Many people traveled hundreds of miles to Kirtland, Ohio, just to meet Joseph Smith during the time he lived there, from 1831 to 1838.

In The Heavens Resound, Milton V. Backman wrote: "Most of these visitors had been baptized by Latter-day Saint missionaries, but some delayed this ordinance until after they had conversed with the Prophet; then, following additional investigation, they were baptized in the east branch of the Chagrin River. A number of visitors returned home, sold their farms, and then began the hegira journey made for safetyT that led them back to Kirtland or to the other gathering place of the saints in Western Missouri."Most of these travelers had never before seen a man who claimed to be a prophet of God, and they approached Kirtland with various attitudes concerning the proper appearance and conduct of such a man. In Kirtland, the Prophet was likely to be found working in the fields, attending school or church meetings, or relaxing with his family.

"Early in November 1832 . . . Brigham Young, accompanied by Joseph Young and Heber C. Kimball, left his home in Mendon, N.Y., and traveled 325 miles in Kimball's wagon to meet Joseph Smith. (See separate story on this page.) When they arrived in Kirtland, they learned that the Prophet was chopping wood in a field behind the Whitney store. Guided by the sounds of the striking ax, the men hastened toward the east branch of the Chagrin River, where they found the Prophet working with his brothers.

"There stood Joseph Smith, dressed like any common working man of his generation. He was larger, however, than most of his contemporaries, standing six feet tall and weighing about two hundred pounds. Well-built, he was closely shaven and appeared strong, active, and handsome. His complexion was light, his eyes blue, and his hair light brown. The visitors were not disappointed in the appearance or comportment of the man they had come to see."

Joseph was not always busy when immigrants and visitors arrived in Kirtland. Backman's research led him to an account by Louisa Y. Littlefield, who recalled that the Prophet sometimes awaited the arrival of travelers who were coming to the community. As visitors arrived, she recorded in her journal, "Joseph would make his way to as many of the wagons as he . . . could and cordially shake the hand of each person." She observed he was especially interested in children. He would seek out the children and babies, blessing the infants and taking the young children by the hand and speaking especially to them.

Backman pointed out that some of the visitors who traveled to Kirtland during the 1830s to meet Joseph Smith were not members of the Church. He spent many hours discussing the distinguishing aspects of the restored gospel with ministers, teachers, adventurers, and curiosity seekers.

"He frequently succored and entertained in his home both members and non-members," wrote Backman. " `He was a . . . friend to the poor and needy,' one non-member wrote, `and many a weary-foot-sore traveler has been the recipient of his bounty.' "