Travelling antiquities exhibitor
Michael H. Chandler
1 topic · 4 dated events
Their part in each topic
The Book of Abraham and the Joseph Smith Papyri
Travelling antiquities exhibitor
Chandler arrived in Kirtland on 3 July 1835 with four mummies, two or more papyrus rolls and loose fragments, claiming to have inherited them from his uncle Antonio Lebolo. He had already exhibited and sold portions of the collection in eastern cities. On 6 July he gave Smith a written certificate that Smith's readings of the characters corresponded with what learned men had told him — a testimonial from a man with strong reason to close a sale and, as even faithful writers concede, no ability to check the claim.
In the timeline
4 events across 1 topics, chronological. Only events this person was actually part of — present at, responsible for, or the subject of — not every event where the name comes up.
Lebolo dies; the collection is willed to a nephew
The church's account says Lebolo put in at Trieste en route to Paris, died after ten days' illness, and willed the whole collection to his nephew Michael H. Chandler, then in Philadelphia. Bushman notes that Lebolo's probate papers mention neither Chandler nor mummies, and that Chandler probably bought the artifacts in New York.
Chandler exhibits four mummies at Kirtlandhinge
Chandler came to Kirtland to exhibit four human figures and two or more rolls of papyrus covered with hieroglyphic figures and devices. Smith and other church leaders paid a fee to view them. Smith was allowed to take the papyri to his home to study.
Chandler certifies Joseph Smith's readings
Chandler signed a certificate stating that Smith's deciphering of the characters corresponded 'in the most minute matters' with what he had learned from the most learned men in many cities. Latter-day Saint scholars now acknowledge that neither Chandler nor any American of the time could have made such an attestation authoritatively.
Church members buy the collection for $2,400
Some of the Saints at Kirtland purchased the four mummies and the papyri. The 1856 bill of sale states the price as twenty-four hundred dollars. Joseph Coe later described arranging the purchase in thirds with Simeon Andrews and Smith. The sum was large at a moment when money was desperately needed for the Kirtland temple.
Appears alongside
People who share the most dated events with Michael H. Chandler.
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