One of the more important sites in the life of the Prophet Joseph Smith was the home of John and Elsa Johnson in Hiram, Ohio. Joseph and Emma Smith lived in that home for nearly a year.
Because Joseph presided over The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the Johnson farm home would have been the de facto church headquarters during the time that he lived there. Important conferences convened there. Looking at the front of the house, the two windows at the upper right identify the room where a number of church conferences were held and revelations received.
It was while living at the Johnson home that Joseph Smith was tarred and feathered. Sidney Rigdon, who was living across the street, was also violently assaulted at that time. The adopted son of Joseph and Emma Smith died shortly after those assaults.
John Johnson and his family eventually moved to Kirtland and occupied a home near the Kirtland Temple. That home still stands.
In the 1950s, Wilford C. Wood of Bountiful, Utah, acted as agent to purchase the John Johnson farm for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He personally worked to restore the home and property. It was one of a number of important historical sites and structures acquired through Wood's instrumentality.
Now, the home is still owned by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and is open to the public for free tours.
Kenneth R. Mays is a board member of the Mormon Historic Sites Foundation and has also been an instructor in the LDS Church’s Department of Seminaries and Institutes for more than 35 years.