An article in The Aurora (Lisbon, Ohio) reports on the establishment of Kirtland and the Kirtland Bank.
"Mormonism in Ohio," The Aurora (Lisbon, Ohio) (January 19, 1837): 3, Joseph Smith Papers newspaper research files, 1977-2011, CR 100 1051, Church History Library
MORMONISM IN OHIO. Munson, Ohio, Nov. 14, 1836. Last week I passed through Kirtland, and I was astonished to see that a city had sprung up since I was there last March. I should think there were between 100 and 200 houses (perhaps more) new building, most of them are small and plain, but some of them are elegant. Who can tell what the end of Mormonism will be? They have paid 100 dollars per acre for farms about one mile south the centre of Kirtland. Near the Temple they ask 5 dollars per square foot for the use of the land per annum. Most of the farms between the centre of Kirtland and the centre of Chester, they own; they also own a large store in Chester, and do business under the firm of Rigdon, Smith, & Co. They trade on a large scale, and make market for everything that can be raised about here. wheat 12s, corn 6s, butter 1s 6d, a 2s. (i. e. 25 cents)—Their village will undoubtedly be incorporated as a city next winter. They have procured plates from New York, for issuing Bank notes, payable 30 after demand.