Joseph Knight Home

Joseph Sr. and Polly Knight were loyal friends of the Prophet Joseph Smith and were among the earliest believers outside of the Smith family. In 1826, Joseph Knight Sr. hired Joseph Smith as a day laborer while Joseph Smith was courting Emma Hale. Knight trusted Smith so much that he allowed him to borrow his horse and wagon to make the journey to Harmony to visit Emma. On September 22, 1827, the night that Joseph Smith received the gold plates from the angel Moroni, Joseph Knight Sr. was among the Prophet’s supporters waiting at the Smith Family Farm Home for his return.

During the translation of the Book of Mormon, the Knights provided money, food, and other resources to support Joseph and Emma Smith as he translated the Book of Mormon. Joseph Knight Jr. recalled accompanying his father on several occasions to “see [Joseph] and carry him something to live upon.” In May 1829, Joseph Smith received a revelation for Joseph Knight Sr. which is now recorded in Doctrine and Covenants 12. After the Church was organized in early April 1830, Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery travelled to Colesville, where they organized a branch during a meeting in the Knight home.

Joseph Knight Sr. was a farmer, miller, and grain dealer in Colesville, New York. Knight considered Joseph Smith “the best hand he ever hired.” When Joseph told Knight about the visions he had received, Knight believed him immediately. The Knight family remained loyal supporters of Joseph Smith and faithful members of the Church through the many moves, persecutions, and trials that followed.

Read about events that happened at the Joseph Knight Sr. Home in Saints Volume 1, Chapter 9.

What to Expect

Docents will give you a guided tour of the home.