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Witnesses of the Golden Plates
and the Book of Mormon

It's a common misconception by people outside the church that Joseph Smith was the only person who ever saw the golden plates. Some often joke derisively, "Oh if only Joseph had thought to actually show someone else those plates instead of keeping them to himself, maybe we might believe him." Their skepticism in believing his story is understandable considering they believe they're only taking his word for it. Luckily, this is not actually the case. Eleven other men we're shown the plates by Joseph and allowed to handle them and turn through the leaves. Three of the eleven were even blessed to be shown the plates by 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 biographical information as well as quotes from them affirming their testimony. Some of these accounts were given years after they originally saw the plates. There were others who had experiences involving the golden plates so I've included their accounts also.