29654

10

215

Book

English

Romig, Ronald E.

Eighth Witness : The Biography of John Whitmer

Independence, MO

John Whitmer Books

2014

722

[2016 Mormon Historical Association Winner for Best Biography]

[2015 John Whitmer Historical Association winner for Best Biography Book]

John Whitmer one of the most familiar names in early Mormonism. As one of Joseph Smith's earliest supporters and associates, John was a member of one of the founding families of Smith's Restoration movement. He was also one of the eight witnesses to the authenticity of the Book of Mormon, Mormonism's founding document. His name is reproduced in each of the millions of copies of that work that exist in dozens of different editions. Many know no more than his name, but the better informed likewise know that he also became wary of Joseph Smith and Mormonism, turned his back on what had been a sublime adventure, and thus became a cautionary tale to the faithful. John Whitmer's rise and fall within Mormonism is an exhilarating narrative, his conversion very much a movement of his family into the new church. Paralleling this movement, his exodus out of Mormonism was also a clan movement as the Whitmers, after less than a decade, experienced difficulties with Joseph's leadership.

Schisms, RLDS
Award Winner
Whitmer, John
Book of Mormon, witnesses

A Documentary History of the Book of Mormon
"Archives of the Better World": The Nineteenth-Century Historian's Office and Mormonism's Archival Flexibility
Producing Ancient Scripture: Joseph Smith's Translation Projects in the Development of Mormon Christianity
Religious Liberty and Latter-day Saints: Historical and Global Perspectives
Saints : The Story of the Church of Jesus Christ in the Latter Days. The Standard of Truth 1815–1846.
Temples Rising : A Heritage of Sacrifice
The Old Guard and Rearguard Actions : Professionalization and the Church Historian's Office
The Tarrying of the Beloved Disciple: The Textual Formation of the Account of John
Variety and Complexity in the Witnesses to the Book of Mormon
We'll Sing and We'll Shout: The Life and Times of William W. Phelps

A Bibliography of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in New York, Ohio, and Missouri
A Biographical Sketch of the Life of Jonathan Crosby Written by Himself
A Brief History of the Church of Christ of Latter Day Saints (Commonly Called Mormons)
A Call to Arms : The 1838 Defense of Northern Missouri
A Community Abandoned : W. W. Phelps' 1839 Letter to Sally Waterman Phelps from Far West, Missouri
A Descriptive Bibliography of the Mormon Church, Volume One, 1830-1847
After 100 Years
A History of the Latter-day Saints in Clay County, Missouri, from 1833 to 1837
A History of the Latter-day Saints in Northern Missouri from 1836 to 1839
Among the Mormons : Historic Accounts by Contemporary Observers
A Mormon Bibliography, 1830-1930 : Books, Pamphlets, Periodicals, and Broadsides Relating to the First Century of Mormonism
A Mormon Fifty
An Address to All Believers in Christ. By a Witness to the Divine Authenticity of the Book of Mormon
An American Prophet's Record : The Diaries and Journals of Joseph Smith
An Appraisal of Manchester as Location for the Organization of the Church
And Yet Another Copy of the Anthon Manuscript
An Early Latter-day Saint History : The Book of John Whitmer Kept by Commandment
An Examination of the 1829 'Articles of the Church of Christ' in Relation to Section 20 of the Doctrine and Covenants
An Insider's View of Mormon Origins
An Intimate Chronicle : The Journals of William Clayton
A Pathway to Prophethood : Joseph Smith Junior as Rodsman, Village Seer, and Judeo-Christian Prophet
'A Plainer Translation' : Joseph Smith's Translation of the Bible : A History and Commentary
Appendix to History of the Prophet Joseph
Archaeology at the Peter Whitmer Farm, Seneca County, New York
A Shaker View of a Mormon Mission
A Study of the Origins of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the States of New York and Pennsylvania, 1816-1831
Attempts to Redefine the Experience of the Eight Witnesses
Autobiography of Andrew Jenson : Assistant Historian of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Biography of Christopher Merkley. Written by Himself
Biography of David Whitmer
Biography of Patriarch Alexander Hale Smith
Building the City of God : Community and Cooperation among the Mormons
By the Gift and Power of God
Caleb Baldwin : Prison Companion to Joseph Smith
Church History
Church History in Black and White : George Edward Anderson's Photographic Mission to Latter-day Saint Historical Sites. 1907 Diary, 1907-08 Photographs
Conflict at Kirtland: The Nature and Causes of External and Internal Conflict of the Mormons in Ohio between 1830 and 1838
Dale Morgan on Early Mormonism : Correspondence and a New History
David Whitmer and the Shaping of Latter-day Saint History
David Whitmer, A Witness to the Divine Authenticity of the Book of Mormon
David Whitmer Interviews : A Restoration Witness
Dedication of the Hiram Page Grave Site in a Beautiful Rain
Dreams, Visions, and Visitations, The Genesis of Mormonism
Early Days in the West : Along the Missouri One Hundred Years Ago
Early History of the Disciples in the Western Reserve, Ohio
Early Mormon Documents : Volume I
Early Mormon Documents : Volume II
Early Mormon Documents : Volume III
Early Mormon Documents : Volume IV
Early Mormon Documents : Volume V
Early Mormonism and the Magic World View
Early Scenes in Church History
Encyclopedia of Latter-day Saint History
Essentials in Church History
Eyewitness Accounts of the Restoration
Factors in the Destruction of the Mormon Press in Missouri, 1833
Facts Relative to the Expulsion of the Mormons, or Latter-day Saints from the State of Missouri, under the 'Exterminating Order'
Far West Record : Minutes of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1830-1844
Fire and Sword : A History of the Latter-day Saints in Northern Missouri, 1836-39
Five Who Handled the Plates
From Historian to Dissident : The Book of John Whitmer
From Manuscript to Printed Page : An Analysis of the History of the Book of Commandments and Revelations
From Palmyra, New York, 1830, to Independence, Missouri, 1894, Vol. 1
Having Authority : The Origins and Development of Priesthood during the Ministry of Joseph Smith
Hearken, O Ye People : The Historical Setting for Joseph Smith's Ohio Revelations
Heber C. Kimball: Mormon Patriarch and Pioneer
Hiram Page : An Historical and Sociological Analysis of an Early Mormon Prototype
Historical Headnotes and the Index of Contents in the Book of Commandments and Revelations
History of Geauga and Lake Counties, Ohio, with Illustrations and Biographical Sketches
History of Joseph Smith
History of Ray County, Mo.
History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 1805-1890
History of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Period I : History of Joseph Smith, the Prophet, by Himself
History of the Life of Oliver B. Huntington, Written by Himself, 1878-1900
History of the Organization of the Seventies
History of the Reorganization of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints
History of the Scandinavian Mission
Hyrum Smith : A Life of Integrity
Hyrum Smith, Patriarch
Investigating the Book of Mormon Witnesses
Jackson County, 1831-1833 : A Look at the Development of Zion
Jacob Hawn and the Hawn's Mill Massacre : Missouri Millwright and Oregon Pioneer
John Murdock : His life and legacy
John Noah and the Hulets : A study in charisma in the early church.
Joseph Knight's Recollection of Early Mormon History
Joseph Smith and the Law of Consecration
Joseph Smith and the Restoration : A History of the Church to 1846
Joseph Smith Begins His Work
Joseph Smith: Rough Stone Rolling
Joseph Smith's New York Reputation Reexamined
Joseph Smith : the First Mormon
Joseph Smith, the Prophet
Joseph Smith Translation of the Bible
Just War, Holy War, and Joseph Smith, Jr.
King James Strang : Joseph Smith's Successor?
Kirtland Council Minute Book
Latter-day Saint Biographical Encyclopedia
Letters and Mail Between Kirtland and Independence : A Mormon Postal History, 1831-33
Life of Joseph F. Smith, Sixth President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Lucy's Book : A Critical Edition of Lucy Mack Smith's Family Memoir
Membership of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1830-1848
Missouri Mormon Manuscripts : Sources in Selected Societies
Missouri Persecutions : Petitions for Redress
Missouri's Failed Compromise : The Creation of Caldwell County for the Mormons
Mormon Enigma: Emma Hale Smith
Mormonism Exposed, Being a Journal of a Residence in Missouri from the 28th of May to the 20th of August, 1838
Mormonism In All Ages : Or, The Rise, Progress and Causes of Mormonism
Mormonism; Or, Life among the Mormons
Mormonism Unvailed : Or, a Faithful Account of That Singular Imposition and Delusion From Its Rise to the Present Time
Mormon Redress Petitions : Documents of the 1833-1838 Missouri Conflict
Mormons and Jews : Early Mormon Theologies of Israel
My Life's Review
Naked Truths about Mormonism
Oliver Cowdery : Scribe, Elder, Witness : Essays from BYU Studies and FARMS
Oliver Cowdery, Second Elder and Scribe
Oliver Cowdery's Kirtland, Ohio, 'Sketch Book'
On the Potter's Wheel : The Diaries of Heber C. Kimball
Origin, Rise and Progress of Mormonism
Orrin Porter Rockwell : Man of God, Son of Thunder
Pentecost and All Things Common : Acts 2 and 4 :31-33 as Template for Community in Kirtland, Ohio, 1830-1837
Personalities in the Doctrine and Covenants and Joseph Smith - History
Personal Writings of Joseph Smith
Peter Whitmer's Log House
Pioneer Cemetery : Richmond, Ray County, Missouri
Power from on High : The Development of Mormon Priesthood
Promises Made to the Fathers : Mormon Covenant Organization
Quest for Refuge : The Mormon Flight from American Pluralism
Reassessing Joseph Smith's "Appointed Time for the Redemption of Zion"
Regional Studies in Latter-day Saint Church History : Missouri
Religious Seekers and the Advent of Mormonism
Remembering Joseph : Personal Recollections of Those Who Knew the Prophet Joseph Smith
Reminiscences of Latter-day Saints, Giving an Account of Much Individual Suffering Endured for Religious Conscience
Restoration Scriptures : A Study of Their Textual Development
RLDS Archives Sources
Sacred Places Volume 1 : New England and Eastern Canada, A Comprehensive Guide to Early LDS Historical Sites
Scattering of the Saints : Schism within Mormonism
Scraps of Biography
Sealed in a Book : Preliminary Observations on the Newly Found 'Anthon Transcript'
Sidney Rigdon : A Portrait of Religious Excess
Sidney Rigdon The Real Founder of Mormonism
Stand By My Servant Joseph : The Story of the Joseph Knight Family and the Restoration
Substituted Names in the Published Revelations of Joseph Smith
'Such Republicanism as This' : John Corrill's Rejection of Prophetic Rule
The 1838 Mormon War in Missouri
The Anthon Transcript : People, Primary Sources, and Problems
The Autobiography of Parley Parker Pratt
The Book of Mormon : A Blueprint for Organizing the Church
The Burned-Over District : The Social and Intellectual History of Enthusiastic Religion in Western New York, 1800-1850
The "Caractors" Document : New Light on an Early Transcription of the Book of Mormon Characters
The Case against Mormonism
The Case for Sidney Rigdon as Author of the Lectures on Faith
The City in the Garden : Social Conflict in Jackson County, Missouri
The Colesville Branch in Kaw Township, Jackson County, Missouri, 1831 to 1833
The Consequential Counselor : Restoring the Root(s) of Jesse Gause
The Democratization of American Christianity
The Early Days of Mormonism
The Eight Witnesses
The Failure of the Kirtland Safety Society
The Family of Auer Winchester Proctor
The First Months of Mormonism : A Contemporary View By Rev. Diedrich Willers
The Founder of Mormonism: A Psychological Study of Joseph Smith, Jr.
"The Grand, Fundamental Principle" : Joseph Smith and the Virtue of Friendship
The Heavens Resound : A History of the Latter-day Saints in Ohio, 1830-1838
The History of Brigham Young
The House Where the Church Was Organized
The Initial Survey Committee Selected to Appoint Lands for Gathering in Daviess County, Missouri (1837-1838)
The Joseph Smith Papers : Documents, Volume 1: July 1828-June 1831
The Joseph Smith Papers : Revelations and Translations : Manuscript Revelation Books (Facsimile Edition)
The Journal of Anson Call
The Journal of Ethan Barrows
The Journals of William E. McLellin 1831-1836
The Kirtland Economy Revisited : A Market Critique of Sectarian Economics
The Kirtland Safety Society : The Stock Ledger Book and the Bank Failure
The Latter-day Saints on the Missouri Frontier
The Lectures on Faith in Historical Perspective
The Life and Testimony of Mary Lightner
The Memoirs of President Joseph Smith III (1832-1914)
The Missouri Persecutions
The Mormon Hierarchy : Origins of Power
The Mormon Succession Crisis of 1844
The Odyssey of William Earl McLellin : Man of Diversity, 1806-83
The Original Book of Mormon Manuscript
The Original Manuscript of the Book of Mormon : Typographical Facsimile of the Extant Text
The Orson Pratt Journals
The Papers of Joseph Smith, Volume 1: Autobiographical and Historical Writings
The Papers of Joseph Smith, Volume 2: Journal, 1832-1842
The Phelps Family of America, and their English Ancestors, with copies of wills, deeds, letters, and other interesting papers, coats of arms and valuable records
The Process of Inspired Translation : Two Passages Translated Twice in the Joseph Smith Translation of the Bible
The Refiner's Fire : The Making of Mormon Cosmology, 1644-1844
The Restoration Movement : Essays in Mormon History
The Return of Oliver Cowdery
The Revelations of the Prophet Joseph Smith : A Historical and Biographical Commentary of the Doctrine and Covenants
The Revised and Enhanced History of Joseph Smith by His Mother
The Shakers and the Mormons
The Story of Joseph Smith's Bible Translation : A Documented History
The Story of the Church
The Story of the Mormons : From the Date of Their Origin to the Year 1901
The Three Witnesses
The United Order among the Mormons (Missouri Phase) : An Unfinished Experiment in Economic Organization
The Validity of the Witnesses' Testimonies
The Versatile W. W. Phelps--Mormon Writer, Educator, and Pioneer
The Voice of One Crying in the Wilderness : Sidney Rigdon, Religious Reformer, 1793-1876
The Wild Ram of the Mountain : The Story of Lyman Wight
The William E. McLellin Papers, 1854-1880
The Word of God : Essays on Mormon Scripture
The Writing of Joseph Smith's History
'They Are My Friends' : A History of the Joseph Knight Family 1825-1850
They Made a Difference
Two Hundred Thirty-Eight Years of the Whitmer Family, 1737-1976
Two Rare Missouri Documents
Unpublished Revelations of the Prophets and Presidents of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Who Were the Six Who Organized the Church on 6 April 1830?
Wilford Woodruff's Journals
Writing to Zion : The William W. Phelps Kirtland Letters (1835-1836)
Young People's History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Volume 2