180 years ago today - Feb 17, 1843

[Josiah Stowell Jr. recollection]

I will give you a Short history of what I know about Joseph Smith Jr I have binn Intemetely acquainted with him about 2 years[.] he then was about 20 years old or there about[.] I also went to schoal with him one winter[.] he was a fine likely young man & at that time did not Profess religion[.] he was not a Profain man although I did once in a while hear him sware[.] he never gambled to my knowledge[.] I Do not believe he Ever did[.] I well know he was no Hoars [Horse] Jocky for he was no Judge of Hoarses[.] I Sold him one[.] that is all I ever knewd he dealt in the kind[.] I never new him to git drunk I believe he would now and then take a glass[.] he never Pretend=ed to Play the Slight of hand nor Black leg, it was fashionable at that time to drink Liquor[.] ...

I am yours truly

Josiah Stowell Jr.

[Josiah Stowell, Jr., to John S. Fullmer, 17 February 1843, LDS Church Archives, Salt Lake City, Utah., as cited in Dan Vogel, Early Mormon Documents: Josiah Stowell, Jr., To John S. Fullmer]