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Book of John Whitmer: Confidante of Joseph Smith, Book of Mormon Witness, Church Historian

John Whitmer, original manuscript written 1831-1838. 5.25x8" softbound, 112 pages, reprint by Archive Publishers, Grantsville, Utah.

Called to serve as the first Historian of the Church of the Latter-day Saints, John Whitmer was an ardent follower of Joseph Smith and the Restored Church. His willingness and faith to follow "Joseph the Seer" at all costs led him through hardships in Kirtland and Missouri that are only echoes of a past that few Latter-day Saints of today can understand. Because of his position as a leader in the Church and his early friendship with Joseph Smith, he was in a unique position during the Missouri Period of the Church to document the privations and persecutions suffered by the Saints there.

His humble approach to the History of the Church changed abruptly when he found himself and many of his family members excommunicated. Although he noted that his history would cease with his excommunication, further harsh entries were made about the "fallen prophet" and the decadence of Church leaders. At one point, he wrote that James J. Strang was the appointed successor to Joseph Smith, and at another, he held for the leadership of his brother, David Whitmer - views common during his generation.

John Whitmer's writing is often difficult to read. His work was unedited and his manuscript was frequently ungrammatical with many spelling errors. As much as possible, this reproduction has left the original manuscript intact.

Title: Book of John Whitmer: Confidante of Joseph Smith, Book of Mormon Witness, Church Historian

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