John Whitmer

John Whitmer (August 27, 1802 – July 11, 1878) was an early leader in the Latter Day Saint movement. He was one of the Eight Witnesses of the Book of Mormon's golden plates. Whitmer was also the first official Church Historian and a member of the presidency of the church in Missouri from 1834 to 1838.

Biography Whitmer was born in Pennsylvania on August 27, 1802, to Peter Whitmer, Sr. and Mary Musselman. He had seven siblings. In 1809, the Whitmer family moved to Fayette, New York. Here, Whitmer was a member of the German Reformed Church.

Foundation of the Latter Day Saint movement Whitmer's brother David and his entire family became early followers of Joseph Smith, the founder of the Latter Day Saint movement. in the Whitmer family's home. John Whitmer was called as his brother's second counselor, He remained a member of the church presidency until his excommunication in 1838.

Whitmer's manuscript was given by a descendant of David Whitmer to the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (RLDS Church, now Community of Christ), who maintained ownership for over a century. The book was sold along with several historical properties and artifacts to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in March 2024.

John Whitmer Historical Association

On September 18, 1972, historians and scholars associated with the RLDS Church founded the John Whitmer Historical Association (JWHA) to "create and encourage interest in Latter Day Saint history, especially the history of Community of Christ" and support other studies in Latter Day Saint history. The association publishes two academic journals, the John Whitmer Historical Association Journal and Restoration Studies, as well as a newsletter. It also holds conferences and lecture series and gives awards.