The Johnson Farm is also significant as the site of the tarring and feathering of Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon in March 1832.

From 1971 to 2002, the adjoining farm was used to grow and process apples and strawberries as part of the Church's welfare program.

[5] John and Mary Elsa Johnson came to Hiram with their 10 children in 1818 and bought 100 acres (40 ha) on both sides of modern-day Pioneer Trail.

Initially, they lived in a log cabin on the south side of the road before building the colonial style house in 1828.

The family used the farm to grow apples and corn, along with raising dairy cattle they used to make cheese, which was sold throughout the region and as far away as New York.

The Johnsons sold the home and property to the Stevens family in 1833 when they moved to Kirtland and it was passed through four generations before being purchased by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1956.

While Joseph was sleeping on the trundle bed on the first floor of the Johnson home, a mob of about 25 attacked him and dragged him out the front door.