David Pettegrew, Left Nearly Dead by a New Brunswick Mob, Healed Overnight and Preaches the Next Day (1844)

While serving as a missionary and electioneer for Joseph Smith’s 1844 presidential campaign in New Brunswick, Elder David Pettegrew was severely beaten by a mob and left nearly dead on the ground. Despite his critical condition, he maintained his faith and called upon his companion, Elder Jesse W. Crosby, to lay hands on him and administer a blessing. Following this act of faith, Pettegrew experienced a remarkable recovery. The very next day, he was able to travel seventeen miles to fulfill a previously scheduled appointment, where he preached the restored gospel to a large and attentive congregation. During his broader mission, Pettegrew traveled through New England, preaching the truth to thousands of people and taking the opportunity to visit his relatives in Vermont and New Hampshire.

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

I have been laboring in the province of New Brunswick, and have met with much opposition. In this I received a most liberal share, being left nearly dead on the ground; but yet, trusting in the Lord I called on Brother Crosby to lay hands on me, and the next day traveled seventeen miles and according to appointment, which was interesting, I preached to a large congregation of people. I have traveled through the New England states, and preached to thousands of people, and have had the privilege of visiting my relatives in Vermont and New Hampshire.