David Whitmer's Testimony of the Angel and the Plates

In February 1886, Edward Stevenson visited David Whitmer at his home in Richmond, Missouri. On February 9, Whitmer recounted his 1829 experiences as a witness to the Book of Mormon. While plowing shortly before Joseph Smith arrived, Whitmer heard a voice and saw a personage who declared, “Blessed is the name of the Lord and they who keep his commandments.” Joseph then told Whitmer he had been chosen as a witness. Whitmer, Joseph Smith, and Oliver Cowdery went to a clearing near the woods and sat on a log. A bright light grew around them until an angel appeared beside a table bearing the plates; Whitmer’s account also identifies the sword of Laban and the Liahona among the objects displayed. A voice commanded them to bear witness to the world. Stevenson recorded Whitmer’s testimony during the visit, which followed reports that Whitmer was near death; Whitmer was recovering from a serious illness. The records vary in naming the visitor: one identifies him as Edward Stevenson, while the other lists Ward Stevenson.