Historic Johnson Home, Hiram Ohio

History

The Historic Johnson Home (formerly known as the John Johnson Farm) is located in Hiram Ohio, some 30 miles from Kirtland Ohio where many members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints began gathering in the early 1830’s. The lives of the Johnson’s intersected with the church in 1831 when nineteen year old Lyman Johnson developed a deep conviction for the gospel and was baptized in February of 1831. His family was a bit surprised by his enthusiasm and after investigating further themselves, many of them joined the church. The Johnson’s became a huge financial support to the church for a period of time and even hosted the Smith family and Joseph’s scribes from September of 1831 to 1832.Their home was a place of much revelation and prophetic leadership.

Hardship Close to Home

In addition to a great amount of growth in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints during the Ohio period of the church’s history, members of the church also experienced a great amount of opposition. Joseph Smith and Sydney Rigdon were beaten, tarred and feathered only a short distance from this farm; it is thought that they were beaten just up the road in a grassed area surrounded by evergreen trees and shrubs. Economic hardship also hit the saints as a nationwide bank panic hit Ohio and impacted many, including to a large extent the Johnson family. Much was lost during this time in 1837.

Sold for the Trek West

When the Johnson’s sold their large prosperous farm, much of the proceeds went to the church and aided saints in moving west to Missouri. In addition to giving of their wealth to the church, much of the family gave of their time and dedication. Two of the Johnson sons served as apostles for the church, as did John Johnson’s son-in-law Orson Hyde.

The Church’s website records a more in depth history of some of the struggles, and support that the Johnson family had in response to challenges of faith.

Present

Along with several other church history sites in Ohio, the Johnson Family home/farm is open for tour and is redecorated in a similar fashion to how it might have been in the 1800’s. Missionaries for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints offer free guided tours that are modified towards the interest of the guests.

Tips and Logistics

Address
6203 Pioneer Trail
Hiram, Ohio 44234

Phone
1-330-569-3374

Schedule
Monday–Saturday
9:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m.
Sundays
1:30 p.m.–Dusk

Camping

Punderson State Park (about 25 min away)

This Ohio State Park includes overnight options for tents, cabins for rent, RV hookups (electricity and some water) and if you’re feeling posh you can sleep in one of the Manor rooms at the small Inn on site. Punderson State Park is often remembered for its beautiful boardwalks, golf courses, and 150 acre lake.

Other features include:

boats for rent
fishing
hiking
naturalist program
showers
small laundry
dump station

Nearby Attractions

Historic Kirtland Visitor’s Center

This Center is run by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and oversees many village sites from the time of the beginnings of the Church of Jesus Christ in Kirtland, Ohio.

Nearby Sites

N.K. Whitney & CO

Newel K Whitney Store was a general store in Kirtland, Ohio at the time many early members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-days Saints lived there. It is of additional historical significance as the N.K. Whitney & CO building aided the economy of the town and often doubled as a place for church services, organizational meetings, and a religious school.

Directions

From Kirtland Ohio (About 50 min)
1. Head North on Chilicothe Rd toward Kirtland Chardon Rd
2. Take Kirtland Chardon Rd and Aubrun Rd to Vaughn Ave in Mantua Township (28.7 mi)
3. Drive to Pioneer Trail in Hiram Township (2 mi)

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