David Hale's Store Ledger: New Details about Joseph and Emma Smith, the Hale Family, and the Book of Mormon

Authors

Mark L. Staker
Robin S. Jensen

Abstract

In December 1827, Joseph and Emma Smith arrived in Harmony, Pennsylvania, to live while Joseph translated the gold plates. Harmony was the home of Emma's family, and Emma's brother David Hale had a small store that was used for trading goods and work among the neighbors. David kept a ledger that records Joseph's purchases of leatherwork, a shovel, a pocketbook, a pocketknife, and a comb. Joseph sold some pork and traded his own labor, and also hired others to help him with heavy chores. The ledger is now in the collections of Brigham Young University. This document provides a unique window into Joseph Smith's life during his time in Harmony, during which the Book of Mormon was translated.

Recommended Citation

Staker, Mark L. and Jensen, Robin S. (2014) "David Hale's Store Ledger: New Details about Joseph and Emma Smith, the Hale Family, and the Book of Mormon," BYU Studies Quarterly: Vol. 53: Iss. 3, Article 6.
Available at: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/byusq/vol53/iss3/6