James F. Johnson Healed from Severe Gunshot Wound to the Heel (1865)

On November 4, 1865, James F. Johnson, a 13-year-old boy and son of Joel Hills Johnson, suffered a catastrophic accidental gunshot wound while at his father's mill near Mountain Dell in Kane County, Utah.

The injury was severe and devastating: "This day my son James F. of 13 years of age received a very severe accidental gunshot of cut slugs in his right heel which cut the cord and bones of his heel mostly to pieces. Some of the slugs came out at the instep, this accident was very painful and heart rending not only to himself but the whole family."

The extent of the damage was extraordinary—the slugs had severed the heel cord (Achilles tendon) and shattered most of the heel bones. Multiple pieces of metal exited through the instep of the foot. This was a wound that would normally result in permanent disability or amputation in that era.

But through the power of the priesthood and divine blessing, James F. recovered. His father's account records: "He was confined to his bed and to the house about six months before he could walk."

Six months of confinement would have seemed to many as the normal course for such an injury, but the miraculous element lies in the complete restoration of function. Despite the severity of the damage to the heel cord and bones—structures essential for walking—James F. not only recovered the ability to walk but to live a full life.

This healing stands as testimony to the power of priesthood blessings and divine healing during the pioneer era, when medical resources were severely limited and such injuries would have been considered catastrophic.

James F. Johnson lived to adulthood and was later married, testifying to the completeness of his healing.

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

November 4, 1865. This day my son James F. of 13 years of age received a very severe accidental gunshot of cut slugs in his right heel which cut the cord and bones of his heel mostly to pieces. Some of the slugs came out at the instep, this accident was very painful and heart rending not only to himself but the whole family. He was confined to his bed and to the house about six months before he could walk. I administered to him many times and he was blessed of the Lord and recovered so that he could walk and work as well as he ever did.