Witnesses of the Gold Plates and the Book of Mormon

"Father, mother, you do not know how happy I am; the Lord has now caused the plates to be shown to three more besides myself. They have seen an angel, who has testified to them, and they will have to bear witness to the truth of what I have said, for now they know for themselves that I do not go about to deceive the people, and I feel as if I was relieved of a burden which was almost too heavy for me to bear, and it rejoices my soul that I am not any longer to be entirely alone in the world."

-- Joseph Smith Jr. June 1829.




It's a common misconception by people outside the church that only Joseph Smith ever saw the golden plates. Their skepticism in believing his story is understandable consideing they believe they're only taking his word for it. Luckily, this is not the case. Eleven others we're shown the plates by Joseph, and allowed to handle them. Three of the eleven were blessed to see the Angel Moroni, himself. Below, you will find their written testimony that what they saw is true. These affidavits are published at the beginning of each Book of Mormon. I have also included bios and quotes from them affirming their testimony years after they originally saw them. There were other's who had experiences with or surrounding the golden plates so I've inlcuded their accounts also.

The Three Witnesses Testimony of Three Witnesses Oliver Cowdery Martin Harris David Whitmer The Eight Witnesses Testimony of the Eight Witnesses Christian Whitmer Hiram Page Jacob Whitmer Joseph Smith, SEN. Peter Whitmer, JUN. Hyrum Smith John Whitmer Samuel H. Smith

Other Historical Accounts and Witnesses (Actual Box used to hold the plates during the translation.) Mary Whitmer Lucy Mack Smith Emma Smith Luke Johnson Alva Beman Katherine Smith Salisbury William Smith Harrison Burgess Luman Shurtliff Oliver Granger Benjamin Brown Zera Pulsipher Lucy Harris