James A. Rae and Dr. Richard E. Bennett, Church History and Doctrine

The results of being accepted for this scholarship resulted in an extensive life history of one of the most prominent Latter-Day Saint pioneers. Though now largely not well known, Luke S. and the Johnson family played an important role in the beginnings of a new faith. Little information about the life of Luke S. Johnson has been made readily available to members of the L.D.S. church and the public. During the previous six months research has been documented and compiled into a 27 page history highlighting, what most would consider to be, the most interesting and important events of this mans life. The research was compiled in the hopes that descendants and those interested in the history of the early L.D.S. church would have access to an extensive history of Luke S. Johnson’s life. The history has recently been submitted for publication in an effort to make the information available.

Prior to beginning the research, goals were set out to accomplish. First I wanted to find the exact reason or reasons Johnson was excommunicated in 1838. In this goal I was unsuccessful. To my knowledge no record exists stating the exact reason by the brethren of the time as to why he was cut off. However, his actions and suggestions by himself allowed some assumptions to be made as to why he was excommunicated. These are included in the 27 page history.

Second I wanted to find evidence suggesting that Luke S. Johnson was witty and adventurous. Those who are familiar with Johnson believe him to among the ranks of Orrin Porter Rockwell in terms of personality and spirit. A large amount of information was found to prove such. Included in the 27 page history are stories of hunting and scuffles Johnson got into. Of the most entertaining is one of Johnson and his brother, Lyman, rowing across the Missouri River while part of Zions Camp and bravely shooting into a mob of hundreds then immediately rowing back in a shower of bullets pelting the water around them (1). Other instances include the protecting of Joseph Smith, Joseph Smith Sr., Hyrum, and Frederick G. Williams all in different instances from harm and criminal prosecution(2).

I was able to obtain evidence that Luke Johnson added color to the lives of those around him. In interviewing descendants I found that Johnson was a “get the job done type individual” who did not mince words when dealing with people. At the same time evidence was discovered that gave light to the fact that Johnson was a kind and caring individual as well. Johnson always did his best to be fair and compassionate to those around him.

Luke S. Johnson provided valuable service throughout his life in the Church. At a young age he served numerous missions. He was an important member of Zion’s Camp. Johnson was called as one of the original Twelve Apostles of this dispensation. After a period of apostasy Johnson humbly rejoined the Saints in Nauvoo(3). On the great exodus west Johnson provided service as both a dentist and a physician. At the Platte Johnson was one of those who stayed behind to run the ferry providing income for the struggling Saints(4). Upon arriving in Utah Johnson established a small settlement near Tooele. Although he settled in an isolated area, adventure still found Johnson in the form of Indians. Tragedy struck when Johnson lost one of his beloved sons to murder(5).

Luke S. Johnson was a great man who was not without mistakes but a great man none-the-less. He died at the age of 53 in Salt Lake City. At Luke S. Johnson’s funeral Brigham Young eulogized “Since his return to the Church he has lived up to the truth to the best of his ability, and he died in the faith.”(6)

My work on Luke S. Johnson is not finished. The nature of this work is that new evidence continually becomes available. I intend to continue to research Luke and move onto the lives of his brother Lyman and other family members.

References

1. Johnson, Luke. December 31, 1864. Millennial Star 26:836.
2. Ibid.
3. Journal History. 1846. History of Brigham Young 86.
4. Empey, William A. 1847. The Mormon Ferry On the North Platte 134.
5. Journal History. 1859. History of Brigham Young.
6. Black, Susan Easton. 1997. Who’s Who In the Doctrine and Covenants 143.