Jesse Wentworth Crosby - Tree Branch Falls on Head, Miraculous Healing by Elders' Prayer

“In the spring of 1839, I moved with my father's family to Chautauqua County, New York. One day as I, with my brother and brother-in-law, was working in the forest, the wind being high, a branch from a high tree some six inches in diameter fell, and struck one end upon the ground, the other upon my head which struck me lifeless to the earth. I was taken up for dead and conveyed to my father's dwelling. The family doctor was sent for, but my mother and others of my friends being firm in the faith of the gospel, sent a messenger for the elders of the Church, living some six miles distant. The doctor came first, examined my wounds and said in the hearing of witnesses, that my case was a doubtful one, and that without medical aid, I could not recover. But my mother begged him to let me alone, and said that when the elders came I should come to myself and live, and not die. The doctor accordingly left, not a little surprised and with all offended. The elders came, anointed me with oil, and laid their hands upon me in the name of the Lord and prayed. When my reason returned, I recognized the inmates of the room, and in being asked if I knew anyone, I replied that I knew them all. This was the first that I had seemed to understand or know since the accident. I was very weak, but from that hour I began to mend, and in about three weeks I was able to follow my former occupation and drive teams.”

— Jesse Wentworth Crosby, Autobiography (1820–1869)