apparent truthfulness and sincerity of the author. Defoe's veritable Robinson Crusoe, was not more reliable!
   I have an indistinct recollection of the passage referred to by Mr. Miller, about the Amalekites making a cross with red paint on their foreheads, to distinguish them from their enemies in the confusion of battle; but the manuscript was full of equally ludicrous descriptions. After my removal to Wheeling, in 1818, I understood (from Dr. Cephas Dodd, perhaps), that Mr. Spalding had died, and his widow had returned to her friends in northern Ohio, or western New York. She would naturally take the manuscript with her. Now, it was in northern Ohio, probably in Lake or Ashtabula County, that the first Mormon prophet, or impostor, Jo. Smith, lived and published what he called the "Book of Mormon," or the "Mormon Bible." It is quite probable therefore, that, with some alterations, the "Book of Mormon" was in fact the "Lost Book," or "Lost History Found," of my old landlord, Solomon Spalding, of Amity, Washington county, Pennsylvania.

The Daily Inter Ocean, Chicago, IL, 17 Oct, 1886, Vol 15, No 207, pg 17

David Whitmer in Chicago Newspaper

   Much of the translation of the plates was accomplished at the house of Peter Whitmer, the father of David, and the latter witnessed demonstrations, on more occasions than one of the prophet's manipulation of the stone spectacles. He states that the work of translation occupied fully eight months, and that at times this peculiar instrument would refuse to perform its functions. On such occasions the prophet would resort to prayer, and after a short season he would return to his work to find that the urim and thummim reflected the words of the translation with its wonted power. He had to be humble and spotless in his deportment in order that the work might advance. On one occasion the prophet had indulged in a stormy quarrel with his wife. Without pacifying her or making any reparation for his brutal treatment, he returned to the room in the Whitmer residence to resume his work with the plates. The surface of the magic stone remained blank, and all his persistent efforts to bring out the coveted words proved abortive. He went into the woods again to pray, and this time was gone fully an hour. His friends became positively concerned, and were about to institute a search, when Joseph entered the room, pale and haggard, having suffered a vigorous chastisement at the hands of the Lord. He went straight in humiliation to his wife, entreated and received her forgiveness, returned to his work, and, much to the joy of himself and his anxious friends surrounding him, the stone again glared forth its letters of fire.
   The urim and thummum, in this strange process of translation, would reflect number of words in pure English, which would remain on its face until the party acting as scribe had got it correctly written, and the occasional disposition of the characters to remain long after they had been so written was ways an infallible evidence that there was something wrong in the translation of the record, and a close comparison would invariably reveal this fact. When the necessary corrections has been made the words would instantly disappear from the urim and thummum and new ones take their place.
   The first 116 pages when completed were by permission of the prophet intrusted to hands of Martin Harris, who carried them home to his incredulous relatives in triumph, hoping by the exhibition to convert his family and kinfolk from their uncompromising hostility to the religious premises he had adopted. Upon retiring at night he locked up the precious pages in a bureau drawer, along with his money and other valuables. In the morning he was shocked find that they had been stolen, while his money had been left untouched. They were never found and were never replaced, so that the Book of Mormon is today minus just 116 pages of the original matter, which would increase the volume fully one-fourth its present size. This unpardonable carelessness evoked the stormiest kind of chastisement from the Lord, who took from the prophet the urim and thummum and otherwise expressed his condemnation. By fervent prayer and by otherwise humbling himself, the prophet, however, again found favor, and was presented with a strange oval-shaped, chocolate-colored stone, about the size of an egg, only more flat, which, it was promised, should serve the same purpose as the missing urim and thummim (the latter was a pair of transparent stones set in a bow-shaped frame and very much resembled a pair of spectacles). With this stone all of the present Book of Mormon was translated.

Anti-Mormon Tracts No. 9, 1906, pgs 12-14

Oliver Cowdery in Judge W. Lang Letter

Judge W. Lang

5 Nov, 1881

Now as to whether Cowdery ever "openly denounced Mormonism," let me say this to you: No man ever knew better than he how to keep one's own counsel. He would never allow any man to drag him into a conversation on the subject. Cowdery was a Democrat and a most powerful advocate of the principles of the party on the stump. For this he became the target of the Whig stumpers and press, who denounced him as a Mormon and made free use of Cowdery's certificate at the end of the Mormon Bible to crush his influence. He suffered great abuse for this, while he lived here on that account.

(Note: This letter was printed in 1906 in Grayson Kentucky by Reverend Robert B. Neal as part of a tract called "Anti-Mormon Tracts No. 9." William Lang was an apprentice under Oliver Cowdery in Tiffin Ohio from 1840 to 1842, and died on Jan 21, 1893. No copies of the original letter are known to be extant, and no images of the Neal tracts are available online. It was reprinted in 1914 in The True Origin of the Book of Mormon, which can be read here. Other documents printed by Neal are suspected to be forgeries.)

The Indiana Democrat, Indiana, PA, November 25, 1869, Vol 8, No 30, pg 1

Mention of Publication Attempt

The Indiana Democrat

Nov 25, 1869

Our correspondent and Mr. Miller have overlooked a fact in this history that gives much force to their theory. Many years ago the manuscripts of Spalding were sent to the Pittsburgh Gazette for publication. For want of funds or some other reason the manuscripts remained unpublished for some time; and it is alleged that the celebrated Sidney Rigdon, a former citizen of Allegheny county, who joined in the Mormon movement, by some means got possession of the tale or dream of poor Spalding, and together with Joe, Smith, conjured out of it the most original and infamous religion of the nineteenth century. -- (Eds. Rev. & Ex.)

Mary Brown Firmage interview with Richard S. Van Wagoner, 11 Aug 1986. Van Wagoner papers, Marriott Library

Mary Woodward Interview

Mary Brown Firmage Woodward

11 Aug, 1986

The stone was not chocolate brown but rather the color of brown sugar. It was 3-4 inches long, 2 inches wide, and had a hump in the middle which made it perhaps 2 inches think at the thickest point. It was flat on the bottom and had three black, concentric circles on the top ½ inch. Below the circles were many small black circles. The stone was not transparent.

(Note: Please contact me if you have any information regarding this interview.)

The Saints' Herald, Vol 29, No 12, pg 189

David Whitmer according to J. W. Chatburn

J. W. Chatburn

15 Jun, 1882

We asked him if his testimony was the same now as it was at the time the Book of Mormon was published, regarding seeing the plates and the angel. He rose to his feet, stretched out his hands and said: "These hands handled the plates, these eyes saw the angel, and these ears heard his voice; and I know it was of God."

M. J. Interview with David Whitmer, cited in

David Whitmer Interview

M. J. Hubble

13 Nov, 1886

Joseph Smith was informed that for his transgressing the command, to keep it always under his care, he would be punished and the "gift" of reading through the spectacles was taken from him for about 3 months & never was allowed to see the "plates" again but at the end of his punishment, he was told that he might translate the book of Mormon, instead of the book of Lehigh but would not be permitted to see the "plates" that the "Characters" would appear before him & when he translated correctly they would disappear & new ones come in their place if not translated correctly the first time they would remain until they were which in several instances he knew to be true because he said Joseph Smith was a man of limited education could hardly write legibly...
He said Smith translated by means of a pair of large bound Spectacles ie the "Book of Mormon", that the Characters would appear in the air & stay until correctly translated and then disappear that Smith was ignorant of the Bible that when translating he first came to where Jerusalem was spoken of as a "Walled City" he stopped until they got a Bible & showed him where the fact was recorded - Smith not believing it was a walled city.

(Note: This is taken from a handwritten account of an interview M. J. Hubble had with David Whitmer on November 13, 1886 in Richmond, MO. An image of the original document, part of the Hubble Family Papers, is not available online. A full transcript is given in this document.)

Bangor Daily Whig & Courier, January 23, 1872, Vol 39, No 20

Presbyterian Banner Statement

The Presbyterian Banner

Jan 17, 1872

The Presbyterian banner says: "A project is on foot to erect a monument over the grave of the Rev. Mr. Spaulding, in Amity churchyard, Washington County, Pennsylvania, who wrote for his own amusement, and that of his friends, the romance which afterwards became the 'Book of Mormon.' Mr. Spaulding placed the manuscript in the hands of the late Rev. Robert Patterson, father of one of the editors of this paper, who was then engaged in the publishing business, and while it was in this establishment, it was copied by Sidney Rigdon, then in his employ, by whom it was afterwards conveyed to Joseph Smith.

(Note: No images of the original article are available online. Our image and text come from the January 23, 1872 edition of the Bangor Daily Whig & Courier.)

Early History of the Disciples, by Amos S. Hayden, 1875, pgs 239-240

Darwin Atwater Letter

Darwin Atwater

Apr 26, 1873

...March 21, 1830, I was ordained elder, (in my youth), and Bro. Seth Harmon was ordained deacon - Adamson Bentley officiating.
At this time, Oliver Snow, an old member of the Baptist church, united with us. His talents, age and experience, ought to have been very useful to us, but they were more frequently exercised in finding fault with what we attempted to do, than in assisting us. This only increased our embarrassment. Soon after this, the great Mormon defection came on us. Sidney Rigdon preached for us, and notwithstanding his extravagantly wild freaks, he was held in high repute by many. For a few months before his professed conversion to Mormonism, it was noticed that his wild, extravagant propensities had been more marked. That he knew before of the coming of the book of Mormon is to me certain, from what he said the first of his visits at my father's, some years before. He gave a wonderful description of the mounds and other antiquities found in some parts of America, and said that they must have been made by the Aborigines. He said there was a book to be published containing an account of those things. He spoke of these in his eloquent, enthusiastic style, as being a thing most extraordinary. Though a youth then, I took him to task for expending so much enthusiasm on such a subject, instead of things of the gospel. In all my intercourse with him afterward he never spoke of antiquities, or of the wonderful book that should give account of them, till the book of Mormon really was published. He must have thought I was not the man to reveal that to.

The Saints' Herald, 15 Oct, 1876, Vol 23, No 20, pg 628

William Small Recollection of 1841 meeting with Robert Patterson

William Small

Sep 13, 1876

   While I was living in Pittsburgh in 1841, at the time so much was said of the Book of Mormon, and in connection with the Solomon Spaulding Story. It was stated that the Spaulding manuscript was placed in Mr. Patterson's hands for publication, and that Sidney Rigdon was connected with him at the time. In connection with John E. Page I called upon General Patterson, the publisher, and asked him the following questions, and received his replies as given:
   Q. -- Did Sidney Rigdon have any connection with your office at the time you had the Solomon Spaulding manuscript?
   A. -- No.
   Q. -- Did Sidney Rigdon obtain the Spaulding story at that office?
   A. -- No.
   He also stated to us that the Solomon Spaulding manuscript was brought to him by the widow of Solomon Spaulding to be published, and that she offered to give him half the profits for his pay, if he would publish it; but after it had laid there for some time, and after he had due time to consider it, he determined not to publish it. She then came and received the manuscript from his hands, and took it away. He also stated that Sidney Rigdon was not connected with the office for several years afterwards. Gen. Patterson also made affidavit to the above statement.
   Your brother in Christ,
   WILLIAM SMALL.

Exmormon Foundation 2012 Conference

Grant Palmer description of seer stones in church vault

Grant Palmer

20 Oct, 2012

   In 1965, my professor James Clayton at the University of Utah in history, he says "why don't you join us? We're having a seminar on mormon stuff, and Leonard Arrington," who used to be our church historian, "is organizing it," and it was, like, six weeks, guest speaker. Well the last speaker was Earl Olson. He was at the time assistant church historian. Leonard Arrington was not yet our church historian. And, right at the end he says "Earl, how about going down to the archives and maybe you could open the First Presidency's vault and we could see some artifacts." He says "okay."
   So thirteen of us went down and I think most of them are dead. I was about the youngest guy in that session, and I didn't know the significance of it at the time, but he brought out some handwriting of Joseph Smith, some of his hair, and three seer stones that belonged to Joseph Smith.
   One of them was a little white stone, about like that, and it was shaped like a baby's foot, and for years I thought "what does that mean?" Well you know when you stamp a baby's foot on a blessing book, or a baby book, it's kind of narrow at one end and then as it gets up to the toes it gets wider, and that's what it looked like - a white stone, small, about the size of a baby foot, and shaped like a baby's foot.
   And then there was another stone that looked like milk chocolate. It was the size of a softball, about like that. And it's like someone had molded mud and had dried mud in a ditch or nearly dried and put it together, and you could still see the finger marks to mold that stone that had become extremely hard. In fact I tried to, you know, test the end of one of the, and it was, I couldn't even break it, not that I was trying, but it was just solid rock, and it had a handle on it so you could carry it. They had molded the stone and then added a little cup-like saucer handle on it so you could carry the thing around. That was another seer stone of Joseph Smith's.
   And then of course the third one was the one he used for the complete translation of the Book of Mormon, the one we have today - very significant stone - almost black with white streaks in it, bigger than a chicken's egg, smaller than a turkey egg, about like that. He found it in a well in Clark Chase's property, which is very close to the Smith family, and of course being curious I got right up to it, and I couldn't see a thing in it.
   But I didn't know how significant that was. I had just graduated from the University of Utah in history, and I'd seen all three stones, and come to find out that's almost unheard of. There's just no one. And so I thought "wow" because I didn't think that much of it at the time. I thought everybody got to see that.
   So when I did my book Insider's View I tried to get a picture of it. There are no pictures of that stone. Joseph Smith does not mention that he used that stone in the official history of the church. I suggested they may want to take a picture in case the stone disappeared, at least they'd have a picture. That argument went nowhere. But that stone helps you understand early mormonism, and if you don't understand their mindset, you really don't understand early mormonism.

Naked Truths About Mormonism, Vol 1, No 2, pg 1, col 5

Martin Harris in Reuben P. Harmon Statement

Reuben P. Harmon

16 Dec, 1884

I was well acquainted with Martin Harris, who was often at my house for days at a time. I have questioned him much about the plates from which the "Book of Mormon" purports to have been translated. He never claimed to have seen them with his natural eyes, only spiritual vision.

An Address To All Believers in Christ, 1887, pgs 11-12

David Whitmer in An Address to All Believers in Christ

I testify to the world that I am an eye-witness to the translation of the greater part of the Book of Mormon. Part of it was translated in my father's house in Fayette, Seneca County, N. Y. Farther on I give a description of the manner in which the book was translated...
I will now give you a description of the manner in which the Book of Mormon was translated. Joseph Smith would put the seer stone into a hat, and put his face in the hat, drawing it closely around his face to exclude the light; and in the darkness the spiritual light would shine. A piece of something resembling parchment would appear, and on that appeared the writing. One character at a time would appear, and under it was the interpretation in English. Brother Joseph would read off the English to Oliver Cowdery, who was his principal scribe, and when it was written down and repeated to Brother Joseph to see if it was correct, then it would disappear, and another character with the interpretation would appear. Thus the Book of Mormon was translated by the gift and power of God, and not by any power of man...

Pittsburgh Telegraph, July 18, 1876, Vol 4

Sidney Rigdon Obituary

Pittsburgh Telegraph

Jul 18, 1876

The early history of Mormonism is intimately blended with the history of this county and of Western Pennsylvania, the Book of Mormon -- the bible of the polygamists -- having been printed in this city, and two of the most noted founders of the "twin relic" having had "a local habitation and a name" in our midst. Solomon Spalding, the author of the Book of Mormon, lived in this city from 1812 to 1814, when he removed to Amity, Washington County, where he died and was buried. Sidney Rigdon, who died in Friendship, Alleghany County, N. Y., on Friday last, was born in St. Clair Township, this county, Feb. 19, 1793. The manuscript of the Book of Mormon was set up in a printing office in Pittsburg in 1812, with which young Rigdon was connected. Soon after getting possession of a copy of Spalding's manuscript he left the printing office and became a preacher of doctrines peculiar to himself and very similar to those afterward incorporated into the Book of Mormon. He gained a small number of converts to his views, when about 1829 he became associated with Joseph Smith. It is asserted that through Rigdon's agency Smith became possessed of a copy of Spalding's manuscript. Smith and Rigdon then set about to establish a Church having at first vague and confused ideas as to its nature and design, but with the Book of Mormon as their text and authority, they began to preach this new gospel; and Smith's family and a few of his associates, together with some of Rigdon's followers, were soon numerous enough to constitute the Mormon Church, as it was styled by the people around them, or the Latter Day Saints, as they presently began to call themselves. The Church was organized in Manchester, New York, in 1830.

(Note: This obituary, along with others similar to it, received wide recirculation in other newspapers at the time.)

Who Wrote the Book of Mormon?, by Robert Patterson, 1882, pg 9

Robert P. Da Bois Letter

Robert P. Da Bois

Jan 9, 1879

Rev, Robert P. Du Bois, of New London, Pa., under date of Jan. 9; 1879, writes: "I entered the book-store of R. Patterson & Lambdin in March, 1818, when about twelve years old, and remained there until the summer of 1820, The firm had under its control. the book-store on Fourth Street, a book-bindary, a printing office (not newspaper, but job-office, under the name of Butler & Lambdin), entrance on Diamond Alley, and a steam paper-mill on the Allegheny (under the name of R. & J. Patterson). I knew nothing of Spaulding (then dead) or of his book, or of Sidney Rigdon."

Naked Truths About Mormonism, Vol 1, No 1, pg 2, col 6

William Hine's account

Soon I learned that Jo claimed to be translating the plates in Badger's Tavern, in Colesville, three miles from my house. I went there and saw Jo Smith sit by a table and put a handkerchief to his forehead and peek into his hat and call out a word to Cowdery, who sat at the same table and wrote it down. Several persons sat near the same table and there was no curtain between them.

(Note: No images of this source are available online. Please contact me if you have any information.)

David Whitmer, interview by Zenas H. Gurley Jr., 14 Jan. 1885, typescript, LDS archives.

David Whitmer Interview with Zenas H. Gurley

   1 Q -- Do you know that the plates seen with the Angel (on the table) were real metal, did you touch them?
   Ans We did not touch nor handle the plates.

   2 Q -- Was the table literal wood; or was the whole a vision such as often occurs in dreams &c?
   Ans -- The table had the appearance of literal wood as shown in the vision, in the glory of God.

   3 Q -- Did you see the Urim and Thummim, what was it?
   Ans -- I saw the "Interpreters" in the holy vision, They looked like whitish stones put in the rim of a bow, looked like spectacles only much larger.

   ...9 Q. Who was the Angel that showed the plates to you and Cowdery and have these plates been seen since?
   Ans -- I do not know as no name was given. I have never seen the plates since.

The Daily Evening Reporter, February 5, 1879, Vol 3, No 781

Joseph Miller Third Statement

Joseph Miller, Sr.

Jan 30, 1879

   I was well acquainted with Mr. Spaulding while he lived in Amity, Pa. I would say he was 55 to 60 years of age; in person, tall and spare, and considerably stooped, caused in part, I think, from a severe rupture. His hair was quite gray. He was chaste in language and dignified in manner, becoming his profession. I never heard him preach, think he never preached at A.; said he had quit preaching on account of ill health. He kept a public house or tavern of the character common at that day. He died of dysentery in 1816, (in the fall, I think), after an illness of six or eight weeks. Dr. Chephas Dodd attended him.
   I watched with him many nights during this illness. After he died I made his coffin and superintended his burial. One night when near his end, he told me he thought he should die, and requested me to assist his wife in settling his estate; accordingly I, with Col. Thomas Venom went on her bond as administratrix, and I helped her close it up.
   Mrs. Spaulding was intelligent and of pleasing manners, with fair complexion, and say, from 35 to 40 years of age.
   A child of fair complexion and about 14 years of age, lived with them here, think she was their daughter as she bore the Spaulding name.
   Mr. S. was poor but honest. I endorsed for him twice to borrow money. His house was a place of common resort especially in the evening. I was prosecuting my trade (carpenter) in the village and frequented his house. Mr. S. seemed to take delight in reading from his manuscript (written on foolscap) for the entertainment of his frequent visitors, heard him read most, if not all of it, and had frequent conversations with him about it.
   Sometime ago, I had in my possession, for about six months, the book of Mormon and heard most of it read during the time. I was always forcibly struck with the similarity of the portions of it which purported to be of supernatural origin to the quaint style and peculiar language that had made so deep an impression on my mind when hearing the manuscript read by Mr. S. For instance, the very frequent repetition of the phrase, "and it came to pass." Then on hearing read the account from the book of the battle between the Amalekites and the Nephites, in which the soldiers of one army had placed a red mark on their foreheads to distinguish them from their enemies, it seemed to reproduce in my mind not only the narrative, but the very words as they had been impressed on my mind by the reading of Spaulding's manuscript.
   The object of Mr. S. in writing the manuscript found as I understood, was to employ an invalid's lovely imagination, and to supply a romantic history of those last [sic - lost?] races or tribes, whose true history remains buried with their dust beneath those mysterious mounds, so common in a large portion of our country.
   Its publication seemed to be an after thought, most likely suggested by pecuniary embarrassment. My recollection is that Mr. S. had left a transcript of the manuscript with Mr. Patterson, of Pittsburgh, Pa., for publication, that its publication was delayed until Mr. S. would write a preface, and in the mean time the transcript was spirited away and could not be found. Mr. S. told me that Sidney Rigdon had taken it, or that he was suspicioned for it. Recollect distinctly that Rigdon's name was used in that connection.
   The longer I live the more firmly I am convinced that Spaulding's MS. was appropriated and largely used in getting up the Book of Mormon. I believe, that leaving out of the book the portion that may be easily recognised as the work of Joe Smith and his accomplices that Solomon Spaulding may be truly said to be its author. I have not a doubt of it.
   If my life has been prolonged, that I might assist in exposing so base a fraud, and if I shall be permitted to see this abominable delusion dispelled, I shall console myself with the thought that I have not lived in vain.

(Note: This account, made "in substance," was relayed to the reported by Miller's "old life long friend" Dr. William W. Sharp after an interview they had together. No images appear to be available online. Please contact us if you have any information.)

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Orson Pratt Statement 1

Orson Pratt

11 Feb, 1872

The great and last battle, in which several hundred thousand Nephites perished was on the hill Cumorah, the same hill from which the plates were taken by Joseph Smith, the boy about whom I spoke to you the other evening.

Moyle diary, June 28, 1885

David Whitmer according to James Moyle diary

James Henry Moyle

28 Jun, 1885

Mr. D. Withmer Sen did not handel the plates. Only seen them, says Martin Haris and Cowdry did so they say! Says he did see them and the angel and heard him speak. But that was indiscribable that it was through the power of God (and was possibly [in the spirit] at least) he then spoke of Paul hearing and seeing Christ but his associates did not. Because it is only seen in the Spirit.
I was not fully satisfied with the ex=planation. It was more spiritual than I anticipated.

(Note: No images of James Moyle's diary are available online. Please contact me if you have any information.)

Pittsburgh Telegraph, Feb. 8, 1879, No 1799

Recollection of Early Sidney Rigdon Sermon

Anonymous Correspondent

Feb 7, 1879

   It is not far from sixty years since these sermons were preached, and, to this day, I picture the man in my memory, as he stood in the pulpit pouring forth the strains of fervid eloquence to a house full to repletion, as if it were only yesterday.
   One Sunday he preached three sermons from the following text (quoting from memory, I may not give the exact language of scripture) "And in the days of these kings shall the God of Heaven set up a kingdom that shall not be left to the hands of other people, but it shall break in pieces all other kingdoms and shall stand forever." No one ever tired under him, although he would preach more than an hour.
   After he turned Mormon it was supposed that he had something of the kind in his mind when he preached from that text. Be this as it may, they were three excellent sermons. I would like to know how many of those living at this day heard him on these occasions? Oh how many thousands are now sleeping in our "silent cities of the dead" who were among the busy ones thronging our thoroughfares in the days of Sidney Rigdon!

(Note: Sidney Rigdon served in the church described above from 1822 and 1823.)

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Orson Pratt Statement 2

Orson Pratt

6 Apr, 1874

In the latter part of the year in which Jesus was put to death, he descended among a certain portion of the people on this continent, gathered in the northern part of what we term South America.

Nathan Tanner, Jr., Journal, 13 May 1886, LDS Church History Library, pgs 54-55

David Whitmer according to Nathan Tanner

Nathan Tanner, Jr

13 May, 1886

He then explained that he saw the plates and with his natural eyes, but he had to be prepared for it-that he and the other witnesses were overshadowed by the power of God and a halo of brightness indescribable

(Note: No images of Tanner's journal are available online. Please contact me if you have any information.)

Presbyterian Banner, Wednesday, February 12, 1879, Vol 65, No 24

John A. McKinstry Statement

Presbyterian Banner

Feb 12, 1879

   To the testimony of which the above is a brief sketch, the following facts may be added as not devoid of interest in connection with the history of this colosal fraud:
   Mr. McKinstry, a son of the late Dr. McKinstry of Monson, Mass., and the grandson of Rev. S. Spaulding, says that his grandmother came East from Ohio to live with her daughter at Monson many years ago, bringing the manuscript of his grandfather's romance with her. Before her death a plausible young man from Boston came to see and get the Spaulding writing. It was a time of considerable excitement concerning the Mormons, and he claimed to represent some Christian people who wanted to expose Mormonism. He therefore begged the loan of the manuscript for publication. Much against the wishes of Mrs. Dr. McKinstry, the daughter of Mrs. Spaulding (now Davidson) she consented to let her husband's unpublished romance be taken away. Nothing was ever heard of it again, and the family have always considered that the bland young gentleman was an agent of Brigham Young to destroy this convincing evidence that Joe Smith's Mormon Bible was of very earthly origin.
   The widow of Mr. Spaulding and her daughter, Mrs. Dr. McKinstry, had compared the Mormon Bible with the romance of the "Manuscript Found," and stated that they were essentially the same -- that the similarity was so overwhelming as to leave no doubt on their minds but that Joe Smith or Sidney Rigdon had copied it in full and made out of it bodily, the divine revelation -- as a special revelation from God on plates of gold engraven by his own hand -- and that after being translated they were taken back to heaven.
   The Springfield (Mass.) Republican gives its testimony in these words: The story of how the Rev. Mr, Spaulding came to prepare his romance, which Mr. McKinstry remembers as a child to have seen, is very interesting. Mr. Spaulding was out of the active ministry in Ohio, and employed his leisure moments in weaving a romance. It was at the time when the Mound Builders were creating wild excitement and interest -- the implements of cookery and war being unearthed showing the existence of a forgotten race. This furnished the inspiration for the chronicles of the story writen. He entitled the production the "Manuscript Found," the idea being that the romance written by Mr. Spaulding was dug up out of one of the mounds in the region. It was a history of Ancient America, not all written at once, but as leisure and fancy occurred to him, Mr. Spaulding would add to it. His writing was no secret in the neighborhood. In that then frontier region, with few opportunities for literary enjoyment. Rev. Mr. Spaulding was prevailed upon to read to his neighbors. It was written in Bible phraseology and made as quaintly old as possible, so as to carry out the idea of its alleged mound origin.

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Orson Pratt Statement 3

Orson Pratt

25 Aug, 1878

Thirty-six years prior to this time his nation was destroyed in what we term the State of New York, around about a hill, called by that people the Hill of Cumorah, when many hundreds of thousands of the Nephites-men, women and children, fell, during the greatest battle that they had had with the Lamanites.

The Daily Inter Ocean, Chicago, IL, 17 Oct, 1886, Vol 15, No 207, pg 17

David Whitmer in Chicago Newspaper

It was not long after this incident that Whitmer while plowing in the field one afternoon, was visited by Smith and Oliver Cowdery who requested him to accompany them into the woods for the purpose of witnessing a manifestation which should qualify him and Cowdery to testify as witnesses of the divine authenticity of the Book of Mormon; for Smith explained that this action was in pursuance of clearly defined instructions received from an angel of the Lord. The woods were not distant more than a stone's throw from the farm house and thither they repaired and engaged in "fervent prayer." All of a sudden, Mr. Whitmer says, he beheld a dazzlingly brilliant light that surpassed in brightness even the sun at noonday and which seemed to envelope the woods for a considerable distance around. Simultaneous with the light came a strange entrancing influence which permeated him so powerfully that he felt chained to the spot, while he also experienced a sensation of joy absolutely indescribable. While trying to realize what had come over him, there appeared immediately in front of the little party, a personage clothed in white, and near him a table containing a number of gold plates, some brass plates, the urim and thummum, the sword of Laban, and some other articles. Whitmer and Cowdery were requested by the personage to examine these things, and after the inspection they were told that the Lord would demand of them that they bear witness to all the world. Mr. Whitmer describes every detail of the "vision" with great precision and much fervency, and insists that he handled and scrutinized the plates, and that the form and appearance of the strangely engraved characters were so impressed upon his memory that he would never forget them.

Letter from Elizabeth Ann Whitmer Cowdery to her brother David Whitmer, 8 Mar, 1887

Oliver Cowdery, according to his wife

Elizabeth Ann Whitmer Cowdery

8 Mar, 1887

   Dear Brother David:--I, Elizabeth Cowdery, wife of Oliver Cowdery, do make the following statements: That my husband, Oliver Cowdery, bore his testimony to the truth and divine origin of the Book of Mormon, as one of the three witnesses of the Book of Mormon; as to his standing on doctrine he stood where he did when he preached the first sermon; that was preached in the last days in the Church of Christ in 1829, when the Bible and the Book of Mormon alone were the guide to the faith of the church. From the hour when the glorious vision of the Holy Messenger revealed to mortal eyes the hidden prophecies which God had promised his faithful followers should come forth in due time, until the moment when he passed away from earth. He always without one doubt or shudder of turning affirmed the divinity and truth of the Book of Mormon. "God's promises never fail."

   From your Sister,

   Elizabeth Cowdery.

(Note: No images of this letter are available online. Please contact me if you have any information.)

An Address To All Believers in Christ, 1887, pg 27

David Whitmer - An Address to All Believers in Christ

If you believe my testimony to the Book of Mormon; if you believe that God spake to us three witnesses by his own voice, then I tell you that in June, 1838, God spake to me again by his own voice from the heavens, and told me to "separate myself from among the Latter Day Saints, for as they sought to do unto me, so should it be done unto them."

Pittsburgh Commercial Gazette, Feb 17, 1879, Vol 93, No 176

Sidney Rigdon Tannery Claim

Feb 15, 1879

   To the Editors of the Commercial Gazette:
   Your "Question of Authorship," relating to the origin of Mormonism, in today's issue, leads me to drop you this item. So far back as 1822 the firm of Patterson & Lambdin, (a shade of doubt about the last name of the firm) did business as Publishers, Bookbinders and Booksellers, at the southeast corner of the Diamond and Market street. At the same time Sidney Rigdon, tanner and currier, had his tan-yard and shop on Penn street, on the lot running from Penn avenue to Allegheny above Ninth street. The shop stood where the Drs. Dicksons' office now is. In 1841 the administrators of my father's estate found among the papers an unpaid note bearing Rigdon's signature. It was not long after 1822 that Rigdon was reported to have gone to Eastern Ohio.
   After the Book of Mormon had appeared, it was remembered by many who read it, and by the members of Mr. Spaulding's family, that parts of it were a reproduction of a manuscript which had been sent to the Patterson firm. I think this firm went out of the publishing part of their business about that time. Putting these things together, it is likely that, in the business transactions between book-binder and tanner, Sidney Rigdon took the Spaulding manuscript to Ohio, and he became the real, whilst Joseph Smith was the ostensible originator of the Mormon fraud. Rigdon was for a time one of the "Twelve Apostles" of that system, but never gave his assent to its teachings on polygamy. He visited Pittsburgh between 1844 and 1850. As a singular coincidence, in 1841, one of the early residents of Pittsburgh told me that she was at a meeting in a Baptist church in Pittsburgh, and on that evening, Sidney Rigdon and Alexander Campbell both dissolved their connection with the Baptist denomination. The influence of both, as founders of schools of religious thought, has been widely extended, although of very different notions and tendencies.

Y.
PARNASSUS, PA., Feb 15, 1879.

(Note: A currier prepared leather for special use by treating the rawhide with certain chemicals, trimming it to a uniform thickness, and polishing its outer surface.)

Anthony Metcalf, Ten Years Before the Mast, n.d., microfilm copy, pgs 70-71

Martin Harris Interview with Anthony Metcalf

Anthony Metcalf

1888

"I never saw the golden plates, only in a visionary or entranced state. I wrote a great deal of the Book of Mormon myself, as Joseph Smith translated or spelled the words out in English. Sometimes the plates would be on a table in the room in which Smith did the translating, covered over with a cloth. I was told by Smith that God would strike him dead if he attempted to look at them, and I believed it. When the time came for the three witnesses to see the plates, Joseph Smith, myself, David Whitmer and Oliver Cowdery, went into the woods to pray. When they had engaged in prayer, they failed at the time to see the plates or the angel who should have been on hand to exhibit them. They all believed it was because I was not good enough, or in other words, not sufficiently sanctified. I withdrew. As soon as I had gone away, the three others saw the angel and the plates. In about three days I went into the woods to pray that I might see the plates. While praying I passed into a state of entrancement, and in that state I saw the angel and the plates."

(Note: No images of this publication are available online. Please contact me if you have any information.)

Who Wrote the Book of Mormon?, by Robert Patterson, 1882, pg 11

A. G. Kirk recollection of John Winter

A. G. Kirk

March 23, 1879

Rev. John Winter, M.D., was one of the early ministers of the Baptist Church, laboring in Western Pennsylvania, and Eastern Ohio. During a portion of the time when Sidney Rigdon was pastor of the First Baptist Church in Pittsburgh, Dr. Winter was teaching a school in the same city, and was well acquainted with Rigdon. Upon one occasion during this period, 1822-23, Dr. Winter was in Rigdon's study, when the latter took from his desk a large manuscript and said in substance, "A Presbyterian minister, Spaulding, whose health had failed, brought this to the printer to see if it would pay to publish it. It is a romance of the Bible." Dr. Winter did not read any part of it, and paid no more attention to it until after the Book of Mormon appeared, when he heard that Mr. Spaulding's widow recognized in it the writings of her husband.
The authority for the above statement is Rev. A. G. Kirk, to whom Dr. Winter communicated it in a conversation at New Brighten, Pa., in 1870-71. Dr. Winter died at Sharon, Pa., in 1878. Mr. Kirk conveyed this information to the present writer by letter, March 23, 1879.

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James Talmage Account in Articles of Faith

James E. Talmage

1899

On the occasion of Moroni's first visit to Joseph Smith, the angelic visitor declared the existence of the record, which, he said, was engraved on plates of gold, at that time lying buried in the side of a hill near Joseph's home. The hill, which was known by one division of the ancient peoples as Cumorah, by another as Ramah, is situated near Palmyra in the county of Wayne, State of New York.

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William Cowdery 1800 Census record in Wells

U.S. Census Bureau

1800

Anthony Metcalf, Ten Years Before the Mast, n.d., microfilm copy, pgs 70-71

David Whitmer Interview with Anthony Metcalf