The John Johnson Farm is an LDS Historical Site run by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. This site is located in Ohio about 30 minutes south of Kirtland. It is worth visiting the John Johnson Farm site if you are on a Church history tour as many significant events took place on the farm. The tour is free.
History
John Johnson’s sons, Luke and Lyman, were two of the original Twelve Apostles in the newly organized church. Joseph and Emma Smith knew them well because the Smiths lived in this farmhouse with the Johnsons during the early days of the Church.
One famous story that happened at the John Johnson Farm was the tar and feathering of Joseph Smith. While staying at this house with his wife and newborn twins, he was attacked and pulled from the trundle bed on the first floor. He was dragged into the cold night and scratched, beaten, and tarred and feathered there. Later, the young son he’d held in his arms died of possible exposure. You can see this room and a reconstruction of the bed at the Johnson Farm.
The House
Upstairs, another significant event took place. Sidney Rigdon and Joseph Smith received Doctrine and Covenants 76 surrounded by several eyewitnesses. This room is surprisingly small with brightly painted orange trim on the walls.
We enjoyed our visit to the John Johnson farm because we were allowed to tour the house. The house has been restored to look how it was originally painted, and the colors are surprising bright. Along with the orange, there is a brilliant teal color downstairs. There is also very brightly colored tile in one of the bedrooms that matched the original.
More Information
Plan about 30 minutes to visit the John Johnson Farm. Tours are small and personal and begin right outside the house. While you are in the area, make sure to visit Historic Kirtland and the Kirtland Temple. For more information about Church Historical Sites, click here.
