Summary: There is a theory that Sidney Rigdon helped Joseph Smith create the Book of Mormon based on a manuscript written by a man named Solomon Spaulding. This timeline is a summary of all events that indicate that this theory may be true based on my notes collected over a six-year period. This theory was put forward by people both around Sidney Rigdon, and Joseph Smith as soon as 3 months after the Book of Mormon was published. As well there were individuals who stated this theory before the Book of Mormon was published (Francis Atwater) and was supported by Spaulding’s Widow, but as of yet (The date this was last edited) no direct, concrete evidence exists. Individuals should bear this in mind as they review the timeline.

[Update 4/15/2014 : It seems I was incorrect in stating that Parley P. Pratt and Oliver Cowdery were first cousins]

Map of Mentor, Ohio to Palmyra Area. Please note that the Erie Canal runs between the location where Sidney Rigdon was primarily, and where Joseph Smith grew up

The Oberlin Manuscript in its entirety (Spaulding Manuscript found at Oberlin University)

Quick Lookup Key

[SpR] – some attribute of key to the Spaulding-Rigdon theory or supporting the theory happened at this point in time. These “evidences” have to be good enough to arouse suspicion in Columbo and/or point him in the direction to keep asking question. (A rigorous standard, I know)

[EYEWITNESS] – An eyewitness, first hand account that Rigdon used Spaulding’s manuscript, or that Rigdon knew Joseph Smith prior to the official first meeting.

[BOM COINCIDENCE] – Some piece of the Book of Mormon that matches with Rigdon’s theology or an aspect of Smith’s life so closely that it is worth pointing out.

[GROUP TRANSLATION] – All the times Joseph Smith translated something, it was a tight-group of men, most of whom are also linked to the Spaulding-Rigdon theory. These instances are identified. The men’s former belief systems end up in the “translated” works during the time periods (for example Parley P. Pratt’s phrase “fiery darts of the adversary” shows up in the book of Mormon and in the Doctrine and Covenants or the Masonic terms “Curious Worksmanship” showing up in the Book of Mormon). In this way, one could have even spaulding’s information ending up integrated with the book if Rigdon listened to Spaulding, spoke to Pratt, and Pratt to Oliver Cowdery; whether intentional or not.

[Possible Plagiarism] – Circumstantial evidence that ideas were not native with Smith and that he used other’s works without attribution as revelation.

[SINGLE] and [DUAL – Relate to whether Joseph received the revelation alone, or in conjunction with Sidney Rigdon

20 February, 1761 – Solomon Spaulding born. Will attend Dartmouth in 1782

1784 – Emmanuel Swedenburg publishes a work on the heavens including terms like “Celestial” and “Terrestial”. Joseph is familiar with the work and mentions Swedenburg by name (later). [Possible Plagiarism]

19 February, 1793 – Sidney Rigdon Born

1804 – John Johnston becomes Postmaster General of Pittsburgh and served in that office until 1822; he was occasionally assisted by his young daughter, Rebecca Johnston who would remember (accurately) that Sidney Rigdon and Spaulding received mail at their post office, sometimes on the same day.

23 December, 1805 – Joseph Smith Born (Preston Nibley ed. History of Joseph Smith by his Mother, Lucy Mack Smith, Bookcraft, 1958 p. 46)

22 May, 1810 -William Rigdon died, leaving Sidney 100 acres of land — at about this time Sidney evidently began occasional training as an apprentice tanner (such an apprenticeship would have been required before he was accepted as a “journeyman tanner” in 1824)

1811 – Joseph Smith Sr. has a vision about a tree of life. Lehi’s vision of the tree of life features prominently in first Nephi, part of the re-write after the 116 pages were lost (Lucy Mack Smith, Joseph Smith, The Prophet And His Progenitors For Many Generations, chapter 14.) [SpR] [BOM COINCIDENCE]

1811 – 1816 -R. Johnson, daughter of Pittsburgh Post Master John Johnson, became the regular clerk at the Post Office, serving there until 1816, after which she only occasionally worked in the office; during this general time-period she knew Solomon Spalding, Robert & Joseph Patterson, and probably J. Harrison Lambdin and Silas Engles; later (probably after 1816) she knew Sidney Rigdon

1809 – Solomon Spaulding begins a work of fiction meant to explain the presence of Native Americans. “his account of the first inhabitants of America would be considered as authentic as any other history.” The Name of this document is “Manuscript Story”.

1810 – Some accounts tell of a second writing written as early as 1810 known as “Manuscript Found” Although similar to manuscript story (That we have today), this was a more complete revision for printing.

1812 – Joseph Smith’s famous leg-operation due to Typhus fever, fever sore in his chest, leg pain and surgury. (history of Joseph Smith p. 54-58) Went with his uncle Jesse Smith to Salem (History Joseph Smith p. 58)

1812-1813, exact date unknown. At about this time, Solomon Spalding, newly arrived from OH, apparently approached Joseph Patterson in regard to having Butler & Lambdin print a book he had written. Silas Engles told Robert Patterson “that a gentleman from the East originally” had left a manuscript written “in the style” of “the Bible” for publication. Patterson looked at the manuscript and approved it publication, provided the author pay the costs. Manuscript Story, the Spaulding manuscript that we have, came from Spaulding’s widow, and thus is probably not the same version that was given to the printer.

January, 1812 – Alexander Campbell licensed to preach

Fall, 1812– precise date not know, just that Solomon Spalding, wife, & daughter move from New Salem, OH to Pittsburgh; open a small retail store was in the “Fall”

05 November, 1812 – Patterson & Hopkins Booksellers firm in Pittsburgh was dissolved and replaced by the Robert & Joseph Patterson Book and Stationery Store; Robert Patterson had a close association with the job-office print shop of Butler & Lambdin, established after 1817. Silas Engles was the printer for Patterson & Hopkins, as well as for R. & J. Patterson (Spaulding printer established)

Summer 1816 – Joseph Smith moved to Palmyra, Ontario County, New York. (Preston Nibley ed. History of Joseph Smith by his Mother, Lucy Mack Smith, Bookcraft, 1958 p.61)

20 October, 1815 – Solomon Spalding dies in Amity, PA

Spring 1817 – Rigdon affected a conversion experience (a personal experience of the miracle of grace); applied with Peter’s Creek Church for baptism; Pastor Phillips “entertained serious doubts at the time in regard to the genuineness of the work”. Within the year Sidney Rigdon said to have “coveted the aging David Philips’s pastorship.” and “began to put himself forward and seek the preeminence”

31 May, 1817 – Rigdon baptized by Rev. Phillips and became a member of the Peter’s Creek Baptist Church (Library, PA); may have studied some preparatory ministry under Rev. David Phillips.

1818 – Rigdon trains for the ministry by moving to North Sewickley on the Connoquenessing River, where he studied for the ministry under the Reverend Andrew Clark, minister of the Providence Regular Baptist Church

January 1818 – Partnership of Robert & Joseph Patterson suffered bankruptcy and was replaced by the Partnership of Robert Patterson & J. Harrison Lambdin; Lambdin had been a former employ of Robert Patterson in his previous partnership with Mr. Hopkins; the firm operated a book store on 4th St., a book bindary, and a separate job-office print shop under the name of Butler and Lambdin; Robert & Joseph Patterson appear to have begun or continued only one division of their former firm at this time: the Robert & Joseph Patterson steam paper mill on the Allegheny River. Sidney later claims not to know the printshop in regards to the Spaulding-Rigdon theory by claiming to not know “Joseph Patterson” but very probably knew “Robert Patterson”

Spring 1818 – Joseph settled with his family on 100 acres of land at Manchester, Ontario County, New York. Joseph Sr., Hyrum, and Alvin cleared 30 acres for cultivation. (Preston Nibley ed. History of Joseph Smith by his Mother, Lucy Mack Smith, Bookcraft, 1958 p.64; also HoC p. 2)

August 1818 – Possible first meeting of Rigdon and Campbell. Annual Meeting of the Redstone Association (at Peter’s Creek?) both Sidney Rigdon and Alexander Campbell attended; Campbell served as association secretary that year

1819 – Sidney received preaching license from the Regular Baptists in PA

Joseph borrows Sally Chase’s green glass stone to find a white opaque stone

1820 – Joseph Smith Sr. and his older sons join “Money diggers” Alvin is reported the leader

Spring 1820 – “Official” version of the first vision occurs here although the details match 1824 better. Not recorded until 1832.

April, 1820 – Sidney Rigdon requested a certificate as a licensed preacher — licensed to preach by Concord Baptist Church of Warren (later called Warren Central Christian Church under Campbellites) — served as traveling evangelist in the Warren region — preached in northern Trumbull County.

12 June, 1820 – Sidney Marries Phebe Brook

Summer 1820 – Sidney Rigdon and Adamson Bentley baptized in Warren and vicinity “upward of ninety persons”

1821 – Oliver Cowdery’s family begins attending Ethan Smith’s congregation. He is author of View of the Hebrews. [Possible Plagiarism]

Apochryphal Book of Enoch published, similar to Enoch in Pearl of Great Price Book of Moses [Possible Plagiarism]

July 1821 – Ridgon definitely knows Campbell. While traveling through Virginia, Brothers Bentley and Rigdon visited Alexander Campbell at Buffaloe (the future Bethany, West Virginia) and after a day and a night’s stay both men were won over to his reform cause.

1822 –Alexander Campbell’s Debate with Walker published; read enthusiastically by Adamson Bentley and Sidney Rigdon. Some records date this as 1821, but I couldn’t find that published debate.

John Johnson resigns as Postmaster of Pittsburgh and is replaced by his son-in-law William Eichbaum. John’s daughter, R. J. Eichbaum (also William’s wife) works in the Post Office when her husband is absent; she recalls knowing Robert & Joseph Patterson, Silas Engles, J. Harrison Lambdin and Sidney Rigdon during this general time-period

Joseph Smith obtains his brown seer stone while digging the well of Wilard Chase (neighbor) (Willard Chase 1833 Affidavit)

January 1822 – Rigdon becomes pastor of Pittsburgh’s First Baptist church.

May 1822 – Rigdon in Auburn, Ohio, where he preaches funeral sermon for Isaac Butts’ brother (q.v. statement of I. Butts (Mar 1885) in Apndx.I.) [EYEWITNESS]

Isaac Butts said:

“Many persons whom I knew in New York… told me they saw Sidney Rigdon much with Jo Smith before they became Mormons.”

Mr. Butts can be documented as a resident of Joseph Smith’s Manchester

boyhood home, who moved back and forth between that old home and his new home near Sidney Rigdon in Ohio [SpR]

1823 – Rev. John Winter later claimed that at this time he saw “a large manuscript” which was “a romance of the Bible” in Sidney Rigdon’s study; Winter also claimed that Rigdon told him the Manuscript had been written by “a Presbyterian Minister, Spaulding, whose health had failed, brought this to the printer to see if it would pay to publish it; Winter’s daughter, Mary W. Irvine, later said that her father was informed that Rigdon “had gotten it from the printers to read it as a curiosity.” [EYEWITNESS] [SpR]

Joseph Smith spends time with a itinerant magician and diviner visiting Palmyra who has magic stones and claims to be able to find water and treasure. Some residents hire the magician at $3.00 per day. Joseph Smith later gets stones of his own and used them to locate lost tools, thereby gaining a reputation as a seer. [Joseph Smith by C. Clark Julius]

View of the Hebrews published by Ethan Smith [Possible Plagiarism]

Detroit Manuscript found by Joseph Smith’s Uncle and sent to Dr. Mitchel for translation. The characters are printed in local paper. Characters are almost identical to the Anthon Transcript. and more here [Possible Plagiarism]

January, 1823 – Spaulding Manuscript sold. The firm of Patterson & Lambdin (along with their Butler & Lambdin Print Shop) in Pittsburgh went into banckruptcy. If a copy of the Spalding MS had survived in the Print Shop until this date it was probably then disposed of along with the other possessions of the bankrupt firm

Spring 1823 – Rigdon refuses to teach infant baptism claiming it was Damnation [BOM COINCIDENCE]

28 June, 1823 – Rigdon sells his share of the Rigdon family farm in St.Clair Twp. (100 acres) to James Means for about $1200. Jul 11. Troubles begin w/ministry at First Baptist. (vanW,p.31) Sep 5-7 Meeting of Redstone Baptist Assn. in Pgh. (minutes)

11 July, 1823 – Winter’s group excluded Rigdon and denied him the “liberty of speaking in self defense;” the Rigdon group of “seventy to eighty members and the smaller Winter group each claimed to be the First Baptist Church of Pittsburgh;” declaring “non-fellowship” and expelling each other.

21 September 1823 – Angel Moroni Visit with Smith

Joseph Smith tells of attempt to get plates, but set them down (to look for other treasures [Lucy Mack Smith]) and they disappeared. Smith struck by toad-like creature when trying to take back the plates. Told to return in one year with Alvin.

LDS.org states that D&C 2 was given on this date, however; it wasn’t written on this date. No date for when the revelation was written is given. I would guess it was added in 1835 when the Book of Commandments was converted into the Doctrine and Covenants. [SINGLE]. “Rigdon’s Appeal” (1863) Rigdon has followers call him “The messenger spoken of in Malachi”. Joseph Smith states that Moroni quoted same scripture from Malachi.

After 22 September, 1823 –

“During our evening conversations, Joseph would occasionally give us some of the most amusing recitals that could be imagined. He would describe the ancient inhabitants of this continent, their dress, mode of traveling, and the animals upon which they rode; their cities, their buildings, with every particular; their mode of warfare; and also their religious worship. This he would to with as much ease, seemingly, as if he had spent his whole life with them.” (Lucy Smith, Biographical Sketches, p. 85)

06 October 1823 – Probable departure date for Rigdon trip (by horse w/Alex Campbell) to Washington, Mason Co. Ky., to attend Campbell-McCalla debate. (300 mi. & river too low to take steamboat: (Van Wagoner Sidney Rigdon: A Portrait of Religious Excess, p.33.) Sidney was “excluded from the Baptist denomination” about the time he arrived in KY; this was meant as an excommunication but was only valid within the Redstone Association. Rigdon served as secretary to Alexander Campbell in his debate with Kentucky Presbyterian Rev. William L. McCalla. Rigdon’s disfellowshipped faction of the First Baptist Church “lost the meetinghouse “due to non-payment of ground rent.”

11 October 1823 – Rigdon condemned and excluded from First Baptist Church of Pittsburgh by adroit maneuvering of minority faction. Rigdon out of town & on way to Kentucky at time. See above.

15-21 October 1823 – Campbell-McCalla Debate on “Christian Baptism.” “Bishop Sidney Rigdon of Pittsburgh” takes notes. (vanW,p.33)

22 October 1823 – Probable departure date for return trip.

31 October 1823 – Probable return to Pittsburgh. Rigdon discovers he is now without a church

November 1823 – A man attempted to effect a union of different Churches in the neighborhood. Joseph tells his mother that there is no injury in joining the Churches contradicting first vision instructions if that vision happened prior to this point. (History of Joseph Smith p. 90)

02 November, 1823 – Rigdon preaches to followers in rented room at the local court house.

19 November, 1823 – Alvin Smith dies.

24 January, 1823– On petition of Mary, widow of James Ferguson, formerly of Allegheny County, but lately of Louisville, KY, deceased, the Orphans Court of Allegheny Co. appoints Rev. Sidney Rigdon to be the guardian of one David Ferguson, a minor.

04 May,1823 – Rigdon writes preface (at Pgh) to the published version of Campbell-McCalla Debate proceedings. [BOM COINCIDENCE]

spring 1823 – Rigdon & followers join Walter Scott’s New Lights Presbyterian group, soon to become part of the growing Campbellite reform movement.

summer? 1823 – 25, October 1825 – Rigdon claims to have worked as a journeyman tanner (in Pittsburgh) in partnership with his brother-in-law William Brooks. Uses money from his inheritance to buy share of business. (See entry for 25 Oct 1825.)

August 1823 – SR makes known his “determination to withdraw from the (Baptist) church.” (Van Wagner, Sidney Rigdon, A Portrait of Excess ,p.29) Sidney took up work as a “journeyman tanner” (and eventually as a “currier”) at a Pittsburgh tannery; he worked with his brother-in-law, Richard Brooks and/or William Brooks: Rigdon may have purchased a part of this business with the proceeds of his June land sale to James Means

1823 – Sidney teaches against Infant Baptism. Sidney refused to teach the “Philadelphia Confession of Faith” in Pittsburgh; argued against infant damnation with Pittsburgh school teacher and Baptist Minister John Winter; following this Winter soon “formed an opposition coalition of twelve to twenty members” within Rigdon’s congregation [BOM COINCIDENCE]

1824 – George Lane, a Methodist Elder vistited and preached in Palmyra, causing religious excitement. (Cowdery says 1820.) [Oliver Cowdery letters] George Lane’s records says he was in Palmyra in 1824. [POSSIBLE COVER UP]

Lucy Mack Smith attends revivals (being grieved from Alvin’s death (Lucy Mack Smith); she, Sophronia Smith, Hyrum Smith, and Samuel Harrison Smith join the Presbyterian Church. This contradicts the 1820 first vision timeline [POSSIBLE COVER UP]

Sacred Geography published in Phillidelphia. Joseph Smith’s personal copy available by the Reorganized Church in Independence Missouri, Book of Abraham ideas about dark skinned individuals coming from Noah specifically mentioned in a similar way (Ham’s descendants to be “servants of servants”. [Possible Plagiarism]

1824 – Rigdon possibly responsible for the fabrication of a “Third Epistle of Peter“ which was “found with other old manuscripts among the ruins of an ancient city by a miserable wandering Monk,” then translated into English by an unknown translator. It was published as a supplement to a Campbellite pamphlet issued by the “Church of Christ” in Pittsburg. At the time of the publication, Water Scott and Sidney Rigdon were presiding elders of the church. Despite being translated into english in the 1800’s it contains biblical 17th century english. [BOM COINCIDENCE]

September 1824 – [probably 22nd during visit with Moroni] According to Martin Harris, quoting Willard Chase, Smith originally thought this person [to accompany him to get the plates] was to be Samuel T. Lawrence, a “seer” himself who worked in Smith’s treasure-seeking company in Palmyra Martin Harris, “Mormonism—No. II”, Tiffany’s Monthly 5 (4): (164). Smith reportedly took Lawrence to the hill in 1825. At Lawrence’s prompting, Smith reportedly ascertained through his seer stone that there was an additional item together with the plates in the box, which Smith later called the Urim and Thummim..However, Lawrence was apparently not the “right person”, because Smith did not obtain the plates in his 1825 visit. Howe, Eber Dudley p.243 (1834), Mormonism Unvailed, Painesville, Ohio: Telegraph Press, http://www.solomonspalding.com/docs/1834howb.htm.

“I will say there [was] a man near By By the name Samuel Lawrance. He was a Seear and he had Bin to the hill and knew about things in the hill” (Early Mormonism and the Magic World View. Revised and Enlarged. Salt Lake City: Signature Books. Vogel, Dan, ed. 1996-2000. Early Mormon Documents. 3 vols. Salt Lake City: Signature Books.” Quinn 1998, 162)

24 September 1824 – Joseph visits the location of the plates, but he could not obtain them because of his pecuniary thoughts. He tells father of experience. (Preston Nibley ed. History of Joseph Smith by his Mother, Lucy Mack Smith, Bookcraft, 1958 pp.84-85)

May 1824 – Rigdon wrote the preface for the publication of Alexander Campbell’s “A Debate on Christian Baptism…” [BOM COINCIDENCE]

1825 – Joseph smith digs a well for Spaulding’s widow’s next door neighbor named Stroude. Mrs. Spaulding would later claim she:

“had another complete copy, but in the year 1825, while residing in Ontario Co., N. Y., next door to a man named Stroude, for whom Joe Smith was digging a well, that copy was also lost. Mrs. Spalding thinks it was stolen from her trunk.” (Beadle “Life in Utah”.)

This statement contradicts E. Howe as well as other descriptions. J. Lambdin, the man who could identify if Rigdon had the Spaulding manuscript or not, dies.

View of the Hebrews is reprinted.

05 January, 1825 – Rigdon votes in Pittsburgh election

01 August, 1825 – J. Harrison Lambdin died at age 27 (probably at Pittsburgh); if Lambdin had loaned or given a Spalding MS to his friend Rigdon, he was no longer alive to tell of that transaction

October 1825— A short time before the house was completed, Josiah Stoal (or Stowell), in company with Joseph Knight (both of Colesville, New York), while purchasing grain, heard that Joseph possessed means to discern invisible things to the natural eye, and attempted to hire young Joseph to help in dig a silver mine in Chenango County. After failing to desuade Stoal, Joseph later agrees, and he worked with Stoal for only about a month on the mine. (Preston Nibley ed. History of Joseph Smith by his Mother, Lucy Mack Smith, Bookcraft, 1958 pp.91-92, and HoC,V.1,p.16)

01 October, 1825 M. M. Noah, summarized the parallels between the cultures of Hebraic and Indian customs in Joseph’s hometown paper, Joseph Smith’s father took the paper. Fawn Brodie, No Man Knows My History, 45-46 [BOM COINCIDENCE]

25, October, 1825 – Notice of dissolution of the partnership of Brooks and Rigdon appears in the Allegheny Democrat (Pittsburgh):

“Payment by those indebted to be made to Sidney Rigdon at the old stand.” Notice is dated 21 September 1825.

11 November, 1825 – On petition of Sidney Rigdon, the Orphans Court of Allegheny Co. discharges him from guardianship of David Ferguson.

December 1825 – Rigdon moved out of Pittsburgh and relocated in Bainbridge twp., Geauga Co., OH — a new tannery had recently opened at that place and Rigdon evidently did piece-work leather finishing at home to pay for groceries. Although Sidney was reportedly called to Bainbridge by the small Bainbrigge Baptist congregation, he reportedly did no preaching during his first winter there.Main questions, if he isn’t primarily a tanner, and not preaching what is he working on?

1826 – Rigdon reportedly was visited in Ohio by the young Joseph Smith, Jr. — During this period Rigdon carried on periodic preaching for Baptist a congregation in northern Portage Co., Ohio — he also visited Mentor, in northern Geauga Co. on occasion. Rigdon apparently split his time between visits to Mentor (see gaps in his historic timeline) and preaching obligations in northern Portage Co. Before summer he relocated his family from Bainbridge to Mentor, occupying a cabin on the Orris Clapp farm in that villageSR brings Baptist “teachers” Darwin Atwater and Zeb Rudolph from northern Portage Co. to Mentor, to attend his instructional classes — the two students notice that Rigdon is frequently absent from that place (parts of Jan-Mar.) The students later assume he was meeting with Joseph Smith.

Spring 1826 – Rigdon & family move to northeastern Ohio area, where SR begins a six-month (mid-April thru Fall mid-October) tour as a circuit riding preacher. Rigdon reportedly preaches once a month at Mantua Center “on a more or less regular basis,” apparently on the last weekend of each month (see entry for 27 Jan. 1827, below). Mantua is about 4 and 1/2 hours from Palmyra by modern day car. The Eerie Canal connects the two.

03 March, 1826 – Wayne Sentinal prints debate over apocrypha bringing it to prominence in Palmyra citizens’ minds

20 March 1826 – Joseph Smith on trial for Glass looking before Judge Neely

04 April, 1826 – Rigdon opens credit account at Kent family’s mercantile in Bainbridge, Geauga Co. (1871 letter of A.G. Kent)

30 April, 1826 – Rigdon probably at Mantua Center (see 27 Jan. 1827).

28 May, 1826 – Rigdon probably at Mantua Center. NOTE: It is likely, although not confirmed, that Rigdon, along with Alexander Campbell, Walter Scott and Adamson Bentley, attended “a meeting of sundry teachers of the christian religion and brethren” held in Warren, Ohio on 31 May and 1 June 1825, during which “the greater part of two days was occupied in discussing the ancient order of things.” (See Christian Baptist II, pg.169.) [BOM COINCIDENCE]

25 June – 30 July, 1826 – Rigdon probably at Mantua Center.

(Rigdon history gap of about three weeks; perhaps more.)

24 August, 1826 – Preaches funeral of Rev. Warner Goodell in Mentor, about 18 mi. north of Bainbridge. (Note: Other sources erroneously give the date of Goodell’s death/funeral as having been in June, 1826– see n#10, Ch.VI) Rigdon probably returns home to Bainbridge after the funeral, prior to commencing his journey to Canfield (see below).

25 August, 1826 – Continues travel to Canfield, Ohio (home of Rev. Walter Scott– about 50 miles/12 hours). Probably arrives in evening.

27 August, 1826 – Meeting of the Mahoning Baptist Assn. at David Hays’ barn, Canfield, Ohio. Campbell spoke Sat. Aug. 26, & Rigdon on Sun. (27th) at Congregational meeting house, subj: John 16. (vanW. p.42)

(Rigdon history gap of approximately 60-102 days)

After 21 September 1826 and before 02 November 1826 – Rigdon is offered Rev. Goodell’s former pastorate at Mentor, which he accepts. His first documented presence there is for a wedding of John G. Smith & Julia Gileson.

(Rigdon history gap of 42 Days)

13 December, 1826 – Rigdon at Mentor to record marriage.

Prior to 25, December, 1826 – Joseph returns to home after working with Stoal, and shortly thereafter Stoal and Joseph Knight visit Palmyra and purchase some wheat from the Smith’s (to be delivered the next fall), which the Smiths use to as security against the last payment on their house. (History of Joseph Smith p.92)

End of 1826 –Joseph leaves for Colesville with his father in order to secure payment from Stoal and Knight for wheat they had contracted. Underhanded attempt by Stoddard to obtain Smith property. Joseph and his father return. Deed ended up in the hands of Mr. Durfee. (Histor of Joseph Smith p.99) pp.93-99)

1827 – Lorenzo Saunders (in 1884) states that during this year:

“Sam Lawrence took . . . [Smith] over into Pennsylvania and introduced him to Emma Hale . . . Joe told Sam Lawrence that there was a silver mine over in Pennsylvania told him he might share in it with him; but behold he wanted an introduction to Emma Hale is the way it turned out. Sam Lawrence told me so”.

1827 – Joseph Smith leads a gold dig treasure hunt on the Capron farm

Rigdon seen at Smith’s several times and several months apart by Mrs. S.F. Anderick while visiting Sophronia Smith [EYEWITNESS]

Sidney Rigdon seen at Joseph Smith’s by Abel Chase [EYEWITNESS].

18 January, 1827 – Joseph elopes with Emma Hale at the house of Squire Tarbill of South Bainbridge, Chenango county, New York. Immediately after the marriage, he returns with Emma to his fathers place in Manchester. (History of Joseph Smith p.93. and History of the Church ,V.1,p.17) Joseph Knight states that Joseph Smith used the stone to determine that Emma Smith was to be the right person to bring to the hill.

27 January, 1827 – Rigdon’s “regular, once-a-month, preaching” at Mantua Center, Ohio, leads to formal organization of a church there on this day (see Shaw, Henry K., Buckeye Disciples). Rigdon becomes “their stated, though not constant, minister” (Hayden, p.238).

February 1827 – Rigdon at funeral of Hannah Tanner, Chester, Ohio.

March 1827– Rigdon holds meeting at Mentor, Ohio. Baptizes Nancy M. Stafford.

17 March, 1827 – Last entry for Rigdon family in account ledgers of Kent family mercantile, indicating probable date of their removal to new residence at Mentor, 30 miles north. (See letter of A.G. Kent, Appendix I.)

Spring, 1827 – Lorenzo Saunders said that when he went to the Smiths in the spring of 1827, Lawrence was in a group of men who were talking to Rigdon [EYE WITNESS]. When William Kelley asked Saunders if Peter Ingersoll and Samuel Lawrence were acquainted with Ridgon, Saunders replied,

“Yes, they were both acquainted with Rigdon in 1827. Samuel Lawrence took Joe over into Pennsylvania and gave him a better education” (Vogel 1996, 2:131, 144)

April 1827 – Rigdon holds meeting at Mentor, Ohio. Baptizes William Dunson & wife.

05 June, 1827 – Marriage of Theron Freeman & Eliz. Waterman at Mentor.

07 June, 1827 – Rigdon records marriage of Theron Freeman and Eliz. Waterman.

15 June, 1827 – Rigdon baptized Thomas Clapp at Mentor (Friday)

(Rigdon history gap of possibly 17 days: Rigdon likely out of town based on “letters remaining” list published on July 6th– see below.)

03 July, 1827 – Rigdon marriage of James Gray and Mary Kerr , at Mentor.

04 July, 1827 – Rigdon delivers 4th of July oration at Mentor.

06 July, 1827 – A list of letters remaining at Mentor P.O. includes Sidney Rigdon. List published in Painesville Telegraph, issue of 6 Jul. 1827, covers period up to Jun. 30.

12 July, 1827 – Rigdon marriage of Gray and Kerr recorded.

17 July, 1827 – Silas Engles, R & J Pattersons’ printer, dies in Pittsburgh at the age of 45

19 July, 1827 – Rigdon marriage of Alden Snow & Ruth Parker at Kirtland.

(Rigdon history gap of 21 days. Rigdon likely out of town due to tardiness in recording Alden Snow and Ruth Parker marriage until August 10.)

**Helaman 12:18-19; 13:19 Sinking treasure – find probable date for transcription

10 August, 1827 – Alden Snow and Ruth Parker marriage recorded.

20-22 August, 1827 -Rigdon travels to New Lisbon, Ohio (about 85 miles).

23-26 August, 1827 – At annual mtg. of Mahoning Baptist Assn. at New Lisbon, Ohio.

27-29 August, 1827 – Rigdon return travel to Mentor.

12-13 September, 1827 – Rigdon attends meeting of Grand River Baptist Assn. w/Orris Clapp and B. Blish at Ashtabula.

(Rigdon History Gap of 25 days. Note that Ashtabula is one day’s travel along road to New York. If Rigdon is going to be present in New York when Smith receives the plates on September 22, this is a good beginning, since departure from Ashtabula on the 14th gets him to Manchester, NY, several days ahead of that date. And if he tarries a week, he still gets back to Mentor in plenty of time for the October 9th marriage. This is most likely the time period Lorenzo Saunders would have seen Rigdon at the Smtih home with Samuel Lawrence as all are reported to be in Palmyra (Willard Chase brings Samuel Lawrence in from 60 miles away). If Rigdon was working through Lawrence, a meeting of this sort would be necessary to work out issues between the treasure hunters.)

20 September, 1827 – Stoal and Knight visit the Smiths for several days. (History of Joseph Smith p.102)

22 September, 1827 –

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.” – Joseph Smith (History of the Church 1:17) 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.” [Scot Facer Proctor and Maurine Jensen Proctor editors, The Revised and Enhanced History of Joseph Smith By His Mother, Bookcraft, 1996. 137; see Dan Vogel, Early Mormon Documents, p. 326] “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.” [Dan Vogel, Early Mormon Documents 1:521] (Prophet’s sister Katharine Smith Salisbury)

Because Smith was concerned that Samuel Lawrence, his earlier confidant, might interfere, Smith sent his father to spy on Lawrence’s house the night of September 21 until dark. (Knight, Joseph, Sr. (1833), Jessee, Dean, ed., “Joseph Knight’s Recollection of Early Mormon History”, page 3 (PDF), BYU Studies 17 (1): 35, 1976. (Joseph Retrieves plates, afraid of Samuel Lawrence)

Joseph Smith takes Knight’s horse and wagon in the early morning and went with Emma to the hill (a glacial drumlin). Knight was upset that his horse and wagon were gone. (Lucy Mack Smith) Joseph Smith says, while Emma prayed (staying with the wagon), he retrieved the gold plates and hid them in an old black hollow oak tree top (Martin Harris 1859 interview); in a birch log (Lucy Mack Smith)

23 September, 1827 –

“The next day Mr. Warner came to him from Macedon and requested Joseph to go with him to a widow’s house in Macedon. The widow, by the name of Wells, wanted a wall of a well taken up, and she would pay Joseph money for the labor.” [Scot Facer Proctor and Maurine Jensen Proctor editors, The Revised and Enhanced History of Joseph Smith By His Mother, Bookcraft, 1996. 140; see Dan Vogel, Early Mormon Documents 1:329-330] (Lucy Mack Smith)

24 September, 1827 – Joseph works on a well for Mr. Warner in Macedon. (History of Joseph Smith p.104) Over the next few days, Smith took a well-digging job in nearby Macedon to obtain money to buy a solid lockable chest in which he said he would put the plates from Willard Chase. By then, however, some of Smith’s treasure-seeking company had heard that Smith was successful in obtaining the plates, and they wanted what they believed was their cut of the profits from what they saw as part of their joint venture. Spying once again on the house of Samuel Lawrence, Smith, Sr. determined that a group of ten–twelve of these men, including Lawrence and Willard Chase, had enlisted the talents of a renowned and supposedly talented seer from sixty miles away, in an effort to locate where the plates were hidden by means of divination. When Emma heard of this, she went to Macedon and informed Smith, Jr., who reportedly determined through his Urim and Thummim that the plates were safe, but nevertheless he hurriedly traveled home by horseback.

25 September, 1827 – Joseph returns to Palmyra because of incident with Willard Chase et. al. wanting to steal the plates. Joseph retrieves the plates from their hiding place, and he is attacked by some men on his way home dislocating his thumb. He would have carried 60-200 lbs. plates for 3 miles while fighting the men (History of Joseph Smith pp.104-110)

While carrying them back through the woods (off regular path) is attacked by a man who sprang up and hit him with a gun, knocking him down, Joseph leveled him and ran home, knocking several more down as he ran. Dislocated his thumb, which was reset by Joseph Smith’s father. Joseph Smith relays the story to Joseph Knight and Josiah Stowell then goes to Willard Chase’s house and tells him the story. [Lucy Mack Smith]

Smith tells Willard Chase that it was two men that attacked him and that if not for the stone that he got from Chase’s well, he would not have obtained the book [Willard Chase 1834 Affidavit]

Smith tells Martin Harris that he was attacked by what appeared to be a man who wanted the plates and struck him with a club. [Martin Harris 1859 interview]

Early October, 1827 – Martin Harris hears of gold bible from his brother, Preserved Harris, and visits Joseph Smith and agrees to finance its publication. Says Smith told him that he used his seer stone, from the well of Mason Chase (neighbor) to discover the plates, and Smith told him that he used the spectacles to see that Martin Harris was the man who would assist him to get the book published. Harris says Luck Mack Smith came to see him and that Joseph wanted Harris to come see him. [Martin Harris 1859 interview]

“After bringing home the plates, Joseph now commenced work with his father on the farm in order to be as near as possible the treasure that was committed to his care.” [Scot Facer Proctor and Maurine Jensen Proctor editors, The Revised and Enhanced History of Joseph Smith By His Mother, Bookcraft, 1996. 148; see Dan Vogel, Early Mormon Documents 1:339] “Soon” after beginning work on his father’s farm, Joseph retrieved the breastplate, which Lucy then described. [Scot Facer Proctor and Maurine Jensen Proctor editors, The Revised and Enhanced History of Joseph Smith By His Mother, Bookcraft, 1996. 148 and Dan Vogel, Early Mormon Documents 1:339]

October – December 1827 -Smith works on his father’s farm. Show his mother the breastplate. Secures “Gold plates” under a hearth. Scares off mob via deception. Takes “Gold Plates” to a cooper’s shop and puts it in some flax in the loft. Mob ransacks house under the direction of the Chases. (History Joseph Smith p. 111-114)

Smith requests that his mother tell Martin Harris about his having obtained the “Gold Plates”. She did so reluctantly, and through the course of several hassles with Mrs. Harris, the incident was put to an end with Joseph’s intended acceptance of a note for $28. (History of Joseph Smith. p . 114-117)

09 October, 1827 – Ridgon marriage of Stephen Sherman and Wealthy Mathews at Mentor

18-19 October, 1827 – Rigdon Travels to Warren, Ohio (about 50 miles).

20-21 October, 1827 – Rigdon at Ministerial Council, Warren, Ohio. (Sat.- Sun.)

27 October, 1827 – Rigdon marriage of Sherman and Matthews recorded.

28 October, 1827 -Likely the 26th or 27th (Weekend)

“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.” [Scot Facer Proctor and Maurine Jensen Proctor editors, The Revised and Enhanced History of Joseph Smith By His Mother, Bookcraft, 1996. 149; Dan Vogel, Early Mormon Documents 1:341]

Late October, 1827 – Martin Harris pays Smith’s debts and finances Joseph and Emma’s move.

(Rigdon history gap of 19 days.)

November 1827 – According to Lucy’s account they had “but a few days rest” before Joseph received intimations of the return of the mob [Scot Facer Proctor and Maurine Jensen Proctor editors, The Revised and Enhanced History of Joseph Smith By His Mother, Bookcraft, 1996. 169; Dan Vogel, Early Mormon Documents 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 [Dean Jessee, “Joseph Knight’s Recollection of Early Mormon History”, Brigham Young University Studies, 17:1, autumn 1976, pp 29-39. 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.” (Tiffany Monthly 166-167)

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” [Scot Facer Proctor and Maurine Jensen Proctor editors, The Revised and Enhanced History of Joseph Smith By His Mother, Bookcraft, 1996. 150; Dan Vogel, Early Mormon Documents 1:342]

Joseph Smith tells Isaac hale he’s given up Glass looking. He tells Isaac Hale that a child will be the first to see the plates. Joseph refuses to show Isaac the plates. (Isaac Hale March 20th 1834 Affidavit)

Nov 1827-1 May 1828 – Rigdon baptising in Ohio. The “Christian Baptist” (Vol.V, p.263) reports Spring that “Bishops Scott, Rigdon and Bentley in Ohio within the last six months (i.e. 1 ) have immersed about 800 people.”

16-17 November, 1827 – Rigdon travels to New Lisbon, Columbiana Co.

18 November, 1827 – Rigdon holds a series of meetings at New Lisbon, about 80 miles SE of Mentor, during which 17 persons were immersed. [Ref: Whitsett, W.H., Origin of The Disciples of Christ, (Louisville: Baptist Book Concern, 1891),p.99.] Allowing 4 days for travel (round trip), he was possibly gone 2-3 weeks.

End of November, 1827 – Martin Harris indicated Joseph’s reasons for deciding to move to Pennsylvania.



“The excitement in the village upon the subject had become such that some had threatened to mob Joseph, and also to tar and feather him. They said he should never leave until he had shown the plates. It was unsafe for him to remain, so I determined that he must go to his father-in-law’s in Pennsylvania. He wrote to his brother-in-law Alvah Hale, requesting him to come for him.” [TM p170]



Lucy describes Alva’s time at the Smith home as “the short interval of Alva’s stay with us,” [Scot Facer Proctor and Maurine Jensen Proctor editors, The Revised and Enhanced History of Joseph Smith By His Mother, Bookcraft, 1996. 153; Dan Vogel, Early Mormon Documents 1:348] which would indicate that he was probably there less than a week. Martin Harris gives Joseph $50 for the move.



December 1827 . Because of rising persecution, Smith and Emma were forced to seek refuge at her father’s place in Harmony, Pennsylvania. Emma’s brother, Alvin, upon hearing of their circumstances, arrived in Manchester to assist with the move. Martin Harris gave Joseph $50 to help cover the cost of the trip. Prior to leaving, a mob of about 50 men, visited Dr. McIntyre with the plan to follow Joseph and steal the “Gold Bible.” He rejected the plan, and a quarrel broke out that put an end to the affair. Upon their arrival at Harmony, Joseph commences copying characters from the plates, and with the Urim and Thummim, he translated some. (Preston Nibley ed. History of Joseph Smith by his Mother, Lucy Mack Smith, Bookcraft, 1958. p. 118, and HoC,V.1. p.19) Distance between Mentor, Ohio and Harmony, Pennsylvania (2 hours by car in modern days)

“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; Brigham H. Roberts ed., History of the Church, Deseret News Press 1:19]

06 December, 1827 – Rigdon marriage of Alvin Wait and Sophia Gunn at Kirtland.

12 December, 1827 – Alvin Wait and Sophia Gunn marriage recorded.

13 December, 1827 – Rigdon marriage of Cottrell and Olds at Concord Twp., Ohio, near Painesville. This indicates that he could travel from Kirtland to Painesville within a day’s time.

28 December, 1827 – Philosophy of a future state published by Thomas Dick, Joseph Smith possessed a copy. Book of Abraham numbers, stars, counting and philosophy similar, including stars pupulated by “Various orders of intelligences” and these intelligences are “progressive beings” headed towards perfection

(Rigdon history gap of 21 days. Probably out of town due to tardiness in recording above wedding.)

ABOUT THIS TIME – Orson Hyde joins Campbellites and moves in with Sidney Rigdon.

King James Bible with Apocrypha and the 1769 revisions is printed by H & E Phinney Co. in Cooperstown, NY

Winter 1828 – Francis Atwater mentions the Spaulding Rigdon theory [SpR]

“Rigdon had for years been in possession of the noted Spaulding manuscript, setting forth the romance which told of the derivation of the American Indians from memebers of the “Lost Tribes” of Israel. Some time before this he had probably decided to bring it out in some fraudulent way. Years afterward Darwin Atwater wrote thus: “That he knew before of the coming of the book of Mormon, is to me certain from what he said the first of his visits at my father’s, some years before. He gave a wonderful description of the mounds and other antiquities found in some parts of America, and said that they must have been made by the Aborigines. He said there was a book to be published containing an account of those things. He spoke of these in his eloquent, enthusiastic style, as being a thing most extraordinary. Though a youth then, I took him to task for expending so much enthusiasm on such a subject.”(Hayden’s History of the Disciples, p. 239.) By January, 1828 [sic – 1827?]

04-05 January, 1828 -Rigdon attends Grand River Bible Society meeting at Painesville.

08 January, 1828 – Records marriage of Cottrell & Olds (from 13, December 1827)

(Rigdon history gap of 36 days)

February 1828 – Martin Harris visits Smith in Harmony, and then takes copies of the characters to Professor Anton. In the interim, Mrs. Harris concocts a scheme to get copies of the characters and to see the plates herself. (History of Joseph Smith pp.121-122)

D&C 4 given to Joseph Smith Sr. as a blessing, not as a revelation [SINGLE]

14 February, 1828 – Rigdon marriage of Herrington and Corning at Mentor.

March 1828 – Rigdon visits Walter Scott at Warren, Ohio. (Hayden, p.192.) for about one week. Returns to Mentor w/ Rev. A. Bentley. (ltr fr Bentley to W. Scott dated 22 Jan. 1841 recalling event, as does Campbell in 1844, but both w/erroneous dates.) Rigdon accepts Scott’s “ancient gospel” method of evangelizing — it is possible that Rigdon asked for a second baptism. [BOM COINCIDENCE]

H.H. Luse assists Rigdon in moving a load of household goods from Deacon Brooks’ (Rigdon’s father-in-law) house in Warren to Rigdon’s new brick house in Mentor. This probably took place during return trip from the above event. (See Luse to Deming, 13 Oct 1887, in Deming’s Naked Truths about Mormonism, p.7.)

Rigdon instructed theological class at Mentor.

Lucy Harris would search house for plates

“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.” [Scot Facer Proctor and Maurine Jensen Proctor editors, The Revised and Enhanced History of Joseph Smith By His Mother, Bookcraft, 1996. 156-157] “Not finding them in the house, she [Lucy Harris] concluded that Joseph had buried them, and the next day she went out and hunted the ground over, adjacent to the house. She kept up the search till two o’clock in the afternoon.” [Scot Facer Proctor and Maurine Jensen Proctor editors, The Revised and Enhanced History of Joseph Smith By His Mother, Bookcraft, 1996. 157]

D&C 5 given, promising Martin would be a witness. [SINGLE] given as a blessing.

31 March, 1828 – Rigdon marriage of Herrington and Corning recorded (Monday).

12 April, 1828 – Joseph Smith begins translating The Book of Mormon with Emma acting as the scribe. Joseph dictated with his face burried in a hat with his stone in it. (Emma Smith Interview ‘The Saints’ Advocate’, Plano, Illinois, vol.2, no.4, pp.1-4 (October 1879) file date: 2011-07-08) It would be during this time that he would have asked her if Jerusalem had a wall around it.

“Mr. Harris having returned from this tour [1250 miles in 74 days] he left me and went home to Palmyra, arranged his affairs, and returned again to my house about the twelfth of April, Eighteen hundred and twenty-eight, and commenced writing for me while I translated from the plates, …” [PJS 1:286 and Brigham H. Roberts ed., History of the Church, Deseret News Press 1:20] “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.” — Emma Smith (Spelling out proper names time and time again would be difficult if creating the story, but simple if reading a pre-written manuscript. Not knowing the names might indicate a separate author of said manuscript)



18 April, 1828 – Harris again joins Joseph in Harmony, and acts as scribe while Joseph translates.

April 1828 – Conducted revival (w/ Adamson Bentley) at Kirtland, Ohio. Implemented the “ancient gospel” within Grand River Associations congregations such as Kirtland and Mentor — many new converts were brought into the “Reformed Baptist” ranks [BOM COINCIDENCE]

May, 1828 – Rigdon met Alexander Campbell at Shalersville and held “protracted meetings.”

Summer, 1828 – In a letter to Thomas Gregg, Lorenzo Saunders said that he saw Rigdon in the summer of 1828 having dinner at the home of Samuel Lawrence. This seems odd, considering that after Joseph Smith claimed that he had found the plates in September 1827, he was so harassed by Samuel Lawrence and the gang of treasure-diggers, who tried to find the plates, that Joseph moved back to Harmony, Pennsylvania in December (see above). However, Rigdon may have visited Lawrence in 1828 to convince him to allow the plan to move forward without Lawrence’s interference.

June, 1828 – Rigdon baptized H.H. Clapp at Mentor, Ohio

14 June, 1828 – Harris takes 116 to show his wife, father, mother, brother, and his wife’s sister. He eventually loses the manuscript. (History of the Church ,V.1, p.20, and History of Joseph Smith pp.124-125,128,130-132). This loss is from the book of Lehi up to the first chapter of Mosiah. Words of Mormon conveniently ties together exactly to Mosiah 2 with the missing information or else the Book of Mormon’s first word would be “And” and the characters would have made little sense. Urim and Thummim/Nephite interpreters taken

“(For it [the Urim and Thummim] had been taken from me in consequence of my having wearied the Lord in asking for the privilege of letting Martin Harris take the writings which he lost by transgression)” [PJS 1:2878; see Brigham H. Roberts ed., History of the Church, Deseret News Press 1:21]

[SpR] – Predicts that Joseph’s information would be primarily prior to Mosiah 2

[SpR] – Predicts that names, dates and other details will be scant in the lost section compared to the rest, as Joseph would need to re-write the lost material.

[SpR] – Predicts doctrines that had become popular between September 21,1827,and early July of 1828 will appear in the “Prior to Mosiah 2” section

[SpR] – According to Dr. Craig Criddle, 2 Nephi and Moroni include the presence of a Campbellite conversion sequence that became popular between 1827 and 1828 correlated with specific word usage patterns.

15 June, 1828 – Joseph first child is born, but dies after only a short time.

June or July 1828 -Martin Harris informs Smith about the lost manuscripts. Joseph returns home to Harmony the following day. (HoC,V.1,p.20, Preston Nibley ed. History of Joseph Smith by his Mother, Lucy Mack Smith, Bookcraft, 1958 pp.125-128)

In his distress Smith decides to visit his family at Manchester, New York. While in transit, he was so overcome with grief regarding the death of his child, the near fatal health of his wife, and his concerns about giving the manuscript to Harris, that a stranger was moved with compassion to help Joseph over the four miles from the stag to his parents home. (History of Joseph Smith pp.125-128)

“Immediately after my return home I was walking out a little distance, when Behold the former heavenly messenger appeared and handed to me the Urim and Thummim again (for it had been taken from me in consequence of my having wearied the Lord in asking for the privilege of letting Martin Harris take the writings, which he lost by transgression) and I inquired of the Lord through it and obtained the following revelation “Revelation to Joseph Smith jr, given July 1828 concerning certain manuscripts on the first part of the book of Mormon which had been taken from the possession of Martin Harris.

“[D&C 3]” “After I had obtained the above revelation, both the plates and the Urim and Thummim were taken from me again; …” [PJS 1:287; see Brigham H. Roberts ed., History of the Church, Deseret News Press 1:21-23] “When Joseph Delivered the 116 pages of the translation to Martin Harris, his Plates, his Interpreters, and his gift were taken from him for some two months. The Plates and gift of translation were returned to him, but not the Interpreters. He translated the entire book of Mormon by the use of a little stone he had in his possession before he obtained the plates.” [John W. Welch and Tim Rathbone, “The Translation of the Book of Mormon: Basic Historical Information,” FARMS, 1986, 65 p. 13]

Joseph Smith applies for membership in his wife’s Methodist church.

D&C 3 given [SINGLE] at a time when Rigdon was cited as being in the area. Curiously LDS.org lists this revelation out of order on the chronological listing on LDS.org. For somereason they put D&C 3 in July as before February, March and April

Summer 1828 – Smith receives another D&C 10 at Harmony Lucy places this as several months after Joseph returned. Apologists insist it was as Joseph returned home (Joseph said so) If it was, in fact Sidney Rigdon, it might have taken Sidney some time to travel or write the revelation to Joseph to console him accounting for the discrepancy. [POSSIBLE COVERUP] (D&C 10, Preston Nibley ed. History of Joseph Smith by his Mother, Lucy Mack Smith, Bookcraft, 1958 p.136) Lorenzo Saunders testimony puts Sidney Rigdon at Samuel Lawrence’ home at this point.

Emma begins to translate at the end of the summer whenever this revelation was given

“In writing for J[oseph]. S[mith]. I frequently wrote day after day, often sitting at the table close by him, he sitting with his face buried in his hat, with the stone in it and dictating hour after hour, with nothing between us.” [Dan Vogel, Early Mormon Documents 1:539]



Emma’s brother Reuben also assisted Joseph in his translation on various occasions. [See Dan Vogel, Early Mormon Documents 1:541]

07 September, 1828 – Rigdon marriage of Luther Dille and Clarissa Kent at Mentor.

10-11 September, 1828 – Grand River Baptist Assn. votes to withdraw Rigdon’s fellowship from Painesville & Mentor Church.

18 September, 1828 – Rigdon marriage of Nachor Corning & Phoebe Wilson at Mentor .

(Gap of 23 days. Probably out of town due to tardiness in recording above two marriages– see Oct. 13th, below.)

October – There are troubles with the dates that Joseph’s parents visit. Richard Bushman approach in Joseph Smith and the Beginnings of Mormonism, by describing two different visits of Joseph Smith Sr. to Harmony during the winter of 1828-1829. He depicts the initial visit of Joseph Smith Sr. and Lucy Smith as occurring in October of 1828 and lasting for nearly three months. He specifies that they arrived back in Manchester on January 22, 1829, and he then has Joseph Smith Sr., in company with Samuel Smith, returning to visit Joseph Knight and then on to see Joseph and Emma in February of 1829 (Richard L. Bushman, Joseph Smith and the Beginnings of Mormonism, University of Illinois Press, 1984. p. 95).

Nevertheless Lucy records that they had begun translating again by the time of the visit:

“… 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, …” [Scot Facer Proctor and Maurine Jensen Proctor editors, The Revised and Enhanced History of Joseph Smith By His Mother, Bookcraft, 1996. 176]

13 October, 1828 – Rigdon records Luther Dille and Nachor Corning marriages .

(Rigdon History gap of 79 days)

Sidney Rigdon converts Parley P. Pratt to be a reformed baptist.

Rigdon tells Parley that he [Rigdon] doesn’t have the authority to give the holy ghost]

Martin Harris named as a witness on this date

16 November, 1828 – Joseph and Emma visit Joseph Knight for money



“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 wifes father and family were all against him and would not h[e]lp 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 mite amount to and my wife and familey all against me about helping him. But I let him have some little provisions and some few things out of the Store apair of shoes and three Dollars in money to help him a litle.” [Dean Jessee, “Joseph Knight’s Recollection of Early Mormon History”, Brigham Young University Studies, 17:1, autumn 1976, pp 29-39. 36]

Late November, 1828 – Oliver Cowdery is teaching Joseph Smith Sr. Replaces L. Cowdery in Late November

“But the next day, this Mr. [L.] Cowdery brought his brother Oliver to the trustees and requested them to receive him in his place, as business had arisen that would oblige him to disappoint them. But he would warrant the prosperity of the school in Oliver’s hands, if the trustees would accept of his services.”

Oliver applied to board at the Joseph Smith Sr. home as soon as his replacement for Lyman Cowdery was accepted. [Scot Facer Proctor and Maurine Jensen Proctor editors, The Revised and Enhanced History of Joseph Smith By His Mother, Bookcraft, 1996. 180]

01 Jan 1829 -Marriage of Churchill and Fosdick at Concord Twp., Ohio, near Painesville .

(Rigdon history gap of 30 days.)

01 February, 1829 – Rigdon marriage of Root and Tuttle at Mentor (Sun.).

12 February, 1829 – Rigdon records Root and Fosdick marriages.

February 1829 – Joseph’s Parents visit him at Harmony. (Preston Nibley ed. History of Joseph Smith by his Mother, Lucy Mack Smith, Bookcraft, 1958. p.133) Joseph receives a D&C 4 at Harmony. (HoC,V.1,p.28, and D&C 4)

Early March 1829 – Joseph receives D&C 5 at Harmony.

“… behold, I say unto thee Joseph, when thou hast translated a few more pages thou shalt stop for a season, even until I command thee again; then thou mayest translate again. And except thou do this, behold thou shalt have no more gift, and I will take away the things which I have entrusted with thee. [D&C 5:30-31]

Book of Mosiah completion would have been 62 pages or about three pages per day.

March 1829 – Rigdon Holds protracted (3-day) meeting at Mentor. Rigdon meets P.P. Pratt near Amhurst, Loraine Co., Ohio. (History of the Church, I,pg.119; Pratt, Autobiography, pg.31.)

April, 1829 – Smith receives D&C 6-9 at Harmony. As well, D&C 20 and 21 were received this month on church organization. 20 and 21 are also listed not in chronological order on the LDS.org Chronology chart.

Prior to 1828, Rigdon apparently believed in the “Arminian” conversion process. This process contemplated three steps: (1) faith, (2) repentance, and (3) spiritual rebirth. This sequence appears in sections of the Book of Mormon translated during this time period Mos. 5:7, 27:24-27; Alma 5:12-13; 22:15-16; and Alma 36:16-24.

02 April, 1829 – [DATE DISPUTED] Rigdon meeting at Kirtland, Ohio. (NOTE: Although recorded in other sources [Smith, Shook] as April 12, such a date is clearly impossible in light of the following. The most reasonable assumption, therefore, is that “12” is a typographical error and that the correct date should be April 2.)

03 April, 1829 – Rigdon travels to Mantua Center, aprox. 30 mi 1829 #Apr 04 Preaches at Mantua Center, Ohio. (See entries for Jun 25, 1826 & Jan 27, 1827.)

Prior to 05 April, 1829– Oliver meets David Whitmer in Palmyra

05 April, 1829 – Oliver Cowdery, meets Joseph Smith ad Harmony, PA… says “he had never saw him before this time”. Parly was baptized by Sidney one month prior. (History of Joseph Smith. p. 31)

“… behold, I say unto thee Joseph, when thou hast translated a few more pages thou shalt stop for a season, even until I command thee again; then thou mayest translate again. And except thou do this, behold thou shalt have no more gift, and I will take away the things which I have entrusted with thee. [D&C 5:30-31] NOTE There is no Rigdon historical Gap for when Oliver and Joseph start translating. He’s clearly with his preaching friends. (Alibi ?) Also Rigdon could drop off letters (Revelations) at various post offices along route, with no fear of being linked or seen.

06-11 April, 1829 – Rigdon & Scott travel to East Liverpool, Ohio, and from there to Cincinnati via river boat. Alex. Campbell probably joins them on boat at Weirton, Va. (today W.V.) about 20 miles down-river. He visits Rev. Walter Scott

07 April, 1829 – Joseph commences translation of Book of Mormon with Oliver acting as scribe. (History of Joseph Smith p. 31) Approx 6.5 pages per day for the following chapters per day Alma 1-2

Several Revelations given while Rigdon is in the east

08 April, 1829 – Alma 3-4

09 April, 1829 – Alma 5-7

10 April, 1829 – Alma 8-9

11 April, 1829– Alma 10-12

12 April, 1829 – Alma 13-14

13-21 April 1829 – Rigdon at debate between Robert Owen (communal society advocate) and Alexander Campbell, on “Evidences of Christianity,” at Cincinnati, Ohio. (See Brodie, p.105, Campbell’s Memoirs, p.268, van Wagoner Sidney Rigdon: A Portrait of Religious Excess, p.50.)

Alma 15-36 D&C 6 might have been received in conjunction with Alma 37. It specifically mentions additional records to be translated later given to Helaman, as well as the 24 Jaredite plates.

22-29 April 1829 – Rigdon return trip to Mentor, probably via same route.

Alma 38- 56 D&C 7 mentions translated beings (John the revelator) and Alma 45 mentions Alma wandered off and was not seen again. D&C 8 and 9 were also received at this time.

30 April – end of May, 1829 – Alma 57- Moroni (D&C 13 could be connected, in that Joseph and Oliver say this is the date for their mutual baptism and the discussion of baptism occurs here. Note: The actual baptism prayer doesn’t occur until Moroni, which may mean they did not use the wrote prayer Mormons expect at this point )

“We still continued the <work of> translation, when in the ensuing month [May, Eighteen hundred and twenty nine] we on a certain day went into the woods to pray and inquire of the Lord respecting baptism for the remission of sins as we found mentioned in the translation of the plates.” [PJS 1:290; see Brigham H. Roberts ed., History of the Church, Deseret News Press 1:39] “…and we only waited for the commandment to be given ‘Arise and be baptized.'” [JSH 1:71, note]

May 1829 – Samuel Smith (Joseph’s younger brother) visits Joseph at Harmony, shortly followed by a visit from Hyrum Smith (Joseph’s older brother) and David Whitmer. Joseph receives a revelation at Harmony. (D&C 11)

Joseph Knight brings provision from Colesville to Harmony for Joseph Smith and his wife. Joseph receives a revelation. (D&C 12)

Towards the end of May, it is believed that Joseph and Oliver recieved the Melchizedic priesthood from Peter, James, and John. (Larry C. Porter, “The Restoration of The Priesthood,” Religious Studies Center Newsletter, Volume 9, No. 3, May 1995) No contemporary records exist of this occurrence and the first time Melchizedek Priesthood is used as a term is 1835. Elders are in the Aaronic Priesthood prior to 1835.

May 15, 1829 – Claimed date for smith and Oliver receiving the Aaronic priesthood from John the Baptist. The two baptised each other. (History of Joseph Smith. p. 39-44, D&C 13).

About this point in May, 1829– Joseph and Oliver translate the “war chapters” in Alma. The war chapters are filled with language that matches George Washington’s movements and actions in Mercy Warren’s book. Key points: Troop movements and actions in pre-musket days are not very similar to combat after the Musket was invented.

Spaulding’s Manuscript ALSO has these movements, the descriptions and turns of phrases in it.

May 25, 1829 – Samuel Smith Baptized by Oliver Cowedery

Summer 1829 – Mr. Z. Rudolph, student of Sidney Rigdon [SpR]

“during the winter previous to the appearance of the Book of Mormon, Rigdon was in the habit of spending weeks away from his home, going no one knew where; and that he often appeared very preoccupied and would indulge in dreamy, imaginative talks, which puzzled those who listened. When the Book of Mormon appeared and Rigdon joined in the advocacy of the new religion, the suspicion was at once aroused that he was one of the framers of the new doctrines, and probably was not ignorant of the authorship of the Book of Mormon.”

D&C 10,11 12,13 were received during this time period

D&C 10 “continue on unto the finishing of the remainder of the work of translation as you have begun.” (v3) When he asks what he is to do now, the Lord tells him that he is not to retranslate the portion of the translation which was lost, because it had since been modified by wicked men. Instead, Joseph is to translate the account contained on the plates of Nephi, which is the more full account of that which was lost.

It is very significant that this is where Lorenzo Saunders and Z. Rudolph both put Sidney Rigdon in the area and a corresponding gap appears in Sidney’s history. Sidney would need to show up at the end of May, when the Book of Mormon was completed up to the end of the book of Mormon but not all of Moroni to make sense this “Revelation” make sense. Also significant that the Book of Mormon has all things central to organizing a church in Moroni, as well as an epistle mentioning Infant Baptism as a sin (What Sidney had just been preaching while at Walter Scott’s).

Walter Scott’s sequence, not popular until March 1828 shows up in 2 Nephi 31:11-14 3 Nephi 18:11, 27:19-20, 30:2; Mormon 7:8-10; and Moroni 8:11 all translated during the months of April/May and June 1829, during periods of high revelation reception by Smith. The Walter Scott Sequence is (1) faith, (2) repentance, (3) adult baptism by immersion, (4) the remission of sins, and (5) spiritual rebirth by “the gift of the Holy Spirit. In this sequence, spiritual rebirth comes after baptism, not before. Rigdon learned about it in March 1828

The missing link between Christ and convicted sinners seemed now happily supplied… Rigdon was transported with the discovery. (A. S. Hayden)

The phrase, “Jesus is the Christ” made popular in 1828 also shows up in this sectionMoroni 7:44; Mormon 5:14 and twice in 2 Nephi 26:12 and the title page (Taken from the last leaf)

Baptism by immersion is what Scott taught in 1828, and it is the baptismal rite advocated in The Book of Mormon 3 Ne 11:26 (3rd Nephi would have existed prior to this point outside of the Spaulding/Rigdon Theory and this would be a counter to the theory. But Parley P. Pratt’s authorship style and wording shows up heavily in 3 Ne 11, and thus the visit by Christ could have been a re-write. See “Who wrote the Book of Mormon“, by Craig Criddle for more details)

The “children of men,” phrase appears in Rigdon’s autobiography, Joseph’s biography (written by Rigdon) and 130 times in the book of Mormon. It does not appear in the New Testament.

“Children of Men” in the Doctrine and Covenants – (sections 4, 5 (Blessings, couldn’t be letters from Rigdon), 6, 11, 12, 14, 17, 18, 19, 29, 35, 38, 39, 43, 45, 46, 58, 63, 64, 66, 93, 96, 101, 104, 109, 112, 121, 128, 135), but especially in sections 11, 17, 18 and 19. It occurs the most number of times (four) in Section 18. It never appears in a revelation that Sidney and Joseph shared [DUAL]

information on ordination and sacrament prayers (given in Moro 3-5), should logically be found in 3 Nephi where Christ organizes the church (11-27). This makes little sense in terms of rational composition of The Book of Mormon, but makes perfect sense if, in May, 1829, the author of the Book of Moroni was attempting at the same time, to lay groundwork for a new Church, but was unable to revise 3 Nephi, perhaps because it was not available to him or had already been translated.

June, 1829 – Summer revivals conducted (sometimes independently and sometimes in concert) by Rigdon, M.S. Clapp, William Collins & others in the north-central Ohio area. Churches were begun by Rigdon in Birmingham, Erie Co., Elyria, Lorain Co., and Hamden, Geuaga Co. Dates are largely uncertain due to the absence of church records for these times (Hayden, p.459). The revival lasted for 3 days

In the beginning of the month David Whitmer brought a two-horse wagon to Harmony so as to transport Joseph and Oliver to his father’s home in Fayette, New York. These men were given free room and board until they completed the translation.

1 Nephi 1- Words of Mormon all completed in this month. D&C 14,15,16, 17 and 18 are during this time period while Rigdon otherwise taken up. 74 is probably during this time period. Even though baptism was described in Moroni with exact words, clarification was required specifically about infant baptism… a subject that Joseph did not spend much time with, but Sidney was an expert on.

Joseph receives several revelation at Fayette. And, the Eleven Witnesses beheld the gold plates. (D&C 14-18, and Introduction to the Book of Mormon–Testimony of the Three Witnesses and the Eight Witnesses respectively)

Joseph receives a revelation (Moses 1:1-42) at Harmony. (Preston Nibley ed. History of Joseph Smith by his Mother, Lucy Mack Smith, Bookcraft, 1958 p.98-101)

Jun to October with Oliver as scribe. This kicks off the translation of the bible and may prompt the October 8, 1829 bible purchase. (Stone-in-a-hat method while the plates aren’t even in the house fine for Book of Mormon, but where there is a bible to work from, buy the bible)

12 June, 1829 – A dam is erected to enable baptisms, but during the night it was torn down by a mob (likely comprised of Presbyterians concerned about losing some of their flock, such as Cyrus McMaster, Dr. Boyington, and Mr. Benton). (Preston Nibley ed. History of Joseph Smith by his Mother, Lucy Mack Smith, Bookcraft, 1958 p.86,98)

13 June, 1829 – Joseph attends Sunday meeting with the Colesville members (as well as some of the mob who tore down the dam), at which Oliver Cowdery preached. That evening Emily Coburn (sister-in-law of Newel Knight) was taken by Rev. Shearer (or Sherer), a Presbyterian, under Power of Attorney to her father’s house. (Preston Nibley ed. History of Joseph Smith by his Mother, Lucy Mack Smith, Bookcraft, 1958 p.86-87)

14 June, 1829 – The dam was repaired early in the morning, and the baptisms proceeded (including Emma Smith and Sally Knight). Joseph and others were later followed by an angery mob of about 50 people (again, likely from the Presbyterian congregation), from Joseph Knight’s to Newel Knights. Joseph was arrested for “being disorderly” and taken to trial at South Bainbridge, New York. The warrant for his arrest was sworn to by Mr. Benton, a Presbyterian. (Preston Nibley ed. History of Joseph Smith by his Mother, Lucy Mack Smith, Bookcraft, 1958 p. 88-89,97,101)

15 June,1829 – Court commenced, and Joseph was represented by James Davidson and John Reid, Esquires (hired by Joseph Knight), and the prosecution was represented by two Presbyterians, Mr. Seymour and Mr. Burch. Joseph was later acquitted, though immediately arrested and taken to Colesville for trial. (Preston Nibley ed. History of Joseph Smith by his Mother, Lucy Mack Smith, Bookcraft, 1958 p.89-91)

16 June, 1829 – Joseph is brought before the magistrate in Colesville, and he was later acquitted. He then excaped the angered mob, and fleed to his sister-in-laws house where he met up with his wife. (Preston Nibley ed. History of Joseph Smith by his Mother, Lucy Mack Smith, Bookcraft, 1958 p.91-96)

17 June, 1829 – Joseph arrives at his home in Harmony along with his wife. (Preston Nibley ed. History of Joseph Smith by his Mother, Lucy Mack Smith, Bookcraft, 1958.)

19-21 June, 1829 – “A happy three days’ meeting of disciples” in Mentor. (See F.W. Emmons’ “Journal of a Traveler” in Millennial Harbinger, VIII, No.1 [2 Aug. 1830], pg.390.) See end note****:(50)

19 June, 1829 – Sally Knight has a dream that Joseph would visit her this day. The dreamed was fulfilled several hours later when Joseph and Oliver arrived at Colesville from Harmony, with the intent of confirming those who had been baptized on the 14th. However, a mob had gathered, and these two men excaped, and were forced to travel all night back home, where they remained for the rest of the month.(Preston Nibley ed. History of Joseph Smith by his Mother, Lucy Mack Smith, Bookcraft, 1958 p.97)

22-26 June, 1829 – Rigdon in Mentor. (Preston Nibley ed. History of Joseph Smith by his Mother, Lucy Mack Smith, Bookcraft, 1958, p.390-91)

25 June, 1829 – 3 witnesses see plates. D&C 19 – Telling Martin Harris about suffering also listed as Summer, but would make far more sense being revealed before he was given the ability to see the plates.

After 25 June, 1829 – Lucy records a few days after they returned to Manchester, the eight witnesses saw the plates. [See Scot Facer Proctor and Maurine Jensen Proctor editors, The Revised and Enhanced History of Joseph Smith By His Mother, Bookcraft, 1996. 203]

late June, 1829 – Translation is complete [David Whitmer’s 1887 Address to All Believers in Christ] Oliver Cowdery makes a printer’s copy. [Church History Vol I]

27 June 1829 – Rigdon preaches 1 3/4 hr. in AM (from John XV) and baptizes two. (ibid. pp.391-92.)

July, 1829 – Rigdon holds meeting at Pleasant Valley, Darby Twp., Madison Co., Ohio, possibly at invitation of his cousin Thomas Rigdon, also a Campbellite Baptist preacher, who lived in nearby Mount Vernon, Knox Co. (about 30 mi. NE of Darby Twp.) and through which Rigdon would have to pass on his way. Rigdon is said to have baptized 45 people at this event. Pleasant Valley is a few miles W of Columbus and about 165-175 mi. SW of Mentor (depending on route taken). Given time for round-trip travel, plus two or three weeks for revivals, this trip probably took up the entire month.

Oliver Cowdery (likely during the later half of the month, and in company with John and David Whitmer) traveled from Harmony to the Whitmer home in Fayette, New York, where he began to arrange and copy the revelations. He later corresponded with Joseph in Harmony about what he thought to be an error in one of the revelations. Joseph wrote immediately back requesting to know the authority by which Oliver made this claim. Joseph then returned to Harmony, likely in the company of John Whitmer. (ibid. pp.104-105)

Joseph receives several revelations at Harmony (likely during the first half of the month). Joseph begins to compile the revelations he has received thus far. (HoC,V.1, pp.101-104, and D&C 24, 25, 26 are given [SINGLE]) It is notable that the idea to save all the revelations and compile them come at a time when Sidney Rigdon is missing for 3 weeks. This is the same time as the Book of Mormon goes to the printer, something to be expected that Sidney would want to be in town for.)

01 July, 1829 -Rigdon Organized church (group) at Perry, Ohio, (Weds.)

(Rigdon Histoy gap of perhaps three weeks, more or less. (Possibly during this time Mr. Z. Rudolph‘s quote and Lorezon Saunders quote are relevant to.)

August, 1829 – Grandin starts type setting and printing of The Book of Mormon. Martin Harris, Hyrum Smith, and Oliver Cowdery frequently visited the printing office, Joseph Smith only visited once. Hyrum Smith brought the manuscript in for printing a few pages at a time. Each chapter was one paragraph, without punctuation; Gilbert, with permission, added the punctuation.

D&C 27 given (Water instead of wine) [SINGLE]

A Methodist minister told falsehoods “of the most shameful nature”, and turned Emma’s family against Joseph. (Preston Nibley ed. History of Joseph Smith by his Mother, Lucy Mack Smith, Bookcraft, 1958. p.108)

August (early in month) 1829 – c.26 Parley Parker Pratt is sent to New York “on a mission.” (Hist. of the Church [RLDS], I, pg.139.) Parley tells his wife the spirit is directing him to go on a mission and that is restated in his Autobiography [POSSIBLE COVERUP] He steps off a canal boat, is directed to the Smith home, and is converted shortly thereafter. He is baptized by Cowdery at Fayette on 1 September. (Shouldn’t he be nervous returning to Sidney?)

August 1829 – Early in the month Joseph and Emma are visited at Harmony by Newel Knight and his wife (Sally), with the intent of confirming Sally (and Emma) subsequent to her (their) baptisms in June. Joseph went to procure wine for the sacrament, and received and wrote down a portion of revelation (first four verses)–the remainder of the revelation was written down in September at Fayette, New York. (ibid. pp.106-108, D&C 27)

25-26 August, 1829 – Rigdon travels to Austintown (about 60 miles).

29 August, 1829 – Joseph, in company with John and David Whitmer visited the Church at Colesville (Joseph had originally intended to go on the 21st or 22nd, but was unable). Their prayers to God (that He would protect them from the mob) were answered. (Preston Nibley ed. History of Joseph Smith by his Mother, Lucy Mack Smith, Bookcraft, 1958 p.108-109)

27-29 August, 1829 -Meets Alexander Campbell at Austintown, Ohio at the final meeting of the Mahoning Association. Rigdon preaches Sat. Aug. 28th. (Rigdon dissociates himself from Campbell and his brethren following this meeting.)

30 August, 1829 – Joseph and the Whitmers return to Harmony. (ibid. p.109)

30-31 August, 1829 – Probable return travel.

31 August, 1829 – Because of the growing persecution in Harmony, Newel Knight arrives from Colesville with a wagon, and proceeded to move Joseph and his family to the Whitmers at Fayette, New York. (Preston Nibley ed. History of Joseph Smith by his Mother, Lucy Mack Smith, Bookcraft, 1958. p.109)

(Rigdon historical Gap of 51 days.)

September 1829 – Soon after arriving at Fayette, Joseph learned of Hiram Page received “revelations” through a certain stone. This causes the prophet immense grief. (Preston Nibley ed. History of Joseph Smith by his Mother, Lucy Mack Smith, Bookcraft, 1958. p.109-110)

26 September, 1829 – Joseph holds Conference at Fayette. The Conference continues for three days. (Preston Nibley ed. History of Joseph Smith by his Mother, Lucy Mack Smith, Bookcraft, 1958 p.115,118)

September 1829 – Joseph receives several revelations at Fayette. (Preston Nibley ed. History of Joseph Smith by his Mother, Lucy Mack Smith, Bookcraft, 1958. p.116-118, D&C 30-31)

07 August, 1829 – Official founding of church at Perry, Ohio. Rigdon present (Friday).

August, 1829 (after church founded) – Rigdon baptized Mrs. Lyman Wight.

13 August, 1829 – Rigdon marriage of John Strong & Ann Eliza More at Kirtland.

26-27 August, 1829 – Probable travel to Warren (about 50 miles).

28-30 August, 1829 – Annual meeting of Mahoning Baptist Assn. at Warren, Ohio. More than 1,000 assemble, incl. Rigdon.

August 1829 – Joseph leaves Fayette for Palmyra so as to secure a copyright for the Book of Mormon, and to obtain a contract with E. B. Grandin to print 5000 copies at a cost of $3000. (History of Joseph Smith. p.71)

August 1829 – Joseph returns home to Harmony, Pennsylvania. However, he was forced to return to Palmyra to stop Squire Cole from printing the Book of Mormon in his paper, and to calm the fears of E. B. Grandin about his receiving payment for his printing services. (History of Joseph Smith p.75 footnote)

05 September, 1829 – Martin Harri’s description of the plates printed in the Rochester Gem. defined as being 8″x6″x1/8″

11-13 September, 1829 -Rigdon holds (three day) meeting at Mentor. Jesse J. Moss baptized.

14 September, 1829 – Rigdon marriage of Strong and More recorded. Marriage of Darwin Atwater and Harriet Clapp.

30 September, 1829 – Rigdon probable travel to Perry (about 15 miles).

01 October, 1829 – Rigdon marriage of Joel Roberts & Relief Bates, Perry, Ohio.

01-05 October, 1829 – Rigdon at Perry, Ohio. Preaches Sun., Oct. 4th.

07 October, 1829 – Rigdon above two marriages recorded.

08 October, 1829 – Oliver Cowdery buys 1828 H & E Phinney Bible with the Apocrypha and the Grandin book store for $3.75. Joseph’s handwriting notes the price and the purchase in the bible. This bible would be used for the bulk of the Joseph Smith Translation of the bible. It would go to Emma Smith and then in the RLDS church where it is kept today. The bulk of Translation (all but 5 chapters in Genesis) would be done by Rigdon and Smith [GROUP TRANSLATION]

Rigdon lingo and beliefs in the Book of Moses:

“Children of Men” high frequency

The Book of Moses emphasizes foreknowledge of Jesus Christ among Old Testament figures, such as Adam and Eve (Moses 6:51-63)

Sacrificial offerings were depicted as “a similitude of the sacrifice of the Only Begotten” (5:6-8). Adam was baptized in water, received the Holy Ghost (5:9; 6:64-68) in the same way as the Disciples of Christ. Adam and Eve and their posterity were taught the purpose of the Fall and rejoiced in the Lord’s plan for redemption (5:10-12). (exactly where Sidney picked up on the translation).

22 October, 1829 – Rigdon preaches at the Town House in Ashtabula (Fri.) (See vanW. p.55, citing Ashtabula Journal of 16 October 1830.)

Autumn, 1829 – Rigdon mission to Elyria in Loraine Co. & on to Huron probably (within 75 miles of Mentor) with Orson Hyde. (See Barron, H.H., Orson Hyde biog., pg. Oct. thru mid) 21. NOTE: Hyde boarded w/ Rigdon during most Nov. of year 1829. See also Page, John E.,pp.9-10. spring harvest ) Barron notes “they baptized many people & or while weather) organized several branches of the church before still warm. ) returning to Mentor that same fall,” pg.21.)

November, 1829 – Rigdon holds meeting at Waite Hill, Ohio (a few miles west of Mentor on road from Elyria).

(Gap of at least one month to two months.)

31 December, 1829 – Rigdon marriage of Chandler and Johnson, Chagrin, Ohio, about 15 mi. south of Mentor

Fall and Winter 1829. Printing of Book of Mormon under way. Martin Harris tries to sell his farm to finance the printing of The Book of Mormon. Hyrum Smith becomes impatient and is vexed with Harris and recommends to try to sell the book’s copyright in Toronto. Joseph looks into his stone had receives a revelation to go to Toronto to try and sell the book’s copyright. Hiram Page and Oliver Cowdery travel to Toronto but failed to sell the copyright, (the revelation sent them to the wrong place). [David Whitmer’s 1887 Address to All Believers in Christ]

1830 – Walter Scott writes a letter to Dr. Richardson about how Rigdon would take other preacher’s ideas (Particularly Alexander Campbell) and incorporate them, many of these teachings end up in the Book of Mormon including the millenial views mentioned in this letter [BOM COINCIDENCE]

Rigdon, who always caught and proclaimed the last word that fell from the lips of Scott or Campbell, seized these views (about the millennium and the Jews) and, with the wildness of his extravagant nature, heralded them everywhere. (A. S. Hayden Early History of the Disciples’ Church in the Western Reserve, p. 186. See: http://www.mun.ca/rels/restmov/texts/ahayden/ehd/EHD07.HTM)

12 January, 1830 – Rigdon marriage of Chandler and Johnsonbove marriage recorded.

February, 1830 – Convinces Lyman Wight and Isaac Morley to begin communal settlement experiment on Morley’s farm near Kirtland. (van Wagoner Sidney Rigdon: A Portrait of Religious Excess, p.50)

March, 1830 – Rigdon at Mentor, Ohio.

(Rigdon Historical gap of 2 1/2 to 3 months.)

At the end of this month, the publication of the Book of Mormon was complete, and copies went on sale, 588 pages. 5,000 copies costing $3,000. Sale price $1.75. Joseph Smith listed as Author and Proprietor (as customary).Printed by E. B. Grandin (Publisher of Wayne Sentinel) and funded by Martin Harris who mortgaged 240 acres to Grandin for 18 months (the note was due Feb 5, 1831 and 151 acres of it later sold to Thomas Lakey). [Church History Vol I]

Joseph Smith receives a revelation commanding Martin Harris (under threat of being smitten) to part with his money, settle his debt with the printer, and pay for the printing of The Book of Mormon. [Church History Vol I]

Smith receives a revelation at Manchester, New York. (Preston Nibley ed. History of Joseph Smith by his Mother, Lucy Mack Smith, Bookcraft, 1958. pp.72-74, and D&C 19) limiting Joseph Smith only to translation and no other work. Another mentioned that would gather Israel. This revelation is changed in the modern D&C (BC 4:2)

“and he [Smith] has a gift to translate the book [of Mormon], and I have commanded him that he shall pretend to no other gift, for I will grant him no other gift.”

2 Nephi 3:8, translated about the same time reads

And I will give unto him a commandment that he shall do none other work, save the work which I shall command him. And I will make him great in mine eyes; for he shall do my work.

April, 1830 – Joseph receives a revelation (likely at Manchester, New York). (D&C 20)

06 April, 1830 – Smith organizes the Church at Peter Whitmer’s home in Fayette, New York. Joseph receives a revelation. (ibid. pp.74-79, and D&C 21)

Apr. Joseph recieves several revelations at Manchester, New York. (ibid. pp.79-80, D&C 22 and 23)

April, 1830 – Joseph visits the Knight family in Colesville and casts the devil out of Newel Knight. He returned to Fayette shortly thereafter. (Preston Nibley ed. History of Joseph Smith by his Mother, Lucy Mack Smith, Bookcraft, 1958 p.81-84)

May. During the last week of this month, Newel Knight visited Joseph at Fayette, and was baptised by David Whitmer. (Preston Nibley ed. History of Joseph Smith by his Mother, Lucy Mack Smith, Bookcraft, 1958)

11 April, 1830 – Smith at Sunday meet at the Whitmers in Fayette. (Preston Nibley ed. History of Joseph Smith by his Mother, Lucy Mack Smith, Bookcraft, 1958 p.81)

27 April, 1830 – FROM THE PAINESVILLE (Ohio) TELEGRAPH:

Mormon Emigration.– About two hundred men, women and children, of the deluded followers of Jo Smith’s bible speculation, have arrived on our coast during the last, week, from the state of New-York, & are about seating themselves down upon the “promised land” in this county. It is surely a melancholy comment upon human nature to see so many people at this enlightened age of the world, truckling along at the car of a miserable impostor, submitting themselves, both soul and body, to his spiritual and temporal mandates, without a murmur, or presuming to question that it is all a command direct from Heaven. Such an abject slavery of the mind may endure for a season; but in due time, like the chains of Popery, the links which bind them will be rent asunder, and reason resume again her empire. The above is taken from an Anti-masonic paper. The Anti-masons are generally very hostile to the Mormonites as a rival species of fanaticism.

30 March, 1830 – First Newspaper (THE PAINESVILLE (Ohio) TELEGRAPH) mentions the Book of Mormon

THE BOOK OF MORMON:– or, what is better known by the title of the Gold Bible, has been recently published at Palmyra.Later articles:May 4th:THE PAINESVILLE (Ohio) TELEGRAPH contains an account of the details of some of the fanatical followers of the new religion of Mormonism. His name was Doty, he believed firmly in the divinity of Smith, the leader of the sect, who had promised him that he should live one thousand years, So satisfied was Doty with this prophecy, that he would not permit a physician to visit him. When the approach of death, however, could be no longer unknown, he saw the fallacy of his hopes and sent for a medical man, but it was too late, he died regretting his errors. The Mormonites in the neighbourhood fled from the house where the body lay, but Smith, like the false prophet of Khorassan, soon gathered them around him, by the assurance that the young man’s [fate] was caused by his having fallen from the faith!!! May 21st:A New Excitement — Mormonism versus Anti-masonry:– An elegant new excitement recently started up, like Jonah’s goard, in the anti-masonic district of Ohio, which is marching like a giant, and attacking the very citadels of anti-masonry itself. It is called “Mormonism.” It is already making great progress in the Ohio Reserve, and possesses more fanaticism than even anti-masonry itself. We presume Mr. Bush and the American will give us their sentiments on it, as soon as they can cleaverly get over the recent Sam Patch plunge into anti-masonry. May

About this time: Joseph receives revelation to sell the copyright of the Book of Mormon in Canada. Apologist response. Martin Harris’ wife and her sister would both bare testimony under oath that Martin thought he would make money on the Book of Mormon. If the stories that Joseph was not to try and make money off the gold plates are true, why would he try and sell the book?

09 June, 1830 – The first conference of the Church was held at the Whitmers in Fayette. Immediately afterwards Joseph traveled to his home in Harmony with Oliver Cowdery, John and David Whitmer. (Preston Nibley ed. History of Joseph Smith by his Mother, Lucy Mack Smith, Bookcraft, 1958. p.86)

13 June, 1830 – THE LOCKPORT BALANCE says,

The Mormonites at present exceed one thousand. The land selected by their Prophet is in and around the town of Kirtland, Geauga county, Ohio. Every day adds to their numbers.

30 June, 1830 – Joseph Smith brought before Justice Joel K. Nobel over

“that he, the said Joseph Smith, Jr., had been guilty of a breach of the peace, against the good people of the state of New York, by looking through a certain stone to find hid treasures, &c., within the Statute of Limitation.”

04 July, 1830 – Joseph Smith arrested by Ebenezer Hatch ([Abram W. Benton], “Mormonites,” Evangelical Magazine and Gospel Advocate (Utica, New York) 2 (April 9, 1831): 120, emphasis omitte)

June, 1830 – Joseph Smith begins translation of the bible with Oliver Cowdery as scribe. Translation goes until October 1830. Translation from Genesis 1:1 to Genesis 4:18

July 1830 – Oliver Cowdery disputes the contents of one of Joseph Smith’s revelations. Cowdery is corrected. [Church History Vol I]

August, 1830 – Annual Mahoning Baptist Association meeting in Warren, Trumbull, OH. Rigdon mentiones a fuller revelation about to come forth, having all things in common, and the need for a complete restoration.

Rigdon introduced an argument to show that our pretension to follow the apostles in all their New Testament teachings, required a community of goods; that as they established this order in the model church at Jerusalem, we were bound to imitate their example. Hayden

Almon B. Green

…about two months before Sidney Rigdon’s professed conversion to Mormonism, Rigdon preached Saturday afternoon. He had much to say about a full and complete restoration of the ancient gospel. He spoke in his flowing style of what the Disciples had accomplished, but contended that we had not accomplished a complete restoration of the Apostolic Christianity. He contended such restoration must include community of goods — holding all in common stock, and a restoration of the spiritual gifts of the apostolic age. He promised that although we had not come up to the apostolic plan in full yet as we were improving God would soon give us a new and fuller revelation of his will. After the Book of Mormon had been read by many who heard Rigdon on that occasion, they were perfectly satisfied that Rigdon knew all about that book when he preached that discourse. Rigdon’s sermon was most thoroughly refuted by Bro. Campbell, which very much offended Rigdon.

From this meeting Parley P. Pratt sent (by the Campbellites) to preach in New York. [Church History Vol I] & [Parley P. Pratt autobiography]. He goes directly to Joseph’s area and finds a copy of the book of Mormon. He then heads directly to the Smith home.

August 1830 – Rigdon spoke before the annual meeting of the Mahoning Baptist Association, advocating a community of goods be established in the member churches as a major point in the restoration of Apostolic Christianity, similar to the experiment he was then conducting with members of his own congregation in OH; his suggested plan was demolished by Alexander Campbell’s speech denouncing communal living for modern congregations [BOM COINCIDENCE] Rigdon also mentions a need for a complete restoration of the gospel [BOM COINCIDENCE].

September, 1830 – D&C 28, 29, 30, 31 [SINGLE] Hiriam page stone is not real, the only revelation stated to be given in front of people (only 6 elders), David Whitmer and Thomas B. Marsh specific revelations.

01 September, 1830 – Parley P Pratt baptized by Oliver Cowdery, his first cousin. No mention of the relationship anywhere in any account. [POSSIBLE COVERUP]

06, September 1830 – Alexander Cambell prints Sidney’s sermon on this date. One of his only surviving surmons before he joined mormonism printed

Conference in 1830 – Joseph Smith, at conference, receives revelations:to Oliver Cowdery that Joseph Smith is the only one that can receive commandments, contrary to previous revelation that only Joseph can translate. Hiram Page began receiving revelations from a stone about this time

October, 1830 – Joseph receives several revelations at Fayette–including the one charging Parley Pratt to visit the lamanites. He visits says he converts an entire tribe who vanishes never to be seen again (Autobiography of Parley Pratt) and then makes a bee line back to Sidney Rigdon in Mentor. (Preston Nibley ed. History of Joseph Smith by his Mother, Lucy Mack Smith, Bookcraft, 1958. pp.118-127, D&C 32-33)

John Whitmer serves as scribe for bible translation until December 1830. Genesis 4:19 to approximately 5:20

Early November, 1830 – During the forepart of this month, Joseph received a revelation at Fayette regarding Orson Pratt. (D&C 34)

28 October or November 1830 – [Disputed date] Cowdery & P. Pratt arrive at Rigdon home w/copy of Book of Mormon. (Note: vanW., p.58, puts this date at 28 October.)

November 1830 – Rigdon Visits Orris Clapp’s residence and talks about Book of Mormon.

Rigdon is baptized into Mormon faith by Oliver Cowdery (in A.M.). His friend Lyman Wight baptized same day (Sunday).

November and December 1830 – In conjunction with Joseph’s efforts to translate the Bible, he recorded at Fayette several extract that now comprise the Book of Moses in the Pearl of Great Price. (PGP Moses 6-7)

01 November, 1830 – Oliver Cowdery and Parley P. Pratt travelled directly to the home of Sidney Rigdon and presented him with a copy of The Book of Mormon.

04 November, 1830 – Rigdon marriage of Louis B. Wood & Laura Cleveland at Mentor .

07 November, 1830 – Confesses his conviction (to his Mentor congregation) that the Book of Mormon was possibly “the truth.”

08 November, 1830 – Rigdon Baptized

10 November, 1830 – Warren Isham, the editor of the Hudson, Ohio Observer published his description of Mormonism as “Campbellism Improved.”

11 November, 1830 – Above marriage recorded (Thursday).

13 November, 1830 – (Probable date) Rigdon addresses congregation of friends & neighbors at Methodist hall in Kirtland & tearfully asks forgiveness of any whom he may have formerly offended. Said his soul had suddenly found peace in Book of Mormon.

18 November, 1830 – Hudson Observer reports

“a certain Elder” who had only slightly “hesitated in deciding whether to reject or receive” what the Editor calls “Campbellism Improved” (i. e., Mormonism).

Referring to Rigdon, the implication was that he joined Mormonism very quickly and that Mormonism was very similar to Rigdon’s previous beliefs (Matching Alexander Campbell)

December 1830 – Rigdon was the scribe for translating the bible from early December 1830 until completion of translation on July 2, 1833. The Book of Moses Chapters 2-end was written in Rigdon’s handwriting, and contains his signature beliefs and word usage patterns. Oliver Cowdery was Smith’s scribe for The Book of Moses between June and October 1830, Genesis 1:1 to Genesis 4:18. John Whitmer was Smith’s scribe from October until December 1830 (While Oliver was out finding Sidney with his Cousin, Parley P. Pratt), recording the translation of Genesis 4:19 to Genesis 5:20.

04 December, 1830 – Painsville Telegraph (Closest Big Newspaper to Sidney) reports Sidney is Author of Book of Mormon. Less than a month after Rigdon’s Nov. 8, 1830 baptism under the administration of “Church of Christ” by Elder Oliver Cowdery, the Dec. 4th issue of the Telegraph spoke of the “Rigdonites,” a break-away group of former Campbellites who were following the teachings of Rev. Sidney Rigdon. The story of Rigdon (the “man of many creeds”) and his conversion to Mormonism was told haphazardly in the Feb.-Apr. issues of the paper, where the former Campbellite minister was branded as the probable “author of Mormonism.” [SpR]

22 December, 1830 – Ontario Messenger (big newspaper close to Joseph Smith’s origin) quotes Rigdon as author of Book of Mormon Rigdon’s “first time” travels to visit with “elder J. Smith, Jr.” were noticed in the New York Ontario Messenger of Dec. 22, 1830 and other newspapers of the region, and some of this intelligence was quickly relayed to the northern Ohio papers for publication. Sidney Rigdon’s new religion (and speculation over his true role within that new religion) soon became a continuing news story. [SpR]

December, 1830 – Sidney Rigdon and Edward Partridge travel from Ohio to meet Joseph (allegedly for the first time) at Fayette, New York. Joseph received several revelations regarding them. (Preston Nibley ed. History of Joseph Smith by his Mother, Lucy Mack Smith, Bookcraft, 1958 p.128-131, D&C 35, 36, 37) [DUAL]. Sidney Rigdon makes great pains to mention he has never seen Joseph Smith or the Book of Mormon before, such that several accounts record it.

Rigdon gives first public sermon as a Mormon in Palmyra and Canadaigua.

Sidney Rigdon becomes scribe for translation of the bible until it is finished on 02 July, 1833.

Joseph receives a revelation at Fayette regarding the gathering of the Church to Kirtland, Ohio. (Preston Nibley ed. History of Joseph Smith by his Mother, Lucy Mack Smith, Bookcraft, 1958. pp.139, D&C 37)

D&C 35 given. Versus 3-4 link Rigdon to John the Baptist

Behold, verily, verily, I say unto my servant Sidney, … Behold thou wast sent forth, even as John

1831 – Legend of Enoch told 