Richard Smith Robinson — Healing of 'White Swelling' and Avoidance of Amputation

In his youth, shortly after arriving in Utah, Richard Smith Robinson suffered from a debilitating and life-threatening condition known as 'white swelling' (likely bone tuberculosis) in his leg. Medical practitioners in Salt Lake City determined that the infection was so severe that amputation was the only way to save his life. Richard, however, exercised great faith and refused the surgery, believing that he could be healed through divine intervention. He sought a priesthood blessing and, through the administration of the elders and his own steadfast faith, the leg was preserved. Although the affliction left him with a slight limp for the remainder of his life, he was able to perform the rigorous physical labor required to settle Southern Utah and lead the community in Pinto.