Voree Plates: Translation and Testimony of James Strang
In the wake of the early Latter Day Saint movement, James Strang emerged as a claimant to prophetic leadership, asserting that he had discovered ancient records known as the Voree plates. These plates were presented as divine evidence of his calling and as a record of a lost people, sparking significant interest and debate among believers and skeptics alike.
The Translation of the Voree Plates
Strang published the translation of the plates, which describes a fallen civilization and a divine promise of restoration. The text speaks of a people slain in battle, their houses leveled to dust, and their bones resting in the "Death-shade" toward the rising sun.
According to the translation, the record declares that while the transgressors perished, the "elect and faithful" would eventually dwell in the land. The text further claims that God promised to avenge the destroyer and establish an inheritance for His people, marking the land with an ensign. It prophesies that while a forerunner would be killed, a mighty prophet would eventually arise to bring forth this record and bury it in the "Hill of Promise."
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Publicity and Verification
To share these findings with the public, Strang published both the translations and facsimiles (exact copies or reproductions) of the plates in his church's official newspaper, The Voree Herald. For many Latter Day Saints, this discovery served as a compelling sign that Strang was the legitimate successor to Joseph Smith.
Strang did not rely solely on published reports; he allowed skeptics and curious observers, regardless of their religious affiliation, to examine the physical plates in person. One notable visitor was Christopher Sholes, the inventor of the first practical typewriter and a later influence on Thomas Edison. As the editor of the Southport Telegraph, Sholes personally perused the discovery. While Sholes refrained from offering a formal opinion on the authenticity of the plates, he described Strang as "honest and earnest" and noted that his followers were among the most "honest and intelligent" people in the area.
Key Facts
- The Voree Plates: Ancient records claimed by James Strang to prove his prophetic leadership.
- Publication: The translations and facsimiles were featured in The Voree Herald.
- The Message: The text describes a fallen people and predicts the arrival of a prophet to recover the record.
- External Witness: Christopher Sholes, typewriter inventor, examined the plates and praised Strang's character.
- Institutional View: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the Community of Christ reject the plates' authenticity.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Primary Claimant | James Strang |
| Publication Source | The Voree Herald |
| Notable Witness | Christopher Sholes |
| Core Theme | Divine inheritance and prophetic restoration |
| Current Status | Rejected by major Latter Day Saint factions |
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the primary message of the Voree plates?
The translation describes a people who fell due to transgression and were slain in battle, but it promises that God would provide an inheritance in that land for the faithful and that a prophet would eventually reveal the record.
How did James Strang share the plates with the public?
Strang published translations and facsimiles in The Voree Herald and allowed individuals to personally examine the physical plates.
Who was Christopher Sholes and what was his role?
Christopher Sholes was the inventor of the first practical typewriter and editor of the Southport Telegraph. He examined the plates and described Strang as an honest and earnest man.
Do modern Latter Day Saint churches accept the Voree plates?
No. Both the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the Community of Christ reject the authenticity of the plates and Strang's claims to prophetic leadership.