Knights and Whitmers

Whitmers and Knights

   I made an observation that both gladdened me and saddened me. As I gave a tour of the Smith Farm this week, two visitors mentioned that they were direct descendants of Joseph Knight Sr. The Knight family have a rich heritage in the beginnings of our church, having been converted before Joseph Smith was allowed by Moroni to obtain the plates from which Joseph translated the Book of Mormon. Joseph Knight let Joseph Smith use his wagon and sleigh to travel to court Emma. He brought provisions to Joseph and Emma when Joseph was busy translating. He came to Palmyra/Manchester when Smith obtained the plates. The whole family suffered from persecutions in Ohio, Missouri, and Illinois. And they made the long trek to the Salt Lake valley—some perishing along the way.

   The Whitmers likewise became followers of Christ through Joseph Smith starting very early. They let him live with them while Joseph finished the Book of Mormon translation. They offered their home for the organization of the Church in 1830. They saw the gold plates, and hefted them. David Whitmer and Mary Whitmer saw the angel Moroni. David heard the voice of God speaking to him and the other two witnesses.

   Two vital families in the beginnings of the Church.

   On the tour I mentioned, the two descendants of Joseph Knight had attended a get together with thousands of Knight descendants. I have probably met close to ten of his descendants in the ten months we’ve served here. Also on that tour a boy asked about the Whitmers, how many remained faithful. I regretted to tell him that none remained. I have never met a descendant of Peter Whitmer.

   I’ve been thinking about the influence our decisions have on others. The Whitmers chose to leave—their pride was injured. The Whitmers chose to continue. Now, generations, even thousands meet, study about, and praise their Knight ancestors for their faithfulness.