Oliver Cowdery, a significant figure in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, was born on October 3, 1806, in Wells, Vermont. He worked as a store clerk and later became a school teacher in Manchester County, New York.1 Oliver's connection with the Latter-day Saint story began when he heard the Smith family's accounts of divine visions and golden plates.2 In 1829 he had a spiritual experience, prompting him to travel to Harmony, Pennsylvania. It was there that he encountered Joseph Smith, the man at the center of these extraordinary narratives. Oliver felt a strong desire to assist in translating the Book of Mormon. From April to June 1829, he dedicated himself to the task of scribing nearly the entire book.3
During the process of translating the Book of Mormon, Oliver Cowdery expressed a desire to participate in the work of translation itself. In a revelation, Oliver was told that he had the gift of working with a divining rod (later replaced with the "gift of Aaron" in the Doctrine & Covenants). He attempted to translate but was unsuccessful.4
In addition to his work on the Book of Mormon, Oliver Cowdery played a pivotal role in the establishment of the Church. He and Joseph Smith were ordained to the Aaronic and Melchizedek priesthoods.5 In 1830, when the Church was officially organized, he stood as a key participant, marking a significant moment in his life and in the history of the Church.6 He served in a prominent position, as the Second Elder, the assistant president of the Church.7
