D&C Section 14,15, and 16

Joseph is living with the Whitmers now. The farm is just west of Lake Seneca which is one of the five Finger Lakes that run north and south through central New York. It is, for the most part, flat farm land that is green and lush. Joseph and Emma will reside there for some time until the Book of Mormon is printed. Not only is it a good location for being free from the persecution, but it's closer to Manchester and Joseph's family.

Of the three Whitmer brothers, John, and Peter each became one of the the eight witnesses who saw and handled the plates. David became one of three witnesses who saw the plates plus other sacred artifacts and heard the Lord bear witness to the truthfulness of the work. Having a testimony of the restored gospel, the three of them sought a revelation from Joseph as to what they should do to help. The three revelations are very similar, but also personal in a way known only to them. For instance, John had not said anything but wanted to know what would be of most worth to the Lord for him to do. The Lord told him that teaching the gospel and bringing and souls to the him is what would be of most worth. I feel the similarity of the revelations is because the Lord wants to teach the early members the same principles. This also keeps the playing field level so that those who might seek position would have no reason to.

John Whitmer stayed with the Saints through most of the Missouri persecutions. But during that time, he was charged with mishandling church funds. In defiance, he refused to hand over the financial records as well as the church history he had been keeping by assignment. As a result of his actions, he was excommunicated. When the Saints fled Missouri, John stayed and bought much of the land they had deserted in Far West for a very cheap price. He remained bitter about his excommunication, but also wrote in his history that he prayed he would be forgiven for his faults and sins as well as his private matter, and that he would some day find favor in the eyes of God and the Saints. He was the last survivor of the eight witnesses and whenever asked about this testimony of the Book of Mormon, he repeated again and again throughout his life with great emotion that "he knew as well as he knew he had an existence" that Joseph had translated the plates which he had seen and handled.

Peter Whitmer Jun. was a tailor and had made suits for General Alexander Doniphan who later would stand in defense of Joseph Smith saving his life, and for then lieutenant governor Boggs who offered Peter a room to live in at his house, and would later as governor sign the extermination order of all LDS. Peter died while the Saints were in Missouri and was buried next to his older brother Christian. Peter was known as someone who deeply cared for others, often caring and putting up those who were sick. Heber C. Kimball stayed with him for an extended time until he was well enough to move on.