**UPDATE** to Vern Holley Book of Mormon Place Names Theory

[Craig Paxton]

I’ve long been a fan of Vern Holley’s work and his theory that Joseph Smith derived the place names of locations for his Book of Mormon from the names and villages he was familiar with in his own back yard.  Here is a post I made on the old Recovery From Mormonism page some 15 years ago for those interested in reading it:  https://www.exmormon.org/Mormon/mormon544.htm

F.A.I.R.. took quite a different tack and countered that few if any of these locations were even known or available to Smith pre-1829 as these villages and locations didn’t even appear on maps of that era nor had they been incorporated into cities or villages.
And there this argument  has rested for nearly 15 years…that is until the advent of A.I..

With A.I., I’ve been able to do an in-depth analysis of the names Holley first suggested came from Smith environment.  I asked A.I. to:
Consider yourself an expert in America geography and pre-1829 American maps. Analyze these locations and place names, recognizing that some may be of a local river, stream or other map proper name and provide the date these names came into use pre-1829.  I then gave A.I. the names of each of Holley’s map locations.  The results were fascinating:

Note that each of Holly’s locations actually were in wide common use pre-1829 (the date for the printing of the Book of Mormon) and were definitely available for Smith, assuming that Holley’s theory proves correct.  While I have always felt that Holley was spot on, When F.A.I.R. came out with their counter argument, I had to agree that Holley's theory had some flaws. Well now with the Super Powers of A.I. we have the ability to do a deeper dive into Holley's theory and while certainly not conclusive and definitely in need of more work, according to A.I. Holley was on to something and all of his place source name's were in common use prior to the printing of the Book of Mormon.

Here is Smith's Book of Mormon name followed by Holley's original source name and the year it was in common use and it's approximate distance from Smith. Note: all pre-1829

Alma → Valley of Alma
Region: West Virginia (Tyler County).
Date of Common Use: Settled ~1780s; "Alma" as a community name emerged in the early 19th century, with postal records confirming use by the 1830s. Likely in common use ~1810s–1820s as settler’s formalized communities.
Smith Connection: Though ~300 miles from Palmyra, NY, "Alma" (Latin "nourishing," also biblical resonance via "Almah" in Isaiah 7:14) fits the religious naming trends Smith knew from New York’s revivalist culture. He might have encountered it through travelers or religious literature.

Angola → Angola
Region: New York (Erie County).
Date of Common Use: Named ~1817 during Holland Land Company settlement; in common use by the 1820s as the village developed (e.g., early Erie County maps).
Smith Connection: ~100 miles west of Palmyra, Angola was accessible via emerging roads or the Erie Canal (begun 1817). Its exotic name, tied to African trade, could have caught Smith’s attention.

Antrim → Antum
Region: Pennsylvania (Franklin County).
Date of Common Use: Antrim Township established 1741; in common use by the 1740s as Scotch-Irish settlers populated the area (e.g., colonial land records).
Smith Connection: ~200 miles south of Palmyra, Antrim’s Scotch-Irish roots mirror migration patterns into western New York. Smith might have heard it via family lore (his ancestors were from New England, with ties to such settlers).

Antioch → Anti-Anti
Region: Virginia (speculative, no strong New York/Ontario match).
Date of Common Use: Frontier churches named "Antioch" (biblical city) emerged in Virginia by the 1780s–1790s, in common use as settlements grew.
Smith Connection: ~400 miles from Palmyra, but biblical names were ubiquitous in revivalist preaching Smith experienced in the Burned-Over District. "Anti-Anti" could reflect a playful or symbolic twist.

Boaz → Boaz
Region: West Virginia (Wood County).
Date of Common Use: Settled ~1780s; "Boaz" (biblical figure) likely in common use by the 1790s as religious communities formed.
Smith Connection: ~300 miles from Palmyra, but biblical names like Boaz (Ruth 2) were familiar to Smith through scripture and local naming (e.g., churches or farms).

Conner → Comner
Region: New York (speculative, possibly Oneida County area).
Date of Common Use: No prominent "Conner" recorded, but surname-based names in central New York (e.g., Connor variants) were in use by the 1790s as settlement spread post-Revolution.
Smith Connection: Oneida County (~70 miles from Palmyra) was active during Smith’s youth. A minor locale or family name like "Conner" could have reached him via neighbors or maps.

Ephrem, Saint → Ephraim, Hill
Region: Ontario, Canada.
Date of Common Use: French Catholic names like "Saint Ephrem" (after St. Ephrem the Syrian) were in use by the 1700s in Ontario’s mission areas (e.g., Georgian Bay, 1600s–1700s).
Smith Connection: Across Lake Ontario from Palmyra, French names could have entered Smith’s awareness via trade or missionary tales. "Ephraim" (Genesis 41) also ties to biblical roots he favored.

Hellam → Helam
Region: Pennsylvania (York County).
Date of Common Use: Hellam Township settled 1730s; named and in common use by 1736 (e.g., colonial surveys).
Smith Connection: ~150 miles from Palmyra, Hellam’s German origin might have reached Smith through Pennsylvania migrants into New York. "Helam" suggests a phonetic shift.
 
Jacobsburg → Jacobugath
Region: New York (speculative, prioritized over Pennsylvania).
Date of Common Use: Western New York settlement (e.g., Genesee Valley) began 1790s; a "Jacobsburg" (if it existed) would be in use by the 1800s.
Smith Connection: Closer to Palmyra (~50–100 miles depending on location), a surname-based name like "Jacobsburg" fits Smith’s region. "Jacobugath" could be an embellished variant.

Jerusalem → Jerusalem
Region: New York (Yates County).
Date of Common Use: Settled 1790s by Jemima Wilkinson’s followers; "Jerusalem" in common use by ~1791 (e.g., land records).
Smith Connection: ~30 miles from Palmyra, this biblical name tied to a local religious sect was likely known to Smith, making it a direct influence.

Jordan → Jordan
Region: New York (Onondaga County).
Date of Common Use: Settled early 1800s; "Jordan" (biblical River Jordan) in common use by 1810 (e.g., town formation).
Smith Connection: ~60 miles from Palmyra, Jordan’s biblical resonance and proximity make it a plausible inspiration.

Kishkiminetas → Kishkumen
Region: Pennsylvania.
Date of Common Use: Lenape name pre-1750; in common use by Europeans ~1760s as settlement advanced (e.g., Armstrong County).
Smith Connection: ~200 miles from Palmyra, this Native name could have reached Smith via trade routes or Revolutionary War tales, adapted to "Kishkumen."

Lehigh → Lehi
Region: Pennsylvania and New York Valley.
Date of Common Use: Lenape "Lechauwekink" named by 1740s; in common use as "Lehigh" by settlers in the 1740s–1750s (e.g., Moravian records).
Smith Connection: ~150 miles south, Lehigh’s Native origin might have been known via maps or travelers, simplified to "Lehi."

Mantua → Manti
Region: New York (speculative).
Date of Common Use: Classical names in New York (e.g., Rome) emerged early 1800s; "Mantua" likely in use ~1810s if present. (Pennsylvania’s Mantua near Philadelphia was ~1790s.)
Smith Connection: Classical naming was trendy near Palmyra (e.g., Syracuse); "Mantua" could have inspired "Manti."

Monroe → Moroni
Region: New York (Orange County).
Date of Common Use: Settled 1740s; named "Monroe" (after James Monroe) by 1818 (e.g., town records).
Smith Connection: ~200 miles from Palmyra, but Monroe’s prominence during Smith’s youth (Monroe was president 1817–1825) suggests familiarity, adapted to "Moroni."

Minoa → Minon
Region: New York (Onondaga County).
Date of Common Use: Settled early 1800s; "Minoa" (classical Crete reference) in common use by ~1812 (e.g., village records).
Smith Connection: ~60 miles from Palmyra, this classical name fits regional trends Smith knew, tweaked to "Minon."

Moraviantown → Morianton
Region: Ontario, Canada.
Date of Common Use: Founded 1792 by Moravians and Delaware Indians; in common use by the 1790s (e.g., mission records).
Smith Connection: Across Lake Erie, Moraviantown’s missionary fame might have reached Smith via religious networks, adapted to "Morianton."

Morin → Moron
Region: Ontario, Canada.
Date of Common Use: French surname-based names in use by the 1700s in Ontario; no specific "Morin" site, but plausible by the 1800s.
Smith Connection: French Canadian influence near Palmyra could have introduced "Morin," reshaped to "Moron."
Noah Lakes → Noah, Land_of
Region: New York (speculative).
Date of Common Use: No pre-1829 record; if a minor feature, possibly named in the 1800s (e.g., ~1810s–1820s).
Smith Connection: Biblical "Noah" (Genesis) plus "Lakes" (Finger Lakes region?) suggests a creative blend from Smith’s surroundings.

Oneida → Onidah
Region: New York (Oneida County).
Date of Common Use: Native occupation pre-colonial; "Oneida" in common use by Europeans ~1788 (county formed 1798).
Smith Connection: ~70 miles from Palmyra, Oneida’s Iroquois prominence was well-known, adapted to "Onidah."

Oneida Castle → Onidah, Hill
Region: New York (Oneida County).
Date of Common Use: Native site pre-1700; European naming as "Oneida Castle" ~1760s (e.g., fort records).
Smith Connection: Same proximity as Oneida; "Hill" might reflect local topography, inspiring "Onidah, Hill."

Omer → Omner
Region: New York (speculative).
Date of Common Use: No pre-1829 record; if a biblical or surname locale, possibly ~1800s.
Smith Connection: "Omer" (Exodus 16) could be a biblical nod Smith adapted to "Omner" without a specific site.

Rama Rama → Ramah
Region: Ontario, Canada.
Date of Common Use: Ojibwe territory pre-colonial; European naming with treaties ~1818 (e.g., Treaty No. 16).
Smith Connection: Across Lake Ontario, "Rama" might have reached Smith via Native or treaty news, simplified to "Ramah."

Ripple Lake
Region: New York (speculative).
Date of Common Use: No pre-1829 record; if a descriptive feature, possibly ~1800s.
Smith Connection: Finger Lakes region abounds with water names; "Ripple Lake" could be a poetic invention.

Sodom
Region: New York (Yates County).
Date of Common Use: Settled 1790s; "Sodom" (biblical) in common use by ~1800 (e.g., early maps).
Smith Connection: ~30 miles from Palmyra, this ironic name likely amused or intrigued Smith.

Shiloh
Region: West Virginia.
Date of Common Use: Biblical "Shiloh" (Genesis 49) in use by churches ~1780s.
Smith Connection: ~300 miles away, but biblical names were common in Smith’s religious context.

Land of Midian
Region: New York (speculative).
Date of Common Use: No literal site; biblical "Midian" (Exodus) possibly symbolic, not in common use as a place name.
Smith Connection: Purely scriptural, reflecting Smith’s narrative creativity.

Tecumseh/Tenecum
Region: Ontario, Canada.
Date of Common Use: Named post-1813 (Tecumseh’s death); in common use ~1820s (e.g., Essex County).
Smith Connection: Tecumseh’s fame crossed borders; Smith likely knew it by the 1820s, adapted to "Tenecum."

Summary of Dates:

Here’s a concise list of when these names came into common use pre-1929:
Agathe, Saint: ~1700s
Alma: ~1810s–1820s
Angola: ~1817–1820s
Antrim: ~1740s
Antioch: ~1780s–1790s
Boaz: ~1790s
Conner: ~1790s
Ephrem, Saint: ~1700s
Hellam: ~1736
Jacobsburg: ~1800s
Jerusalem: ~1791
Jordan: ~1810
Kishkiminetas: ~1760s
Lehigh: ~1740s
Mantua: ~1810s (NY); ~1790s (PA)
Monroe: ~1818
Minoa: ~1812
Moraviantown: ~1790s
Morin: ~1800s
Noah Lakes: ~1810s–1820s (speculative)
Oneida: ~1788
Oneida Castle: ~1760s
Omer: ~1800s (speculative)
Rama Rama: ~1818
Ripple Lake: ~1800s (speculative)
Sodom: ~1800
Shiloh: ~1780s
Land of Midian: N/A (symbolic)
Tecumseh/Tenecum: ~1820s
Conclusion
These dates show that most names were established or in common use by the early 19th century, aligning with Smith’s active period (1810s–1820s) in upstate New York. His adaptations reflect a blend of proximity (e.g., Jerusalem, Oneida), regional awareness (e.g., Angola, Tecumseh), and cultural influences (biblical, Native, classical), supporting your theory of geographic inspiration for the Book of Mormon.
 

[Everybody Wang Chung]

Excellent work Craig! This completely destroys 40 years of apologetics on this issue.

You really need to publish these findings or at least present them at the next Sunstone Conference.

Also, you made the one of the most devastating discoveries, which the apologists have not been able to explain/address. I once asked DCP if any apologist had addressed the “Craig Paxton Teancum Conundrum” and DCP never responded). This is brilliant:

Tecumseh also known as Tecumtha or Tekamthi (or as Teancum in the Book of Mormon) and Moraviantown (known as Morianton in the Book of Mormon) are historically linked since this is were the Shawnee Indian Chief Tecumseh was killed in a battle just like Teancum was involved in a battle with the people of Morianton as described in the Book of Mormon.

See Alma

35 And it came to pass that the army which was sent by Moroni, which was led by a man whose name was Teancum, did meet the people of Morianton; and so stubborn were the people of Morianton, (being inspired by his wickedness and his flattering words) that a battle commenced between them, in the which Teancum did slay Morianton and defeat his army, and took them prisoners, and returned to the camp of Moroni. And thus ended the twenty and fourth year of the reign of the judges over the people of Nephi.

And

Alma 51: 29

29 But it came to pass that they were met by Teancum, who had slain Morianton and had headed his people in his flight.


So in all it was a good afternoon of searching the internet...I didn't expect to find this last gem in my search. Its amazing what a little google search can turn up.

[Dr Exiled]

"All in all it was all just bricks in the wall." Pink Floyd. Soon we'll be walled off from our most brilliant financial analyst brethren and their apologist minions. "Have a drink on me." AC/DC.

[Moksha]

Coffee with Kishkiminetas is a bit hard to type out.

[Craig Paxton]

Excellent work Craig! This completely destroys 40 years of apologetics on this issue.

You really need to publish these findings or at least present them at the next Sunstone Conference.

Also, you made the one of the most devastating discoveries, which the apologists have not been able to explain/address. I once asked DCP if any apologist had addressed the “Craig Paxton Teancum Conundrum” and DCP never responded). This is brilliant:

Tecumseh also known as Tecumtha or Tekamthi (or as Teancum in the Book of Mormon) and Moraviantown (known as Morianton in the Book of Mormon) are historically linked since this is were the Shawnee Indian Chief Tecumseh was killed in a battle just like Teancum was involved in a battle with the people of Morianton as described in the Book of Mormon.

See Alma

35 And it came to pass that the army which was sent by Moroni, which was led by a man whose name was Teancum, did meet the people of Morianton; and so stubborn were the people of Morianton, (being inspired by his wickedness and his flattering words) that a battle commenced between them, in the which Teancum did slay Morianton and defeat his army, and took them prisoners, and returned to the camp of Moroni. And thus ended the twenty and fourth year of the reign of the judges over the people of Nephi.

And

Alma 51: 29

29 But it came to pass that they were met by Teancum, who had slain Morianton and had headed his people in his flight.


So in all it was a good afternoon of searching the internet...I didn't expect to find this last gem in my search. Its amazing what a little google search can turn up.

Thanks that's very generous of you. I've cross posted this to both the Mormon Stories Facebook page and on the Exmormon Reddit and have been given some appropriate push back due to the unreliability of A.I.. I still need to cross reference each place name and document them as well. For example Angola, seems less confirmed than when I first posted this. More work to do.

[Shulem]

Keep us posted. I may dive in at some point if I have time...

[Moksha]

I've tried to track down that Angola connection, but it seems to have been there since the inception of the Underground Railroad to freedom in Canada.

[I Have Questions]

Craig, have you considered discussing your findings with Vogel to stress test their veracity? I’m just thinking they seem on the face of things pretty strong evidence, so having them properly peer reviewed would be a useful exercise at some point.

[PseudoPaul]

I would take anything A.I. tells you with a grain of salt. It's not reliable for research, not yet anyway.

[bbbbbbb]

I would take anything A.I. tells you with a grain of salt. It's not reliable for research, not yet anyway.

It does, however, run circles around efforts to research various topics when the primary sources were covertly secreted in a vault in Salt Lake City.