The Witnesses
Those who testified they saw and handled the plates. 360 accounts from 1827 to 1954.
❮ All historical sources
1820s
- Katherine — Herbert S. Salisbury (grandson) (1827, recorded 1945) — Herbert S. Salisbury (grandson) — “saw a package [...] hefted those plates”
- Katherine — Herbert S. Salisbury (grandson) (1827, recorded 1954) — Herbert S. Salisbury (grandson) — “she saw a package [...] hefted those plates”
- Lucy Mack Smith (1827, recorded 1845)
- Lucy Mack Smith (1827, recorded 1845)
- Lucy Mack Smith (1827, recorded 1845) — “hide the plates”
- Luman Walters — Lucy Mack Smith (1827, recorded 1845) — Lucy Mack Smith
- Noble's reminiscence of mob trying to steal the plates. (1827, recorded 1866) — Mary Adeline Noble
- Willard Chase — Lucy Mack Smith (1827, recorded 1845) — Lucy Mack Smith
- Martin Harris is described as being an "honest" and "industrous" farmer. (1829) — Jonathan Hadley — “the Bible was found [...] a huge pair of Spectacles”
- Oliver Cowdery to W. W. Phelps, Letter I (1834-09-07) (1829, recorded 1834) — Oliver Cowdery — “a voice dictated by the inspiration of heaven”
- Oliver Cowdery, "Valedictory" (February 1837) (1829, recorded 1837) — Oliver Cowdery
- Oliver Cowdery to Phineas Young (1846-03-23) (1829, recorded 1846) — Oliver Cowdery
- Oliver Cowdery to David Whitmer (1847-07-28) (1829, recorded 1848) — Oliver Cowdery
- Oliver Cowdery to Samuel W. Richards (1849-01-13) (1829, recorded 1849) — Oliver Cowdery — “showed the witnesses the plates”
- Oliver Cowdery, in a letter to C. C. Blatchley, reports that the plates were "laid before" the witnesses by an angel. (1829) — Oliver Cowdery — “we saw the record [...] by an angel”
- Eight Witnesses — Lucy Mack Smith (1829, recorded 1845) — Lucy Mack Smith — “looked upon [the plates] and handled them”
- Lucy Mack Smith, History, 1845, 155–157, The Joseph Smith Papers website, accessed August 11, 2021. (1829, recorded 1845) — Lucy Mack Smith — “looked upon [the plates] and handled them”
- Hyrum Smith — William Smith (1829, recorded 1883) — William Smith — “showed the plates [...] witnesses to the truth of the book”
- John C. Whitmer recalls experience of his grandmother, Mary Musselman Whitmer, seeing the plates. (1829, recorded 1901) — John C. Whitmer — “shown the plates [...] by a holy angel”
- John Whitmer — John Whitmer (1829, recorded 1847) — John Whitmer
- Martin Harris — Jonathan A. Hadley (1829) — Jonathan A. Hadley — “honest and industrious farmer [...] took some of the characters”
- Mary Whitmer shown the plates by the messenger (milking-the-cows narrative) (1829, recorded 1845) — Lucy Mack Smith
- Mary Whitmer — Elvia Pamala Mills Cox (1829, recorded 1958) — Elvia Pamala Mills Cox
- Moroni prophecies of the Three Witnesses in the Book of Ether. (1829) — Moroni — “know of a surety that these things are true”
- Mr. Grandin — Lucy Mack Smith (1829, recorded 1845) — Lucy Mack Smith
- Lucy Mack Smith on the Three Witnesses returning after their vision (1829, recorded 1845) — Lucy Mack Smith — “seen an angel [...] know for themselves”
- Three Witnesses Testimony statement in the Book of Mormon Printer's Manuscript. (1829) — Three Witnesses — “an angel of God came down from Heaven”
- Smith records Whitmer reaffirming his testimony and those of the other witnesses. (1829, recorded 1875) — William Smith — “Saw with their eyes [...] handled f with their hands”
1830s
- Joseph enters agreement to let Martin Harris sell copies of the BOM. (1830) — Joseph Smith, Jr.
- Sarah M. Kimball says Moroni appeared to her father and bore testimony of the BoM. (1830, recorded 1884) — Sarah M. Kimball
- Painesville Telegraph on Oliver Cowdery (1830-12-07) (1830) — Painesville Telegraph
- Palmyra Reflector on Oliver Cowdery (1831-02-14) (1830, recorded 1831) — Palmyra Reflector
- Painesville (Ohio) Telegraph reports that Oliver Cowdery claims he has seen angels. (1830) — Painesville (Ohio) Telegraph — “seen and conversed with Angels”
- Observer and Telegraph reporter mentions the Three Witnesses and reports on LDS missionary activity in Ohio. (1830) — Observer and Telegraph — “know of a surety it is true”
- C.C. Blatchley claims that Joseph and the 3 Witnesses informed him that the world must take their word for the existence of the plates. (1830) — C. C. Blatchley — “they affirm they have miraculously, or supernaturally beheld”
- Eight Witnesses testimony in published 1830 edition of the BOM. (1830) — Eight Witnesses — “we did handle with our hands [...] seen and hefted”
- John P. Green — Lucy Mack Smith (1830, recorded 1845) — Lucy Mack Smith
- Katherine — The Saints Herald (1830, recorded 1886) — The Saints Herald — “seeing the angel [...] Tongue can never express my feelings”
- Philo Dibble recounts hearing Oliver Cowdery preach that he saw an angel. (1830, recorded 1882) — Philo Dibble
- Ashbel Kitchell records conversation with Oliver Cowdery, who claimed to have seen an angel. (1830) — Ashbel Kitchell — “seen the Angel [...] bear testimony”
- Samuel H. Smith — Phineas Young (1830) — Phineas Young
- Published version of Three Witnesses testimony in 1830 edition of BOM. (1830) — Three Witnesses — “seen the plates [...] Angel of God came down”
- David Marks reports meeting the BOM witnesses in 1830, who affirmed they had seen an angel and the plates. (1830, recorded 1831) — David Marks — “an angel had shown them certain plates”
- William McLellin records in journal hearing David Whitmer bear testimony that he saw an angel. (1831) — William McLellin — “seen an Holy angel [...] made known the truth”
- Obadiah Dogberry reports that David Whitmer physically held and examined the plates. (1831) — Abner Cole — “found the book lying on the ground”
- William Owen reports that ten witnesses handled the plates. (1831) — William Owen — “sene [the plates] and hefted them”
- Joseph Smith translation/revelation of Moses 1; Moses says he beheld God with his "spiritual" eyes. (1831) — Moses (Bible)
- William W. Phelps relates to E. D. Howe that Martin Harris was bearing testimony of the BOM. (1831) — W. W. Phelps — “upon his soul's salvation that the book is true”
- E. D. Howe reports that Martin Harris was said to have handled the plates "by the power of God." (1831) — E. D. Howe — “seen and handled them all”
- William McLellin records preaching with Samuel Harrison Smith; mentions that Samuel bore testimony of the BoM. (1831) — William McLellin
- Ezra Booth says he heard the Three Witnesses preach their testimony in public; says they saw the plates by "faith or imagination." (1831) — Ezra Booth — “an angel appeared to them”
- Eight Witnesses — Whitmar (1831) — Whitmar — “found the book lying on the ground”
- William McLellin reports hearing Hyrum Smith bear testimony of the Book of Mormon. (1831) — William McLellin
- Peter Whitmer, Jr. records that Joseph Smith received a revelation and that Peter preached from the Book of Mormon. (1831) — Peter Whitmer, Jr.
- Alexander Campbell accuses the Book of Mormon witnesses of being dishonest. (1831) — Alexander Campbell — “handled as many of the brazen or golden leaves”
- Josiah Stowell reports having caught a glimpse of the plates. (1832) — Josiah Stowell — “saw a corner of [the golden Bible]”
- Daniel Tyler recalls hearing Samuel Harrison Smith bear his testimony of the BoM. (1832, recorded 1883) — Daniel Tyler — “handled them and seen the engravings”
- Unnamed LDS in Missouri writes letter to Oliver Cowdery, reports that Hiram Page was attacked by a mob. (1833) — Unknown
- John Corrill reports that Christian Whitmer was persecuted by a mob in Missouri. (1833) — John Corrill
- John P. Greene relates incident where David Whitmer was threatened by a mob if he didn't deny the Book of Mormon; says Whitmer refused to deny his testimony. (1833, recorded 1839) — John Portineus Greene
- Harrison Burgess records his vision of an angel showing him the BOM plates. (1833, recorded 1848) — Harrison Burgess — “a glorious personage [...] exhibited to my view the plates”
- Joseph Smith — Isaac Hale (1834) — Isaac Hale
- Revelation from Joseph identifying Martin Harris, David Whitmer, and Oliver Cowdery as the Three Witnesses. (1834) — Joseph Smith, Jr.
- E. D. Howe reports that Martin Harris had a reputation for honesty among his neighbors. (1834) — E. D. Howe — “shown the plates through the agency of an Angel”
- Isaac Hale recounts meeting Martin Harris in Harmony, PA, and of Martin wanting a "greater witness" of the plates. (1834) — Isaac Hale — “he must have a greater witness”
- Edward Stevenson recalls hearing the Three Witnesses bear testimony of the BOM. (1834, recorded 1893) — Edward Stevenson — “I saw the angel [...] I know my testimony is true”
- David Whitmer (1835) — David Whitmer
- John Whitmer — Oliver Cowdery (1835) — Oliver Cowdery — “seen, hefted and handled with his own hands”
- John Whitmer briefly mentions Three Witnesses in his ca. 1835–38 history. (1835) — John Whitmer — “knew and seen [...] showed them the Plates”
- Cowdery reports Whitmer's testimony of handling the plates. (1835) — Oliver Cowdery — “seen, hefted and handled with his own hands”
- Whitmer testifies of having handled the plates. (1836) — John Whitmer — “seen the plates [...] handled these plates”
- Oliver Cowdery (editor) on Oliver Cowdery at the Kirtland Temple dedication (1836-03) (1836) — Oliver Cowdery
- Cowdery reports that Christian Whitmer and Peter Whitmer Jr. maintained their testimonies of the BOM. (1836) — Oliver Cowdery
- Christian Whitmer and Peter Whitmer, Jr. — Oliver Cowdery (1836) — Oliver Cowdery
- Christian Whitmer — Oliver Cowdery (1836) — Oliver Cowdery
- John Whitmer — John Whitmer (1836) — John Whitmer — “seen the plates”
- John Whitmer — John Whitmer (1837) — John Whitmer — “seen the plates [...] handled these plates”
- David Whitmer is excommunicated by the Missouri High Council. (1838) — Missouri High Council
- Missouri High Council excommunicates John Whitmer. (1838) — Missouri High Council
- Sally Bradford Parker recounts Joseph and Lucy Mack Smith bearing testimony of handling the plates. (1838) — Sally Bradford Parker — “hefted and handled them”
- John Smith reports to George A. Smith that Martin Harris was "cut off" from the Church in December 1837 in Kirtland. (1838) — John Smith
- George A. Smith reports that Martin Harris bore testimony of the Book of Mormon to a group of Kirtland dissidents. (1838) — George A. Smith
- Parrish claims Harris says he only saw plates in vision. (1838) — Warren Parrish — “never saw the plates [...] except in vision”
- High Council in Zion (Missouri) excommunicates Oliver Cowdery. (1838) — Missouri High Council
- Burnett's letter claims witnesses confessed to not seeing the plates. (1838) — Stephen Burnett — “he knew it was true [...] hefted the plates repeatedly”
- Hyrum Smith — Sally Bradford Parker (1838) — Sally Bradford Parker — “seen the plates [...] handled them with his hands”
- Hyrum Smith — Sally Parker (1838) — Sally Parker — “seen the plates [...] handled them with his hands”
- Joseph Smith 1838 History describing the experience of the Three Witnesses. (1838) — Joseph Smith, Jr. — “an angel stood before us [...] he held the plates”
- Joseph's 1838 history account of plates and stone box. (1838) — Joseph Smith, Jr. — “did I behold the plates”
- Lucy Mack Smith — Sally Parker (1838) — Sally Parker
- Martin Harris — Stephen Burnett (1838) — Stephen Burnett — “saw the plates [...] in vision or imagination”
- Warren Parrish says Martin Harris told him he saw the plates "in vision" and not with "natural eyes." (1838) — Warren Parrish — “saw the plates [...] but in a vision”
- Thomas B. Marsh on Oliver Cowdery (1857-11) (1838, recorded 1858) — Thomas B. Marsh — “saw the angel”
- John Whitmer informs Theodore Turley that the plates was shown to him "by a supernatural power" and that he handled the plates and "there was fine engravings on both sides." (1839) — John Whitmer — “handled those plates [...] supernatural power”
- Smith reaffirms his testimony after enduring persecution. (1839) — Hyrum Smith — “deny the things which my eyes had seen”
- John Whitmer — Theodore Turley (1839) — Theodore Turley — “handled those plates [...] supernatural power”
- Joseph's 1838/39 history describing the experience of the Three Witnesses. (1839) — Joseph Smith, Jr. — “an angel stood before us [...] he held the plates”
- Joseph describes plates as "gold plates." (1839) — Joseph Smith, Jr. — “a book deposited written upon gold plates”
- John Corrill briefly mentions Three Witnesses seeing an angel and the plates. (1839) — John Corrill — “by an Angel [...] saw the plates and handled them”
1840s
- William Lang on Oliver Cowdery (1880) (1840, recorded 1880) — William Lang
- William Lang to Thomas Gregg on Oliver Cowdery (1881-11-05, disputed) (1840, recorded 1881) — William Lang
- Harvey Gibson on Oliver Cowdery (1892-04-12) (1840, recorded 1892) — Harvey Gibson
- Funeral elegy for Joseph Smith Sr. identifies him as still faithful at time of death. (1840) — Times and Seasons
- Martin Harris — Orson Pratt (1840) — Orson Pratt
- Martin Harris — Parley P. Pratt (1840) — Parley P. Pratt
- John A. Clark reports how a "gentleman in Palmyra" was informed by Martin Harris that he saw the plates "with the eye of faith." (1840) — John A. Clark — “shown unto me by the power of God”
- Fielding says sister Mary Fielding says her husband Hyrum handled the plates. (1841) — Joseph Fielding — “has seen and handled the plates”
- Joel H. Johnson poetically says Oliver Cowdery "denied" the Book of Mormon. (1841) — Joel H. Johnson
- Joseph records David Whitmer and Oliver Cowdery, and then later, Martin Harris, seeing the plates and the angel Moroni. (1842) — Joseph Smith, Jr. — “heard the same things [...] mine eyes have beheld”
- John Whitmer — Theodore Turley (1842) — Theodore Turley — “I handled those plates”
- Martin Harris — Joseph Smith (1842) — Joseph Smith
- Newhall reports hearing Hyrum publicly testify of the Book of Mormon. (1843) — J. B. Newhall — “heard him declare [...] is God's solemn truth”
- Campbell mentions that Stowell handled the plates in letter to Joseph. (1843) — Martha Campbell — “took the Plates [...] has seen & believeed”
- Hyrum Smith — Salem Advertiser and Argus (1843) — Salem Advertiser and Argus — “[Hyrum Smith] declare [...] is God's solemn truth”
- Hyrum Smith — Angus M. Cannon (1844) — Angus M. Cannon — “heard the testimony [...] the appearance of the plates”
- Taylor writes Smith remained a BOM witness until his death. (1844) — John Taylor
- Hyrum Smith — Thomas Bullock (1844) — Thomas Bullock
- Samuel H. Smith — John Taylor (1844) — John Taylor
- Deacon Jessup — Lucy Mack Smith (1845) — Lucy Mack Smith
- Doctor Mcintyre — Lucy Mack Smith (1845) — Lucy Mack Smith
- Mr. Huzzy — Lucy Mack Smith (1845) — Lucy Mack Smith
- Lucy Mack Smith recalls incident where Joseph Smith, Sr., her husband, refused to denounce the BoM when pressured. (1845) — Lucy Mack Smith
- Lucy Mack Smith recalls handling the Urim and Thummim under a silk handkerchief. (1845) — Lucy Mack Smith — “took the article in my hands”
- Lucy retells experience of the 3 Witnesses. (1845) — Lucy Mack Smith — “plates to be shown [...] seen an angel”
- Jeremiah Cooper reports hearing Martin Harris bear testimony of the BOM. (1845) — Jeremiah Cooper
- George Q. Cannon on Oliver Cowdery (1881) (1845, recorded 1881) — George Q. Cannon — “beheld an angel of God [...] shown unto him the plates”
- John D. Lee recounts conversation with Luke Johnson, claims Johnsons was a "witness" of the BOM and signed a statement saying he say an angel and the plates. (1846, recorded 1877) — John D. Lee
- Martin Harris — George Mantle (1846) — George Mantle
- Page reaffirms his testimony; defends BOM. (1847) — Hiriam Page
- Hiram Page — Hiram Page (1847) — Hiram Page — “holy Angels who came and showed themselves to me”
- Strangite witnesses to the discovery of the Voree Plates describe their discovery. (1848) — Four Witnesses
- Cowdery reaffirms his testimony at council meeting; saw and handled the plates. (1848) — Oliver Cowdery — “beheld with my eyes [...] handled with my hands”
- Pottawattamie High Council minutes mentions Oliver Cowdery's rebaptism. (1848) — Pottawattamie High Council
1850s
- Hiram Page on Oliver Cowdery's death (1850-03-20) (1850, recorded 1886) — Hiram Page
- David Whitmer on Oliver Cowdery, interview by James H. Hart (1884-03-10) (1850, recorded 1884) — David Whitmer
- Elizabeth Ann Whitmer Cowdery on Oliver Cowdery (1887-03-08) (1850, recorded 1892) — Elizabeth Ann Whitmer Cowdery
- David H. Cannon Autobiography, recalling David Whitmer on Oliver Cowdery (1917-03-13) (1850, recorded 1917) — David H. Cannon
- James W. Bay records meeting with Martin Harris; says Harris bore testimony of the BOM. (1850) — James W. Bay — “knew it was true [...] he saw the plates”
- John Whitmer to Mark Forscutt on Oliver Cowdery (1876) (1850, recorded 1876) — John Whitmer
- Philander Page on Oliver Cowdery's deathbed (1907) (1850, recorded 1907) — Philander Page
- Andrew Jenson, quoting relatives present at the event, describes Oliver Cowdery's dying testimony. (1850, recorded 1901) — Andrew Jenson
- Orsamus Turner depicts Martin Harris as sincere and honest but superstitious. (1851) — Orsamus Turner
- James J. Strang's 1851 edition of the Book of the Law of the Lord identifying the witnesses to the Brass Plates. (1851) — James J. Strang — “examined [the plates] with our eyes”
- Lucy Mack Smith — Self (1853) — Self
- Martin Harris — David B. Dille (1853) — David B. Dille — “hold the plates on my knee [...] Yes, I did.”
- Ford claims 8 witnesses were self-deluded; never saw any plates. (1854) — Thomas Ford — “handle with their hands [...] saw the engravings thereon”
- Brigham Young relates that Oliver Cowdery did not deny his testimony even after apostatizing. (1855) — Brigham Young — “know that I saw [...] I know it is true”
- Manuscript History of the Church reports that Hyrum Smith bore testimony of the BOM before the martyrdom. (1855) — Manuscript History of the Church
- Jacob Whitmer — John C. Whitmer (1856, recorded 1888) — John C. Whitmer
- David Whitmer — Thomas B. Marsh (1857) — Thomas B. Marsh — “saw the angel”
- Thomas Marsh recounts asking hearing David Whitmer and Oliver Cowdery reaffirm their testimonies in the Book of Mormonr. (1858) — Thomas Marsh — “saw the angel”
- Young reports that Samuel Smith affirms he is one of the BOM witnesses; calls it a revelation and translation. (1858) — Phineas Young
- Thomas B. Marsh (1858) — Thomas B. Marsh
- Samuel H. Smith — Phineas H. Young (1858) — Phineas H. Young
- Harris affirms his testimony that he handled the plates. (1859) — Martin Harris — “hold the plates on my knee [...] Yes, I did.”
- Martin Harris — Joel Tiffany (1859) — Joel Tiffany
- Harris tells Tiffany that plates must have been lead or gold. (1859) — Martin Harris — “hefted the plates”
- Oliver Cowdery — Reuben Miller (1859) — Reuben Miller — “beheld with my eyes, and handled with my hands”
1870s
- Wilford Woodruff records Martin Harris's rebaptism. (1870) — Wilford Woodruff
- Martin Harris gives account of his experience as a BoM witness and affirms his wife hefted the plates. (1870) — Martin Harris — “hefted them & felt them”
- Newspaper report of a public discourse by Martin Harris, who is reported to have publicly reaffirmed his testimony in the Book of Mormon. (1870) — Iowa State Register — “seen and conversed with them”
- _Deseret Evening News_reports that Martin Harris bore his testimony of the BOM at General Conference. (1870) — Deseret Evening News
- Brigham Young says Oliver Cowdery never denied his testimony even after apostatizing. (1870) — Brigham Young
- William E. McLellan to my dear friends (1870) — William E. McLellan
- Fayette Lapham recalls interview with Joseph Smith, Sr. in 1830; says JS Sr. described the plates to him. (1870) — Fayette Lapham — “a set of gold plates”
- Martin Harris — Daily Iowa State Register (1870) — Daily Iowa State Register — “seen and conversed with them”
- Martin Harris — Martin Harris (1870) — Martin Harris
- Martin Harris reaffirms his testimony as a BoM witness; says an angel showed him the plates. (1870) — Martin Harris — “the angel did show to me the plates”
- William McLellin recalls Oliver Cowdery reaffirming testimony in the Book of Mormon while threatened by mob violence. (1871) — William McLellin — “God sent his holy Angel to declare the truth”
- Martin Harris — Martin Harris (1871) — Martin Harris — “administration of holy angels [...] signs following”
- Henry Moon (1872) — Henry Moon
- Henry Moon recounts his interview with David Whitmer, who reaffirmed his testimony to Moon and John Lefler. (1872) — Henry Moon
- Robert Aveson reports that Martin Harris testified to Edward Stevenson in 1874 of seeing "the plates and the inscriptions thereon." (1874) — Robert Aveson — “I saw the plates [...] I saw the angel”
- Eri B. Mullen (1874) — Eri B. Mullen — “would put them on and look in a hat”
- James Caffel (1874) — James Caffel
- Anthony Metcalf recounts conversation with Martin Harris, who spoke of being in a trance or vision when he saw the plates. (1874, recorded 1888) — Anthony Metcalf — “I saw the angel and the plates”
- David Whitmer to James N. Seymour (1875) — David Whitmer
- David Whitmer to unidentified gentleman (1875) — David Whitmer
- Brand reports that Whitmer reaffirmed published testimony. (1875) — John Whitmer — “bore his testimony to me concerning the truth”
- Whitmer reaffirms his testimony to Davis. (1875) — John Whitmer — “saw the plates [...] saw an angel”
- Martin Harris reaffirms his testimony of the BoM; says an angel showed him the plates. (1875) — Martin Harris — “deny the truth [...] angel that showed me the plates”
- Obituary for Martin Harris mentions that he maintained his testimony to his dying day and was buried with a copy of the Book of Mormon. (1875) — Deseret Evening News — “beholding an angel from heaven in his glory”
- Orson Pratt gives lengthy retelling of the experience of the Three Witnesses. (1875) — Orson Pratt — “saw an angel of God [...] heard a voice out of heaven”
- Chicago Times (1875) — Chicago Times — “seen the casket that contained the tablets and seerstone”
- David Whitmer — David Whitmer (1875) — David Whitmer
- John Whitmer — E. C. Brand (1875) — E. C. Brand — “bore his testimony to me concerning the truth”
- Thompson family history reports that Mary Penelope Thompson saw Martin Harris bear testimony on his deathbed. (1875, recorded 1973) — William Howard Thompson
- John Thompson recounts hearing Martin Harris affirm his testimony in the BOM. (1875, recorded 1922) — John Thompson
- William Pilkington writes letter explaining how he heard Martin Harris bear testimony of the BOM. (1875, recorded 1935) — William Pilkington — “Mine eyes have beheld the glory of God”
- Ole A. Jensen interviews Martin Harris who reaffirms his experience as a BoM witness. (1875) — Martin Harris — “saw the angel [...] heard the voice of God”
- Martin Harris is reported to have told Ole A. Jensen that he saw the plates and the angel; voice of God told him that the translation was true. (1875) — Ole A. Jensen — “saw the angel [...] heard the voice of God”
- David Whitmer to Herman C. Smith (1876) — David Whitmer
- Charles Derry recalls hearing Martin Harris say he "put his name" to the witness statement in the BOM. (1876) — Charles Derry
- Thomas Wood/Smith (1876) — Thomas Wood/Smith — “used the Urim and Thummim [...] translation of the inscriptions”
- Whitmer reaffirms his printed testimony. (1876) — John Whitmer
- Whitmer says he never heard any other witnesses recant their testimonies. (1876) — John Whitmer
- The _Chenango Union_ publishes an account by his granddaughter Mehitable Smith Many Doolittle of Joseph McKune Sr. handling the plates. (1877) — Mehitable Smith Many Doolittle — “take in his hands a pillow-case [...] it had leaves”
- Non-LDS account of handling plates in a pillowcase. (1877) — Chenango Union — “take in his hands a pillowcase [...] it had leaves”
- David Whitmer — Edward Stevenson (1877) — Edward Stevenson — “Angle Stood before us [...] Bore record of the truth”
- David Whitmer — Edward Stevenson (1877) — Edward Stevenson — “Angle Stood before us [...] Bore record of the truth”
- Edward Stevenson records meeting with David Whitmer, who reaffirmed his testimony of the Book of Mormon. (1877) — David Whitmer — “Angle Stood before us [...] Bore record of the truth”
- David Whitmer to Joseph Smith III (1878) — David Whitmer
- David Whitmer recalls each of the witnesses signing their name to the original statement, then Oliver Cowdery copying it. (1878) — Joseph F. Smith
- Whitmer affirms testimony of BOM plates in public. (1878) — I. C. Funn — “handled the identical golden plates”
- Saints' Herald reports that John Whitmer was reaffirming his testimony in early 1878. (1878) — The Saints' Herald
- Poulson reports John Whitmer's final testimony of the BoM. (1878) — Peter Wilhelm Poulson — “I did so [...] material as anything can be”
- John Whitmer — Poulson (1878) — Poulson — “that testimony is true [...] I did so”
- James R. B. Van Cleave to Joseph Smith III (1878) — James R. B. Van Cleave
- William Poulsen (1878) — William Poulsen — “I saw the angel [...] the angel stood before us”
- Orson Pratt/Joseph F. Smith (1878) — Orson Pratt/Joseph F. Smith
- Orson Pratt/Joseph F. Smith (1878) — Orson Pratt/Joseph F. Smith
- J.L. Traughber (1878) — J.L. Traughber — “spiritual light would shine forth [...] translation in English”
- David Whitmer — Joseph F. Smith (1878) — Joseph F. Smith — “overshadowed by a light [...] plates of the Book of Mormon”
- David Whitmer — Orson Pratt and Joseph F. Smith (1878) — Orson Pratt and Joseph F. Smith — “overshadowed by a light [...] plates of the Book of Mormon”
- David Whitmer — Orson Pratt and Joseph F. Smith (1878) — Orson Pratt and Joseph F. Smith — “overshadowed by a light [...] plates of the Book of Mormon”
- John Whitmer — I. C. Funn (1878) — I. C. Funn — “handled the identical golden plates”
- John Whitmer — I. C. Funn (1878) — I. C. Funn — “handled the identical golden plates [...] the hand of the angel”
- John Whitmer — Myron H. Bond (1878) — Myron H. Bond — “Joseph translated the ancient writing [...] 'saw and handled.'”
- John Whitmer — P. Wilhelm Poulson (1878) — P. Wilhelm Poulson — “I did so [...] material as anything can be”
- George Edward Anderson reports that John Whitmer was firm in his testimony before his death. (1878, recorded 1907) — George Edward Anderson
- Myron H. Bond recollects that John Whitmer "saw and handled" the plates. (1878) — Myron H. Bond — “Joseph translated the ancient writing [...] 'saw and handled.'”
- Interview with Emma; says she felt the plates. (1879) — Emma Hale Smith — “once felt of the plates [...] tracing their outline and shape”
- John Gilbert reports that Martin Harris told him he saw the plates with "spiritual eyes." (1879) — John Hulbert Gilbert — “seen the plates [...] with spiritual eyes”
- Emma Smith — Self (1879) — Self
1880s
- William McLellin writes to James T. Cobb, says he recalls David Whitmer's testimony in the BoM, which he (McLellin) still believes. (1880) — William McLellin
- Simon Smith recalls hearing Martin Harris bear testimony of the BOM on his deathbed. (1880) — Simon Smith — “saw and handled the plates [...] heard the voice of God”
- William E. McClellan to James T. Cobb (1880) — William E. McClellan
- David Whitmer to Kansas City Journal (1881) — David Whitmer — “stone in his hat [...] light and characters appeared”
- Kansas City Journal interviews David Whitmer, who reaffirms his testimony of the Book of Mormon. (1881) — David Whitmer — “saw them as plain as I see you now”
- Jesse R. Badham (1881) — Jesse R. Badham
- Kansas City Journal (1881) — Kansas City Journal — “overshadowed by a light [...] many golden plates”
- Chicago Times (1881) — Chicago Times — “saw the tablet [...] What you see is true”
- David Whitmer — David Whitmer (1881) — David Whitmer
- David Whitmer — Kansas City Journal (1881) — Kansas City Journal — “saw them as plain as I see you now”
- David Whitmer to S. T. Mouch (1882) — David Whitmer
- William H. Kelley and G. A. Blakeslee interview David Whitmer, who reaffirms his testimony of the Book of Mormon. (1882) — David Whitmer — “angel stood before us [...] voice of God spoke”
- Heman C. Smith retells conversion of his grandfather Lyman Wight based on his journals; Wight says Oliver Cowdery and Peter Whitmer used BOM in their preaching. (1882) — Heman C. Smith — “seen angels [...] seen the plates”
- Diedrich Willers recalls his relationship with the Whitmer family; says JS tricked them with a fake angel prop. (1882) — Diedrich Willers
- Edwin Gordon Woolley (1882) — Edwin Gordon Woolley — “he had seen the plates and the Heavenly messengers”
- William H. Kelley (1882) — William H. Kelley — “angel stood before us [...] voice of God spoke”
- Joseph Smith III (1882) — Joseph Smith III
- John Morgan / Matthias F. Cowley Interviews 1 (1882) — John Morgan / Matthias F. Cowley Interviews 1
- John Morgan (1882) — John Morgan
- John Morgan/Matthias F. Cowley (1882) — John Morgan/Matthias F. Cowley
- J. W. Chatburn (1882) — J. W. Chatburn — “hands handled the plates [...] eyes saw the angel”
- Stephen S. Harding recalls meeting Martin Harris and Joseph Smith, portrays Harris as superstitious and prone to imagining things. (1882) — Stephen S. Harding — “fiery sword let down out of heaven [...] hill of Cumorah”
- Peter Whitmer Jr. — Lyman Wight (1882) — Lyman Wight
- _The Encyclopædia Britannica_claims the witnesses denied their testimony later in life. (1883) — The Encyclopædia Britannica — “an angel of God had shown them the plates”
- William B. Smith — Self (1883) — Self — “permitted to lift [the plates]”
- William Smith reports handling the gold plates as they were wrapped in a pillow-case. (1883) — William Smith — “permitted to lift [the plates] [...] weighed about sixty pounds”
- Moroni Pratt (1883) — Moroni Pratt — “the angel stood before him [...] heard the voice of God”
- James H. Hart (1883) — James H. Hart
- James H. Hart (1883) — James H. Hart — “I saw the heavenly messenger [...] I heard his voice”
- James H. Hart (1883) — James H. Hart — “I have ne'er denied [...] I saw the messenger”
- David Whitmer to Edmund Levi Kelly (1884) — David Whitmer
- Simon Smith recounts conversation with Martin Harris in 1875; says Harris reaffirmed testimony in the BoM. (1884) — Simon Smith — “saw the angel [...] heard the voice of God”
- _St. Joseph Weekly Herald_ reports anonymous source that says they heard Martin Harris bear testimony of the BOM on his deathbed. (1884) — St. Joseph Weekly Herald — “saw the plates [...] the voice of God had declared”
- Smith says the plates were heavier than wood and stone. (1884) — William Smith — “We handled [the plates]”
- Richmond Conservator (1884) — Richmond Conservator
- George Q. Cannon (1884) — George Q. Cannon — “by a glorious light [...] showed to them the plates”
- James H. Hart (1884) — James H. Hart
- E.C. Briggs (1884) — E.C. Briggs — “saw the angel [...] is true”
- J. Frank McDowell (1884) — J. Frank McDowell — “saw the angel as plainly as I see you”
- Joseph Smith III (1884) — Joseph Smith III
- St. Louis Republican (1884) — St. Louis Republican — “I saw the plates [...] bound together with leaves”
- Heman C. Smith reports meeting he had with David Whitmer; relays Whitmer's account of facing down a mob. (1884) — Heman C. Smith
- Joseph Smith Sr. — William Smith (1884) — William Smith — “you can feel them [...] We handled them”
- William B. Smith — C. E. Butterworth (1884) — C. E. Butterworth — “he had seen an angel”
- Zenas H. Gurley (1885) — Zenas H. Gurley — “We did not touch nor handle the plates”
- Richmond Conservator (1885) — Richmond Conservator — “saw the glory of the angel [...] heard it proclaim”
- James H. Moyle (1885) — James H. Moyle — “handle the plates [...] hear the angel”
- James H. Moyle (1885) — James H. Moyle — “He saw the plates and heard the angel”
- Correspondence of the Chicago Tribune (1885) — Correspondence of the Chicago Tribune — “appeared an angel [...] the plates of gold”
- Nathan A. Tanner, Jr. reports that David Whitmer told him that he saw the angel place the plates on a table; saw the plates "with his natural eyes." (1886) — Nathan A. Tanner, Jr. — “saw the plates [...] with his natural eyes”
- Edward Stevenson recounts Martin Harris informing him in 1870 that he told several acquaintances once that his knowledge of the angel and plates "is swallowed up in knowledge." (1886) — Edward Stevenson — “my belief is swallowed up in knowledge”
- Edward Stevenson relates that he had heard Oliver Cowdery bear testimony of the Book of Mormon. (1886) — Edward Stevenson — “he beheld the plates [...] whose voice he heard”
- Edward Stevenson (1886) — Edward Stevenson — “See the Angle [...] herd a voice”
- Nathan Tanner (1886) — Nathan Tanner — “laid upon a table by an angel [...] voice from heaven spoke”
- Correspondent to the Omaha Herald (1886) — Correspondent — “beheld a dazzlingly brilliant light [...] personage clothed in white”
- D.C. Dunbar (1886) — D.C. Dunbar — “seeing the angel and handling the plates”
- M.J. Hubbell (1886) — M.J. Hubbell — “bound together at the back by having 3 rings”
- David Whitmer to Sister Gates (1887) — David Whitmer — “I saw the angel [...] brought the plates”
- David Whitmer to Robert Nelson (1887) — David Whitmer — “I did see the angel [...] The Book is true”
- David Whitmer to Anthony Metcalf (1887) — David Whitmer — “visitation of the angel [...] we saw and heard”
- Elizabeth Ann Whitmer Cowdery affirms that her husband, Oliver Cowdery, always matained his testimony in the BOM. (1887) — Elizabeth Ann Whitmer Cowdery
- Affidavit from Sarah Fowler Anderick reports she saw the plates covered in a cloth. (1887) — Sarah Fowler Anderick — “I saw what [Joseph Smith] claimed were the plates”
- Edward Stevenson (1887) — Edward Stevenson
- David Whitmer — Edward Stevenson (1887) — Edward Stevenson — “an Angle apeared [...] the Plates which was shown to them”
- Anthony Metcalf reprints letter from David Whitmer describing his experience as a BOM witness. (1887) — David Whitmer — “visitation of the angel [...] Book of Mormon is true”
- Stevenson recounts visiting David Whitmer, who bore his testimony of the BOM. (1887) — Edward Stevenson — “see the angel [...] on a table were the plates”
- David Whitmer affirms his testimony of the angels and plates in a letter to Anthony Metcalf. (1887) — David Whitmer — “visitation of the angel [...] we saw and heard”
- Obituary for David Whitmer mentions that he bore his testimony of the BOM on his deathbed. (1888) — Richmond Democrat
- John C. Whitmer relates that various Eight Witnesses reaffirmed their testimonies in the BOM. (1888) — John C. Whitmer
- Angus Cannon recalls hearing Hyrum and Joseph Smith bear testimony of the BOM when we was a child. (1888) — Angus M. Cannon
- L. E. Odinga interviews William Hyde, who recalls experiences with Martin Harris and the Smith family in Palmyra. (1888) — L.E. Odinga — “the plates were sewed in a silk sack”
- George Mantle summarized that Martin Harris testified that Joseph translated by the power of God. (1888) — George Mantle
- Chicago Times (1888) — Chicago Times
- Kansas City Times (1888) — Kansas City Times — “golden plates about eight inches long”
- Angus M. Cannon (1888) — Angus M. Cannon — “saw the glory [...] heard the voice of the angel”
- David H. Cannon (1888) — David H. Cannon — “seen the Angel turn over the gold Plates”
- Chicago Tribune (1888) — Chicago Tribune — “golden [plates] about eight inches long”
- Unidentified Chicago Man (1888) — Unidentified Chicago Man
- Richmond Conservator (1888) — Richmond Conservator
- Richmond Democrat (1888) — Richmond Democrat — “a divine personage clothed in white raiment appeared”
- David Whitmer — Chicago Tribune (1888) — Chicago Tribune
- Angus Cannon records conversation with David Whitmer, who reaffirmed his testimony of the BOM. (1888) — Angus M. Cannon — “see the angel of God [...] glory of the Lord”
- Hiram Page — Philander Page (1888) — Philander Page — “faithful to his testimony [...] see the plates”
- Hiram Page — Philander Page (1888) — Philander Page — “privileged to see the plates”
- Philander Page reports that he heard his father and other witnesses affirm their faith in the BOM. (1888) — Philander Page
- Jacob Whitmer — John C. Whitmer (1888) — John C. Whitmer
- Jenson says Whitmer says his father Jacob testified of BOM on deathbed. (1888) — Andrew Jenson
- Mary Whitmer — John C. Whitmer (1888) — John C. Whitmer — “shown the plates [...] by an holy angel”
- David Whitmer — Edward Stevenson (1889) — Edward Stevenson — “an Angle apeared [...] the Plates which was shown to them”
- Edward Stevenson, quoting Whitmer family members, recounts the experience of Mary Whitmer viewing the plates. (1889) — Edward Stevenson — “strange visitor met her [...] the plates”