Newel K. Whitney, Bishop at Kirtland
About the first
of February, 1831, a sleigh containing four persons drove
through the streets of Kirtland and drew up in front of the
store of Gilbert and Whitney. One of the men, a young
and stalwart personage alighted, and springing up the
steps walked into the store and to where the junior
partner was standing. "Newel K. Whitney! Thou art the
man!" he exclaimed, extending his hand cordially, as if to
an old and familiar acquaintance. "You have the
advantage of me," replied the merchant, . . . "I could
not call you by name as you have me." "I am Joseph the
Prophet," said the stranger, smiling.
History of the Church, 1:146.
Louisa Y. Littlefield, Early Member of the Church
When wagon loads of grown people and children came in from the country to meeting [at Kirtland], Joseph would make his way to as many of the wagons as he well could and cordially shake the hand of each person. Every child and young babe in the company were especially noticed by him and tenderly taken by the hand, with his kind words and blessings.
"Recollections of the Prophet Joseph Smith," Juvenile Instructor, Jan. 1, 1892, 24.
