Healing of Elsa Johnson
Published October 25, 2026 at 8:13 PM
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Elsa Johnson, who had been suffering from a rheumatic arm for two years and was unable to lift her hand to her head, was healed by Joseph Smith in 1831. Joseph Smith visited the home of John and Elsa Johnson in Hiram, Ohio. In the presence of others, including a Methodist preacher and a Campbellite doctor, Joseph Smith took Elsa by the hand, offered a short mental prayer, and commanded her in the name of Jesus Christ to be whole. Elsa was instantly healed and was able to perform her household chores, such as washing, the following day without pain.
In Their Own Words
“In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ I command thee to be whole. — Joseph Smith, as recorded in History of the Church, 1:215–16”
Sources & References
History of the Church, 1:215–16; Joseph Smith Foundation, 'Joseph Smith - Miracles'; FAIR Latter-day Saints, 'Joseph Smith/Healings and miracles' (research confidence: high)
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