W. W. Phelps’ Vision of the Prophet Joseph Smith Post-Martyrdom

W. W. Phelps testifies in a public meeting that two days after the burial of Joseph and Hyrum Smith, he saw the Prophet Joseph Smith in his own house. The Prophet appeared as he did when alive and directed Phelps to have the drivers move the building, which was on wheels, and to drive it over the river into Iowa, specifically mentioning Devil Creek. This vision served as a testimony to the authority of the Twelve Apostles.

Fuller account of this event (in the witness’s own words):

I want to say that Brother Joseph came and enlightened me two days after he was buried. He came the same as when he was alive, and in a moment appeared to me in his own house. He said, ‘Tell the drivers to drive on.’ I asked if the building was on wheels? He said, ‘certainly.’ I spoke, and away it went. We drove all round the hills and valleys. He then told the drivers to drive on over the river into Iowa. I told him Devil Creek was before us. He said, ‘Drive over Devil Creek; I don’t care for Devil Creek or any other creek;’ and we did so. Then I awoke.