Solomon Spalding

Solomon Spalding
Born(1761-02-20)February 20, 1761
DiedOctober 20, 1816(1816-10-20) (aged 55)
Other namesAlso spelled "Spaulding" in some sources
Known forSpalding–Rigdon theory of Book of Mormon authorship
Notable workManuscript Found
SpouseMatilda Sabin
ChildrenMatilda McKinstry

Solomon Spalding (also spelled Spaulding; February 20, 1761 – October 20, 1816) was an American author who wrote two related texts: an unfinished manuscript entitled Manuscript Story – Conneaut Creek, and an unpublished historical romance about the lost civilization of the mound builders of North America called Manuscript Found. Whether these texts are distinct is disputed. As none of his work was ever published, the titles are only working titles and thus not fixed. After Spalding's death, a number of individuals suggested that Spalding's work was used as a source by Joseph Smith Jr for the Book of Mormon, a scripture in the Latter Day Saint movement.