David Whitmer

“ Upright in his dealings with men and just toward all, he has progressed gradually with the country until he and his children have secured good business standing and are regarded among the best citizens of Ray County.
Of those who took part in the original translation, Joseph Smith, was shot by a mob in 1844; Oliver Cowdery died in this county thirty years ago, leaving a wife and daughter, both of whom are yet living and reside in Silver City, MO. John Whitmer, a prosperous farmer, died at Far West in 1878, leaving children and grandchildren. ”

“ The four Apostles began preaching and were so successful in securing converts to the new religion that a church was organized April 6, 1830. The Book of Mormon was also given to the world that year. Concerning the converts Mr. Whitmer says that among the first adherents to embrace the new faith were many of the most intellectual and refined men and women in that locality, and the ranks were not recruited from the ignorant and sensuous classes like the Mormons in Utah. ”

“ He Describes the Translation of the Golden Tablets at Which He Assisted.
The Angel in the Pasture—His Hatred of Polygamy—His Services in the Church.
RICHMOND, MO., Dec. 15.— [Special Correspondence.] David Whitmer, one of the founders of the Mormon Church, and a resident of this quaint and interesting village for almost a half a century, lies at the point of death. At the family homestead are gathered the children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren of the dying patriarch, and beside the deathbed is the devoted woman who linked her life and fortune with his more than forty years ago. ”

“ The Book [col. 3] of Mormon as originally translated he asserts to be without a moral blemish, and says it is eminently fit for the library of the most exacting moral philosopher. It expressly forbids polygamy, and Mr. ”