The writer would state that he has seen a few of these peculiar stones, which have been designated by various names, as Seer-stones, peep-stones, St. John's stones, pendants, gargets, and Indian relics. . . . In New York, where Mormonism originated, there were many people who believed in these stones, and also in the St. John's rod, and the immediate neighborhood of the Smith's and Whitmer's home, there were several persons who were reputed seers and diviners. David Whitmer has a peep stone, which was once used by a girl named Adeline Fuller, who lived in David's family at Kirtland, Ohio, and probably elsewhere. John Whitmer has a stone, the one which his son uses, and states that it belongs to his father, Jacob Whitmer.

It is claimed by some people that Joe Smith's peep stone was stolen from a member of the Chase family who had lived near the home of the Smith's. Dr. McLellin says, "Martin Harris told me that a man was digging a well, and Joseph picked up a small, dark colored stone, and by putting it in a dark place he could see with it. He said he brought it from from the man for Joseph; and he said it was the stone Joseph used in translating the Book of Mormon." it has also been said that Joe had a peep stone before he got the one which was dug out of Chase's well, but that he could see better with Chase's stone than with the other.