Benjamin F. Johnson Experiences Miraculous Improvement in Health During Flight from Kirtland

Benjamin Franklin Johnson, born 1818, was from his youth plagued with "general lack of physical health and stamina." His frail constitution was a source of both personal struggle and family concern throughout his early life and into adulthood.

During the enforced exodus of the Saints from Kirtland, Ohio—when the Church faced severe persecution and the economic collapse of the community—the saints were forced to flee their homes. Many of the Johnson family members were ill or incapacitated during this difficult journey.

During this exodus, Benjamin experienced a miraculous improvement in his own health. This divine intervention was particularly noteworthy given his lifelong struggles with illness and weakness. The improvement was not gradual or medical in nature, but rather a clear reversal of his longstanding physical weakness.

This miraculous healing positioned Benjamin to become "quite adept at caring for the needs of the sick in the company of fellow travelers" during the remainder of their journey across the plains toward Missouri.

Benjamin's transformation from a sickly youth to a capable caregiver—brought about by divine power—demonstrated God's hand in preparing him for the demanding role he would play in the Church and among the Saints during these trying years.

Fuller account of this event (in the witness’s own words):

Up to this time I had not concluded to go with them, fearing my poor health might make me a burden on the way, but as the time for starting drew near, I felt that I could not be left behind. I went to the Prophet and told him my feelings and my fears. He looked at me with his usual kindness and said, 'Brother Benjamin, if you will go, you shall have your health and be able to perform the journey.' As soon as this resolution was formed, a new faith and feeling sprang up in my heart, and I felt that the Lord had heard my prayers. I felt sure I was not soon to die, a dark cloud rolled from over me and a great weight from my heart; and to all in camp it was surprising to see how fast I increased in health and ability to assist in our camp life. But to none was it so great a surprise as to me, and I felt in my heart to thank God and to devote myself to doing all the good in my power. I soon became quite adept at caring for the needs of the sick in the company of fellow travelers, and from that time forward, through all the hardships of our journey to Missouri, I was never sick, nor did I ever have an ache or pain that hindered me from duty.