Matthew is a historian for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (otherwise known as the Mormon Church). He has done extensive research for the Joseph Smith Papers and continues to work with the church in sharing church history.

John C Bennett had a variety of professional interests throughout his life including a medical background and military background. He reached out to Joseph Smith to express his disappointment in how Joseph had been treated. He then meets Joseph and joins the young LDS Church. He quickly gains popularity in the church, becoming the mayor in Nauvoo, and an assistant president to the First Presidency of the Church. However, soon John finds himself in the midst of controversy.