“I knew not but at any moment the mob might return to complete their dreadful work.” — Amanda Barnes¹

Amanda Barnes Smith (1809–1886) joined the restored Church in 1831 and moved with her family to Missouri in 1838.² Shortly after the Missouri Extermination Order was issued,³ a mob attacked Hawn’s Mill on October 30, 1838.² Amanda's husband and one of her sons were murdered. Her youngest son, Alma, survived, but his hip was shot to pieces. Amanda prayed and was inspired to make a poultice and placed it in his wound.⁴ Alma's hip was miraculously healed, and he made a full recovery.²

1. The Woman's Exponent 1881-05-01 vol. 9 no. 23

2. “Amanda Barnes Smith,” churchofjesuschrist.org

3. “Extermination Order,” churchofjesuschrist.org

4. Saints, Volume 1, Chapter 30, 353-355; The Woman's Exponent 1881-05-01 vol. 9 no. 23