Emma Hale is born in the town of Harmony, Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania
Emma Hale is born in the town of Harmony, Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania.
257 entries in this era, shown 200 to a page. This is page 1 of 2, covering 1804 to 1829. See the same material on the moving timeline.
1804
Solomon Mack buys 100 acres of land in Sharon, Vermont
Solomon Mack buys 100 acres of land in Sharon, Vermont. He rents part of this land to his son-in-law Joseph Smith Sr. Sixteen months later Joseph Smith is born on this property. Lucy Mack Smith later records "went to Sharon and hired a farm of my father which My husband cultivated in the summer season and in the winter he taught school."
1805
Joseph Smith Jr
Joseph Smith Jr. was born in Sharon, Vermont.
Joseph Smith Jr. is born
Joseph Smith Jr. is born the fifth of eleven children. Crop failures push the family through several moves before they settle near Palmyra, New York, in 1816.
Joseph Smith was born
Joseph Smith was born.
JS Born in Vermont
JS Born in Vermont
1806
In Sharon, Vermont school teacher Joseph
In Sharon, Vermont school teacher Joseph Smith Sr. writes a note: "This May Certify that Polley Beckworth By her good attention to her Study and the Rules and Discipline of the School this winter that She excelleth the rest of her class in reading and spelling and has stood at the head the most of the winter and likewise She Stands at the head this Day it being the last day of the school Attest Joseph Smith, Teacher Sharon March the 15th 1806"
Oliver Cowdery is born in Wells,
Oliver Cowdery is born in Wells, Vermont. In 1832 he marries Elizabeth Ann Whitmer, daughter of Peter Whitmer, Sr. Cowdery was brother-in-law to Brigham Young's brother Phineas and to Book of Mormon Witnesses David Whitmer, Jacob Whitmer, and Peter Whitmer, Jr. He was a third cousin to the Prophet Joseph Smith.
1807
Solomon Mack, Lucy Mack Smith's father,
Solomon Mack, Lucy Mack Smith's father, takes out a second mortgage on his property. This may have been connected with the Joseph Smith family moving off of Mack's property where they lived "for a few years."
Wilfred Woodruff History
Born in Milnthorpe, Westmorland, England, to James Taylor and Agnes Taylor.
1808
John Taylor History
Contracts typhus during an epidemic, undergoes leg operation at West Lebanon, Grafton County, New Hampshire.
Samuel Harrison Smith, brother of Joseph
Samuel Harrison Smith, brother of Joseph Smith born at Tunbridge, Vermont; he dies in 1844--some suspect poisoning.
1810
Ephraim Smith, brother of Joseph Smith
Ephraim Smith, brother of Joseph Smith born at Royalton, Vermont; he lives only 11 days.
1811
William Smith, brother of Joseph Smith
William Smith, brother of Joseph Smith born at Royalton, Vermont; he is the only male in the Smith family to live beyond 1844. He dies November 13, 1893.
1812
Joseph Smith contracted typhoid fever requiring surgery
Joseph Smith contracted typhoid fever requiring surgery.
JS's Leg Surgery
JS's Leg Surgery
1814
Brigham Young History
Born at Mantua, Portage County, Ohio, to Oliver Snow and Rosetta Leonora Pettibone.
Lorenzo Snow History
Smith family moves to the village of Palmyra, Ontario County, New York.
1816
An early "killing" frost comes to Norwich
An early "killing" frost comes to Norwich, Vermont which cuts down those few crops that survived earlier snows that fell in July and August. The Joseph Smith Sr. family, facing the third year of crop failure, decides to move to New York.
Joseph Smith Sr
Joseph Smith Sr. and Lucy Mack Smith moved their family to Manchester, New York.
Smith Family's Move to Palmyra
Smith Family's Move to Palmyra
1818
Poultney, Vermont Congregationalist Church Records list
Poultney, Vermont Congregationalist Church Records list Oliver Cowdery's stepmother and three of his sisters as members of Ethan Smith's congregation.
Timothy C. Strong, owner and editor
Timothy C. Strong, owner and editor of the PALMYRA REGISTER, and owner of a Palmyra bookstore advertises about 250 volumes.
1819
John Taylor History
Sees First Vision, Manchester Township, Ontario County, New York. 1
PALMYRA REGISTER, in an article titled
PALMYRA REGISTER, in an article titled "American Antiquities," reports on the discovery of mounds and expresses the belief that their builders were exterminated by the Indians: "this country was once inhabited by a race of people, at least, partially civilized, & that this race has been exterminated by the forefathers of the present and late tribes of Indians in this country."
Smith Family's Move to Farm
Smith Family's Move to Farm
1820
God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, appeared to Joseph Smith
God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, appeared to Joseph Smith.
Joseph Smith experienced the First Vision near his home
Joseph Smith experienced the First Vision near his home.
Joseph Smith experienced the First Vision near his home in upstate New York
Joseph Smith experienced the First Vision near his home in upstate New York.
Joseph Smith experiences the First Vision
Joseph Smith experiences the First Vision.
Joseph Smiths First Vision
<p id="p6" data-aid="136812015">“I saw a pillar of light exactly over my head, above the brightness of the sun, which descended gradually until it fell upon me.</p> <p id="p7" data-aid="158397086">“… 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—<em>This is My Beloved Son. Hear Him!</em>”</p>
The First Vision
Caught between competing revivals, Joseph prays in the woods near his family farm and later describes seeing the Father and the Son. He is told to join none of the existing churches.
1821
Wilfred Woodruff History
Apprenticed as a cooper (barrel maker) in Liverpool, England. Within a year, his master's business failed and he returned home.
1822
John Taylor History
First instructed by angel Moroni.
PALMYRA HERALD publishes an article titled
PALMYRA HERALD publishes an article titled MONEY DIGGERS: "We could name, if we pleased, at least five hundred respectable men, who do, in the simplicity and sincerity of their hearts, verily believe that immense treasures lie concealed upon our Green Mountains; many of whom have been for a number of years, most industriously and perserveringly engaged in digging it up." The same issue also includes "Poetical Description of the Mammoth, by a Shawnee Indian."
The "Manchester, New York, Assessment Roll,"
The "Manchester, New York, Assessment Roll," values Joseph Smith Sr.'s 100-acre parcel of land in Manchester at $700 which is the same value as the previous year. A year later on July 24, 1823 it is valued at $1000 indicating that improvements (a cabin built and land cleared) have been made.
The "New Hampshire Sentinel" reports local
The "New Hampshire Sentinel" reports local treasure digging with the comment: "The leader of the 'visionary gang,' is said to be a substantial farmer in the neighborhood, who DREAMED for three successive nights that much treasure was deposited there"
Zachariah Seymour, the land agent from whom Joseph Smith Sr
Zachariah Seymour, the land agent from whom Joseph Smith Sr. and Alvin Smith articled the 100 acres and to whom they made payments, dies. The Smiths almost lose their newly acquired farm until it is purchased by Lemuel Durfee who becomes their landlord.
1823
Alvin Smith, Joseph Smith's older brother,
Alvin Smith, Joseph Smith's older brother, comes into the house in great pain. He is taken sick and dies 18 days later after an "emetic" administered by a local doctor substituting for the family doctor lodges in his digestive tract. This complicates things for Joseph as he claimed he had been instructed by an angel to bring Alvin to the Hill Cumorah to receive the plates.
An opposition faction of the First
An opposition faction of the First Baptist Church of Pittsburg excludes Pastor Sidney Rigdon for teaching heresies. Three months later Ridgon is released as pastor.
Death of Alvin Smith
Death of Alvin Smith
Doctrine & Covenants Section 2
Doctrine & Covenants Section 2 was given to Joseph Smith (angelic visitation) in matters relating to Moroni’s visit to Joseph Smith
Joseph Smith History
Left the Church of England and became a Methodist.
Joseph Smith's older brother Alvin died
Joseph Smith's older brother Alvin died.
JS's First Visions of Angel Moroni
JS's First Visions of Angel Moroni
JS's Visit to Hill Cumorah
JS's Visit to Hill Cumorah
Moroni and the record
An angel named Moroni tells Joseph of a record buried in a nearby hill. He returns each year for four years before he is allowed to take it.
Moroni visits with Joseph Smith,
<p>In five visits with Joseph Smith, the resurrected Moroni revealed the existence of ancient gold plates, from which the Book of Mormon was translated, and instructed him on his role in restoring the gospel.</p>
The angel Moroni first appeared to Joseph Smith
The angel Moroni first appeared to Joseph Smith.
The angel Moroni visited Joseph Smith and told him of an ancient record
The angel Moroni visited Joseph Smith and told him of an ancient record.
The WAYNE SENTINAL in Palmyra, New
The WAYNE SENTINAL in Palmyra, New York publishes an account of a vision "seen and received by Asa Wild, of Amsterdam, (N. Y.)" In the vision "the Great Jehovah" appeared and "He also told me, that every denomination of professing christians had become extremely corrupt; . . .He told me further, that he had raised up, and was now raising up, that class of persons signified by the angel mentioned by the Revelator XIV. 6, 7, which flew in the midst of heaven; having the everlasting gospel to preach, that these persons are of an inferior social class, and small learning; that they were rejected by every denomination as a body; but soon, God will open their way, by miracles, judgments, &c. that they will have higher authority, greater power, superior inspiration, and a greater degree of holiness than was ever experienced before . . ."
1824
Geneva Presbytery records state
Geneva Presbytery records state, "there has been no remarkable revival of religion within our bounds. The "bounds" include Palmyra, N.Y. Since Methodists in Palmyra have already begun a revival this verifies Joseph Smith's description of the revival as having "commenced with the Methodists."
John Taylor History
Instructed by angel Moroni at Hill Cumorah.
Joseph Smith History
Became Methodist “exhorter,” or lay preacher. Received a strong impression that he would go to America to preach the gospel.
Josiah Priest, copyrights THE WONDERS OF NATURE AND PROVIDENCE
Josiah Priest, copyrights THE WONDERS OF NATURE AND PROVIDENCE. It is printed soon afterwards in Rochester, New York, only some twenty miles distant from Palmyra, near Joseph Smith's residence. In the book Mr. Priest argues at length that the Indians may be descendants of the Israelites.
JS's First Annual Visit with Angel Moroni
JS's First Annual Visit with Angel Moroni
The body of Alvin Smith is exhumed from its grave to quell rumors
The body of Alvin Smith is exhumed from its grave to quell rumors that the body had been removed. Joseph Smith had said that the Angel Moroni instructed him to bring his brother Alvin to obtain the plates but Alvin had died before the Sept 22, 1824 date set by the angel. Four days later the Wayne Sentinal publishes a notice by Joseph Smith Sr. that, contrary to the rumors, the body had not been removed from the grave or disturbed.
WAYNE SENTINAL (Palmyra, N.Y.) reports "A reformation is going on in this town
WAYNE SENTINAL (Palmyra, N.Y.) reports "A reformation is going on in this town to a great extent. The love of God has been shed abroad in the hearts of many, and the outpouring of the Spirit seems to have taken a strong hold. About twenty-five have recently obtained a hope in the Lord, and joined the Methodist Church, and many more are desirous of becoming members."
1825
John Taylor History
Instructed by angel Moroni at Hill Cumorah.
Joseph Smith History
Tried and acquitted on fanciful charge of being a “disorderly person,” South Bainbridge, Chenango County, New York. New York law defined a disorderly person as, among other things, a vagrant or a seeker of “lost goods.” The Prophet had been accused of both the first charge was false and was made simply to cause trouble; Joseph’s use of a seer stone to see things that others could not see with the naked eye brought the second charge. Those who brought the charges were apparently concerned that Joseph might bilk his employer, Josiah Stowell, out of some money. Mr. Stowell’s testimony clearly said this was not so and that he trusted Joseph Smith. 2
Joseph Smith Jr. and his father
Joseph Smith Jr. and his father Joseph Smith Sr. sign "Articles of Agreement" concerning the seeking of a lost Spanish silver mine near Josiah Stowall's property in Harmony Pennsylvania. Stowall had heard of Joseph Smith's ability to see hidden treasures and brought him 150 miles from Palmyra, New York to help locate the fabled treasure. No money was ever found and Joseph was later tried and convicted as a "disorderly person" for his "glass looking" activities with Stowall.
JS and Joseph Smith Sr. Returned to Palmyra
JS and Joseph Smith Sr. Returned to Palmyra
JS and Others' Search for Silver Mine
JS and Others' Search for Silver Mine
JS Hired by Josiah Stowell
JS Hired by Josiah Stowell
JS's Second Annual Visit with Angel Moroni
JS's Second Annual Visit with Angel Moroni
Sidney Rigdon writes the preface for Alexander Campbells pamphlet giving details of Campbell's debate
Sidney Rigdon writes the preface for Alexander Campbells pamphlet giving details of Campbell's debate with Reverend W. L. McCalla, former attorney and Presbyterian minister of Augusta, Kentucky. Campbell argued against infant baptism and that baptism was for the forgiveness of personal sin rather than for the absolution of "original sin."
The diary of British fur trapper
The diary of British fur trapper Peter Skene Ogden reads: "Our course This day was west over a fine Plain Covered with Buffaloes & thousands of Small Gulls the latter was a Strange Sight to us I presume some large body of water near at hand at present unknown to us all." This description of what is now the Utah-Idaho border contradicts a later "urban legend" that seagulls were unknown to the area before the "miracle of the seagulls" in 1848.
The REPUBLICAN ADVOCATE of Batavia, New
The REPUBLICAN ADVOCATE of Batavia, New York publishes an article titled "GOLD:" "Gold is beaten into leaves upon a smooth block of marble. . . These pieces are then fitted into books. . . It was anciently the custom to beat gold into thin plates..."
The WAYNE SENTINEL, published in Palmyra
The WAYNE SENTINEL, published in Palmyra New York, prints an article stating: "Those who are conversant with the public and private economy of the Indians, are strongly of the opinion that they are the lineal descendants of the Israelites, and my own researches go far to confirm me in the same belief." The article lists a number of reasons for this belief: "The Indians worship one Supreme Being as the fountain of life, and the author of all creation. Like the Israelites of old, they are divided into tribes. . . . their language and dialect are evidently of Hebrew origin. They compute time after the manner of the Israelites. . . . They have their prophets, High Priests, and their sanctum sanctorum. . . . They have their towns and cities of refuge. . . . If the tribes could be brought together, could be made sensible of their origin, could be civilized, and restored to their long lost brethren, what joy to our people, what glory to our God, how clearly have the prophecies been fulfilled, how certain our dispersion, how miraculous our preservation, how providential our deliverance."
1826
Joseph Smith History
Instructed by angel Moroni at Hill Cumorah.
Joseph Smith is brought to trial
Joseph Smith is brought to trial on charges of being a "disorderly person." Court records of Bainbridge, Chenango County, State of New York, "People vs Joseph Smith The Glass Looker," reveal that he was brought to trial on charges of money digging, using a "peep stone" to locate buried hidden treasures. Joseph is convicted but "took Leg Bail," i.e. he is allowed to get out of town rather than serve jail time.
JS Began Work for Joseph Knight Sr.
JS Began Work for Joseph Knight Sr.
JS's First Trial in South Bainbridge
JS's First Trial in South Bainbridge
JS's Third Annual Visit with Angel Moroni
JS's Third Annual Visit with Angel Moroni
Lemuel Durfee's will identifies Joseph Smith
Lemuel Durfee's will identifies Joseph Smith Sr.'s Manchester property as belonging to Smith. Durfee became the Smith's landlord after the Smith's home was taken from them due to shading dealings by a land agent. Durfee saved the Smith's home by purchasing their property and renting it to them to recover his investment.
The LYONS ADVERTISER, in Lyons N.Y.,
The LYONS ADVERTISER, in Lyons N.Y., ten miles from Palmyra, prints: "All wonders heretofore said or sung, from the legends of the Arabian Nights, down to the marvels of Cotton Mather, are flat & tame in comparison with many of the tales in this AUTHENTIC account of the WONDERS OF NATURE AND PROVIDENCE It's fame has spread far and wide among us." ." Josiah Priest's book, "The Wonders of Nature and Providence," argues that the Indians are descended from Hebrews, contains a condensed version of Ethan Smith's "View of the Hebrews," and is one of the more widely circulated books of the Manchester rental library (just five miles from Joseph Smith's home) in 1827.
The WAYNE SENTINEL lists "Joseph Smith"
The WAYNE SENTINEL lists "Joseph Smith" among delinquent subscribers with the amount due $5.60.
1827
Around midnight Joseph Smith asks his mother
Around midnight Joseph Smith asks his mother, Lucy Mack Smith, if she has a box with a lock on it. She says she doesn't and Joseph says, "Never mind, I can do very well for the present without it—be calm—all is right."
Emma Smith Acted as JS's Scribe
Emma Smith Acted as JS's Scribe
Heber C. Kimball is awakened by a neighbor, John P
Heber C. Kimball is awakened by a neighbor, John P. Greene, to see a manifestation in the sky: "It was one of the most beautiful starlight nights, so clear that we could see to pick up a pin. We looked to the eastern horizon, and beheld a white smoke arise toward the heavens; as it ascended it formed itself into a belt, and made a noise like the sound of a mighty wind, and continued southwest, forming a regular bow dipping in the western horizon. "
J Smith gets the plates, hides
J Smith gets the plates, hides them in a birch log.
Joseph and Emma Smith moved to Harmony Township, Pennsylvania
Joseph and Emma Smith moved to Harmony Township, Pennsylvania.
Joseph Knight and Josiah Stowell arrive
Joseph Smith: "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." [PJS 1:283; see HC 1:17] Lucy Smith: "On the night of the twenty-first, I sat up very late, as my business pressed upon my hands, and I did not retire until past twelve. About twelve o'clock, Joseph came to me and asked me if I had a chest with a lock and key. ..." "Shortly after this, Joseph's wife passed through the room with her bonnet and riding dress; and in a few minutes they left together, taking Mr. Knight's horse and wagon." [REH 137; see EMD 326] Joseph Smith's younger sister, Katharine Smith Salisbury added the additional information that Joseph was to meet the angel at Cumorah at 2:00 AM to receive the plates. "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." [EMD 1:521]
Joseph Smith History
In New York City, Professor Charles Anthon certifies authenticity of Book of Mormon characters, then withdraws certification, offers to translate the gold plates himself. Learning that part of the plates are sealed, he says, in fulfillment of prophecy (Isaiah 29:11), “I cannot read a sealed book.”
Joseph Smith married Emma Hale at South Bainbridge, New York
Joseph Smith married Emma Hale at South Bainbridge, New York.
Joseph Smith obtains the Book of Mormon plates
Joseph Smith obtains the Book of Mormon plates.
Joseph Smith received the gold plates from Moroni
Joseph Smith received the gold plates from Moroni.
Joseph Smith received the gold plates from the Angel Moroni at the Hill Cumorah
Joseph Smith received the gold plates from the Angel Moroni at the Hill Cumorah in upstate New York. He also received the Urim and Thummim, which was used in translating the Book of Mormon.
Joseph Smith receives the Golden Plates and the Urim and Thummim
Joseph Smith receives the Golden Plates and the Urim and Thummim.
Joseph Smith retrieves the breastplate
Lucy Smith specifies on this date: "On the twentieth of September Mr. Knight came with his friend Mr. Stowell to see how we were managing matters with Mr. Stoddard and company." [REH 137; see EMD 1:326] Joseph Knight records that he arranged his business so as to be in Palmyra about the 22nd of September: "I went to Rochester on Business and returned By Palmyra to be there about the 22nt of September. I was there several Days." [JKR 32]
Joseph Smith Sr. Told Neighbor about JS Finding Plates
Joseph Smith Sr. Told Neighbor about JS Finding Plates
Joseph Smith tells his mother that he has not brought the plates home
Joseph Smith tells his mother that he has not brought the plates home but has hidden the, plates in an old birch log three miles from his home. He tells her he hid them by cutting out a segment of bark, carving out the interior, depositing the plates, and replacing the bark. After breakfast he tells visiting Joseph Knight "It is ten times Better then 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 thummim than he did of the plates for says he, I can see anything. They are Marvelous."
Joseph warned to remove the plates and breastplate
Joseph was later warned to remove the plates and breastplate, whereupon he removed them from the chest under the floor, and placed them in some flax in the loft of the shop. The mob arrived as soon as it was dark"" [REH 150; EMD 1:342], found the chest under the floor and splintered it to pieces, but were unsuccessful in finding the plates in the loft. I have selected the date as the Sunday following the burial of the plates under the hearth."
JS and Emma Smith Moved onto Hale Property
JS and Emma Smith Moved onto Hale Property
JS Copied Characters from Plates
JS Copied Characters from Plates
JS copies characters and translates some
Martin Harris places the move of Joseph and Emma to Harmony at "the last of October, 1827. It might have been the first of November" [TM 170]. Joseph Smith, however remembers that they arrived at the house of his wife's father in the month of December [JSH 1:62]. Both Larry C. Porter [OCNY 133] and Donna Hill [JSFM 73] accept the December date. Martin Harris' memory might have been a little better about the day of the week. He says "It was understood that they were to start on Monday; but they started on Saturday night and got through safe" [TM 170]. December 1 was a Saturday in 1827.
JS Obtained Plates
JS Obtained Plates
JS's Marriage to Emma Hale
JS's Marriage to Emma Hale
JS's Move to Harmony
JS's Move to Harmony
JS's Work on Family Farm
JS's Work on Family Farm
Lemuel Durfee, landlord to the Smith
Lemuel Durfee, landlord to the Smith family, writes in his account book: "Joseph Sr. and Hiram Smith Dr debit to three barrels of Cider at 9/ per barrel May the Last 1827 9 shillings per barrel"
Mancaester Alva Hale arrives to help
It was during "the short interval of Alva's stay with us," that this much needed gift was given to Joseph. The gift had to be made sufficiently prior to Joseph's departure that he would have time to travel around and pay off his accumulated debts. Lucy Smith and Martin Harris both record the incident. During the short interval of Alva's stay with us, Alva and Joseph were one day in Palmyra at a public house doing some business with the landlord, when Mr. Harris entered the room. Many strangers were present. When he came in, he walked up to my son, gave him his hand, and said, How do you do, Mr. Smith?" Then, taking a bag of silver from his pocket, he said, 'Here Mr. Smith, is fifty dollars. I give it to you to do the Lord's work with. No,' said he, 'I give it to the Lord for his own work.' [REH 153; EMD 1:348-349] I advised Joseph that he must pay all his debts before starting. I paid them for him, and furnished him money for his journey.” [TM p 170]
Martin Harris gives Joseph Smith $50
Lucy relates that ""shortly"" after Joseph retrieved the breastplate, he came to the house with great concerns that a mob would come to the house that night to search for the record. ""It was resolved that a portion of the hearth should be taken up and the plates and breastplate should be buried under the same, and then the hearth relaid to prevent suspicion."" [REH 149; EMD 1:341]The hearth had scarcely been relaid when the mob arrived as had been anticipated. In an agricultural society, there are daily chores to be done every morning and evening, and always a lot of work to be accomplished in between. The most opportune time for enough men to assemble to warrant calling a mob, would be on Sundays when the daily labors (excepting the chores) are frequently suspended. I have here selected a Sunday spaced approximately midway between dates which are more independently defined"
Plates are concealed under the cooper's
According to Lucy's account they had "but a few days rest" before Joseph received intimations of the return of the mob [REH 169; EMD 1:342] and Joseph Knight relates that a Mr. Beeman discovered the location of the plates under the hearth by use of a divining rod [JKR p 34]. Martin Harris reported a different reason for removing the plates from under the hearth. "They were then hidden under the hearth in his father's house. But the wall being partly down, it was feared that certain ones, who were trying to get possession of the plates, would get under the house and dig them out. Joseph then took them out, and hid them under the old cooper's shop, by taking up a board and digging in the ground and burying them." [TM 166-167]” By this timely aid was I enabled to reach the place of my destination in Pennsylvania, and immediately after my arrival there I commenced copying the characters of the plates. I copyed a considerable number of them and by means of the Urim and Thummim 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. [PJS 1:284; HC 1:19] David E. Sloan has examined what Joseph Smith may have meant when he said he translated some of the characters, and suggests that this translation" may not have been any intelligible part of the Book of Mormon. [See ATT 72-76]
Plates are removed to the cooper's
Traveling distance was approximately 130 miles (the distance is variously estimated at from 128 to 155 miles. Donna Hill specifies 128 miles, a full four days trip for a team and wagon JSFM 73. For the other extreme see HJS 117 n1).
The plates and breastplate are buried
We know he left home in February, and began writing for Joseph on April 12. Martin undertook this venture in a small wagon drawn by a team of mules in February, 1828, traveling alone on miles of unimproved roadways. The college to which he went was the forerunner of Columbia University today. New York City was a distance of between four and five hundred miles. [MHS l22] Stanley B. Kimball has suggested that "there is some evidence that he returned to Palmyra after receiving the manuscript before leaving for the East." [ATP p328]
The plates are obtained
Joseph receives the plates and moves to Harmony, Pennsylvania, to escape harassment. Most of the translation is finished in under three months in 1829 with Oliver Cowdery as scribe.
1828
a Son is born to Joseph
a Son is born to Joseph and Emma Smith in Harmony, Pennsylvania and dies within an hour. The gravestone gives no name but the family bible records the name as "Alvin" after Joseph's older brother who had died.
Birth and Death of JS's Son
Birth and Death of JS's Son
BoM plates and U&T returned, D&C
BoM plates and U&T returned, D&C 10:1-5 received.
BoM translation begins Translation to Mosiah
Lucy says that it was arranged before Joseph Smith left Palmyra that Martin Harris was to follow as soon as Joseph had enough time to translate some of the characters. Joseph started in December for Pennsylvania. It was agreed upon that Martin Harris should follow him as soon as Joseph should have sufficient time to transcribe some of the Egyptian characters. Then Mr. Harris was to take the characters to the East and through the country in every direction, and on his way he was to call on all who were professed linguists to give them an opportunity of showing their talents in giving a translation of the characters. [REH 154] According to Joseph Smith's 1832 history, Martin Harris received a personal vision, in which he was told to go to New York City with some of the characters from the plates and show them to the learned. ... Martin Harris, who became convinced of the visions and gave me fifty Dollars to bare my expenses and because of his faith and the righteous deed [the gift of $50] the Lord appeared unto him in a vision and showed unto him his marvellous work which he was about to do and he immediately came to Susquehanna and said the Lord had shown him that he must go to new York City with some of the characters so we proceeded to copy some of them and he took his Journey to the Eastern city’s and to the Learned ... [PJS 1:9]
Doctrine & Covenants Section 10 was given to Joseph Smith in matters relating
Doctrine & Covenants Section 10 was given to Joseph Smith in matters relating to the lost 116 pages
Doctrine & Covenants Section 3 was given to Joseph Smith in matters relating
Doctrine & Covenants Section 3 was given to Joseph Smith in matters relating to the lost 116 pages
Emma starts to recover
Lucy Smith indicates that the ‘Harrises stayed in Harmony approximately two weeks during their visit, before returning home.’ ‘
J Smith Sr. and Lucy leave
Pomeroy Tucker. ... Tucker reports that Harris 'sought the interpretation and bibliological scrutiny of such scholars as Hon. Luther Bradish, Dr. Mitchell, Professor Anthon and others.' John H. Gilbert in September 1892. ... According to Gilbert, Harris 'stopped at Albany and called on Lt. Governor Bradish.’
J. Smith Sr. and Lucy arrive
J. Smith Sr. and Lucy arrive at Harmony.
Joseph and Emma go to visit
Lucy Smith relates: As soon as she arrived there, she said she had come to see the plates and would never leave until she had accomplished it. Without delay she began ransacking every nook and corner of the house--chest, cupboard, trunk, etc.; consequently Joseph was compelled to take both the breastplate and the record out of the house and secrete them elsewhere. [REH 156-157]
Joseph arrives back at his home
Joseph arrives back at his home in Harmony
Joseph delivers up the Urim and Thummim to the angel
Joseph delivers up the Urim and Thummim to the angel.
Joseph loses BoM plates and Urim
Joseph Knight records: “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 wife’s father and family were all against him and would not help 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 might amount to and my wife and family 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 little.” [JKR 36]
Joseph Smith begins his return to Harmony
Joseph Smith begins his return to Harmony.
Joseph Smith completes 116 pages foolscap-size
Joseph Smith completes 116 pages (foolscap-size) of translation from the gold plates (the book of Lehi), with Martin Harris transcribing with a blanket stretched between them. Martin Harris repeatedly asks Joseph Smith to borrow the transcript. Smith refuses twice but relents (by revelation) on the third request but makes Harris agree to a covenant to show only his family. Harris brings the 116 page translation from the gold plates back to Palmyra and shows them to his wife, Lucy Harris, but he loses the transcripts (says they were stolen). Lucy Harris is suspected of hiding or destroying them.
Joseph Smith History
Martin Harris leaves Harmony with 116 translated pages of the Book of Lehi. The pages are stolen in Palmyra Township, June–July 1828.
Joseph Smith leaves for Palmyra in search of M Harris
Joseph Smith leaves for Palmyra in search of M Harris.
Joseph Smith Sr. and Lucy Mack Smith Visited JS
Joseph Smith Sr. and Lucy Mack Smith Visited JS
Joseph Smith translated the Book of Lehi with Martin Harris as scribe
Joseph Smith translated the Book of Lehi with Martin Harris as scribe.
Joseph Smith translates the Book of Mormon with Martin Harris
Joseph Smith translates the Book of Mormon with Martin Harris.
JS Learned of Lost Manuscript Pages
JS Learned of Lost Manuscript Pages
L Cowdery contracts to teach school
Professor Charles Anthon wrote in his first letter: “ Some years ago, a plain, apparently simple-hearted farmer called on me with a note from Dr. Mitchell, of our city, now dead, requesting me to decipher, if possible, the paper which the farmer would hand me”. Letter to E. D. Howe, February 17, 1834. [CHC 1:103] 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. . . . 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. Letter to T. W. Coit, April 3, 1841. [CHC 1:104-105, 106]. Martin Harris indicates that he saw Professor Anthon before seeing Dr. Mitchill. He [Professor Charles Anthon] replied 'I cannot read a sealed book' I left him and went to Dr. Mitchell, who sanctioned what Professor Anthony had said respecting both the characters and the translation. [PJS 1:285-286 and HC 1:20]
Lemuel Durfee, landlord to Joseph Smith's
Lemuel Durfee, landlord to Joseph Smith's family, writes in his account book: "Joseph & Harrison Smiths Dr. to the Liqure of three barrels of Cider at 9/0 per barrel $3=38"
Lucy continues her search outside the house
Lucy continues her search outside the house.
Lyman Cowdery visits Hyrum about teaching
Lyman Cowdery visits Hyrum about teaching school.
M and L Harris leave Harmony,
Joseph Knight's accounts: “I went Down and found them well and the[y] were glad to see us. We conversed about many things.” [JKR 36]
M and L Harris leave Palmyra
Emma states ‘When my husband was translating the Book of Mormon, I wrote a part of it, as he dictated each sentence, word for word, and when he came to proper names he could not pronounce, or long words, he spelled them out, and while I was writing them, if I made any mistake in spelling, he would stop me and correct my spelling, although it was impossible for him to see how I was writing them down at the time. Even the word Sarah he could not pronounce at first, but had to spell it, and I would pronounce it for him. As the word "Sarah" does not appear in the Book of Mormon, it is more likely that the word "Sariah" was intended as is found in a later report by Edmund C. Biggs: "This brings to my mind a statement of the Elect Lady, Emma, in the winter of 1856. She said to me, 'When you see David Whitmer you will see an honest man.' And in the same conversation, she remarked of her husband Joseph's limited education while he was translating the Book of Mormon, and she was scribe at the time, 'He could not pronounce the word Sariah.' [DWI 126 ] "And one time while translating, where it speaks of the walls of Jerusalem, he stopped and said, 'Emma, did Jerusalem have walls surrounding it.' When I informed him it had, he replied, 'O, I though I was deceived.' [DWI 126-127] He [David Whitmer] said Smith translated by means of a pair of large bound Speciales 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."" [MMM 486]
M Harris arrives in Albany, visits
M Harris arrives in Albany, visits Mr. Luther Bradish.
M Harris arrives in New York
Lucy quotes Joseph as saying, 'After the angel left me,' said he, 'I continued my supplications to God, without cessation, and on the twenty-second of September, I had the joy and satisfaction of again receiving the Urim and Thummim, with which I have again commenced translating, and Emma writes for me, but the angel said that the Lord would send me a scribe, and I trust that it will be so. The angel was rejoiced when he gave me back the Urim and Thummim, and he told me that the Lord was pleased with my faithfulness and humility, and loved me for my penitence and diligence in prayer, in the which I had performed my duty so well as to receive the Urim and Thummim and was able to enter upon the work of translation again.' [REH 175] The plates and the Urim and Thummim were restored to Joseph on September 22, 1828, and he did continue with the translation with Emma as his scribe.
M Harris arrives in Palmyra with the 116 pages
M Harris arrives in Palmyra with the 116 pages.
M Harris arrives to be Joseph
The next morning he went home. [REH 166]
M Harris departs for Albany, New
M Harris departs for Albany, New York City, etc
M Harris departs Harmony to return
M Harris departs Harmony to return home.
M Harris departs New York City
Joseph States: “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.” [PJS 1:288; see HC 1:28]
M Harris leaves Harmony for Palmyra
M Harris leaves Harmony for Palmyra with 116 pages.
M Harris visits with Dr. Samuel
In his book on Oliver Cowdery, Stanly Gunn states: “ The school was to continue for sixteen weeks and was to be held in the log school house which was a mile east of the old Joseph Smith Sr. Home on the old Plank Road" where the little cobble rock Armington school now stands." [OC 29]
M Harris visits with Professor Charles
M Harris visits with Professor Charles Anthon.
Mancaester. J. Smith Sr. and Lucy
Emma gives birth to Joseph Smith's first son.
Manchester. Joseph arrives in Manchester to see Martin Harris
Manchester. Joseph arrives in Manchester to see Martin Harris.
Martin Harris Showed Manuscript to Family
Martin Harris Showed Manuscript to Family
Martin Harris Showed Transcript to Scholars
Martin Harris Showed Transcript to Scholars
Martin Harris took a transcript
Martin Harris took a transcript and partial translation of the Book of Mormon to Professor Charles Anthon of Columbia College and to Dr. Samuel L. Mitchell of New York. In June, Harris borrowed and lost 116 manuscript pages.
Martin Harris took Book of Mormon manuscript pages to professors in New York
Martin Harris took Book of Mormon manuscript pages to professors in New York.
Martin Harris took character transcripts to scholars in New York
Martin Harris took character transcripts to scholars in New York.
Martin Harris took manuscript pages to Palmyra, which were subsequently lost
Martin Harris took manuscript pages to Palmyra, which were subsequently lost.
Martin Harris' trip to New York
Martin Harris' trip to New York City - Professor Anthon.
Oliver Cowdery and David Whitmer Investigated Plates
Oliver Cowdery and David Whitmer Investigated Plates
Oliver Cowdery Met Smith Family
Oliver Cowdery Met Smith Family
Oliver Cowdery to replace L Cowdery
Oliver Cowdery to replace L Cowdery as teacher.
Palmyra Martin Harris leaves Palmyra for Harmony
Palmyra Martin Harris leaves Palmyra for Harmony.
Plates Temporarily Taken from JS
Plates Temporarily Taken from JS
The 116 manuscript pages are stolen
The 116 manuscript pages are stolen.
The plates and translation power were restored to Joseph Smith
The plates and translation power were restored to Joseph Smith.
The plates were temporarily taken from Joseph Smith following the lost manuscript
The plates were temporarily taken from Joseph Smith following the lost manuscript.
The visit of Joseph's parents to Harmony
The visit of Joseph's parents to Harmony
With Martin Harris as scribe Joseph
With Martin Harris as scribe Joseph Smith begins translating the Book of Mormon. A curtain divides them to prevent Martin from seeing the plates. Two months later they have completed 116 pages.
1829
"The Word of the Lord" Dictated
"The Word of the Lord" Dictated
A difference of Opinion
“About this time my brother Samuel H. Smith came came to visit us. We informed him of what the Lord was about to do for the children of men; and to reason with him out of the Bible; ... The result was that he obtained revelation for himself sufficient to convince him of the truth of our assertions to him and on the twenty fifth day of that same month in which we had been baptized and ordained; Oliver Cowdery baptized him, And he returned to his father's house greatly glorifying and praising God, being filled with the Holy Spirit.” [PJS 1:292; see HC 1:44] “We met with many from time to time, who were willing to hear us, and wishful to find out the truth as it is in Christ Jesus, and apparently willing to obey the Gospel when once fairly convinced and satisfied in their own minds; “[PJS 1:294; see HC 1:51 ]
Agreement for Printing of Book of Mormon
Agreement for Printing of Book of Mormon
An angel showed the gold plates to the Three Witnesses
An angel showed the gold plates to the Three Witnesses; Joseph showed them to the Eight Witnesses.
Baptism of Hyrum Smith, David Whitmer, and Peter Whitmer Jr.
Baptism of Hyrum Smith, David Whitmer, and Peter Whitmer Jr.
Book of Mormon Pages Delivered for Typsetting
Book of Mormon Pages Delivered for Typsetting
Book of Mormon Title Page Published
Book of Mormon Title Page Published
Copyright secured for the Book of Mormon
Copyright secured for the Book of Mormon.
D&C 10 was revealed to Joseph Smith
D&C 10 was revealed to Joseph Smith.
D&C 11 and 12 were revealed to Hyrum Smith and Joseph Knight Sr.
D&C 11 and 12 were revealed to Hyrum Smith and Joseph Knight Sr.
D&C 14, 15, 16, 17, and 18 were revealed at Fayette, New York
D&C 14, 15, 16, 17, and 18 were revealed at Fayette, New York.
D&C 19 was revealed at Manchester, New York
D&C 19 was revealed at Manchester, New York.
D&C 4 received for Joseph Smith
Recorded by Oliver Cowdery. “Near the time of the setting of the sun, Sabbath evening, April 5, 1829 my natural eyes, for the first time beheld this brother. He then resided in Harmony, Susquehanna CountyPennsylvania. [MA 1:14] On Monday, the 6th I assisted him arranging some business of a temporal nature, and on Tuesday the 7th, commenced to write the Book of Mormon.” [MA 1:14]
D&C 4 was revealed to Joseph Smith Sr.
D&C 4 was revealed to Joseph Smith Sr.
D&C 5 received. Translation
Joseph Smith stated “Mean time our translation drawing to a close, we went to Palmyra, Wayne County, N.Y: Secured the Copyright; and agreed with Mr Egbert Grandin to print five thousand Copies for the sum of three thousand dollars. [PJS 1:300; see HC 1:71]. The copyright registration for the Book of Mormon is extant, and bears the date of June 11, 1829. The description of the Book of Mormon Joseph says is a literal translation "taken from the very last leaf, on the left hand side of the collection or book of plates" (see PJS 1:300 and HC 1:71-72
D&C 5 was revealed at Martin Harris's request
D&C 5 was revealed at Martin Harris's request.
D&C 6, 7, 8, and 9 were revealed to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery
D&C 6, 7, 8, and 9 were revealed to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery.
David Whitmer helped Joseph Smith move to the Whitmer farm in Fayette
David Whitmer helped Joseph Smith move to the Whitmer farm in Fayette.
David Whitmer Met JS
David Whitmer Met JS
Doctrine & Covenants Section 11 was given to Joseph Smith in matters relating
Doctrine & Covenants Section 11 was given to Joseph Smith in matters relating to Hyrum Smith
Doctrine & Covenants Section 12 was given to Joseph Smith in matters relating
Doctrine & Covenants Section 12 was given to Joseph Smith in matters relating to Joseph Knight, Sr.
Doctrine & Covenants Section 13 was given to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery (angelic visitation) in matters
Doctrine & Covenants Section 13 was given to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery (angelic visitation) in matters relating to the Conferral of Aaronic priesthood by John the Baptist
Doctrine & Covenants Section 14 was given to Joseph Smith in matters relating
Doctrine & Covenants Section 14 was given to Joseph Smith in matters relating to David Whitmer
Doctrine & Covenants Section 15 was given to Joseph Smith in matters relating
Doctrine & Covenants Section 15 was given to Joseph Smith in matters relating to John Whitmer
Doctrine & Covenants Section 16 was given to Joseph Smith in matters relating
Doctrine & Covenants Section 16 was given to Joseph Smith in matters relating to Peter Whitmer, Jr.
Doctrine & Covenants Section 17 was given to Joseph Smith in matters relating
Doctrine & Covenants Section 17 was given to Joseph Smith in matters relating to the Three Witnesses
Doctrine & Covenants Section 18 was given to Joseph Smith, Oliver Cowdery
Doctrine & Covenants Section 18 was given to Joseph Smith, Oliver Cowdery, and David Whitmer in matters relating to the selection of Twelve Apostles
Doctrine & Covenants Section 4 was given to Joseph Smith in matters relating
Doctrine & Covenants Section 4 was given to Joseph Smith in matters relating to Joseph Smith, Sr.
Doctrine & Covenants Section 5 was given to Joseph Smith in matters relating
Doctrine & Covenants Section 5 was given to Joseph Smith in matters relating to Martin Harris; golden plates
Doctrine & Covenants Section 6 was given to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery in matters relating
Doctrine & Covenants Section 6 was given to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery in matters relating to Oliver Cowdery
Doctrine & Covenants Section 7 was given to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery in matters relating
Doctrine & Covenants Section 7 was given to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery in matters relating to Joseph Smith, Oliver Cowdery; John the Apostle
Doctrine & Covenants Section 8 was given to Joseph Smith in matters relating
Doctrine & Covenants Section 8 was given to Joseph Smith in matters relating to Oliver Cowdery; Book of Mormon translation
Doctrine & Covenants Section 9 was given to Joseph Smith in matters relating
Doctrine & Covenants Section 9 was given to Joseph Smith in matters relating to Oliver Cowdery; Book of Mormon translation
Duplicate Copy of Book of Mormon Manuscript Made
Duplicate Copy of Book of Mormon Manuscript Made
E.B. Grandin contracts to print the Book of Mormon and typesetting begins
E.B. Grandin contracts to print the Book of Mormon and typesetting begins.
Eight Witnesses view plates
Joseph Knight records: “I went home followed teaming till the last of March the slaying [sleighing] being good. I told my wife I must go Dow[n] and see Joseph again. 'Why Do you go so 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 revelations he had Received...” [JKR 36]
Emma Smith and Samuel Smith Acted as Scribes
Emma Smith and Samuel Smith Acted as Scribes