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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.

Found in 16 Collections and/or Records:

Collection on early Mormon history

 Collection
Identifier: MSS SC 954
Scope and Contents

Materials include typescripts of records on early Mormon history. Includes information on Joseph Smith, William Smith, and John Whitmer, and other early Church leaders. Dated 1830-1846.

Dates: 1830-1846

Hyrum Smith bibles and family records, 1834, 1872

 Series — Multiple Containers
Identifier: Vault MSS 774 Series 4
Scope and Contents

Contains two bibles owned by Hyrum Smith. Includes an 1834 family bible that has a family record in the middle of the book, dated up to 1872; and, an Old Testament in Hebrew with Latin notations, said to be used by Hyrum while attending the School of the Prophets. Includes photocopy of part of family record from family bible.

Dates: 1834, 1872

Hyrum Smith correspondence, 1839-1844

 Series
Identifier: Vault MSS 774 Series 2
Scope and Contents

Three letters written to and from Hyrum Smith. Includes one letter written from Liberty Jail, Missouri. Dated 1839-1844.

Dates: 1839-1844

Hyrum Smith diaries and other writings, 1831-1835

 Series
Identifier: Vault MSS 774 Series 1
Scope and Contents

Contains diaries and other writings related to Hyrum Smith. Includes missionary diaries kept by Hyrum for missions in the Ohio area, the eastern states, and southern states. Also includes an account book, a day book, and a book of miscellaneous writings not in Hyrum's hand. Dated 1831-1835.

Dates: 1831-1835

Hyrum Smith property records, 1837-1846

 Series
Identifier: Vault MSS 774 Series 3
Scope and Contents

Records mostly related to Hyrum Smith's property in Lee County, Iowa, and Nauvoo, Illnois. Includes maps of his Smith's "additions" to the city, as well as several indentures related to the buying and selling of this property. Also includes some documents related to Smith family property in Kirtland, Ohio, and Far West, Missouri. Includes a tax document for Hyrum's estate and an indenture for his property being sold after his death. Dated 1837-1846.

Dates: 1837-1846

John Jackson letter

 File — Folder 1: [Barcode: 31197231045730]
Identifier: MSS 1214
Scope and Contents

Handwritten and signed letter, dated 2 May 1849, written in Centerville, Utah, and addressed to John and Sarah Witmer. Jackson expresses regards and writes about some local activities. Also included is a handwritten and signed letter from John Jackson addressed to "Dear Children."

Dates: 1849 May 2

John Whitmer land patents

 File — Oversize-folder 1
Identifier: MSS SC 245
Scope and Contents

Two land patents, one for 40 acres and one for 160 acres of public land in Lexington District, Clay County, Missouri, issued by the U.S. General Land Office.

Dates: 1838

Marriages solemnized by John Whitmer in Caldwell Co. state of Missouri

 Collection — Folder 1: [Barcode: 31197233287629]
Identifier: Vault MSS 241
Scope and Contents

Handwritten list dated 14 May and 25 June 1837. The item is a record of two marriages performed by John Whitmer, an early Mormon Church leader and one of the "Eight Witnesses" to the authenticity of the Book of Mormon. The marriages were between Willard Snow and Malvina Harvy and John H. Zimmar and Elisa Jackson.

Dates: May-June 1837

David C. Martin collection on Mormon history

 File — Folder 1: [Barcode: 31197232560455]
Identifier: MSS 8879
Content Description

Contains correspondence between various people, an autobiography of Andrew Hunter Scott's missionary work, notes about leaders of the Church of Christ, writings on some of the history of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints including notes on John Whitmer, and magazine and newspaper clippings. The book was created by David C. Martin. Dates approximately 1927 to 1975, bulk approximately 1950 to 1975.

Dates: approximately 1927-1975; Majority of material found within 1950-1975

Joseph Smith patriarchal blessing for John Whitmer

 Collection — Folder 1: [Barcode: 31197233243838]
Identifier: Vault MSS 239
Scope and Contents

Handwritten partriarchal blessing, dated 22 Sept 1835, and given to John Whitmer. Smith assures Whitmer that he may receive salvation by following the teachings of the Mormon Church.

Dates: 1835 September 22

Additional filters:

Type
Collection 12
Archival Object 4
 
Subject
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints 8
Letters 8
Missions and Missionaries 6
Correspondence 5
Latter Day Saint churches -- History 5