8 Times LDS Priesthood Holders Raised the Dead




Remove the fear of sudden, horrible, flattening death and you may have more people zipping around the world in those wing suit thingies. Take away untimely entry to the great beyond and you’d probably have more dangerous sports like shark-wrestling and - I don’t know - maybe spelunking. Blue whale intestinal spelunking. That, of course, would be just like watching a humongous colonoscopy but with sports drink commercials, blow holes and a daring adventurer who can really hold his breath.

But there is a fear of death. Lazarus being brought back from oblivion resonates for a reason. Lazarus, come forth,” said Christ in John 11:43, and Lazarus did just that. In a gross over simplification, the once-dead man stepped out of the tomb like Boris Karloff on a film set in 1932.

The ultimate miracle in the Bible was Christ’s own resurrection, but the raising of Lazarus is one of the next few to come to mind.

Peter raised the dead too. Acts 9:40 But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed; and turning him to the body said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes: and when she saw Peter, she sat up.”

Paul did it too. Acts 20: 9 And there sat in a window a certain young man named Eutychus, being fallen into a deep sleep: and as Paul was long preaching, he sunk down with sleep, and fell down from the third loft, and was taken up dead. 10 And Paul went down, and fell on him, and embracing him said, Trouble not yourselves; for his life is in him. 11 When he therefore was come up again, and had broken bread, and eaten, and talked a long while, even till break of day, so he departed. 12 And they brought the young man alive, and were not a little comforted.

No small feat. But has it happened outside the Old Testament? Has it happened in modern times? Yes! And Yes! The following are but 8 instances found in LDS history of people who died but were brought back by the laying on of hands with the restored priesthood. Some of them even include NDEs!

Joseph Smith only makes one appearance on this list (Which is directly related to A Day of God's Power – remember that post?) – and here it is:

1) Raising William Huntington from the Dead, as recorded by Levi Curtis:
About the month of August, 1856, William D. Huntington and I went into Hobble Creek Canyon to get a tree or log suitable for making drums. After we had finished our labor and started for home, both of us riding on the log, our conversation naturally turned upon the doctrines of the Church and experiences of the past, when the life and labors of the Prophet Joseph were touched upon. This subject aroused into more than usual earnestness the mind and conversation of my associate.
“He said that in Nauvoo he lived in the family of and worked for Joseph Smith at the time the Prophet had such a wonderful time with the sick, when nearly everybody was stricken down and he himself was among the afflicted, and was one of those who were healed by Joseph. He said he had been sick some weeks and kept getting weaker, until he became so helpless that he could not move. Finally he got so low he could not speak, but had perfect consciousness of all that was passing in the room. He saw friends come to the bedside, look at him a moment and commence weeping, then turn away.
“He further stated that he presently felt easy, and observing his situation found that he was in the upper part of the room near the ceiling, and could see the body he had occupied lying on the bed, with weeping friends, standing around as he had witnessed in many cases where people had died under his own observation.
“About this time he saw Joseph Smith and two other brethren come into the room. Joseph turned to his wife Emma and asked her to get him a dish of clean water. This she did; and the Prophet with the two brethren accompanying him washed their hands and carefully wiped them. Then they stepped to the bed and laid their hands upon the head of his body, which at that time looked loathsome to him, and as the three stretched out their hands to place them upon the head, he by some means became aware that he must go back into that body, and started to do so. The process of getting in he could not remember; but when Joseph said “amen,” he heard and could see and feel with his body. The feeling for a moment was most excruciating, as though his body was pierced in every part with some sharp instruments.
“As soon as the brethren had taken their hands from his head he raised up in bed, sitting erect, and in another moment turned his legs off the bed.
“At this juncture Joseph asked him if he had not better be careful, for he was very weak. He replied, “I never felt better in my life,” almost immediately adding, “I want my pants.”
“His pants were found and given him, which he drew on, Joseph assisting him, although he thought he needed no help. Then he signified his intention to sit in a chair at or near the fireplace. Joseph took hold of his arm to help him along safely, but William declared his ability to walk alone, notwithstanding which, the help continued.
“Astonishment had taken the place of weeping throughout the room. Every looker-on was ready to weep for joy; but none were able or felt inclined to talk.
“Presently William said he wanted something to eat. Joseph asked him what he would like, and he replied that he wanted a dish of bread and milk.
“Emma immediately brought what he called for, as one may easily comprehend, every hand was anxious to supply the wants of a man who, a few moments before was dead, really and truly dead! Brother Huntington ate the bowl of bread and milk with as good a relish as any he ever ate.
“In a short time all felt more familiar, and conversation upon the scene that transpired followed. William related his experiences, and the friends theirs.
“Joseph listened to the conversation and in his turn remarked that they had just witnessed as great a miracle as Jesus did while on the earth. They had seen the dead brought to life.
“At the close of his narrative to me William Huntington remarked:
“Now I have told you the truth, and here I am a live man, sitting by the side of you on this log, and I testify that Joseph Smith was a Prophet of God.” (Levi Curtis, “Recollections of the Prophet Joseph Smith,” Juvenile Instructor 27, no. 12) (15 June 1892): 385-86)
That was JS’ lone entry on this raising the dead list, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t other prophets. This one is probably the best known on the list – Lorenzo Snow:
2) Raising Ella Jensen From the Dead (2 Separate Accounts):
Account #1
“On the 1st of March, 1891, I was taken severely ill with the scarlet fever, and suffered very much for a week. It was on the morning of the 9th that I awoke with a feeling that I was going to die. As soon as I opened my eyes I could see some of my relatives from the other world. . . . I then asked my sister to assist me in getting ready to go into the spirit world. She combed my hair, washed me, and I brushed my teeth and cleaned my nails that I might be clean when going before my Maker. . . . I then bade my dear ones good by, and my spirit left my body.
“For some time I could hear my parents and relatives weeping and mourning, which troubled me greatly. As soon, however, as I had a glimpse of the other world my attention was drawn away from them to my relatives there, who all seemed pleased to see me. . . . I saw so many of my departed friends and relatives, all of whom I have mentioned many times afterwards, and with many of them I conversed. . . . After having stayed with my departed friends what seemed to me but a very short time, yet it lasted several hours, I heard Apostle Lorenzo Snow administer to me, telling me that I must come back, as I had some work to do on the earth yet. I was loath to leave the heavenly place, but told my friends that I must leave them. . . .
“For a long time afterwards I had a great desire to go back to the place of heavenly rest, where I dwelt so short a time.” (quoted in “Remarkable Experience,” Young Woman’s Journal, Jan. 1893, 165)
Account #2 (the Earthly side)
On the recommendation of Elder Snow, Rudger Clawson became president of the Box Elder Stake following his release from the penitentiary. Although Elder Snow was the older of the two by forty-three years, there was an unusually close relationship between them. In March 1891 they joined in raising Ella Jensen from the dead. Ella had died at 10:00 a.m. on a Sunday morning. Her father, Jacob Jensen, Elder Snow's brother-in-law, traveled from his farm to Brigham City to tell Lorenzo. Called out of a meeting, he took Rudger Clawson with him. By the time they reached the farmhouse, Ella had been dead two hours. All were surprised when Elder Snow, after meditating, asked for consecrated oil. He had Rudger Clawson anoint Ella, and Lorenzo sealed the anointing. According to Brother Clawson, in the blessing Elder Snow said "in a commanding voice, 'Come back, Ella, come back. Your walk upon the earth is not yet completed, come back.'" An hour after Elder Snow and Rudger Clawson left, Ella's spirit returned to her body. She later married, gave birth to eight children, and lived to age eighty-six. (Francis M. Gibbons, Dynamic Disciples, Prophets of God: Life Stories of the Presidents of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter- day Saints, p.127)
Notice the moment of meditation Snow took just before the raising. Seeking permission perhaps? Wilford Woodruff, according to his account, received permission unexpectedly:
3) Raising Phoebe Woodruff from the Dead
“December 3rd [1838] found my wife very low. I spent the day in taking care of her, and the following day I returned to [the nearby town of] Eaton to get some things for her. She seemed to be gradually sinking, and in the evening her spirit apparently left her body, and she was dead.
“The sisters gathered around her body, weeping, while I stood looking at her in sorrow. The spirit and power of God began to rest upon me until, for the first time during her sickness, faith filled my soul, although she lay before me as one dead.
“I had some oil that was consecrated ... in Kirtland. I took it and consecrated it again before the Lord for anointing the sick. I then bowed down before the Lord and prayed for the life of my companion, and I anointed her. ... I laid my hands upon her, and in the name of Jesus Christ I rebuked the power of death and the destroyer, and commanded the same to depart from her, and the spirit of life to enter her body.
“Her spirit returned to her body, and from that hour she was made whole; and we all felt to praise the name of God, and to trust in him and keep his commandments.
“While this operation was going on with me (as my wife related afterwards) her spirit left her body, and she saw her body lying upon the bed, and the sisters weeping. She looked at them and at me, and upon her babe, and, while gazing upon this scene, two personages came into the room. ... One of these messengers informed her that she could have her choice: she might go to rest in the spirit world, or, on one condition she could have the privilege of returning to her tabernacle and continuing her labors upon the earth. The condition was, if she felt that she could stand by her husband, and with him pass through all the cares, trials, tribulations and afflictions of life which he would be called to pass through for the Gospel’s sake unto the end. When she looked at the situation of her husband and child she said: ‘Yes, I will do it!’
“At the moment that decision was made the power of faith rested upon me, and when I administered unto her, her spirit entered her tabernacle. ...
“On the morning of the 6th of Dec., the Spirit said to me: ‘Arise, and continue thy journey!’ and through the mercy of God my wife was enabled to arise and dress herself and walk to the wagon, and we went on our way rejoicing”. (“Leaves from My Journal,” Millennial Star, Oct. 3, 1881, 639)
That was the last Church President on this list that raised the dead. But here is the brother of one being raised:
4) Raising Hyrum Grant from the Dead
“Hyrum Grant, my brother, had yellow jaundice which turned to black jaundice. He became as black as my coat. He weighed slightly more than seventy pounds, and was in a most terrible condition. A doctor Van Cott, as I remember it, was waiting on him, and finally announced that my brother was dead. He said, “His pulse has not been beating now for some four or five minutes. He is gone.”
“Hyrum’s son and son-in-law laid their hands upon his head and prayed to God that his spirit might return, that he might live to fulfill a promise made to him that he should live to preside over the Davis stake of Zion. When they got through praying, my brother opened his eyes, and said, “What is the matter with you folks? You look scared half to death.” He got well and did preside over the Davis stake of Zion.” (Modern Miracles, Jeremiah Stokes, p. 131)
This one is interesting. It involves two priesthood holders who seemingly felt over their heads and just wanted to let the dead be. The mother of the deceased, however, wouldn’t:
5) Raising Eliza Ursenbach from the Dead
“It was about the year 1872 that Eliza Ursenbach, widow of Octave Ursenbach, died, her spirit passing into the spirit world, leaving two small children-my sister and the writer. Phoebe Durrant, her mother, and one of the faithful converts from England, was so distracted to a frenzy that she determined that Eliza must return. To this end she sent for two elderly brethren – Elders Goble and West of the sixteenth ward, Salt Lake City. Upon their arrival they said they were sorry, but that they were too late.
“Grandmother answered: ‘It is not too late, for Eliza must return and raise these babies, exercise your priesthood with our faith and God will hear our prayers.’
“Quite reluctantly, the brethren attended to the administration, when suddenly mother opened her eyes and complainingly lisped: ‘Why did you bring me back?’” (Gaze Into Heaven, Marlene Bateman Sullivan, P 20)
FYI – that one included a NDE where the deceased’s dead husband came for her. It’s interesting and you should track it down. Here’s one performed by Ephraim Hanks that occurred on the pioneer trek west:
6) Raising Blair from the Dead
"After dark, on the evening of my arrival in the handcart camp, a woman passed the camp fire where I was sitting crying aloud. Wondering what was the matter, my natural impulse led me to follow her. She went straight to Daniel Tyler's wagon, where she told the heartrending story of her husband being at the point of death, and in pleading tones she asked Elder Tyler to come and administer to him. This good brother, tired and weary as he was, after pulling hand-carts all day, had just retired for the night, and was a little reluctant in getting up; but on this earnest solicitation he soon arose, and we both followed the woman to the tent, in which we found the apparently lifeless form of her husband. On seeing him, Elder Tyler remarked, 'I cannot administer to a dead man.' Brother Tyler requested me to stay and lay out the supposed dead brother, while he returned to his wagon to seek that rest which he needed so much.
"I immediately stepped back to the camp fire where several of the brethren were sitting and addressing myself to Elders Grant, Kimball and one or two others, I said, 'Will you boys do just as I tell you?' The answer was in the affirmative. We then went to work and built a fire near the tent which I and Elder Tyler had just visited. Next we warmed some water, and washed the dying man whose name was Blair, from head to foot. I then anointed him with consecrated oil over his whole body, after which we laid hands on him and commanded him in the name of Jesus Christ to breath and live. The effect was instantaneous. For the man who was dead to all appearances immediately began to breathe, sat up in his bed and commenced to sing a hymn. His wife unable to control her feelings of joy and thankfulness ran through the camp exclaiming: 'My husband was dead but is now alive praise be the name of God. The man who brought the buffalo meat has healed him.'” (https://history.lds.org/article/pioneer-story-martins-cove-ephraim-hanks?lang=eng)
Brother Hanks, as you can imagine, was then pulled left and right to perform healings in the camp. Here’s one from the early days of the church, as recorded and performed by the not-talked-about-enough Benjamin Brown:
7) Raising Sister Crowell From the Dead
“Another very remarkable case of prophecy and healing came under my observation the following spring. A revelation was given by the Spirit, in tongues, to the effect, that one of our number would be poisoned by the enemies of the Church, and be brought nigh to death, but that if she was faithful and sent for the elders of the Church, she should be restored.
“This warning was repeated twice at intervals of about a month. On the last occasion, in addition, it was stated that the person giving the interpretation would be the sufferer. This terrible idea so affected her, that she was completely overcome. After recovering, she proceeded home, and the weather being warm she drank of some sweetened water, which she had prepared in the morning, and had left in an exposed situation, for use. When she had done this the second time, she felt her mouth burn. She immediately declared she was poisoned, and commenced reaching (wretching) violently until she became blind. Her husband, after procuring a person to stay with her, left for one of the elders, but as he had to go some six miles before he returned with myself, she was, to all appearance, dead, and had not been perceived to breathe for an hour.
“Upon arriving at the house, I asked the Lord to cause her to breathe, if she was to recover. Upon looking at her closely, I perceived that she gave two distinct gasps, such as are usually given when the breath is leaving the body. Had I not seen this, I should have concluded that she was dead, for the women who were watching with her said, directly we entered, that she was dead, and had been so an hour. I then administered to her in the name of Jesus, and prayed the Lord to preserve her life till my son-in-law returned with some oil which he had gone to procure. As soon as I had done this, she was able to speak sufficiently, in a whisper, to ask for some water, but so great was her weakness, she fell over on her face when raised to receive the water. The oil arriving, we administered some to her internally, in the name of the Lord, when she arose without assistance, saying, "I am healed! I am well! but I am blind!" I then anointed her eyes, telling her that she should see the light of the day. Her sight immediately returned, and the next day, she, with her husband, was on her way to Illinois.
“The cause of her going there so suddenly was that it had been given in tongues, directly after her recovery, that unless her husband departed at once from that place, both of them would be poisoned! With what had just occurred before their eyes, they needed no second warning this time. This was the same woman that was healed of the cancer, and she is now, I believe, in the valley of the Great Salt Lake.” (https://www.boap.org/LDS/Early-Saints/BBrown.html)
Now for the last – and the most recent – example (1940s-ish). Matthew Cowley, an eventual member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, spent a lot of time as Missionary and then as Mission President with the saints in New Zealand. He performed a lot of pretty major miracles himself – but this time he saw one performed:
8) Raising a Maori Man from the Dead
“I was called to a home in a little village in New Zealand one day. There the Relief Society sisters were preparing the body of one of our Saints. They had placed his body in front of the big house, as they call it, the house where the people come to wail and weep and mourn over the dead, when in rushed the dead man’s brother. He said, “Administer to him.” And the young [Maoris] said, “Why, you shouldn’t do that; he’s dead.” “You do it!”
“This same old man that I had with me when his niece was so ill was there. The [dead man’s brother] got down on his knees, and he anointed this man. Then this great old sage got down and blessed him and commanded him to rise. You should have seen the Relief Society sisters scatter. He sat up and said, “Send for the elders; I don’t feel very well.” Of course, all of that was just psychological effect on that dead man. Wonderful, isn’t it—this psychological effect business? We told him he had just been administered to, and he said, “Oh, that was it.” He said, “I was dead. I could feel life coming back into me just like a blanket unrolling.” He outlived the brother that came in and told us to administer to him.” (https://www.lds.org/ensign/2004/10/miracles?lang=eng)
These eight stories from nine people are almost overwhelming when you read them all together like that. Kind of like how the seer stone stories are overwhelming when they’re shotgunned at you. Or like when you read about the eleven separate instances of glowing people.
Now before you decide you’re invincible and go jumping into the business end of a large sea mammal (with only a head lamp and two ziplock bags full of trail mix), think about this: Most of Joseph Smith’s children died before reaching adulthood. The Haun’s Mill victims all stayed dead. There were an awful lot of shallow graves along the sad trail to Utah. These 8 examples are incredible – but they are the exception, not the rule, obviously.
Still, it’s enough to make us all pause and take note.

Once you’ve wriggled past those whale polyps, anyway.

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