Book of Mormon Witnesses

254 Primary Sources

Date
Summary
Aug 1829 - Jan 1830

Three Witnesses Testimony statement in the Book of Mormon Printer's Manuscript.

Aug 1829 - Jan 1830

Moroni prophecies of the Three Witnesses in the Book of Ether.

Aug 1829 - Jan 1830

The Eight Witnesses's manuscript testimony.

Aug 11, 1829

Martin Harris is described as being an "honest" and "industrous" farmer.

Nov 9, 1829

Oliver Cowdery, in a letter to C. C. Blatchley, reports that the plates were "laid before" the witnesses by an angel.

1830

Published version of Three Witnesses testimony in 1830 edition of BOM.

1830

Printed Eight Witnesses statement in 1830 edition of the Book of Mormon.

1830 - 1831

Ashbel Kitchell records conversation with Oliver Cowdery, who claimed to have seen an angel.

1830

Eight Witnesses testimony in published 1830 edition of the BOM.

Jan 16, 1830

Joseph enters agreement to let Martin Harris sell copies of the BOM.

Feb 20, 1830

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.

Mar 26, 1830

8 Witnesses published statement in 1830 claiming that Joseph showed them the plates.

Nov 16, 1830

Painesville (Ohio) Telegraph reports that Oliver Cowdery claims he has seen angels.

Nov 18, 1830

Observer and Telegraph reporter mentions the Three Witnesses and reports on LDS missionary activity in Ohio.

1831

David Marks reports meeting the BOM witnesses in 1830, who affirmed they had seen an angel and the plates.

1831

Alexander Campbell accuses the Book of Mormon witnesses of being dishonest.

Jan 15, 1831

William W. Phelps relates to E. D. Howe that Martin Harris was bearing testimony of the BOM.

Mar 8, 1831

Joseph Smith translation/revelation of Moses 1; Moses says he beheld God with his "spiritual" eyes.

Mar 15, 1831

E. D. Howe reports that Martin Harris was said to have handled the plates "by the power of God."

Mar 19, 1831

Obadiah Dogberry reports that David Whitmer physically held and examined the plates.

Jul 18, 1831

William McLellin records in journal hearing David Whitmer bear testimony that he saw an angel.

Aug 19, 1831 - Sep 1, 1831

William McLellin reports hearing Hyrum Smith bear testimony of the Book of Mormon.

Sep 3, 1831

William Owen reports that ten witnesses handled the plates.

Oct 24, 1831

Ezra Booth says he heard the Three Witnesses preach their testimony in public; says they saw the plates by "faith or imagination."

Dec 11, 1831

William McLellin records preaching with Samuel Harrison Smith; mentions that Samuel bore testimony of the BoM.

Dec 13, 1831

Peter Whitmer, Jr. records that Joseph Smith received a revelation and that Peter preached from the Book of Mormon.

Jun 1832 - Aug 1832

Joseph describes plates as "plates of gold."

Jun 1832 - Aug 1832

Joseph says he was tempted by the monetary value of the plates.

Nov 7, 1832

Josiah Stowell reports having caught a glimpse of the plates.

Nov 6, 1833

Unnamed LDS in Missouri writes letter to Oliver Cowdery, reports that Hiram Page was attacked by a mob.

Dec 1833

John Corrill reports that Christian Whitmer was persecuted by a mob in Missouri.

1834

E. D. Howe reports that Martin Harris had a reputation for honesty among his neighbors.

1834

Isaac Hale recounts meeting Martin Harris in Harmony, PA, and of Martin wanting a "greater witness" of the plates.

Nov 1834

Revelation from Joseph identifying Martin Harris, David Whitmer, and Oliver Cowdery as the Three Witnesses.

1835 - 1838

Whitmer affirms truth of the testimony of the 3 and 8 witnesses.

1835 - 1838

John Whitmer briefly mentions Three Witnesses in his ca. 1835–38 history.

Jun 1835

Cowdery reports Whitmer's testimony of handling the plates.

Nov 9, 1835 - Nov 11, 1835

Joseph calls plates "plates of gold."

Mar 31, 1836

Whitmer testifies of having handled the plates.

Dec 31, 1836

Cowdery reports that Christian Whitmer and Peter Whitmer Jr. maintained their testimonies of the BOM.

Jan 1, 1838

John Smith reports to George A. Smith that Martin Harris was "cut off" from the Church in December 1837 in Kirtland.

1838 - 1839

Joseph Smith 1838 History describing the experience of the Three Witnesses.

Mar 10, 1838

Missouri High Council excommunicates John Whitmer.

Mar 13, 1838

Warren Parrish says Martin Harris told him he saw the plates "in vision" and not with "natural eyes."

Mar 29, 1838

George A. Smith reports that Martin Harris bore testimony of the Book of Mormon to a group of Kirtland dissidents.

Apr 12, 1838

High Council in Zion (Missouri) excommunicates Oliver Cowdery.

Apr 13, 1838

David Whitmer is excommunicated by the Missouri High Council.

Apr 15, 1838

Burnett's letter claims witnesses confessed to not seeing the plates.

Jun 1838

Joseph's 1838 history account of plates and stone box.

Aug 11, 1838

Parrish claims Harris says he only saw plates in vision.

Aug 26, 1838

Sally Bradford Parker recounts Joseph and Lucy Mack Smith bearing testimony of handling the plates.

1839

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.

1839

Alleged statement from Oliver Cowdery expressing skepticism at the inspiration of the BOM.

1839 - 1841

Joseph reports that the cost of printing the BOM was $3000.

1839

John Corrill briefly mentions Three Witnesses seeing an angel and the plates.

Apr 5, 1839

Turley recounts Whitmer saying he handled plates with "supernatural power."

Apr 5, 1839

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."

Apr 5, 1839

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."

Jun 1839 - Jul 1839

Joseph explains why plates were returned to angel: mobs tried to steal them.

Jun 1839

Joseph describes plates as "gold plates."

Jun 1839 - Oct 1839

Joseph's 1838/39 history describing the experience of the Three Witnesses.

Dec 1839

Smith reaffirms his testimony after enduring persecution.

1840

John A. Clark alleges Martin Harris once claimed he saw Jesus as a deer.

1840

Richard De Charms uses the language of "spiritual eyes" to describe the visionary experiences of various biblical figures.

Aug 31, 1840

John A. Clark reports how a "gentleman in Palmyra" was informed by Martin Harris that he saw the plates "with the eye of faith."

Oct 1840

Funeral elegy for Joseph Smith Sr. identifies him as still faithful at time of death.

Jul 15, 1841

Joel H. Johnson poetically says Oliver Cowdery "denied" the Book of Mormon.

Aug 31, 1841

Fielding says sister Mary Fielding says her husband Hyrum handled the plates.

1842

Benjamin Fiske Barrett uses language of "spiritual eyes" to describe the apostles seeing Jesus's resurrected body.

Sep 1, 1842

Joseph records David Whitmer and Oliver Cowdery, and then later, Martin Harris, seeing the plates and the angel Moroni.

Jun 15, 1843

Newhall reports hearing Hyrum publicly testify of the Book of Mormon.

Dec 19, 1843

Campbell mentions that Stowell handled the plates in letter to Joseph.

Aug 1, 1844

Taylor writes Smith remained a BOM witness until his death.

1845

Lucy Mack Smith recounts Joseph running with the plates.

1845

Lucy Mack Smith recalls incident where Joseph Smith, Sr., her husband, refused to denounce the BoM when pressured.

1845

Lucy Mack Smith recalls handling the Urim and Thummim under a silk handkerchief.

Sep 3, 1845

Jeremiah Cooper reports hearing Martin Harris bear testimony of the BOM.

1845

Lucy retells experience of the 3 Witnesses.

1845

Lucy recounts experience of the 8 Witnesses.

May 30, 1847

Page reaffirms his testimony; defends BOM.

1848 - 1882

Harrison Burgess records his vision of an angel showing him the BOM plates.

May 4, 1848

Strangite witnesses to the discovery of the Voree Plates describe their discovery.

Oct 21, 1848

Cowdery reaffirms his testimony at council meeting; saw and handled the plates.

Oct 21, 1848

Cowdery reaffirms his testimony at council meeting; saw and handled the plates.

Nov 5, 1848

Pottawattamie High Council minutes mentions Oliver Cowdery's rebaptism.

Aug 1850

19th century magazine discusses the nature of spirits and having "spiritual eyes."

Nov 23, 1850

James W. Bay records meeting with Martin Harris; says Harris bore testimony of the BOM.

1851

Orsamus Turner depicts Martin Harris as sincere and honest but superstitious.

1851

James J. Strang's 1851 edition of the Book of the Law of the Lord identifying the witnesses to the Brass Plates.

1854

Ford claims 8 witnesses were self-deluded; never saw any plates.

1855

Manuscript History of the Church reports that Hyrum Smith bore testimony of the BOM before the martyrdom.

Apr 6, 1855

Brigham Young relates that Oliver Cowdery did not deny his testimony even after apostatizing.

1856

Orson Pratt discusses the nature of "spiritual eyes" and "spiritual sight."

1856

Brigham Young says spirits are seen with "spiritual eyes."

Feb 3, 1858

Young reports that Samuel Smith affirms he is one of the BOM witnesses; calls it a revelation and translation.

Feb 3, 1858

Phineas Young recalls conversion; recounts Samuel Harrison Smith bearing testimony of the BoM.

Mar 24, 1858

Thomas Marsh recounts asking hearing David Whitmer and Oliver Cowdery reaffirm their testimonies in the Book of Mormonr.

Aug 1859

Harris tells Tiffany that plates must have been lead or gold.

Aug 1859

Harris says Beaman heard the plates klink.

Aug 1859

Harris says Beaman heard the plates klink.

Aug 20, 1859

Harris affirms his testimony that he handled the plates.

1860

Brigham recalls hearing Oliver Cowdery testify of the Book of Mormon.

1860

Brigham refers to a member of the original Q12 who had a vision of the BOM plates and later apostatized.

1861

George Ripley and Charles A. Dana write that the witnesses denied their testimony after leaving the Church.

Mar 18, 1861

Jacob Gates records in personal journal conversation with John Whitmer, who affirmed his testimony of the BOM.

Dec 31, 1864

Luke Johnson recalls hearing the Eleven Witnesses bear testimony of the Book of Mormon.

1866

Noble's reminiscence of mob trying to steal the plates.

1866

Leo H. Grindon discusses "spiritual eyes" and uses that phrase to describe various biblical visionaries.

1867

Pomeroy Tucker reports that Martin Harris had used the phraseology "seeing with the spiritual eyes."

1867

Pomeroy Tucker reports that Martin Harris had used the phraseology "seeing with the spiritual eyes."

1867

Jonathan Bayley writes that angels can only be seen with "spiritual eyes" in the context of describing biblical visions.

1867

Heber C. Kimball says he saw spirits with "spiritual eyes" which he said are "natural."

May 1870

Fayette Lapham recalls interview with Joseph Smith, Sr. in 1830; says JS Sr. described the plates to him.

Aug 28, 1870

Newspaper report of a public discourse by Martin Harris, who is reported to have publicly reaffirmed his testimony in the Book of Mormon.

Sep 4, 1870

Martin Harris gives account of his experience as a BoM witness and affirms his wife hefted the plates.

Sep 17, 1870

Wilford Woodruff records Martin Harris's rebaptism.

Oct 9, 1870

Brigham Young says Oliver Cowdery never denied his testimony even after apostatizing.

Oct 10, 1870

Deseret Evening News reports that Martin Harris bore his testimony of the BOM at General Conference.

Nov 23, 1870

Martin Harris reaffirms his testimony as a BoM witness; says an angel showed him the plates.

Jan 4, 1871

William McLellin recalls Oliver Cowdery reaffirming testimony in the Book of Mormon while threatened by mob violence.

Mar 7, 1872

Henry Moon recounts his interview with David Whitmer, who reaffirmed his testimony to Moon and John Lefler.

1873

Henry Browning uses "spiritual eyes" to describe the experience of Elisha's servant seeing heavenly beings.

Jul 10, 1874

Robert Aveson reports that Martin Harris testified to Edward Stevenson in 1874 of seeing "the plates and the inscriptions thereon."

Feb 18, 1875

Brand reports that Whitmer reaffirmed published testimony.

Apr 12, 1875

Whitmer reaffirms his testimony to Davis.

Jul 1875

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.

Jul 1875

Ole A. Jensen interviews Martin Harris who reaffirms his experience as a BoM witness.

Jul 17, 1875

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.

Jul 18, 1875

Orson Pratt gives lengthy retelling of the experience of the Three Witnesses.

Oct 15, 1875

Martin Harris reaffirms his testimony of the BoM; says an angel showed him the plates.

Dec 8, 1875

David Whitmer tells James Seymour in a letter that he reaffirms his printed testimony.

1875

Smith records Whitmer reaffirming his testimony and those of the other witnesses.

Mar 5, 1876

Whitmer says he never heard any other witnesses recant their testimonies.

Apr 1, 1876

Charles Derry recalls hearing Martin Harris say he "put his name" to the witness statement in the BOM.

Dec 11, 1876

Whitmer reaffirms his printed testimony.

1877

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.

Apr 12, 1877

Non-LDS account of handling plates in a pillowcase.

Apr 12, 1877

The Chenango Union publishes an account by his granddaughter Mehitable Smith Many Doolittle of Joseph McKune Sr. handling the plates.

Dec 22, 1877 - Dec 23, 1877

Edward Stevenson records meeting with David Whitmer, who reaffirmed his testimony of the Book of Mormon.

Feb 15, 1878

Whitmer affirms testimony of BOM plates in public.

Feb 15, 1878

Saints' Herald reports that John Whitmer was reaffirming his testimony in early 1878.

Aug 2, 1878

Myron H. Bond recollects that John Whitmer "saw and handled" the plates.

Aug 14, 1878

Poulson reports John Whitmer's final testimony of the BoM.

Sep 7, 1878

Orson Pratt and Joseph F. Smith interview David Whitmer about his experience as a Book of Mormon witness.

Sep 17, 1878

David Whitmer recalls each of the witnesses signing their name to the original statement, then Oliver Cowdery copying it.

Mar 16, 1879

John Gilbert reports that Martin Harris told him he saw the plates with "spiritual eyes."

Oct 1, 1879

Interview with Emma; says she felt the plates.

1880

W. W. Blair recounts hearing Martin Harris reaffirm his testimony in the BOM.

Sep 14, 1880

William McLellin writes to James T. Cobb, says he recalls David Whitmer's testimony in the BoM, which he (McLellin) still believes.

Dec 29, 1880

Simon Smith recalls hearing Martin Harris bear testimony of the BOM on his deathbed.

Jun 5, 1881

Kansas City Journal interviews David Whitmer, who reaffirms his testimony of the Book of Mormon.

1882

Philo Dibble recounts hearing Oliver Cowdery preach that he saw an angel.

Jan 19, 1882

Diedrich Willers recalls his relationship with the Whitmer family; says JS tricked them with a fake angel prop.

Feb 1882

Stephen S. Harding recalls meeting Martin Harris and Joseph Smith, portrays Harris as superstitious and prone to imagining things.

Mar 1, 1882

William H. Kelley and G. A. Blakeslee interview David Whitmer, who reaffirms his testimony of the Book of Mormon.

May 16, 1882

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.

1883

The Encyclopædia Britannica claims the witnesses denied their testimony later in life.

1883

Daniel Tyler recalls hearing Samuel Harrison Smith bear his testimony of the BoM.

1883

William Smith reports handling the gold plates as they were wrapped in a pillow-case.

Aug 23, 1883

James H. Hart reproduces interview with David Whitmer, who reaffirms his testimony in the Book of Mormon.

1883

Tyler recalls Samuel H Smith bearing testimony as a BOM witness.

1884

Sarah M. Kimball says Moroni appeared to her father and bore testimony of the BoM.

1884

Harrison Burgess recounts seeing and angel that showed him the BOM plates.

Feb 27, 1884

George Q. Cannon describes meeting with David Whitmer, who described his experience as a BOM witness.

Apr 17, 1884

St. Joseph Weekly Herald reports anonymous source that says they heard Martin Harris bear testimony of the BOM on his deathbed.

Apr 30, 1884

Simon Smith recounts conversation with Martin Harris in 1875; says Harris reaffirmed testimony in the BoM.

Jun 8, 1884

Smith says the plates were heavier than wood and stone.

Jun 28, 1884

Heman C. Smith reports meeting he had with David Whitmer; relays Whitmer's account of facing down a mob.

Jul 1884

Joseph Smith III recounts David Whitmer affirming he saw with his own eyes the plates.

Jan 14, 1885

Zenas H. Gurley Interviews David Whitmer and asks about his experience as a BoM witness.

Jun 28, 1885

James H. Moyle records his meeting with David Whitmer in his journal.

Feb 9, 1886

Edward Stevenson records meeting with David Whitmer who recounts his experience as a BoM witness.

May 13, 1886

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."

Jun 7, 1886

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."

Jul 5, 1886

Edward Stevenson relates that he had heard Oliver Cowdery bear testimony of the Book of Mormon.

1887

David Whitmer refutes public claims that he recanted his published testimony of the Book of Mormon.

1887

Stevenson recounts visiting David Whitmer, who bore his testimony of the BOM.

Mar 1887

Anthony Metcalf reprints letter from David Whitmer describing his experience as a BOM witness.

Mar 8, 1887

Elizabeth Ann Whitmer Cowdery affirms that her husband, Oliver Cowdery, always matained his testimony in the BOM.

Apr 1887

David Whitmer affirms his testimony of the angels and plates in a letter to Anthony Metcalf.

Jun 24, 1887

Affidavit from Sarah Fowler Anderick reports she saw the plates covered in a cloth.

1888

Anthony Metcalf recounts conversation with Martin Harris, who spoke of being in a trance or vision when he saw the plates.

Jan 7, 1888

Angus Cannon records conversation with David Whitmer, who reaffirmed his testimony of the BOM.

Jan 7, 1888

Angus Cannon records conversation with David Whitmer, who reaffirmed his testimony of the BOM.

Jan 26, 1888

Angus Cannon recalls hearing Hyrum and Joseph Smith bear testimony of the BOM when we was a child.

Feb 2, 1888

Obituary for David Whitmer mentions that he bore his testimony of the BOM on his deathbed.

Feb 12, 1888

Newspaper report of speech by Angus Cannon, who reported hearing David Whitmer and Hyrum Smith both bear testimony of the Book of Mormon.

Sep 26, 1888

John C. Whitmer relates that Oliver Cowdery and David Whitmer reaffirmed their testimony of the BOM plates.

Sep 26, 1888

John C. Whitmer relates that various Eight Witnesses reaffirmed their testimonies in the BOM.

Oct 1888

Jenson says Whitmer says his father Jacob testified of BOM on deathbed.

Oct 1888

Jenson says Whitmer says his father Jacob testified of BOM on deathbed.

Oct 1888

Philander Page reports that he heard his father and other witnesses affirm their faith in the BOM.

Nov 10, 1888

L. E. Odinga interviews William Hyde, who recalls experiences with Martin Harris and the Smith family in Palmyra.

Dec 26, 1888

George Mantle summarized that Martin Harris testified that Joseph translated by the power of God.

Jan 1, 1889

Edward Stevenson, quoting Whitmer family members, recounts the experience of Mary Whitmer viewing the plates.

Sep 8, 1892

John H. Gilbert writes that Martin Harris informed him in March 1830 that he saw the plates "with a spiritual eye."

1893

Edward Stevenson recalls hearing the Three Witnesses bear testimony of the BOM.

Jan 13, 1894

Smith remembers hefting the plates and judged them to be about 60 pounds.

Dec 1898

Samuel Richards reprints Oliver Cowdery's testimony from 1849, written shortly before his death.

Apr 6, 1899

George W. Schweich relates to I. Woodbridge Riley that he attempted to get David Whitmer to confess to fraud, who refused.

Oct 2, 1899

Salt Lake Herald-Republican claims Jane Manning James handled the gold plates.

1901

Andrew Jenson, quoting relatives present at the event, describes Oliver Cowdery's dying testimony.

1901

Biographical entry for Hiram Page in Andrew Jenson's biographical encyclopedia mentions his disaffection in 1838.

1901

John C. Whitmer recalls experience of his grandmother, Mary Musselman Whitmer, seeing the plates.

Mar 19, 1901

Joseph F. Smith recalls David Whitmer saying the witnesses signed their name to the printed testimony.

May 10, 1907

George Edward Anderson records Philander Page's remarks about Three Witnesses.

1907

George Edward Anderson reports that John Whitmer was firm in his testimony before his death.

Mar 22, 1908

James Henry Moyle reports that David Whitmer consistently described the spot in the woods where he saw the angel and plates, and that he handled the plates.

Mar 22, 1908

James H. Moyle retells his experience interviewing David Whitmer in 1885.

Feb 17, 1909

Nathan A. Tanner, Jr. recounts his experience meeting David Whitmer.

Feb 21, 1910

C. M. Nielsen relates hearing a non-Mormon farmer hear Oliver Cowdery bear testimony of the BoM.

Mar 1912

Jacob F. Gates retells his father's experience meeting Oliver Cowdery in 1849, who reportedly bore testimony of the Book of Mormon.

Apr 20, 1918

William Waddoups recalls Martin Harris bearing his testimony of the BOM.

Oct 29, 1921

George Godfrey, in an affidavit from 1921, reports Martin Harris repeatedly testified of the Book of Mormon and handling the plates.

Oct 29, 1921

George Godfrey, in an affidavit from 1921, reports Martin Harris repeatedly testified of the Book of Mormon and handling the plates.

1922

David H. Cannon recalls conversations with Martin Harris and David Whitmer in early 1860s where they both testified of the Book of Mormon.

1922

John Thompson recounts hearing Martin Harris affirm his testimony in the BOM.

Mar 1926

William Harrison Homer recounts his experience meeting Martin Harris who testified to him of the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon.

Apr 16, 1927

Robert Aveson recounts hearing Martin Harris bear testimony of the Book of Mormon.

1930

James H. Moyle recalls his experience interviewing David Whitmer in 1885.

Apr 8, 1930

James H. Moyle recalls David Whitmer's description of seeing the angel and the plates.

Jun 2, 1933

John E. Godfrey affidavit affirming he heard Martin Harris bear testimony of the BOM.

Jul 2, 1933

John Buttars affidavit says he heard Martin Harris bear testimony of the BOM.

Jul 2, 1933

Thomas Godfrey affidavit saying he heard Martin Harris reaffirm his testimony of the BOM.

Jul 2, 1933

John Buttars swears affidavit saying he heard Martin Harris say he "knew" the BOM to be true.

May 19, 1934

William Pilkington swears affidavit saying he heard Martin Harris bear his testimony of the Book of Mormon and recount seeing the angel.

1935

William Pilkington writes letter explaining how he heard Martin Harris bear testimony of the BOM.

Jun 1, 1936

Alma L. Jensen recounts meeting with Martin Harris; Harris affirmed that he knew the Book of Mormon to be true and saw with his eyes the angel.

Jun 1, 1936

Alma Jensen swears affidavit saying he heard Martin Harris bear testimony of the BOM, saying he "knew" it was true.

Sep 13, 1938

James Henry Moyle, in an interview, recalls David Whitmer telling him that he had a clear vision and knowledge of the plates and the angel.

Apr 23, 1939

William Pilkington relates his experiences with Martin Harris; says Harris bore testimony of the BOM.

1940

James H. Moyle recalls his meeting with David Whitmer in ca. 1940 memoir and personal history.

May 30, 1943

Martin Harris is recounted as teaching that he did see the plates in the same way his audience could see his hands by William Glen.

Sep 2, 1943

Comfort Elizabeth Godfrey Flinders recounts how Martin Harris informed a group of boys in her father's home that he saw the plates just as plainly "as you see that chopping block."

Sep 2, 1943

Comfort Elizabeth Godfrey Flinders recalls hearing Martin Harris say he "plainly" saw the plates and angels to a group of inquisitive boys.

Oct 2, 1943

William Glen recalls hearing Martin Harris bear testimony of the BOM.

Jun 30, 1945

Herbert Salisbury recalls his grandmother Catherine Smith telling him she hefted the plates.

Sep 1945

James H. Moyle give lengthy account of his meeting with David Whitmer.

1954

Herbert Salisbury recalls his grandmother Catherine telling him she handled the plates.

Jan 11, 1954

Hancock recalls how Joseph's sisters hid the plates.

1967

The Tanners conclude the Cowdery "Defence" document is probably a forgery.

1971

Fawn Brodie says Joseph may have had a "makeshift deception" (forged plates) to show the Eight Witnesses.

1973

Thompson family history reports that Mary Penelope Thompson saw Martin Harris bear testimony on his deathbed.

Apr 1987

Richard L. Anderson addresses questions about Oliver Cowdery and whether he denied his testimony.

1992

Turley reviews the Cowdery "Defence"; concludes its a forgery.

2004

Dan Vogel acknowledges in the intro to his biography of Joseph that Joseph had plates which he let others handle.

2005

Susan Easton Black and Larry C. Porter describe Martin Harris's role in financing the publication of the Book of Mormon.

2005

Robin Scott Jensen reviews Martin Harris's Strangite mission in England.

2012

Gale Anderson summarizes the sources pertaining to eleven official witnesses seeing and handling the plates.

2014

Ann Taves publishes theory on the "materialization" of the gold plates.

2015

Amy Easton-Flake and Rachel Cope discuss some of the women who handled or saw the BOM plates or assisted in the coming forth of the BOM.

2018

Susan Easton Black and Larry C. Porter discuss Martin Harris's association with Strangite Mormonism in the 1840s.

2019

Larry E. Morris summarizes evidence for people seeing and handling the golden plates.

2019

Larry E. Morris summarizes the sources pertaining to the experiences of the Three and Eight Witnesses.

Jun 2019

Beckstead et al. hypothesize that Joseph and other early LDS produced visions through entheogens.

Aug 2019

Daniel C. Peterson suggests historical bias is what prevented any women from being official BOM witnesses.

2020

Brian C. Hales reviews and critiques the entheogen theory for the source of Joseph's visions.

2021

Church History Topics essay discusses gold plates.

2021

Sonia Hazard argues Joseph and others had material objects—printing plates—that they took be ancient plates.

Jan 12, 2021

Peterson describes actor running with replica of the plates.

2022

Joseph Smith Papers indicates Oliver Cowdery may have been the author of the Three Witnesses statement.