What's the deal with Luman Walters?

[_MikeMauve]

I'm sure this is a common question, but what do we really know, historically speaking, about Walters. Obviously, he was up to his ears in treasure hunting and magic, but what about his actual biography.

What are the sources for him having been to Europe? What about the "mesmerism" story?

I read he joined the Smith church, but quit soon after, and didn't follow them to Ohio. Sources?

After that he seems to vanish from the record, but he lived until the 1860s-- Any ideas what was he doing all that time?

[_Blixa]

We'd all like to know more about Walters. You should post this in terrestrial; you'd get more bites. I know there are a few posters like myself with an interest in Luman.

[_moksha]

Here is another thread where Walters was discussed: http://forum.newordermormon.org/viewtopic.php?t=15509