Book of Abraham/Timeline

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Timeline of events in the production of the Book of Abraham

July 3-6, 1835

On the 3rd of July, Michael H. Chandler came to Kirtland to exhibit some Egyptian mummies. There were four human figures, together with some two or more rolls of papyrus covered with hieroglyphic figures and devices. As Mr. Chandler had been told I could translate them, he brought me some of the characters, and I gave him the interpretation, and like a gentleman, he gave me the following certificate:

Kirtland, July 6, 1835.

This is to make known to all who may be desirous, concerning the knowledge of Mr. Joseph Smith, Jun., in deciphering the ancient Egyptian hieroglyphic characters in my possession, which I have, in many eminent cities, showed to the most learned; and, from the information that I could ever learn, or meet with, I and that of Mr. Joseph Smith, Jun., to correspond in the most minute matters.

Michael H. Chandler, Traveling with, and proprietor of, Egyptian mummies.
(History of the Church 2:235)

The Writings of Abraham and Joseph. Soon after this, some of the Saints at Kirtland purchased the mummies and papyrus, a description of which will appear hereafter, and with W. W. Phelps and Oliver Cowdery as scribes, I commenced the translation of some of the characters or hieroglyphics, and much to our joy found that one of the rolls contained the writings of Abraham, another the writings of Joseph of Egypt, etc.,—a more full account of which will appear in its place, as I proceed to examine or unfold them. Truly we can say, the Lord is beginning to reveal the abundance of peace and truth.
(History of the Church 2:236)

July 19-31 1835 (approximate)

The remainder of this month, I was continually engaged in translating an alphabet to the Book of Abraham, and arranging a grammar of the Egyptian language as practiced by the ancients.
(History of the Church 2:238)

1 October 1835

This after noon labored on the Egyptian alphabet, in company with brsr. O. Cowdery and W. W. Phelps: The system of astronomy was unfolded. (Diary of Joseph Smith, October 1, 1835, p.3)

This afternoon I labored on the Egyptian alphabet, in company with Brothers Oliver Cowdery and W. W. Phelps, and during the research, the principles of astronomy as understood by Father Abraham and the ancients unfolded to our understanding, the particulars of which will appear hereafter. (History of the Church 2:286)

7 October 1835

this afternoon recommenced translating the ancient reccords (Diary of Joseph Smith, October 7, 1835, p. 7)

(History of the Church 2:289)

24 October 1835

Mr Goodrich and his lady called called to see the antient Records also called at Doct. F G. Williams to see the mummies, Brs. Hawks & Carpenter from Michigan visited us & taried over Sunday and attended meeting[.] (Diary of Joseph Smith, October 24, 1835, p. 9)

17 November 1835

exibited the Alphabet some of the ancient records to Mr. Holmes and some others, went with him to F G. Williams to see the Mumies, we then took the parting hand, and he started for home, being strong in the faith of the gospel of Christ and determined to obey the requirements of the same.

I returned home and spent the day dictating and comparing letters.
(Diary of Joseph Smith, November 17, 1835, p. 45)

Exhibited the alphabet of the ancient records, to Mr. Holmes, and some others. Went with him to Frederick G. Williams', to see the mummies. We then took the parting hand, and he started for home, being strong in the faith of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and determined to obey its requirements. I returned home and spent the day in dictating and comparing letters.
(History of the Church 2:316)

19 November 1835

I returned home and spent the day in translating the Egyptian records: on this has been a warm & pleasant day (Diary of Joseph Smith, November 19, 1835, p. 47)

I returned home and spent the day in translating the Egyptian records. A warm and pleasant day.
(History of the Church 2:318)

20 November 1835

in morning at home: the weather is warm but rainy, we spent the day in translating, and made rapid progress

At Evening, President Cowdery returned from New York, bringing with him a quantity of Hebrew books for the benefit of the school, he presented me with a Hebrew bible, lexicon & grammar, also a Greek Lexicon and Websters English Lexicon.
(Diary of Joseph Smith, November 20, 1835, p. 47)

At home in the morning. Weather warm and rainy. We spent the day in translating, and made rapid progress.

In the evening, President Cowdery returned from New York, bringing with him a quantity of Hebrew books, for the benefit of the school. He presented me with a Hebrew Bible, Lexicon, and Grammar, also a Greek Lexicon, and Webster's English Dictionary.
(History of the Church 2:3l8)

24 November 1835

in the afternoon, we translated some of the Egyptian, records;
(Diary of Joseph Smith, November 24, 1835, p. 49)

In the afternoon we translated some of the Egyptian records.
(History of the Church 2:320)

25 November 1835

spent the day in Translating.
(Diary of Joseph Smith, November 25, 1835, p. 50)

Spent the day in translating.
(History of the Church 2:320)

30 January 1836

Attended school as usual, & waited upon several visiters & showed them the record of Abraham Mr Seixas our hebrew teacher examined them with deep interest & pronounced them to be original beyound all doubt, he is a man of excellent understanding & has a knowledge of many languages which were spoken by the Ancients[.] (Diary of Joseph Smith, January 30, 1836, p. 148)

3 February 1836

attended our hebrew lecture P. M. & studied with O. Cowdery & Sylvester Smith P. M. received many visiters & showed the records of Abraham[.] (Diary of Joseph Smith, February 3, 1836, p. 150)

17 February 1836

attend[ed] the school and read and translated with my class as usual, and my soul delights in reading the word of the Lord in the original, and I am determined to persue the study of languages untill I shall become master of them, if I am permitted to live long enough, at any rate so long as I do live I am determined to make this my object, and with the blessing of God I shall succed to my sattisfaction, this evening Elder Coe called to make some arangements about the Egyptian records and the mummies, he proposes to hire a room at J[ohn] Johnsons Inn and exibit them there from day to day at certain hours, that some benefit may be derived from them I complied with his request, and only observed that they must be managed with prudence and care especially the manuscripts[.] (Diary of Joseph Smith, February 17, 1836, p. 157)