Do You Have Room for the Savior? - Jon McNaughton

The Via Dolorosa - Jon McNaughton

Possible Mayan Site Discovered in Georgia Mountains? | LostWorlds.org

Possible Mayan Site Discovered in Georgia Mountains? | LostWorlds.org

The Star of Bethlehem, Signs Hidden in the Heavens - Found.

Scholars debate whether the Star of Bethlehem is a legend created by the early church or a miracle that marked the advent of Christ. Is it possible that the star was a real, astronomical event? From Producer Stephen McEveety (The Passion of the Christ) comes an amazing documentary on the Star of Bethlehem. This presentation as seen by tens of thousands in the U.S. And in Europe explores the exciting truth of scripture and reveals the evidence for God’s existence as seen in the stars above. Presenter Rick Larson walks you through Biblical and historical clues revealing the incredible significance of this celestial event as well as the vastness of God’s creativity. Discover the secret of the Star - a secret of magnificent beauty.

This is linked from YouTube, to watch and learn. I have several copies of this wonderful hard earned knowledge, Rick Larson is being guided to share what he has learned to all of humanity. Get your own copy (s) and share with your family and friends as well.

Official Web site: http://www.bethlehemstar.net/

Ancient Cultures of the South West, April 2011 Conference Steve Shaffer

 Steve Shaffer presents some very interesting finds in the South Western regions of America of archaeological finds that do not seem to fit the taught history of who discovered America. This 1:36 minute presentation is amazing. I know of some of these finds and stories by other sources and they are verifiable.  This was given April 1st 2011 at the Ancient American History Conference in Salt Lake City, Utah, USA.
His books are very informative as he has over 40 yrs of research and discovery. His goal is to learn, educate and to protect the historical artifacts through out the south west, as vandals etc. seem to like to destroy such history sadly. Some of his presentation photo's are the last taken before they were destroyed and lost to history.

Worth the time to watch.






 

Discovery News > History News > Ancient Chinese Coin Brought Good Luck in Yukon

Ancient Chinese Coin Brought Good Luck in Yukon

A 17th-century coin was found in Canada's Yukon territory and was likely traded before gold became the hot commodity.

Link for this story

By Rossella Lorenzi Fri Nov 4, 2011 11:03 AM ET

THE GIST

• Archaeologists found a puzzling Chinese coin in Canada's Yukon Territory.
• The coin was cast between 1667 and 1671 -- long before the 1898 gold rush.
• The 17th-century coin has five small holes and may have been used as an amulet.

enlarge

This 340-year-old coin etched with traditional Chinese characters was found in Canada's Yukon. Click to enlarge this image.
James Mooney

The discovery of a puzzling 340-year-old coin etched with traditional Chinese characters in Canada's Yukon territory suggests that the area was already aflurry with trading even before the Gold Rush.
Minted during the Qing Dynasty reign of Emperor Kangxi, the coin is 60 percent copper and 40 percent zinc. It was cast between 1667 and 1671 -- long before the 1898 gold rush, when people from all over the world headed to Dawson City and the Klondike gold fields.
The coin adds to an intriguing small collection of ancient Chinese coinage discovered in Yukon near gold rush trails.
"Overall, three Chinese coins have been found in the Yukon Territory," expedition leader James Mooney, from Ecofor Consulting Ltd., told Discovery News.
Watch all new episodes of "Gold Rush" on Fridays at 9 p.m. e/p.
While one dates from 1724 and 1735, a third coin, unearthed in 1993 near a gold rush trail by Beaver Creek, is surprisingly older.
"This coin was thought to date from 1880 to 1910 and to be associated with a Klondike era use of a trading trail," Mooney said.
But fact-checking following the new discovery revealed that the coin dated from between 1403 and 1424.
NEWS: Sunken Treasure Found in the Seas Of Sicily
"This age overlaps with a controversial theory of worldwide exploration by Chinese explorers, and only begs more questions," Mooney said.

WATCH VIDEO: See how deep-sea detectives dive for artifacts.

The three ancient Chinese coins are round with a square hole in the center, but the newly found coin has four additional small holes above each corner of the central square.
"The vast majority of these Chinese 'cash coins' did not have additional holes drilled into them," Gary Ashkenazy, an expert in old Chinese coins, told Discovery News.
However, coins of certain emperors were considered to be particularly auspicious and were treated as amulets or charms.
"Additional holes were drilled in these coins so that they could be attached to a house ridgepole, door or gate in order to provide protection. They were also sewn onto clothing as a means to protect a person from ghosts and evil spirits," Ashkenazy said
The Yukon coin was likely used this way since it was cast during the long reign of Emperor Kangxi.
"These coins are considered lucky because kang means health and xi means prosperous. Also, Emperor Kangxi reigned for more than 60 years so his name is associated with longevity," Ashkenazy said.
Chinese people collected coins cast from each of the 20 mints which operated during the reign of Emperor Kangxi. Put on a string in a certain order to form a sort of poem, the coins were carried as amulets for good luck.
A Ming Dynasty coin unearthed in 1993 in a travel corridor near a Yukon gold trail, may have also been a good luck charm, according to Ashkenazy. Cast between 1403 and 1424 during the reign of Emperor Cheng Zu, it featured the inscription yong le tong bao, meaning "happiness forever."
NEWS: Hoard of 2,000-Year-Old Coins Found in Egypt
Although it cannot be ruled out that the ancient coins were brought into Yukon by gold diggers who carried them as family amulets, Mooney believes that they are evidence of extensive pre-gold rush trading.
Found at a spot overlooking a river that would have made a good campsite, the 17th-century coin likely reached the remote wilderness of Yukon through "Russian and coastal Tlingit trade intermediaries," Mooney said.
The coin would have been brought back by Russians when they traded furs from North American wildlife to the Chinese in exchange for their goods.
Known to have occurred as early as the mid-1700s, Russian trade along the Pacific Northwest also involved the native Tlingit people.
The Russians traded glass beads, silk, coinage and other goods from China with the Tlingit in exchange for furs, such as sea otter, seal, beaver, fox and marten.
The Tlingit, in turn, traded the exotic goods with the Athapaskan First Nations people.
They fiercely defended their control over coastal-interior trading through the famed Chilkoot Pass, a 33-mile trail through the Coast Mountains which was climbed by thousands of stampeders during the gold rush.
Mooney suggests the Tlingit traders may have used the Chinese coins as armor -- sewing them onto leather in overlapping patterns. In recovered artifact, over 200 coins were used in a single chest armor piece.
"This is a very rare and exciting time period when foreign items, materials, and influences make their way to a people without written documentation of their culture," Mooney said.

Hidden North American Archaeology & Native America: Pack Goating

Hidden North American Archaeology & Native America: Pack Goating: Central Utah Pack Goats Located in Monroe area of the Sevier Valley (elevation 5320) in the Central Mountains of Utah. We have access to ...

Survival Straps. A Great Idea

http://www.survivalstraps.com/ 

 These are some of the products Survival Straps has available, I encourage all around the world to visit their site and see what will work best for your personality.

 

 

 

About Survival Straps

Who Are We?

Survival Straps are hand made right in sunny Florida.  We are a small, family-run company that has been in business since 2005. We are committed to becoming one of America’s top production companies. We know we can do this by sticking to our core beliefs.  What are these beliefs you ask?

Here Is What Survival Straps Stands For:

*We believe in building the highest quality, toughest, coolest, expedition-ready gear possible. Our gear is simply incredible. If you do not have a Survival Strap, you need one. Seriously.  Not only will you love wearing it, but it could help get you out of a jam and potentially save your life someday.
*We believe in making our products in America.  Not China.  Not Iceland.  And certainly not Pakistan!  We make all of our Survival Straps here in America more specifically Florida. 
*We believe in old fashioned, family style customer service. Our customer service team does not follow any corporate handbooks and simply "does the right thing” for every customer every time.  People rave about our phenomenal response times and enthusiasm for the Survival Strap brand. 
*We believe in lightning fast shipping, even though every piece of gear is custom made to order. The shopping experience on our website is almost as good as being in a physical store.  Except there are no parking problems, crowds, crazy salespeople, and we are never out of stock.
*We believe in doing the right thing.  Just read some comments on our Facebook fan page and you will see what we are talking about.  Over 150,000 of our fans don’t lie! 
*We believe in constant improvement. We are constantly improving our gear, our service, our company, and ourselves.  It is very cool to see where we started, and where we are now.  We are extremely fired up about where we are going in the future! 
*We believe in supporting the Men and Women in uniform who keep us free and safe.  This includes ALL Military, Soldiers, Marines, Sailors, Airmen, Coastguardsmen, Firemen, EMS, and all Law Enforcement.  Basically all Americans that risk their lives every day to make sure our families are free and safe. It all starts with them.  We could not build a business and freely enjoy our lives if it was not for the sacrifice of our Men and Women in uniform.  We are dedicated to doing everything we can to support them.

What Drives Us?

We are going to be one of America’s top production companies and raise some serious awareness and dollars for our nation's heroes.
We are extremely passionate in our support for our Men and Women in uniform.  We realize that we are able to lay our heads down on our pillows safely at night because of the work that they do.  We must honor those who serve our country and protect our freedom.  They come from all walks of life and from every part of our country.  We really hope that our customers use our gear as a vehicle to show support for the members of our armed services and to help spread the word about the needs they have.  Just as they have stood tall for our country, we must always stand by and support the Men and Women in uniform and their families.
Many of these brave Men and Women now need all of our help.  That is why we have partnered with the Wounded Warrior Project.  The struggles that our wounded soldiers face when they get back home from Iraq and Afghanistan are enormous.  We are a small company, but we hope to do something big in raising awareness and dollars for our Men and Women who have sacrificed so much for us.  A portion of every purchase from our website will be going towards our support for our nations heroes.

Contact Us

Please feel free to contact us to ask a question, place an order, or to let us know the good, the bad and the ugly. We prefer the good! You can contact us by any of the ways below.  Email is best.  We are exceptionally speedy when replying to our email.  Thanks!

Modern Day Email   This is the BEST way to contact us if you have a question or a customer service issue.  We are extremely fast in responding to email.  All customer service issues can be promptly handled through email. 

Old fashioned Ma Bell:     If you want to call us to place an order, you can do so by calling 800-971-3360.  Please keep in mind we are a small family company and don't always have people manning the phones.  If you do not reach us, please leave a message and we will try to get back with you the same day.

Ancient carrier pigeon:   Send us a letter or an order! We will be happy to accept your check or money order.

     SurvivalStraps
     1106 A1A N

     Suite 100 

     Ponte Vedra Beach, Fl 32082

Thanks to all those in 79 Nations who have visited so far

I would like to thank all those so far, 7,392 people have visited and explored some of this web site from 79 Nations of the World. As of this morning 10/22/2011.

Feel free to leave comments, or if you have any questions or desires of items, subjects that you would like addressed we can help search for them as well. Contact email: hulsitalianplasters@hotmail.com and reference your from this Blog, and I shall do what I can to help answer or direct you to the answers.

Again thanks for your interest, and may our Heavenly Father, the Creator of all Bless each of you and your loved ones during your walk in your life here upon Earth. Go with God.

This is one of my favorite paintings by Jon McNaughton "Peace is Coming". For no matter who we are around the world the basic desire for Eternal Peace to live our lives in a good way I feel is the desire of all Humanity who is of a sane and loving, caring, sharing mind. So let us learn wisdom together and pray for peace in this world of so much current turmoil.

(Jon's web is linked to on this blog to see his other works of art)

Stephen Huls

T'sul Kalu of the Ani-Kituhwagi

 Wado.

Perspectives: Episode 5 - Gracia Jones

Perspectives: Episode 5 - Gracia Jones  

Click on this link to listen to her story.

In connection with some of the topics in this blog, the book of Mormon, Author/Translator depending on your perspective was Joseph Smith Jr. that tells of some of the ancestors of Native American's.

and the History of the Native American's stories of this book are similar. Now Gracia Jones tells part of her story as she learns Who Joseph Smith Jr. was, interesting since she as a living decedent of him she did not know much about him since she at the time was not a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and that her family did not discuss this family history.  Its an interesting interview.

Nick Vujicic :: Attitude is Altitude :: No Arms, No Legs, No Worries

Nick Vujicic :: Attitude is Altitude :: No Arms, No Legs, No Worries

Researchers reveal how prehistoric Native Americans of Cahokia made copper artifacts | LostWorlds.org

Researchers reveal how prehistoric Native Americans of Cahokia made copper artifacts | LostWorlds.org

Maps and some History stating the Aztecs left N. America's Utah area and migrated South to Mexico area

Having heard of many legends,myths,stories of migrations these maps may help give evidences of them.

Aztec's Ancestor's Migrated south from N. America to Mexico

1847 Disturnell Map may show us that the Aztecs did not Migrate North , but Migrated
South.
Map shows us that the Aztecs once lived north of Hopi tribe

The map is connected to the 1848 Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo and shows three
migration points depicting a southerly migration route beginning in Utah and including
an “Antigua Residencia de los Aztecas� – Ancient residence of the Aztecs.

The existence of the Disturnell Map and others now clearly show us that places that had
names like Montezuma and Aztec were already established priority to archaelogical
theories that credit the naming of these places on the romaticism of 19th century U.S.
archaeologists.

More evidence can be found to support the Aztec claim to North America through
linguistics. The Uto-Azteca language family spreads from as far north as Canada down
through South America.

Researchers of the maps, Rodriguez and Gonzales also believe that Corn and their
corn-based diets link the families together as one.  According to Rodriguez, "Corn is a
plant whose seeds that must be cultivated. They do not blow in the wind. Once you look
at it, it’s obvious! It is a story about how everyone is related."

In the spring of 2005, The Wisconsin Historical Society and Memorial Library at the
University of Wisconsin at Madison exhibited the 19th-16th century maps that indicate or
allude to an ancient Mesoamerican presence and migrations from what is today the
United States.

The exhibit  included chronicles, codices, annals and interviews regarding oral
traditions that speak to ancient connections between peoples of the north and south.
Part of the objective of the map exhibit examines how cartographers addressed this
subject from the 1500s through the 1800s.

This exhibit is the result of part of the work of several Hopi elders, including the late
David Monongye and Thomas Banyacya, who passed on their knowledge of these
maps. The documents firmly establish that the Hopi never surrendered their sovereignty
and point to an ancient Mexican presence in their midst. (A special thanks to Frank
Gutierrez, counselor and instructor at East L.A. College, who passed them on to the
researchers, and the many other elders who passed on other knowledge, guidance
and words to them.)

The overall theme of this exhibit is an examination of maps and chronicles from the
1800s-1500s that show Mesoamerican roots in what is today the United States. It is
part of a larger collaborative and ongoing research effort that examines ancient
connections between peoples of the north and south. Many of the maps point to several
sites, purportedly associated with Aztec/Mexica peoples and their migrations, but also
with older ancient Mexican, Chichimeca and Toltec migrations and that of Central and
South American peoples as well.

It CHALLENGES  the mainstream narrative of U.S. archaeology that tells us that it was
the romanticism of 19th century U.S. archaeologists that caused them to place such
place names (Montezuma, Aztec, Anahuac, Tula, etc) throughout what is today the U.S.
However, these maps (representative of hundreds more and found at most major
libraries and research institutions around the world) clearly demonstrate that such sites
were well-established long before 1776.
The research also examines oral traditions, many which speak of connections (beyond
migration stories of Uto-Azteca peoples) between the north and the south. The concept
of origins/migrations is complex, philosophical and spiritual. The researchers here did
not set out to find one migration route, but rather, to understand why this information
exists on these historic documents. In the process, a clear connection between the
peoples of the north and south has been established to the entire continent or Turtle
Island. One such connection includes agriculture, specifically maize, which is itself
another form of a map.

 1804 Humboldt Map, This map depicts the same three migration points, plus a fourth, more northern one, pointing to Teguayo or the Salt Lake region as the point of departure of ancient Mexican Indians. Humboldt purportedly made his observations based on ancient pre-Columbian codices.

This map depicts the same four migration points as depicted on the Humboldt Map. It is also purportedly based on codices.

1728 Barreiro Map
This is the oldest post-Columbian map which depicts the four migration points of ancient Mexican Indians found in later maps.
Some sources also point to this region as a former home for people from Central and South America also.

1569 Camocio Map TOLTEC EVIDENCE Several maps associate TOLM. with Teguayo. TOLM. is generally found in the present-day U.S. Southwest on 1500s-1600s era maps. Several maps, including the 1569 Camocio map, show its full spelling asTolman, which is purportedly associated with the Toltecs

Terra Ceia & Madira Bickel Mounds: Ancient NativeAmerican Civilizations in Florida

Terra Ceia & Madira Bickel Mounds: Ancient NativeAmerican Civilizations in Florida

Jade Axes Proof of Vast Ancient Caribbean Network, Experts Say | LostWorlds.org

Jade Axes Proof of Vast Ancient Caribbean Network, Experts Say | LostWorlds.org

More evidences that the early North & South American's were culturaly advanced to have oceanic trade routes
I have heard of Copper chisels found in burials in Egypt from the copper mines of the Great lakes area of North
America, as well as ore used in Europe as well. Now Jade found a very long ways away from their minds in South
America as well. Not to mention the stories of trade between these cultures using both land and sea routes.
Yes the ancients of the Western Hemisphere had commerce with each other and others of the World at their time.

Turtle Mound: An Ancient NativeAmerican Civilization in Florida

Turtle Mound: An Ancient NativeAmerican Civilization in Florida
Click on this above to link to the full article.

How many mounds have been destroyed just in North America? most of these used for road base. over the last 2oo yrs most mounds
in America have been plowed, bulldozed, turned into roads base, dams, etc. With no thought as to the preservation of these ancient
sites, or of study to determine who built them and why. Mainly due to the false program of Manifest Destination, which allowed the
New European's and others to conquer, then destroy the history both verbal and physical of the Native American's of North America.
Who's ancestor's did build these amazing structures. Native American's anciently where just as intelligent in science, farming, building,
civilization as any European / Egyptian civilizations.

Memorial in Honor of Jim Lawton passed July 17,2011

In Honor of Jim (James) Lawton 77yrs young Memorial to a great human being.

 (Click above link to visit the whole memorial page for Jim. Update Billy Lawton did murder his father currently in Utah State Hospital, avoiding the Captial Murder Trial that may never happen)

Memorial in Honor of Jim Lawton passed July 17,2011

Jim Lawton

This is a Memorial page for the Family / Friends / anyone who was touched by the life of Jim (James) Lawton, 77 years young.

I last saw Jim on Saturday evening he left around 10:30pm or so after our usual evening conversations about the going on's in life, we talked of the past, the future things we wanted to do and a various spectrum of topics, however this night would be our last conversation together in this life.
Some time between 11pm and 8:30am Sunday morning Jim was taken from this life by a force of darkness who choose to end his life. And left him on a mountain road out side of Joseph, Utah, The investigation as to who & why is ongoing. But the fact is a wonderful human being had his life shortened. We shall at this time not post these events, they can be found elsewhere in the news. (I will share on another page the ongoing investigation / story, at least what is publicly allowed. Should be up this weekend)

Jim is to be remembered for who he was, what he did, his entertainment, his joy, laughter, his "Jimizsm" my wife and children call them, his words of advice. So much to remember of him, let us keep them and share them for all to learn as we remember his life.

This is a work in progress, and I would invite anyone who knew him, or met him to share their thoughts, stories, or things Jim told them of his life's adventures. We will share as we can his memories.
And Photo's of this kind, friend to all human being. May we all meet him some day again.

If you would like to add a comment(s) or photo's about Jim please feel free do do so under comments and we will add them to the page. Also if you would like to email them, send them to.
www.hulsitalianplasters@hotmail.com

The Measure of ones life is based on the lives he touches in a good way during his sojourn here on Earth. Our memories are a result of his actions, let us remember the good and fun times.

New: Official Obituary.

James Roland Lawton
January 24, 1934 ~  July 17, 2011
Hometown: Monroe, UT  
James Roland Lawton, 77, passed away July 17, 2011 near Elsinore. He was born January 24, 1934 in Long Beach, California to Roland and Loraine Dorothy Eberhart Lawton. He married Isis Brown, later divorced. He married Judith Ann Phelps March 17, 1979 in Carson City, Nevada. The marriage was solemnized January 1981 in the Bellvue Washington Temple.

After graduating from Jordan High School, Jim life guarded at Green Valley Lake.
He served honorable in the US Coast Guard for six years, three of which were on the "Voice of America" in Rhodes, Greece.
He graduated from college and loved being a teacher to elementary school children.
He returned to Green Valley Lake as a real estate broker, a contractor and log home manufacturer.
Jim was a life-long learner, who love and lived every minute of every day to the fullest.
He was a friend to all people. He was forever young and invited all to his 100th birthday party in 2034. Most of all, he was a devoted family man.
Survived by his wife Judy, of Monroe; children: Brian (Marna) Price, San Clemente, CA; Jeff (Marcia) Price, Escondido, CA; Shery Gonzales, Dunsmuir, CA; Janet (David Genovese) Reilly, Aliso Viejo, CA; Billy Lawton, Monroe; 17 grandchildren and 1 great-grandson; sister, Carol (Robert) Hotchkiss, Havre, Montana. Preceded in death by parents; step-father, Stuart Weber; brother, Freddie Lawton.
Graveside services and interment will be held Tuesday, July 26, 2011 at 1:15 p.m. in the Riverside National Veterans Cemetery in Riverside, California with military honors.
Funeral Directors: Magleby Mortuary, Richfield, Salina and Manti.
Online guestbook at www.maglebymortuary.com

If you have a thought, memory, story, experience with Jim please add it in our comment place below and we shall add it to the main Memorial page with the rest. Thank you.

News from the FIRM Foundation. Up coming educational events in America, you may attend.

News from the FIRM Foundation
 The Foundation for Indigenous Research and Mormonism
Exciting Happenings from the Heartland of America!
FIRM Newsletter               July, 2011
It has been said that time flies when you're having fun.  Well then, we are having the time of our lives because time has certainly been flying by!  There has been so much happening the past few months that the list of news items has overwhelmed what can realistically be included in a single newsletter or even two or three of them!  There are several time-sensitive items that must be shared, however, which has prompted this newsletter.
Many hundreds of you have been awaiting your pre-ordered copies of the new pictorial book, Exploring the Book of Mormon in America's Heartland; A Visual Journey of Discovery.  I am thrilled to say that I received the first four copies by FedEx a few days ago and they are absolutely gorgeous!  Those who have seen these are delighted with how they have turned out and excited to get their copies.  This is a book that any LDS will be proud to have on display in their home to show neighbors and friends the astounding new evidences of the Book of Mormon in America's heartland.  We should begin shipping the many hundreds of pre-ordered books by the middle of next week, which brings us to the following deadline for any additional pre-orders.
NOTICE: The Pre-order special discounted pricing of 15% off (Save $5) ends Monday, July 18th at midnight and all orders after that will be priced at the standard retail price of $35 plus Tax (where applicable) and S&H.  You can still take advantage of this special pricing today if you order online or by phone now!  If you would like to pick up your copy of the book directly from us and save postage, you will need to call us directly at 801-429-9751 to place your order since the bookstore checkout automatically calculates shipping on all orders.
Pre-orders will be shipped out next Tues. - Thurs., July 19-21 providing that the truck arrives on schedule on Tuesday!
Those who are picking up your book(s) are welcome to stop by our home/office for pick up during this time. Call first at 801-429-9751 to ensure arrival.
Please take the time to review all of this important newsletter. The excitement is growing and more and more faithful LDS are coming back to the idea that the United States is the nation prophecied to be on the sacred lands of the Book of Mormon.     
  Rod L. Meldrum - President
ps. Be sure to see the SPECIAL OFFER (click this link) Take advantage of the pre-order offer while it lasts, because it will only be available online for 4 more days!


FIRM Upcoming Events - July thru Nov 2011
We are finalizing a series of events in the Northwest, Arizona/New Mexico, Midwest and Southern United States!
We need your help with these presentations!  Please look over the list of cities/states and if you live near these locations and would like to be involved or simply help spread the word, please email us and let us know!

 You can help us locate and reserve venues, pass out fliers, contact media, and setup/conduct the presentations in these areas.  We have been blessed to have many "Heartlanders" in all of the areas listed below, so it won't require too much time or effort for any one person, but together we will have wonderful, well attended events to share this information with as many as possible.

 It is becoming more and more difficult to come to all the places where folks have requested presentations, so it is unknown if we'll be able to come back again to many of these cities for several years. So, please mark you calendars and plan to come, help, and participate in these educational, uplifting and exciting presentations and conferences.

Check the Upcoming Events tab on the website for locations, times and topics to be presented at each event.

*Tentative* Schedule of Events, Presentations, and Conferences

 Please be sure to verify event information online before coming...   in case of venue change, cancellation, topic change, etc!

 July

- Monday, July 25th, Salt Lake City, UT 8 am - 11 pm
  Native American Celebration in the (Liberty) Park

August

- Sat. Aug. 6, Sunstone Symposium
   Weber State University, Ogden, UT
Wed. Aug. 10, Burley, ID
- Thurs.  Aug. 11, Twin Falls, ID
- Fri.  Aug. 12, Caldwell-Nampa, ID
- Sat. Aug. 13, Boise, ID
Boise, ID Regional Conference
- Sun. Aug. 14, Boise, ID
- Mon. Aug. 15, Kennewick-Richland, WA
- Tues. Aug. 16, Salem, OR
- Wed. Aug. 17, Newport-Salem area, OR
- Thurs. Aug. 18, Portland, OR
- Fri. Aug. 19, Tacoma, WA
- Sat. Aug. 20, Seattle, WA
 Northwest Regional Conference
- Mon. Aug. 22, Moses Lake, WA
- Tues. Aug. 23, Spokane, WA - Coeur d'Alene, ID
- Wed. Aug. 24, Kalispell-Columbia Falls, MT
- Thurs. Aug. 25, Idaho Falls, ID
- Fri/Sat. Aug. 26-27, Boise, ID
  Super Preparedness Fair

September

- Thurs. Sept. 1, Kanab, UT
- Fri. Sept. 2, Show Low, AZ
- Sat. Sept. 3, Show Low-Snowflake, AZ
Show Low, AZ Regional Conference
- Tues. Sept. 6, Albuquerque, NM
- Wed. Sept. 7, Safford, AZ
- Thurs. Sept. 8, Tucson, AZ
- Fri. Sept. 9, Mesa, AZ
- Sat. Sept. 10, Mesa, AZ
Mesa-Phoenix, AZ Regional Conference
- Sun. Sept. 11, Prescott, AZ
- Mon. Sept. 12, Las Vegas, NV
- Fri/Sat. Sept. 16-17, American Fork, UT
America's Freedom Education Weekend
- Fri/Sat. Sept. 23-24, SLC, UT
FIRM National Book of Mormon Conference
  Focus on Native American Legacies
- Fri. Sept. 30, Bountiful, UT

October

- Mon. Oct. 3, Alamosa-La Jara, CO
- Tues. Oct. 4, Colorado Springs, CO
- Wed. Oct. 5, Littleton-Denver, CO
- Thurs. Oct. 6, Fort Collins, Co
- Sat. Oct. 8, Kansas City/Independence, MO
Kansas City/Independence, MO Regional Conference
Sun. Oct. 9 - Sat. Oct. 22 Legacy LDS Tour of Church History & America's Heartland!
- Sun. Oct. 23, Independence, MO
- Mon. Oct. 24, Springfield, MO
- Tues. Oct. 25, St. Louis, MO
- Wed. Oct. 26, Nauvoo, IL
- Thurs. Oct. 27, Nauvoo, IL
- Fri. Oct. 28, Indianapolis, IN
- Sat. Oct. 29, Indianapolis, IN
  Indianapolis, IN Regional Conference

November

- Wed. Nov. 2, Grand Rapids, MI
- Thurs. Nov. 3, Detroit, MI
- Fri. Nov. 4, Columbus, OH
- Sat. Nov. 5 Columbus, OH
     Columbus,OH Regional Conference
- Sun. Nov. 6, Dayton-Cincinnati, OH
- Mon. Nov. 7, Knoxville, TN
- Tues. Nov. 8, Huntsville, AL
- Wed. Nov. 9, Memphis, TN
- Thurs. Nov. 10, Jasper, TX
- Fri. Nov. 11, Lumberton, TX
- Sat. Nov. 12, Beaumont, TX
Southeast Texas Regional Conference
- Sun. Nov. 13, San Antonio, TX
- Mon. Nov. 14, Austin, TX
- Tues. Nov. 15, Midland, TX
- Wed. Nov. 16, El Paso, TX
- Thurs. Nov. 17, Tucson, AZ
- Fri/Sat. Nov. 18-19, Mesa, AZ
 Arizona Regional Conference
- Mon. Nov. 21, Las Vegas, NV

 (These Events are for Anyone, of any faith, or belief system, or non - belief system, it does not matter. It is based on Archaeological data, Hard theory based on real evidences. Members of the LDS Faith will understand more of the information based on their background on some of the topics, however all are welcome, and so will your questions as time permits. Below is the link to Aaron Shafovaloff's interview with Rodney, Aaron attended Rodney's Manti event a few days later and asked some good questions.  After you attend one of these events in your local area, Please feel free to add comments about your experience and thoughts about the presentation here on the blog under comments. And visit Rodney's Web sights linked here if you still have questions, email them. We would like your feed back of your experience. from H.N.A.A.&N.A. Blog)  

 Upcoming July Events
 America's Freedom Education Weekend 
Friday & Saturday, September 16 - 17, 2011
The Patriots Weekend of Education!
FIRM in the News         
FIRM Events in the News
We are grateful for more media coverage of presentations and conferences over the past few months.
Our Regional Conferences in St. George, Logan, and Manti, Utah as well as Blackfoot, Idaho drew crowds of up to 180 attendees, while our presentations at Bryce Canyon, Beaver, Cedar City, and Morgan, Utah all enjoyed newspaper articles about the events which helped alert many others! In addition, we had radio interviews and coverage of many of our events.

Special THANKS to the Beaver County Journal, The Spectrum (St. George), The Herald Journal  (Logan), Sanpete Messenger (Manti) and The Ogden Valley News for their informative articles.

One very special event was the LDS Cherokee Gathering at the Salt Lake Temple and the following day in Morgan, Utah. Over 100 Cherokee attended the temple session and conference and speakers included Franklin Keel, senior Director at the US Bureau of Indian Affairs along with Wayne May, Lenora Grandell, Rod Meldrum and others.
Rod Interview with Aaron, Manti
Rod Meldrum Interview with Aaron at Manti
 Rod L. Meldrum interviewed by anti-Mormon protester at the Mormon Miracle Pageant in Manti, UT on opening night! The story?  While attempting to pass out pro-Mormon fliers about our conference in Manti the following day in Manti, FIRM Foundation president Rod L. Meldrum was asked for an interview by Aaron Shafovaloff of Mormonism Research Ministry. It was interesting that many of the protesters immediately recognized Rod as they approached the intersection where they came to 'mingle' after their prayer vigil.  Since Aaron was being civil, Rod agreed to the interview.  Amazingly, the interview, in its entirety without editing, was placed on youtube.  Watch how well the Heartland Model answers basic questions about the Book of Mormon by clicking HERE. 
 
Milestones of Freedom Event
Held July 1,2 and 4th, 2011
Rod L. Meldrum, president of the FIRM Foundation
spoke several times during this patriotic event!
Special Thanks to Scott Swain!
Rod at Milestones of Freedom 2010
Church History & Book of Mormon History; Touring America's Heartland with Rod Meldrum and Legacy Tours and Travel!
Oct Tour Group, Kirtland Temple
Kirtland Temple, Oct. 2010, click to watch tour members tell of their experiences and feelings about the tour!

LSF (Lone Survivor Foundation)

America is a Free land because of the Brave Warriors who protect it, the rights I have and the freedom to learn, study, share as I choose to do such as this blog, is due to the millions of warriors who have served through out time, to keep our God given Freedoms just that Free for all of us to use.
In archaeology I notice and in my histories learned that when freedom is lost, then those who seek tyranny, power, control over others, they erase history, change it to fit their agenda's, and destroy as much of it as they can in order to keep their power and control. History does continue to repeat, as humanity fails to learn by it, some due to the false history taught.
We will always need Honorable Warriors to defend us. So I honor them on this blog and all others who have served. Just a very small gesture as I wish I could do more for them.
I have added this link and information to anyone who would Honor and respect the Families and Warriors of America.

 A Page link on hiddennorthamericanarchaeology.blogspot for additional information about Marcus Luttrell.

The Lone Survivor Foundation is a Federal 501(c)3 Non-Profit

Founded in 2010 by Navy SEAL (Ret.) Marcus Luttrell

He lived and wrote the book "Lone Survivor" Which can be purchased from most book sellers, Amazon.com a link to the book, very worth the read, his motto is "Never Quit!"

 Petty Officer Matthew Axelson , He held their left flank on the mountain for 2 hours, under murderous fire. He was shot twice, both times badly hurt, but he kept fighting, his last words were of home: "Tell Cindy I love her." (His wife)
Awarded Navy Cross for Combat Heroism.

 Petty Officer Danny Dietz Provided our covering fire all afternoon, Desperately wounded, he once more opened fire at the enemy blasting away up the hill, No one was tougher than Danny. Awarded Navy Cross for Combat Heroism.

 Lieutenant Michael Murphy Who walked out into the open ground to use his cell phone to call for help, "My men are taking heavy fire... we're getting picked apart. My guys are dying out here...we need help." Right then Mikey took a bullet straight in the back, he slumped forward, dropping his phone and his rifle. But then he braced himself, grabbed them both, sat upright again, and once more put the phone to his ear. "Roger that, sir. Thank you." Then he stood up and staggered out to our bad position, on our left and started fighting again, firing at the enemy and hitting them.
Awarded Metal of Honor for his actions that day.

Leading Petty Officer Marcus Luttrell, (Lone Survivor of Seal Team 10, operation Redwing)

If you ask him he is Not a hero, just doing his job, the others are the Hero's.

Awarded Navy Cross for Combat Heroism.

Nothing on this site can do justice to these men and others like them, the book Lone Survivor details this very well, and is a memorial to Seal Team 10, and the others who perished in the attempt to rescue / aid them. I strongly urge everyone to read this true story and learn what our Warriors go through to protect others from the bad guys on Earth.

I invite everyone to help these  foundations to help our wounded warriors & their families some wounds run deeper than those you can see, the loss the family deals with is the same. They don't start the wars, but they do serve with Honor and Courage. America is Free because of the Brave. Lets Honor them with any support you can. Thanks.

Lone Survivor Foundation

Thank you for your patience while our
site is under construction; be watching for our
new site coming Spring 2011

To contact the Foundation via email:
NeverQuit@LoneSurvivorFoundation.org
Phone: (903) 894-8315(c9ab44)
Click here to make donation, or mail checks to:
LSF, P.O. Box 1367, Waller, Tx 77484(c9ab44)

For Lone Survivor Foundation events,
check us out on Facebook:
Facebook.com/LoneSurvivorFoundation
or check out our sister site:
www.bootcampaign.com

for more information about LSF and its mission
http://shop.woundedwear.org/product.sc?productId=35&categoryId=1

Today another tragedy for the families & friends of Seal Team 6, and others who were shot down. Here is the reported story. Let us remember them as well.

Link to the story from The Blaze, Navy Seals, Air men, Helo Crew, and others killed.

Update: Most of 31 U.S. Dead in Copter Crash From Navy’s SEAL Team Six — Taliban Claims Credit

• Posted on August 6, 2011 at 11:20am by Scott Baker

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Associated Press has learned that more than 20 Navy SEALs from the unit that killed Osama bin Laden were among those lost in a helicopter crash in Afghanistan.
The operators from SEAL Team Six were flown by a crew of the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment. That’s according to one current and one former U.S. official. Both spoke on condition of anonymity because families are still being notified of the loss of their loved ones.
One source says the team was thought to include 22 SEALs, three Air Force air controllers, seven Afghan Army troops, a dog and his handler, and a civilian interpreter, plus the helicopter crew.
The sources thought this was the largest single loss of life ever for SEAL Team Six, known as the Naval Special Warfare Development Group.
ABC News:

A helicopter crash in Afghanistan killed 31 Americans, including as many as 25 Navy SEALs in one of the worst single-day U.S. losses of life since the war began, a senior military official told ABC News early this morning.
A total of 38 people were on board the Chinook helicopter when it crashed overnight in the eastern Afghan province of Wardak.
Initial reports indicate up to 25 Navy SEALs were on the aircraft at the time.
It was also carrying seven Afghan Special Forces troops, one interpreter, five member helicopter crew and one dog.
Troops were apparently involved in a raid at the time.

Aaron Carson Vaughn USA Navy Seal KIA with his band of brothers.

Tells a little about Aaron, and there is a link there to an interview with his wonderful grandmother worth a listen.

Toby Keith - "An American Soldier"

For all the Warriors who have lived, do live and will live who seek peace and a time when they will no longer be called upon to go to war, the time is coming.

"Peace is Coming"

Today, as the world is torn by wars and chaos, there has never been a painting more timely than this new masterpiece from artist Jon McNaughton. A story of faith during war.

 

North American Ancient Copper & Metal tools, "Hopewell Civilization"

These are some artifacts that were used in the ancient Ohio furnaces that were used to smelter copper, iron into tools.  These are the bricks / stones used to line the furnaces. Rodney Meldrum was given the large heavy stone in the below photo I am holding in my hand, notice the reddish copper now embedded into the stone by years of usage in the furnace. This was presented to Rodney by William Conner who is the main Amateur Archaeologist in this field of study, Note: over 25yrs of pleading with the Smithsonian Institute USA, and other Credited Archaeologists to please come and verify these Ancient Furnaces, To do some digs on untouched mounds of the Hopewells of Ohio to see for them selves the evidences, proof of these known furnaces, and also the hundreds of thousands of metal artifacts found in the regions / states of the Hopewell Influence Sphere, and yet none dare come and see, all avoid having to actually see, due to their Closed minded thinking, Fear of the truth, Fear of being black balled by their peers if they speak these truths, Fear of loosing funding by their schools, agencies, Governments, by telling the truth of the Hidden, buried, destroyed, etc. they seem to prefer to spend their time and effort to ignore, or discredit the many tens, hundreds of thousands of Real archaeological finds that farmers, ranchers, others for over 200 yrs have found and still find in this area, that they say are all some sort of fraud, how funny, a glace by the Professionals, who willingly ignore the facts that the ancestors of the Native North Americans Did in fact have great civilizations, but due to the need to call them savages, in order to put them on reservations, to steal their lands, or worse, under the known history of 'Manifest Destiny' they still continue to hide their FRAUD on American Archaeology.
I Challenge ANY so called Archaeologist with the official extra letters (PHD, DR, etc) after their names to go and see, use modern technology and find common sense and test these artifacts, not just ignore them, or destroy, or Hide them in your museum basements from view. Come and see, Who has the courage to actually be a true non biased archaeologist today, the challenge goes out to the whole of the Earth. Note: American Schools prefer to not deal with the issues of physical artifacts that support Ancient civilizations in America. They prefer to think, study on the massive fraud of Indians were savages, sticks, stones, arrows, and animal skin clothing... when the facts and millions of artifacts and the natives own legends tell a very different story. Now start by contacting Mr. William Conner his link is on this blog, he is willing to show you the virgin mounds he feels would be profitable in an archaeological way, every mound he has dug into has born strong evidences, so he has made it easy for you. Come world Archaeologists who have clout, I dare you prove him wrong.
This is strong challenge, however I have seen so many highly educated people, who for what ever reason refuse to actually explore their fields of research in a non bias way, usually due to pride, arrogance, or pre-conceived ideas and an unwillingness to actually honestly search for truth. Sad really.

 

The above is a small piece of Brick used in the furnaces of Ohio, Rodney Meldrum was conducting a tour group of the areas mounds when William Conner invited his group to see the furnaces, when they arrived they searched the area and some of the members found things, after just clearing the dead leaves from the ground, Ron kicked up this brick, with a fired glaze on it. Again so easily found evidences of ancient furnaces.

Iron Age America

This blog is about the presence of Europeans in pre-Columbian North America as studied and researched by the author and other explorers and investigators who have worked to study and devlope evidence of this.  By William Conner Author of "Iron Age America"

Monday, January 4, 2010

Brick Use In Prehistoric Ohio Iron Furnace

Bricks were used by the hundreds in the Lynn Acres prehistoric pit iron furnace excavated by members of the Archaeo-Pyrogenics Society in September 1992. The Lynn site is located in the "Panhandle" of Ohio's Pickaway County, which extends further east from the southeastern corner of the county. The site is near the towns of Adelphia (in Ross County) and Laurelville (in Hocking County). An estimated 500 bricks were used. These bricks may be the oldest made in North America. Judging by the direct reduction smelting technology used (in the iron furnace) these bricks may be in among the oldest made in North America and, I believe, are both prehistoric and precolumbian.

In making this claim, I speak only for myself and not necessarily for anyone else who worked with me in the Lynn Acres furnace dig of 1992-93. As I say in my book "Iron Age America," the type of iron furance used at this Ohio site was obsolete in Europe before Columbus sailed to America. A full discussion of the use of bricks at Lynn Acres is included in a chapter in my book "Iron Age America."

This is the artifact table Rodney Meldrum had set up, on it are items found in the Hopewell sphere of influence. Note the book open on the table is a record of items found in the area. It has hundereds of pages, and there are 10 volumes in the series, these are the known artifacts that have been collected and put in collections over the last 200 yrs. One must wonder where all the rest of the unknown artifacts have gone over the long years as well.

 

This is a small copper scroll, notice how thin the copper is. 

 

This last photo below is a replica of a spear point found in a story known as Zelph's mound. I shall add the story of it here for our benefit

The Story of Zelph

Compiled and Digitized By Glen W. Chapman- May 2002

( From The Zelph Story by Kenneth W. Godfrey BYU Studies Vol. 29, No. 2)

When the twenty men who formed the vanguard of Zion’s Camp left Kirtland, Ohio, on I

May 1834, they could not know that one of their most lasting and intriguing contributions to

Latter-day Saint history would lake place, not on a Missouri battlefield but rather on top of a large

mound in Illinois.’ This elevation, located about one mile south of modem Valley City, has been

called Naples-Russell Mound Number 8, Pike County. According to historian Stanley B. Kimball,

this mound is a “typical prehistoric Middle Woodland mortuary complex of the Hopcwell

culturc.”2 There, on 3 June 1834, members of Zion’s Camp located a few bones, including a

broken femur and an arrowhead, approximately a foot below the earth’s surface, and these

remains became the catalyst for revelation to Joseph Smith regarding the skeleton’s identity.

Subsequently, the information recorded by several of the camp’s members would be used by

historians, geographers, and other scholars as evidence that Book of Mormon events, especially

those reported in its closing chapters, took place in the northeastern part of the United States.3

Because this account is cited so frequently, usually as it is given in the History of the Church, it

seems useful to examine closely the primary sources reporting the details of this extraordinary

event.

The day after the finding of Zelph, the Prophet Joseph Smith, “on the banks of the

Mississippi River,” wrote a letter to his wife, Emma. While he does not mention Zelph by• name,

Joseph describes the setting in general:

The whole of our journey. in the midst of so large a company of social honest and sincere

men, wandering ovcr thc mounds of the Nephitcs, recounting occasionally the history of the

Book of Mormon. moving over the mounds of that once beloved people of the Lord, picking

up their skulls & their bones. us a proof of its divine authenticity, and gazing upon a country

the fertility, the splendour and the goodness so indescribable, all serves to pass away time

unnoticed.4

Obviously, Joseph and his companions were inspired and elated as they moved closer to

their land of promise in Missouri. The territory they were in was vast, rich, and unsettled. The

ghostly mounds of former inhabitants, however, reminded Joseph and his camp that the land had

once been occupied. As they went, they naturally talked about the Book of Mormon. Joseph

called the land “the plains of the Nephites.” They believed that the mounds had belonged to “that

once beloved people,” and they interpreted the mere fact that skulls and bones were readily found

as evidence of the divine authenticity of the book. Evidently they were most impressed by the

evidence that a prior civilization had been destroyed from off the face of this land, for the Book

of Mormon similarly reports the destruction of a large group of people on this continent. Simple

confirmation of the fact that destruction's had taken place was evidence enough for these

adventurers that the Book of Mormon was true.

Beyond enjoying this general confirmation of their faith, the members of Zion’s Camp

received more specific information about one skeleton in ~ particular. Although Joseph did not

mention this particular episode in his letter to Emma, seven others in the camp made records

about the finding of Zelph’s bones and what Joseph said about them. These records are generally

consistent with one another, but they leave a number of details in doubt. Who was Zelph? Was he

a Nephite or a Lamanite? When did he die? What army was he in? As will be seen, the answers to

these questions cannot be given with certainty from the complex historical sources that resulted

from this event. While this means that Book of Mormon scholars must remain tentative in

drawing implications from this notable incident, it does not diminish the fact that Joseph was

moved by the spirit of revelation to speak about Zelph and his noble past in connection with Book

of Mormon peoples or their descendants.

FINDING ZELPH

There are seven accounts written or dictated by members of the expedition:

Reuben McBride’s account is shorter and less detailed the others, but it may have been the

first one recorded.

McBride writes:

Tuesday 3 [June 1834] visited the mounds. A skeleton was dug up [by] Joseph, said his

name was Zelph a great warrior under the Prophet Omandagus. An arrow was found in his Ribs

His name was Zelph a warrior under the Prophet Omandagus. Zelph was a white Lamanite

[Joseph said] he Zelph was killed in battle. Said he was a man of God and the curse was

taken off or in part he was a white Lamanite was known from the Atlantic to the Rocky

Mountains.

According to Reuben McBride, then, Zelph was a great warrior under Omandagus, a man of

God, and a white Lamanite known from the Atlantic to the Rocky Mountains, and the arrow that

killed him was found with his remains. Joseph Smith is credited with uncovering the bones, but

little more is said.

Another member of Zion's Camp, twenty-two-year-old Moses Martin, also kept a diary of

his experiences while traveling through Pike County. He reported the incident in the following

terms:

This being in the Co of Pike, here we discovered a large quantity of large mounds. Being

filed with curiosity we excavated the top of one some 2 feet when we came to the bones of an

extraordinary large person or human being, the thigh bones being 2 inches longer from one

Socket to the other than of the Prophet who is upwards of 6 feet high which would have

constuted some 8 or 9 feet high. In the trunk of this skeleton near the vitals we found a large stone

arrow which I suppose brought him to his end. Soon after this Joseph had a vision and the Lord

showed him that this man was once a mighty Prophet and many other things concerning his

people. Thus we found those mounds to have be deposits for the dead which had fallen no doubt

in some great Battles. In addition to this we found many large fortifications which also denotes

civilization and an innumerable population which has fallen by wars and commotion and the

Banks of this Beautiful River became the deposit of many hundred thousands whose graves and

fortifications have are overgrown with the sturdy oak 4 feet in diameter.

It appears that Moses Martin was present when the digging occurred, since he reports

vividly the party's curiosity that led them to excavate and find the bones. It seems likely that this

diary entry was made while the party was still in Pike County, shortly after the event. It is

interesting to note that while Martin is impressed with the size of the skeleton and with Joseph's

vision of the unnamed prophet, he says nothing about his being killed in battle, about his

ancestry, his name, his being a white Lamanite, or his having served under a prophet chief named

Omandagus or Onandagus. Instead, in the Martin account, the deceased man was "a mighty

prophet." No details are given about who did the excavating.

Wilford Woodruff, who five years later would be called to the Quorum of the Twelve

Apostles, recorded in his journal the following account of what transpired:

While on our travels we visited many of the mounds which were flung up by the ancient

inhabitants of this continent, probably by the Nephites & Lamanites. We visited one of those

Mounds and several of the brethren dug into it and took from it the bones of a man. Brother

Joseph had a vission respecting the person he said he was a white Lamanite, the curse was taken

from him or at least in part, he was killed in battle with an arrow, the arrow was found among his

ribs, one of his thigh bones was broken, this was done by a stone flung from a sling in battle

years before his death, his name was Zelph. Some of his bones were brought into the camp and

the thigh bone which was broken was put into my waggon and I carried it to Missouri. Zelph was

a large thick set man and a man of God, he was a warrior under the great prophet that was

known from the hill Cumorah to the Rocky mountains. The above knowledge Joseph received in a

vision.

Sometime later (date unknown), Woodruff added interlinearly in the same paragraph the

following information:

considerd to be 300 feet above the level of the Illinois river, three persons dug into the

mound & found a body, Elder Milton Holmes took the arrow out of the back bones that killed

Zelph & brought it with some of the bones into the camp, I visited the same mound with Jesse J.

Smith. Who the other persons were that dug into the mound & found the body I am undecided.

Apparently at the same time, he also added the word "Onandagus" after the words "great

prophet," and inserted the words "on East sea" after "Cumorah."

Woodruff writes that the Prophet "Onandagus" was known "from the hill Cumorah on East

sea to the Rocky mountains." This is the earliest source for this geographical data. (In Reuben

McBride's account it is Zelph who was widely known.) Woodruff also reports that the

information about the skeleton came through a vision given to the Prophet Joseph. Two other

accounts of this incident were later penned by Woodruff, but their wording is essentially identical

From the last few lines of the interlinear addition, it seems that Wilford Woodruff visited the

mound only after the original group had made the find and that he remained "undecided" about

who dug and found the body. While the point is not entirely clear, it appears that he was not with

the original party. Thus his value as a witness to the events on the mound is somewhat

diminished. He almost certainly was a party to discussions that took place away from the mound,

however, since the thigh bone was carried in his own wagon.

The longest and most detailed near-contemporaneous account was written by Levi Hancock,

later one of the Presidents of the Seventy. Like Wilford Woodruff, he was not with the group that

discovered the remains of Zelph, but he saw the bones and the arrowpoint they brought back to

camp. Hancock wrote the following account in his journal:

On the way to Illinois River where we camped on the west side in the morning, many went to

see the big mound about a mile below the crossing, I did not go on it but saw some bones that

was brought with a broken arrow, they was layed down by our camp Joseph addressed himself to

Sylvester Smith, "This is what I told you and now I want to tell you that you may know what I

meant; this land was called the land of desolation and Onendagus was the king and a good man

was he, there in that mound did he bury his dead and did not dig holes as the people do now but

they brought there dirt and covered them untill you see they have raised it to be about one

hundred feet high, the last man buried was Zelf, he was a white Lamanite who fought with the

people of Onendagus for freedom, when he was young he was a great warrior and had his th[igh]

broken and never was set, it knited together as you see on the side, he fought after it got strength

untill he lost every tooth in his head save one when the Lord said he had done enough and

suffered him to be killed by that arrow you took from his brest." These words he said as the camp

was moving of[f] the ground; as near as I could learn he had told them something about the

mound and got them to go and see for themselves. I then remembered what he had said a few

days before while passing many mounds on our way that was left of us; said he, "there are the

bodies of wicked men who have died and are angry at us; if they can take the advantage of us

they will, for if we live they will have no hope." I could not comprehend it but supposed it was all

right.

Hancock reports different information than do the earlier accounts when he tells us the land

was named Desolation and Onendagus was a king and a good man, but he says nothing about his

being a prophet. However, he does inform us that Zelph lost all his teeth but one, and he implies

that Zelph was relatively aged at death. His account makes no mention of the Hill Cumorah or of

Onendagus's wide fame, but it agrees that Zelph was a white Lamanite. Hancock's is the only

source to report any specific circumstances surrounding Joseph Smith's statements about the

skeleton, and this information may be significant.

An account by Heber C. Kimball of the discovery of Zelph was published in the Times and

Seasons in 1845 under the title, "Extracts from H. C. Kimball's Journal." An identical account,

except for a lack of editing, is found in the autobiography Kimball dictated to James Sloan after

the Saints arrived in the Salt Lake Valley. The version in the autobiography goes as follows:

On Tuesday the 3rd, we went up, several of us, with Joseph Smith Jr. to the top of a mound

on the bank of the Illinois river, which was several hundred feet above the river, and from the

summit of which we had a pleasant view of the surrounding country: We could overlook the tops

of the trees on to the meadow or prairie on each side the river as far as our eyes could extend,

which was one of the most pleasant scenes I ever beheld. On the top of this mound there was the

appearance of three altars, which had been built of stone, one above another, according to the

ancient order; and the ground was strewn over with human bones. This caused in us very

peculiar feelings, to see the bones of our fellow creatures scattered in this manner, who had been

slain in ages past. We felt prompted to dig down into the mound, and sending for a shovel and

hoe, we proceeded to move away the earth. At about one foot deep we discovered the skeleton of

a man, almost entire; and between two of his ribs we found an Indian arrow, which had evidently

been the cause of his death. We took the leg and thigh bones and carried them along with us to

Clay county. All four appeared sound. Elder B. Young has yet the arrow in his possession. It is a

common thing to find bones thus drenching upon the earth in this country.

The same day, we pursued our journey. While on our way we felt anxious to know who the

person was who had been killed by that arrow. It was made known to Joseph that he had been an

officer who fell in battle, in the last destruction among the Lamanites, and his name was Zelph.

This caused us to rejoice much, to think that God was so mindful of us as to show these things to

his servant. Brother Joseph had enquired of the Lord and it was made known in a vision.

Only Heber C. Kimball says that Zelph was killed in "the last destruction among the

Lamanites," and the meaning of this phrase is unclear. "Last" may refer to the final destruction of

the Nephites fifteen hundred years earlier, or it may have reference to the last battle of Zelph's

people, whoever they were. The battle was "among the Lamanites," which may mean between the

Nephites and the Lamanites but may also refer to a battle of Lamanites against other Lamanites, if

we assume that the Lamanites may have had prophets among them. Kimball's account is also

unique in that he says he went with Joseph Smith to the top of the mound and relates that they felt

prompted to dig down into the mound, but first they had to send for a shovel and hoe. The

discovery was made after digging about one foot. The other early accounts do not say that Joseph

was present when the bones were dug up; rather they state or imply that he was not involved until

some time later. According to Kimball, it was later in the day while continuing on the journey

westward that the Prophet made the identification of the person whose bones they had found. This

is consistent with Hancock's statement that Joseph spoke "as the camp was moving off the

ground." Kimball states further that this was made known by means of a vision to Joseph after he

had inquired of the Lord.

Kimball's account has a different tone from the earlier ones, especially those of Martin and

Hancock. Instead of mentioning any concerns about death, destruction, evil influences, the angry

dead, or thousands of graves, Kimball paints an idyllic scene, pleasantly overlooking meadow and

tree tops, and he recalls their "peculiar feelings" as feelings of sympathy for these "fellow

creatures" whose bones had been scattered in ages past. His depiction is in keeping with the

joyous spirit reflected in Joseph's letter to Emma.

Kimball also speaks of locating certain remains that had "the appearance" of three altars, a

detail mentioned in no other primary source. The passage of time may have dimmed Kimball's

memory on this point. His account appears to be a later recollection, written possibly around

1843. Moreover, Kimball's account makes no explicit reference to the Nephites, and he sees the

value of Joseph's vision primarily not in what it revealed about the ancient inhabitants of that

region, but in how it showed that "God was so mindful of" the camp and especially of his

"servant, Brother Joseph."

George A. Smith, another member of Zion's Camp who became an Apostle, included the

following information in a history prepared in 1857: "Monday, 2 June 1834: Some of us visited a

mound on a bluff about 300 feet high and dug up some bones, which excited deep interest among

the brethren. The President and many others visited the mound on the following morning." 14

According to this brief version, Joseph's visit to the mound came on the morning after the

discovery of the skeleton.

Sometime after arriving in the Salt Lake Valley, probably during the 1850s, Wilford

Woodruff began writing his autobiography. An examination of the manuscript in his own hand,

now in the Church Archives, reveals that when he came to that part of his life when the bones of

Zelph were found he added information not found in his journal account. Woodruff's

autobiographical account is as follows:

During our travels we visited many mounds thrown up by the Ancient inhabitants of

Nephites and Lamanites, this morning we went unto a high mound near the river Joseph & many

of the Brethren went up this mound was very high from the top of it--we could overlook the tops

of the trees as far as our vision could extend and the scenery was truly delightful. On the top of

the mound were stones which presented the Appearance of three Alters having been erected one

above the other according to the Ancient order of things & human bones were strun upon the

ground. We had taken a shovel along with us Brother Joseph wished us to dig into the mound we

dug into it about one foot & came upon the skeleton of a man almost entire and an Arrow was

found sticking in his back bone Elder Milton Holmes picked it out & brought it into camp with

one of his leg bones which had been brocken He put the leg bones in my waggon & I carried it to

Clay County Missouri. Brother Joseph feeling anxious to learn something Governing the man,

prayed to the Lord & the Lord gave him a vision in open day while lying in his waggon, this

mound & his history was placed before him. His name was Zelph, He was a white Lamanite the

curse had been taken off from him because of his faith and righteousness He had embraced the

gospel, he was a short stout thick set man, He had been a great warrior, Had joined the Nephites

& fought for them under the direction of the great Onandagus who held sway & command over

the Armies of the Nephites from the Hill Cumorah & Eastern sea to the rocky mountains though

the Book of Mormon does not speak of him, He was a great warrior leader & great prophet Zelph

had his thigh bone brocken from the sling of a stone while in battle in their of his youth He was

killed with the Arrow sticking in his back bone the vision of the great prophet at the time that

Zelph was killed was opened to the prophet Joseph & there [word unclear] were heaped upon the

earth & that great Mound of near 300 Feet High placed over them. I felt impressed to bury

Zelph's thigh bone in Temple Block at Jackson County Missouri but I did not have an opportunity

and I brought it to Clay County near the house owned by Colonel Arthur & occupied by Lyman

Wight.

At the end of the account, written in a different hand and probably at a later date, are the

words, "The arrow head is now in possession of his wife Emma Woodruff."

In this account, written upwards of twenty years after the event, Joseph Smith is described as

lying on his back in his wagon when he received the vision in "open day" regarding not only

Zelph but the mound and its history. Zelph is here described as a "short, stout, thick set" man, in

contrast to the extremely tall man in the Moses Martin account. According to Woodruff, Zelph

had joined the Nephites and fought for them under the direction of the Prophet Onandagus, who

"held sway" from the Hill Cumorah and eastern sea to the Rocky Mountains. Zelph's thigh bone

was broken by a stone while in a battle in his youth, and he was killed by the arrow found in his

back. We are led to believe that the thigh bone was buried near the Clay County house owned by

a Colonel Arthur and that Emma Woodruff had possession of the arrow, not Brigham Young or

Burr Riggs, as in other accounts. This might indicate that President Young did not attach any

particular significance to either the arrow or the remains in which it was found. Finally, in this

account, Zelph was clearly associated with the Nephites, as was Onandagus.

On 22 February 1893, James E. Talmage reported a visit with Wilford Woodruff during

which President Woodruff showed him "a sacred relic then in his possession in the shape of an

Indian arrow head." This arrow was said to have been the cause of the death of the white

Lamanite, Zelph. According to Talmage's account the arrow point had come into Wilford

Woodruff's possession through Zina Young Card, a daughter of Brigham Young, who had

formerly had possession of it. At the suggestion of George F. Gibbs, his secretary, President

Woodruff then dictated the following account of the finding of Zelph:

While traveling with Zion's camp, through the State of Ohio, we came to a very high mound,

to the top of which we climbed by means of steps over which grass had grown. The steps were

very wide, probably about twelve feet. We found the top of the mound to be quite level and to

cover a great deal of ground. After overlooking the surrounding country, and descending half

way down we were halted by command of the Prophet Joseph. We had taken a shovel with us to

the top of the mound, thinking we might have some use for it, and after halting, the Prophet,

speaking to the man who had the shovel, told him to throw up the dirt at a certain place to which

he pointed, After removing a little more than six inches of soil the skeleton of a man was

discovered, from a joint in whose backbone the Prophet drew a flint arrow head which had been

the means of taking his life.

The Lord showed the Prophet Joseph that this was the skeleton of a white Lamanite named

Zelph, and that he fought under a great chieftain named Onandagus, whose dominion covered an

immense body of country. The book of Mormon does not mention the name of this Indian Chief,

Onandagus.

In this account, dictated fifty-nine years after the event, Woodruff says that he accompanied

the Prophet onto the hill, which was not the case according to his earlier accounts; he also adds

details that are absent from his journal and from the other primary sources. He tells us they took

the hoe and the shovel with them, while others said they had to send for them after they arrived

on top of the hill. He also states that they were halfway down the hill before they began digging

and that they commenced at the request of the Prophet himself. President Woodruff also tells us

that they found ancient steps which they used to make their way up the hill. According to James

L. Bradley, who has visited the mound many times, there are no steps leading to the top, or altars.

However, the writer recently climbed the eastern side of the mound and found in certain places

indentations that might be described as steps. Understandably, some details had faded in the

memory of President Woodruff and other points had been logically added over the space of many

intervening years. Still several basic parts of the story are recognizable in this late recollection.

In 1842, Willard Richards, as Church Historian, was assigned the task of compiling a large

number of documents and producing a history of the Church from them. He worked on this

material between 21 December 1842 and 27 March 1843. He himself had not joined the Church

until 1836, but he would easily have learned from associates that Joseph Smith had kept no record

of the march of Zion's Camp. Therefore, Richards presumably had to rely on the writings or

recollections of Heber C. Kimball, Wilford Woodruff, and perhaps others for his information.

The McBride and Martin accounts in particular, and perhaps also the Hancock record, may have

been unknown to him, as the writers were not prominent Church figures. It is possible that

Richards consulted with Joseph Smith, for the Prophet was overseeing the preparation of the

history.

Blending the sources available to him, and perhaps using oral accounts from some of the

members of Zion's Camp, but writing as if he were Joseph Smith, historian Richards drafted the

story of Zelph as it appears in the "Manuscript History of the Church, Book A-l" (words in italic

are in the handwriting of Wilmer Benson):

Tuesday the 3rd During our travels we visited several of the mounds which had been thrown

up by the ancient inhabitants of this country, Nephites, Lamanites &c. and this morning I went up

on a high mound near the river, accompanied by several the brethren. From this mound we could

overlook the tops of the trees and view the prairie on each side of the river as far as our vision

could extend and the scenery was truly delightful.

On the top of the mound were stones which presented the appearance of three altars having

been erected one above the other, according to ancient order and the remains of human bones

were strewn over the surface of the ground. The brethren procured a shovel and hoe, and

removing the earth to the depth of about one foot discovered the skeleton of a man, almost entire,

and between his ribs the stone point of was a Lamanitish arrow, which evidently produced his

death. Elder Burr Riggs Brigham Young retained the Arrow, and the bretheren carried some

pieces of the skeleton to Clay County The contemplation of the scenery around before us

produced peculiar sensations in our bosoms and subsequently the vision of the past being opend

to my understanding by the Spirit of the Almighty, I discovered that the person whose Skeleton we

had seen was before us was a white Lamanite, a large thick set man and a man of God. His name

was Zelph. He was a warrior and chieftain under the great prophet Onandagus who was known

from the hill Cumorah or eastern Sea, to the Rocky Mountains, His name was Zelph. The curse

was taken from Zelph him, or at least, in part. One of his thigh bones was broken by a stone flung

from a sling, while in battle, years before his death. He was killed in battle, by the arrow found

among his ribs, during a last great struggle with the Lamanites and Nephites: Elder Woodruff

carried the thigh bone to Clay county.

A second copy of the same material exists, known as "Manuscript History of the Church,

Book A-2," apparently written entirely in the hand of Wilmer Benson. It differs from the Richards

version in a dozen details of spelling, punctuation, and phrasing, but only two differences are

substantive. Where Richards describes Zelph as "a man of God," Benson puts "a son of God," and

Richards's "a great struggle with the Lamanites" reads in Benson, "the last great struggle with the

Lamanites." The second manuscript was written as a back-up in case the first was lost or

destroyed.

Following the martyrdom of the Prophet, the Times and Seasons published serially the

"History of Joseph Smith." When the story of the finding of Zelph appeared in the 1 January 1846

issue, it read as follows:

We encamped on the bank of the river until Tuesday the 3rd during our travels we visited

several of the mounds which had been thrown up by the ancient inhabitants of this county,

Nephites, Lamanites, &c., and this morning I went up on a high mound, near the river,

accompanied by the brethren. From this mound we could overlook the tops of the trees and view

the prairie on each side of the river as far as our vision could extend, and the scenery was truly

delightful.

On the top of the mound were stones which presented the appearance of three alters having

been erected one above the other, according to ancient order; and human bones were strewn over

the surface of the ground. The brethren procured a shovel and hoe, and removing the earth to the

depth of about one foot discovered [the] skeleton of a man, almost entire, and between his ribs

was a Lamanitish arrow, which evidently produced his death, Elder Brigham Young retained the

arrow and the brethren carried some pieces of the skeleton to Clay county. The contemplation of

the scenery before us produced peculiar sensations in our bosoms; and the visions of the past

being opened to my understanding by the spent of the Almighty I discovered that the person

whose skeleton was before us, was a white Lamanite, a large thick set man, and a man of God.

He was a warrior and chieftain under the great prophet Omandagus, who was known from the

hill Cumorah, or Eastern sea, to the Rocky Mountains. His name was Zelph. The curse was taken

from him, or at least, in part; one of his thigh bones was broken, by a stone flung from a sling,

while in battle years before his death. He was killed in battle, by the arrow found among his ribs,

during the last great struggle of the Lamanites and Nephites.

Most of the words crossed out in the Richards manuscript are, for some unknown reason,

included in this publication, along with the point that the prophet's name was Omandagus.

Brigham Young, not Burr Riggs, is still said to have retained the arrow, and the reference to the

Hill Cumorah, from the unemended Wilford Woodruff journal, is still included in the narrative.

Further, the concluding sentence in the Times and Seasons account reads, "during the last great

struggle of the Lamanites and Nephites," whereas both the Richards and Benson manuscripts had

crossed off "and Nephites."

The story of Zelph appeared again in June 1888 in the Historical Record, a periodical

edited and published by Andrew Jenson, the Church's primary historical writer at that time. In this

account, Burr Riggs is said to have retained the arrow, and the Hill Cumorah is still mentioned, as

are the Nephites. The 1904 first edition of the B. H. Roberts edited, seven-volume History of the

Church repeats the account as Richards had left it. In 1948, after Joseph Fielding Smith had

become Church Historian, explicit references to the Hill Cumorah and the Nephites were

reintroduced. That phrasing has continued to the present in all reprintings.

It seems obvious that discussion and argumentation about historical and geographical questions in

LDS circles has put more weight than is justified on the detailed phrasing of the account of Zelph

as it is published in the History of the Church. Joseph Smith himself did not write much about the

incident. He alluded to it only once, in his letter to Emma of 4 June 1834, when he identified the

terrain over which the camp had marched as the "plains of the Nephites." Evidently these plains

were in some respect associated with, or comparable to, the battlefields of the Nephites, but

beyond that it is unclear what Joseph meant by this expression.

While it is impossible with the available evidence to reconstruct the exact process by which the

narrative as it appears in the History of the Church was constructed by historical writers, some

points are apparent. Practically all elements of the story incorporated into the account by Willard

Richards are found in just two sources, Woodruff and Kimball. Kimball's diaries begin with his

British mission in 1837, and the journal from which the account of the finding of Zelph is taken

was dictated from memory to Robert B. Thompson in 1840. It is probable that Joseph Smith read

what his clerks, Willard Richards and Wilmer Benson, wrote about this event for the History of

the Church. Their manuscript accounts cross out all reference to "the Nephites" and to the "hill

Cumorah." We cannot know on present evidence, however, whether the crossing out was at

Joseph's instance or with his approval.

That members of Zion's Camp dug up a skeleton near the Illinois River in early June

1834 is certain. Equally sure is that Joseph Smith made statements about the deceased person and

his historical setting. It is unclear which statements attributed to him derived from his vision, as

opposed to being implied or surmised either by him or by others. Nothing in the diaries suggests

that the mound itself was discovered by revelation. Moses Martin indicates that the men dug

because they were "filled with curiosity." Levi Hancock simply reports that "many went to see the

big mound about a mile below the crossing." Heber C. Kimball seems to say they went to the

mound to get "a pleasant view of the surrounding country."

Most sources agree that Zelph was a white Lamanite who fought under a leader named

Onandagus (variously spelled). Beyond that, what Joseph said to his men is not entirely clear,

judging by the variations in the available sources. Therefore, those who try to support a particular

historical or geographical point of view about the Book of Mormon by citing the Zelph story are

on inconclusive grounds.

The date of the man Zelph remains unclear. Expressions such as "great struggles among

the Lamanites," if accurately reported, could refer to a period long after the close of the Book of

Mormon narrative as well as to the fourth century A.D. None of the sources before the Willard

Richards composition, however, actually say that Zelph died in battle with the Nephites, only that

he died "in battle" when the otherwise unidentified people of Onandagus were engaged in great

wars "among the Lamanites." Archaeological research in mounds near the one where the bones of

Zelph were discovered indicates that the mounds and the artifacts found within them belong to

the Middle Woodland Period, dated somewhere between perhaps 100 B.C. and A.D. 500.

However, the Zelph skeleton came from a shallow burial near the top of the mound. Who knows

whether it was intrusive, buried there more recently than the period of the main mound

construction? Apostle John A. Widtsoe once wrote, "Zelph probably dated from a later time when

the Nephites and Lamanites had been somewhat dispersed and had wandered over the country."

24 Thus, it is unclear when Zelph himself lived.

Zelph was identified as a "Lamanite," a label agreed on by all the accounts. This term

might refer to the ethnic and cultural category spoken of in the Book of Mormon as actors in the

destruction of the Nephites, or it might refer more generally to a descendant of the earlier

Lamanites and could have been considered in 1834 as the equivalent of "Indian" (see, for

example, D&C 3:18, 20; 10:48; 28:8; 32:2). Nothing in this study can settle the question of

Zelph's specific ethnic identity.

Exactly what Joseph Smith believed at different times in his life concerning Book of

Mormon geography in general is also indeterminable. Only a few clues remain. For example,

while the Church was headquartered in Nauvoo, Joseph read a best-selling book of his day by

John Lloyd Stephens, Incidents of Travel in Central America, Chiapas, and Yucatan, which John

Bernhisel had sent to him from the East. In a letter dated 16 November 1841, the Prophet thanked

Bernhisel and wrote of the book that "of all histories that had been written pertaining to the

antiquities of this country it is the most correct" and that it "supports the testimony of the Book of

Mormon." Ten months later, the Times and Seasons printed an enthusiastic review of the

Stephens volume. John Taylor was the editor, although Joseph Smith had shortly before

announced his own editorial responsibility for the newspaper. The unnamed writer of the review

(probably Wilford Woodruff) stated that "we have just learned . . . the city of Zarahemla . . . stood

upon this land" (Guatemala, whose ruins Stephens was reporting). Still, other data seem to reflect

a different view and make it uncertain just what geographical conception, if any single one,

prevailed among the early Church leaders. Evidently Joseph Smith's views on this matter were

open to further knowledge. Thus in 1834, when Zelph was found, Joseph believed that the portion

of America over which they had just traveled was "the plains of the Nephites" and that their

bones were "proof" of the Book of Mormon's authenticity. By 1842 he evidently believed that the

events in most of Nephite history took place in Central America. While it is possible to reconcile

these two views--for example by believing that the bulk of Nephite history occurred in Central

America while only certain battles or excursions took place in Illinois--it is likely that the

thinking of the early Church leaders regarding Book of Mormon geography was subject to

modification, indicating that they themselves did not see the issue as settled. When the

committee preparing the 1921 edition of the Book of Mormon (composed of George F. Richards,

Orson F. Whitney, James E. Talmage, Anthony W. Ivins, Joseph Fielding Smith, and Melvin J.

Ballard) met "to give certain brethren an opportunity to state their views regarding the geography

of the Book of Mormon," none of the scholars who spoke to the group used the Zelph story as

evidence for their position. That was probably because the quartet who made presentations--Joel

Ricks, Willard Young, B. H. Roberts, and President Ivins--generally argued that the Nephite-

Lamanite civilization spoken of in the scripture was centered in South or Central America. A

quarter of a century later, however, Joseph Fielding Smith used the Zelph story to support his

view that the Hill Cumorah in the state of New York "is the exact hill spoken of in the Book of

Mormon." The debate about Zelph's relation to Book of Mormon geography will likely continue

since the facts in hand do not allow for a decisive settlement of the matter.

Zelph Revisited

Donald Q. Cannon Regional Studies, Illinois

Probably most Latter-day Saints would not recognize the name Zelph. However, serious students

of LDS Church history and Book of Mormon geography would likely know Zelph as the white

Lamanite whose remains were found by Zion's Camp as they traveled through central Illinois.

The name Zelph first appears in LDS history in connection with Zion's Camp. The most familiar

version of the story is in the History of the Church. The story of Zelph from that source follows:

Our enemies had threatened that we should not cross the Illinois river, but on Monday the 2nd we

were ferried over without any difficulty. The ferryman counted, and declared there were five

hundred of us, yet our true number was only about one hundred and fifty. Our company had been

increased since our departure from Kirtland by volunteers from different branches of the Church

through which we had passed. We encamped on the bank of the river until Tuesday the 3rd.

During our travels we visited several of the mounds which had been thrown up by the ancient

inhabitants of this country-Nephites, Lamanites, etc., and this morning I went up on a high

mound, near the river, accompanied by the brethren. From this mound we could overlook the tops

of the trees and view the prairie on each side of the river as far as our vision could extend, and the

scenery was truly delightful.

On the top of the mound were stones which presented the appearance of three altars having been

erected one above the other, according to the ancient order; and the remains of bones were strewn

over the surface of the ground. The brethren procured a shovel and a hoe, and removing the earth

to the depth of about one foot, discovered the skeleton of a man, almost entire, and between his

ribs the stone point of a Lamanitish arrow, which evidently produced his death. Elder Burr Riggs

retained the arrow. The contemplation of the scenery around us produced peculiar sensations in

our bosoms; and subsequently the visions of the past being opened to my understanding by the

Spirit of the Almighty, I discovered that the person whose skeleton was before us was a white

Lamanite, a large, thick-set man, and a man of God. His name was Zelph. He was a warrior and

chieftain under the great prophet Onandagus, who was known from the Hill Cumorah, or eastern

sea to the Rocky mountains. The curse was taken from Zelph, or, at least, in part-one of his thigh

bones was broken by a stone flung from a sling, while in battle, years before his death. He was

killed in battle by the [p.98] arrow found among his ribs, during the last great struggle of the

Lamanites and Nephites.1

The primary source material for the Zelph story comes from diaries kept by some members of

Zion's Camp.2 Six men wrote diary accounts concerning Zelph: Wilford Woodruff, Heber C.

Kimball, George A. Smith, Levi Hancock, Moses Martin, and Reuben McBride.

What do these six contemporary accounts tell us about Zelph? The answer to that question is

based upon a careful analysis of the primary sources. Each diary account is reproduced herein as

it appeared in the original, without changes in spelling or grammar. Following the printed text of

each diary account is a paragraph summarizing the account and including my own interpretations.

Wilford Woodruff, who was the preeminent LDS journal-keeper of the entire nineteenth century,

prepared a characteristically detailed record of the events surrounding the discovery of Zelph.

Woodruff's reputation and stature is further attested to by his decade of church service as a

member of the Quorum of the Twelve and as president of the Church during a crucial period in its

history. His journal entry about his experience in Zion's Camp under the date May-June 1834

follows:

While on our travels we visited many of the mounds which were flung up by the ancient

inhabitants of this continent probably by the Nephites & Lamanites. We visited one of those

Mounds and several of the brethren dug into it and took from it the bones of a man.

We visited one of those Mounds: considerd to be 300 feet above the level of the Illinois river.

Three persons dug into the mound & found a body. Elder Milton Holmes took the arrow out of

the back bones that killed Zelph & brought it with some of the bones in to the camp. I visited the

same mound with Jesse J. Smith. Who the other persons were that dug in to the mound & found

the body I am undecided.

Brother Joseph had a vission respecting the person. He said he was a white Lamanite. The curs

was taken from him or at least in part. He was killed in battle with an arrow. The arrow was found

among his ribs. One of his thigh bones was broken. This was done by a stone flung from a sling

in battle years before his death. His name was Zelph. Some of his bones were brought into the

Camp and the thigh bone which was broken was put into my waggon and I carried it to Missouri.

Zelph was a large thick set man and a man of God. He was a warrior under the great prophet

/Onandagus/ that was known from the hill Camorah /or east sea/ to the Rocky mountains. The

above knowledge Joseph receieved in a vision.3

Wilford Woodruff tells us that these mounds were probably built by the Nephites and Lamanites.

He also records that Joseph had a vision concerning the skeleton, learning that he was a white

Lamanite, who had been killed in battle. His name was Zelph, "a large thick-set man and a man of

God, he was a warrior under the great prophet that was known from the Hill Cumorah to the

Rocky Mountains."

Heber C. Kimball's journal has a good reputation, a fact supported by the numerous times it has

been published, both in extracts and in book form. The Zelph episode is found in one of these

published versions in the Times and Seasons under the title "Extracts from H. C. Kimball's

Journal." His comments on Zelph include the following:

On Tuesday the 3rd, we went up, several of us, with Joseph Smith jr. to the top of a mound on the

bank of the Illinois river, which was several hundred feet above the river, and from the summit of

which we had a pleasant view of the surrounding country: we could overlook the tops of the trees,

on to the meadow or prairie on each side the river as far as our eyes could extend, which was one

of the most pleasant scenes I ever beheld. On the top of this mound there was the appearance of

three altars, which had been built of stone, one above another, according to the ancient order; and

the ground was strewn over with human bones. This caused in us very peculiar feelings, to see the

bones of our fellow creatures scattered in this manner, who had been slain in ages past. We felt

prompted to dig down into the mound, and sending for a shovel and hoe, we proceeded to move

away the earth. At about one foot deep we discovered the skeleton of a man, almost entire; and

between two of his ribs we found an Indian arrow, which had evidently been the cause of his

death. We took the leg and thigh bones and carried them along with us to Clay county. All four

appeared sound. Elder B. Young has yet the arrow in his possession. It is a common thing to find

bones thus drenching upon the earth in this country.

The same day, we pursued our journey.-While on our way we felt anxious to know who the

person was who had been killed by that arrow. It was made known to Joseph that he had been an

officer who fell in battle, in the last destruction among the Lamanites, and his name was Zelph.

This caused us to rejoice much, to think that God was so mindful of us as to show these things to

his servant. Brother Joseph had enquired of the Lord and it was made known in a vision.4

From Heber C. Kimball's account we learn that several men went with Joseph Smith to visit the

mound, which was several hundred feet above the Illinois River. He tells of altars being located

on top of the mound. They discovered a human skeleton about one foot below the surface. There

was an Indian arrow between his ribs. He said that Brigham Young had the arrow in his

possession.

George A. Smith's church experience was similar to that of Woodruff and Kimball. He served as

a member of the Quorum of the Twelve and as a counselor in the First Presidency. He is known

as a reliable witness. He recorded the event in his journal; however, the text which follows was

prepared later in connection with the History of the Church: "Monday, 2 June 1834: Some of us

visited a mound on a bluff about 300 feet high and dug up some bones, which excited deep

interest among the brethren. The President and many others visited the mound on the following

morning."5

The record from George A. Smith is much shorter than the other accounts. He gives the full date

(Monday, June 2, 1834), tells of the height of the mound, and indicates Joseph Smith visited the

mound the following morning.

Another Church leader, Levi Hancock, served as one of the presidents of the Seventy. His

account is the most detailed and complete of any of the six accounts. His diary is regarded as a

reliable and accurate source for events he experienced.

On the way to Illinois River where we camped on the west side in the morning, many went to see

the big mound about a mile below the crossing, I did not go on it but saw some bones that was

brought with a broken arrow, they was layed down by our camp Joseph addressed himself to

Sylvester Smith, "This is what I told you and now I want to tell you that you may know what I

meant; this land was called the land of desolation and Onendagus was the king and a good man

was he, there in that mound did he bury his dead and did not dig holes as the people do now but

they brought there dirt and covered them untill you see they have raised it to be about one

hundread feet high, the last man buried was Zelf, he was a white Lamanite who fought with the

people of Onendagus for freedom, when he was young he was a great warrior and had his th[igh]

broken and never was set, it knited together as you see on the side, he fought after it got strength

untill he lost every tooth in his head save one when the Lord said he had done enough and

suffered him to be killed by that arrow you took from his brest." These words he said as the camp

was moving of[f] the ground; as near as I could learn he had told them something about the

mound and got them to go and see for themselves. I then remembered what he had said a few

days before while passing many mounds on our way that was left of us; said he, "there are the

bodies of wicked men who have died and are angry at us; if they can take the advantage of us

they will, for if we live they will have no hope." I could not comprehend it but supposed it was all

right.6

Regional Studies, Illinois, Cannon-Zelph Revisited, p.100-101

From Levi Hancock we learn some things previously known as well as some new information.

Hancock identifies the Illinois River and says they were camped on the west side of the river.

Further, he says the mound was a mile below the crossing, i.e., south [p.101] of the ferry.

Following a vision, Joseph told the members of the camp, especially Sylvester Smith, about the

bones. He told them this was the Land of Desolation and that Onandagus was their king. Zelph

was a white Lamanite who fought for freedom. This mighty warrior was killed by an arrow.

Moses Martin, who was on site when the skeleton was excavated, wrote the following:

This being in the Co of Pike, here we discovered a large quantity of large mounds. Being filed

with curiosity we excavated the top of one so[m]e 2 feete when we came to the bones of an

extraordinary large person or human being, the thigh bones being 2 inches longer from one

Socket to the other than of the Prophet \whi\ who is upwards of 6 feete high which would have

constuted some 8 or 9 feete high. In the trunk of this skeleton near the vitals we found a large

stone arrow which I suppose brougt him to his end. Soon after this Joseph had a vision and the

Lord shewed him that this man was once a mighty Prophet and many other things concerning his

people. Thus we found those mounds to have be[en] deposits for the dead which had falen no

doubt in some great Batles. In addition to this we found many large fortifications which als[o]

denotes siviliseation and an innumberable population which has falen by wars and comotion and

the Banks of this Beautiful River became the deposit of many hundred thousands whose graves

and fortifications \have\ are overgrown with the sturdy oak 4 feete in diameter.7

From Moses Martin the following is reported. They were in Pike County, and there were several

large mounds. He furnishes details such as the excavation being two feet deep, the skeleton being

extra large. He estimated the skeleton to be eight or nine feet tall because of the size of the thigh

bone. There was a stone arrow in his rib cage. Joseph had a vision concerning the event and

learned that this was a mighty prophet. These mounds were graves for the dead who had fallen in

great battles.

Reuben McBride's account is important because it was written close to the time of the event. It is,

however, somewhat confusing because the information on Zelph is written in two different parts

of his journal. In order to clarify the meaning, the entries relating to Zelph have been compressed

together and the intervening, extraneous information has been deleted.

Regional Studies, Illinois, Cannon-Zelph Revisited, p.101-102

Tuesday 3 visited the mounds. A skeleton was dug up. Joseph, said his name was Zelph a great

warrior under the Prophet Omandagus. An arrow was found in his Ribs which he said he suposed

ocaisoned his death \Said\ he was killed in battle. Said he was a man of God and the curse was

taken off or in [p.102] part he was a white Lamanite was known from the atlantic to the Rocky

Mountains.8

From Reuben McBride we learn that the date was Tuesday, the third, when they visited the

mounds. They dug up a skeleton and Joseph identified the remains as Zelph, a warrior under the

prophet Onandagus.

What do these six contemporary accounts tell us about Zelph and Book of Mormon geography?

In order to answer this question, I will present the following summary containing the basic facts

followed by the sources of information in parentheses. A key to abbreviations is also included.

SUMMARY

Key to Abbreviations:

GAS = George A. Smith HCK = Heber C. Kimball

LH = Levi Hancock MM = Moses Martin

RM = Reuben McBride WW = Wilford Woodruff

Dates of Visits to Mounds

Group: Monday, June 2, 1834 (GAS)

J. Smith: Tuesday, June 3, 1834 (HCK, RM) May-June 1834 (WW)

Place Where Mounds are Located

Illinois River (WW, HCK, LH)

Pike County (MM)

Description of Mounds

300 feet above River (WW, GAS)

Flung up by ancient inhabitants (WW)

Several 100 feet above River (HCK)

Three alters on top of Mound (HCK)

Big Mound (LH)

Large Quantity of Mounds (MM)

Fortifications (MM)

Artifacts Found

Body (WW)

Arrow (WW, HCK, LH, MM, RM)

Human Bones (HCK, GAS, LH, MM)

Skeleton of a man (HCK, RM)

Zelph Identified

Name Zalph (WW, HCK, LH, RM)

Large, thick-set man (WW)

Warrior (WW, HCK, LH, RM)

White Lamanite (LH, RM)

Mighty Prophet (MM)

Man of God (RM)

Killed in Battle (WW, HCK, MM, RM)

Nephite-Lamanite References

Nephite (WW)

Lamanite (WW, HCK, LH, RM)

Joseph Smith's Vision of Zelph

Vision received (WW, HCK, MM)

Onandagus Identified

Name (various spellings) (WW, LH, RM)

Great Prophet (WW, RM)

Know from Atlantic to Rocky Mountains (WW, RM)

103

From the foregoing summary it seems evident that these accounts indicate the possibility of some

Book of Mormon events being located in North America.

The evidence in these journal accounts should be taken seriously for two reasons. First, there is a

remarkable harmony and good agreement between the accounts. They are certainly not

contradictory. Second, these are credible, competent witnesses. When one refers to the journal of

Wilford Woodruff, for example, one is working with material which has been described by the

experts as among the best nineteenth century journals. Indeed, [p.104] Woodruff's journals

constitute basic source material for the published history of the Church. Heber C. Kimball and

George A. Smith are also well-known for the accuracy and integrity of their journals. These

records have also been included in the History of the Church. While not as well known as the

three mentioned above, the other three writers are also reliable witnesses of historical events.

Additional information is available to us beyond these diary accounts. Just two days later Joseph

Smith wrote to his wife, Emma Smith, telling her about his experiences, and recounting,

specifically, the experience at "Zelph Mound." In the letter he writes that they were "wandering

over the plains of the Nephites, recounting occasionaly the history of the Book of Mormon,

roving over the mounds of that once beloved people of the Lord, picking up their skulls & their

bones, as a proof of its divine authenticity."9

This letter to his beloved Emma not only tells about the general news of the progress of Zion's

Camp, it specifically deals with Book of Mormon matters. Joseph Smith was obviously very

excited about the findings. He refers to the geographic area in Illinois as "the plains of the

Nephites." He reports that the mounds belonged to the people of the Book of Mormon, and,

further, that these discoveries were proof of the authenticity of the Book of Mormon. This letter

shows that Joseph Smith firmly believed that some Nephites had inhabited North America before

their final destruction at the hands of the Lamanites.

Neither Joseph Smith nor the six journal writers associated with the Zelph incident were alone in

writing and speaking about Book of Mormon geography. Nineteenth century Church members

commonly referred to Book of Mormon locations in North America. Many of these people

sincerely believed that at least some of the events described in the Book of Mormon took place in

North America. The Times and Seasons, published by the Church in Nauvoo, often carried stories

and statements about Book of Mormon geography. An example is this statement from Oliver

Cowdery (original spelling has been preserved).

You are aquainted with the mail road from Palmyra, Wayne Co. to Canandaigue, Ontario Co.,

NY…you pass a large hill on the east side of the road…[a discription of the hill follows]. At

about one mile west rises another ridge of less height, running parallel with the former leaving a

beautiful vale between. The soil is of the first quality for the country and under a state of [p.105]

cultivation which gives a prospect at once imposing, when one reflects on the fact, that here,

between these hills, the entire power and national strength of both the Jaradites and the Nephites

were destroyed. By turning to the 529th and 530th pages of the Book of Mormon you will read

Mormon's account of the last great struggle of his people, as they were encamped round this hill

Cumorah…. This hill by the Jaredites was called Ramah: by it or around it, pitched the famous

army of Coriantumr their tents.10

Concerning Adam-ondi-Ahman, Zerah Pulsipher, a member of the First Council of Seventy,

wrote:

Daviess County was a beautiful place situated on Grand River. First rate land and plenty of good

timber where we supposed there had been an ancient city of the Nephites, as the hewn stone were

already there in piles also the mound or alter built by Father Adam, where he went to offer

sacrifices when he was old. Leaning upon his staff, prophesying the most noted thing that should

take place down to the latest generation therefore it was called Adam-ondi-Ahman.11

Orson Pratt, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and a leading intellectual figure in

nineteenth century Mormonism, said the following about Book of Mormon geography:

They landed to the south of this, just below the Gulf of California, on our western coast. They

inhabited North America, and spread forth on this Continent, and in the course of some sixteen

hundred years' residence here, they became a mighty and powerful nation. Although they became

a great and mighty people, they were oftentimes very much chastened because of their sins. Here

let me observe that before they arrived on this land the Lord said to them, "I design to lead you

forth to a land that is choice above all other lands on the face of the whole earth; and this is my

decree concerning the land which you are to occupy, that whatever nation shall possess the land

from this time henceforth and forever shall serve me, the only true and living God, or they shall

be swept off from the face thereof, when they are fully ripened in their iniquity." The Jaredites

had this decree before them, before they set foot on this Continent. It was before them during the

whole term of their existence here, that inasmuch as they would serve God they would be

prospered, and inasmuch as they would not serve Him great judgments were upon them. Hence

they were afflicted oftentimes because of their wickedness. On a certain occasion there were a

very few individuals, Omer and his family and some few of his friends, that were righteous

enough to be spared out of a whole nation. The Lord warned them by a dream to depart from the

land of Moran, and led them forth in an easterly direction beyond the hill Cumorah, down into the

eastern countries upon the sea shore. By this means a few families were saved, while all the

balance, consisting of millions of people, were overthrown because of their wickedness. But after

they were destroyed the Omerites, who dwelt in the New England States, returned again and

dwelt in the land of their fathers on the western coast.12

Brigham Young said much about Book of Mormon geography and especially the Hill Cumorah.

The following comment concerns the records stored in the Hill Cumorah:

When Joseph got the plates, the angel instructed him to carry them back to the hill Cumorah,

which he did. Oliver says that when Joseph and Oliver went there, the hill opened, and they

walked into a cave, in which there was a large and spacious room. He says he did not think, at the

time, whether they had the light of the sun or artificial light; but that it was just as light as day.

They laid the plates on a table; it was a large table that stood in the room. Under this table there

was a pile of plates as much as two feet high, and there were altogether in this room more plates

than probably many wagon loads; they were piled up in the corners and along the walls. The first

time they went there the sword of Laban hung upon the wall; but when they went again it had

been taken down and laid upon the table across the gold plates; it was unsheathed, and on it was

written these words: "This sword will never be sheathed again until the kingdoms of this world

become the kingdom of our God and his Christ." I tell you this as coming not only from Oliver

Cowdery, but others who were familiar with it, and who understood it just as well as we

understand coming to this meeting, enjoying the day, and by and by we separate and go away,

forgetting most of what is said, but remembering some things. So is it with other circumstances in

life. I relate this to you, and I want you to understand it. I take this liberty of referring to those

things so that they will not be forgotten and lost.13

These four quotations are a powerful statement concerning a North American location for events

in Book of Mormon history. This belief of a North American location for certain Book of

Mormon events was a certainty for these people.

There is still another body of evidence that is entirely independent of the Church. I refer to the

evidence from archaeological and anthropological studies of the area near Zelph Mound.

Several studies have been undertaken, beginning in the nineteenth century. One of the earliest

studies of this area took place in the 1870s and 1880s. The Smithsonian Institution published the

results of these investigations in 1884 in its Annual Report. This report provides useful

information on excavation undertaken directly on the site now identified as Zelph Mound. It

describes the work of the mound builders who occupied the Illinois River Valley. Among the

relics unearthed were clay pipes, copper axes, and arrow heads. No attempt was made to establish

a precise date for the mound builders of the area. They did find some connection with other

geographic areas such as Michigan and Mexico.14

Many studies of the area have been conducted during the twentieth century. Zelph Mound is

referred to in scientific terms in most of these reports as Naples-Russell Mound Number 8.

Highway construction has prompted several recent archaeological investigations of the area. In

order for the new state highway, Route 36, to span the Illinois River Valley, large cement and

steel supports had to be constructed. The base of these supports on the west side of the river are

located on the bluffs near Naples-Russell Mound Number 8. Before any major excavation began,

teams of archaeologists came on site to conduct exploratory excavation and identify any artifacts

recovered from the mounds. The results of these studies conducted by the state of Illinois, the

University of Chicago, and other organizations are very revealing and interesting for Latter-day

Saints. Although they use terminology such as Woodland and Hopewell Culture, which is not

derived from Book of Mormon terms, the dates are clearly within the scope of Book of Mormon

history. Some of the fabric recovered from the archaeological digs conducted on the bluffs dates

between 100 BC and AD 400.15 I find this data to be absolutely astonishing. The various

cultures and peoples which occupied the lower Illinois River Valley span several hundred years.

Remarkably, items discovered in the Zelph Mound area fit precisely within the parameters of the

Book of Mormon historical chronology. It seems to me that this general collection of evidence

points to a possible North American Book of Mormon geographic location. At least it should be

seriously considered and not ignored.

Stating that there is a North American location for some Book of Mormon events does not

exclude the possibility of other Book of Mormon events having occurred elsewhere. It seems

possible to have Book of Mormon history occurring in both Central America and North America.

This raises the feasibility of a connection between Central America and North America.

Some studies link the people and culture of Central America with those in North America.16

These studies have been conducted by people who are not LDS and, consequently, do not share

the same beliefs about the Book of Mormon and its origins. Nevertheless, they have made a

connection between Meso-America and the Mississippi Valley, a connection which is potentially

useful for Latter-day Saints.

Regional Studies, Illinois, Cannon-Zelph Revisited, p.107-108

One of the most convincing of these studies which link Central America to North America is the

one conducted by Robert Silverberg, a scholar who has published over 130 books and articles.

His [p.108] investigation shows a direct link between the mound builders of the Midwest and the

cultures found in pre-classic Mexico. The presence of corn in both areas is one of several

connections which exist between these two areas. As Silverberg explains: "The corn that is being

found increasingly more often at Hopewell village sites seems to argue in favor of direct or

indirect contact between Hopewell and Mexico."17

A recent book on the archaeology of North America adds corroborating evidence on the cultural

connections between Mexico and North America. Specifically, temple mounds in Mississippian

villages show evidence of Mexican influence.18

Conclusion

Where does all this lead us? What can we conclude about Zelph? What does the Zelph incident

tell us about LDS Church history, Book of Mormon geography, and Joseph Smith?

We know for certain that some members of Zion's Camp were on the west bank of the Illinois

River in Pike County on 2 and 3 of June 1834. While in the area these men climbed up on a 300-

foot earthen burial mound, overlooking the Illinois River. While on the mound on 2 June they

uncovered a large skeleton. On 3 June Joseph Smith accompanied some of the men to the same

burial mound. Later in the day he received a vision in which he learned that these skeletal remains

belonged to Zelph, a white Lamanite, who had been a warrior under a leader named Onandagus.

On 4 June on the banks of the Mississippi River, Joseph Smith wrote a letter to his wife Emma. In

that letter he told her they had been wandering among the land of the Nephites. According to

Joseph Smith this experience attested to the authenticity of the Book of Mormon.

The journal accounts of Joseph Smith's activities and his letter indicate that he believed that Book

of Mormon history, or at least a part of it, transpired in North America. What does one do with

such a prophetic statement? Some have dismissed it as a joke or playful exercise of Joseph's

imagination.19 Others have chosen to emphasize discrepancies and possible contradictions in the

source accounts, thereby discrediting what Joseph Smith said.20

It seems to me that either approach carries heavy risks. When one chooses to state that Joseph

Smith can't be taken seriously on [p.109] this issue, the door is opened to question his statements

on other issues. Where does it stop? Does the First Vision, with the discrepancies in the primary

source accounts, also come under the doubt and skepticism applied here to Zelph? Why can't we

simply take Joseph Smith at his word?

As I have shown, there is additional evidence which can be employed to support these claims.

Statements made by nineteenth century Mormons about a North American location for the Book

of Mormon can be used to support this position. Also, there is a considerable body of

archaeological evidence concerning the people who lived in the Illinois Valley in ancient times.

A North American location for some Book of Mormon events does not rule out a Central

American location for others. The two are not mutually exclusive. The Book of Mormon is a

book of scriptures, a religious record-not a geography book. Why not link Meso-America and

North America? There are, after all, studies which already connect these two areas of the world.

It seems to me that the foregoing conclusions dictate several challenges and tasks. It is important

for Latter-day Saint scholars to further investigate the connections between Central America and

North America. More work also needs to be done on nineteenth century LDS statements

concerning Book of Mormon geography. There are interesting possibilities and much yet to be

learned. I suggest we not reject the story of Zelph and its relationship to Book of Mormon

geography until all these areas have been fully investigated. As things stand now we are still

uncertain about any of the theories concerning Book of Mormon geography.