John Lowe Butler 12 x 18 paper print

5- E 12 x 18 Paper Print  by Mathew David Grant

John Lowe Butler (1808–1860) was an early member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and a close associate of the Prophet Joseph Smith. Butler was known as a strong, loyal man—Joseph even called him “my bulldog,” a nickname that reflected his steadfast defense of the Prophet and the Church.

According to family and historical accounts, Joseph Smith once gave John Lowe Butler a cloak (or coat) that had been associated with miraculous healings. Some versions of the story say Joseph had worn it while blessing the sick, and that the garment carried a spiritual or symbolic power of healing. Later, Butler himself is said to have used the cloak in faith to bless and heal others, invoking the power of God in the same spirit Joseph had.

While this story doesn’t appear in the official canon or major Church historical documents, it survives in Butler family histories, journals, and oral tradition, which emphasize the deep bond of trust between Joseph and Butler and the continuation of priesthood healing power through faith and objects symbolically tied to the Prophet.

12 x 18 paper print