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Whitmer, John, 1802-1878

 Person

Dates

  • Existence: 1802 - 1878

Biography

John Whitmer (1802-1878) was a early Latter-day Saint leader in Missouri.

John Whitmer was born in 1802 in Pennsylvania, but his family soon moved to New York. In New York, John's family heard about Joseph Smith and offered to let him live with them. During this time, John Whitmer was a scribe for Joseph Smith. John was baptized into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Seneca Lake. John Whitmer was also one of the Eight Witnesses of the Book of Mormon. In 1830, John was appointed to Church historian and recorder. On February 10, 1833, John married Sarah Maria Jackson. In 1834, John served as counselor for the presidency for the Church in Missouri. In March 1838, John Whitmer was excommunicated from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. John Whitmer died in 1878.