Cousin George A. Smith Healed of Rheumatism

On January 1, 1836, in Kirtland, Ohio, Joseph Smith and his family experienced a time of reconciliation and rejoicing. Following this gathering, the company united to administer to Joseph Smith’s cousin, George A. Smith, by the laying on of hands. George A. Smith had recently returned from a mission and was suffering from a severe, painful case of inflammatory rheumatism that affected his entire body, causing him excruciating pain. Through the administration, he was immediately healed of this rheumatic affection. As recorded in his 1835–1836 journal, Joseph Smith reflected on the occasion as a true jubilee and a time of great rejoicing.

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

Friday, January 1st, 1836. This day we have had a time of rejoicing, and a jubilee, such as has not been since the organization of the Church. My father and mother, my brother Hyrum and his family, my brother William and his family, my brother Samuel and his family, my brother Don Carlos and his family, and my sister Catherine and her family, have all been with me, and we have spent the day in the most agreeable manner. After which we all unitedly administered by the laying on of hands to my cousin George A. Smith, who was immediately healed of a severe rheumatic affection all over the body, which caused excruciating pain.