Historian’s Claim:
“Stowell trusted Joseph, sought his assistance in seeking treasure, and even took his advice to finally give up the hunt. Joseph Smith Sr. considered his son’s ability sacred and hoped he would cease using it to look for earthly treasures.”
Citation in Support of that Claim:
William D. Purple, “Joseph Smith, the Originator of Mormonism,” Chenango Union, vol. 30, no. 33 (May 2, 1877), 3.
Unreliable
While it is true that a small portion of the reference supports the historians conclusion. It is also true that the cited source claimed that Joseph Smith engaged in animal sacrifice, lied about his seer abilities, and belonged to the “prince of humbugs, Mormonism.” Since these other claims are clearly ridiculous, and exhibit an unmistakable anti-Mormon bias, this source is unreliable as a support of the historians claim
Reliable
The truth regarding these events was proclaimed by Joseph Smith who said;
“In the year 1823 my father’s family met with a great affliction by the death of my eldest brother, Alvin. In the month of October 1825, I hired with an old gentleman by the name of Josiah Stoal, who lived in Chenango county, State of New York. He had heard something of a silver mine having been opened by the Spaniards in Harmony, Susquehanna county, State of Pennsylvania; and had, previous to my hiring to him, been digging, in order, if possible, to discover the mine. After I went to live with him, he took me, with the rest of his hands, to dig for the silver mine, at which I continued to work for nearly a month, without success in our undertaking, and finally I prevailed with the old gentleman to cease digging after it. Hence arose the very prevalent story of my having been a money-digger. JSH 1:56 emphasis added
Note…no mention of stones, magic, or divination to find treasure