David Whitmer was elected to the Richmond city council for multiple terms and filled the unexpired term of mayor from 1867 to 1868. He was the owner and proprietor of the “Livery and Feed Stable of D. Whitmer & Son” of Richmond. The Richmond Conservator of January 9, 1885 reported, “If a life of probity, of unobtrusive benevolence and well doing for well-nigh a half century, marks a man as a good citizen, then David Whitmer should enjoy the confidence and esteem of his fellow men.” On his death bed, David said to his attending physician, “I want you to say whether or not I am in my right mind, before I give my dying testimony.” The doctor answered, “Yes, you are in your right mind.” David then professed to his family who had gathered at his bedside, “I want to say to you all, the Bible and the record of the Nephites (Book of Mormon) is true, so you can say that you have heard me bear my testimony on my death-bed.”
For more information, see the Witnesses of the Book of Mormon — Insights series compiled from the many interviews conducted during the course of the Witnesses film project. These episodes are hosted by Camrey Bagley Fox, who played Emma Smith in Witnesses, as she introduces and visits with a variety of experts. These individuals answer questions or address accusations against the witnesses, also helping viewers understand the context of the times in which the witnesses lived. And watch the documentary movie Undaunted. Short clips from the Insights episode are also available on TikTok and Instagram.
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