Darwin Richardson facts for kids

Darwin Charles Richardson (June 29, 1812 – November 13, 1860) was an important person in the early history of the Latter Day Saint movement. He was one of the first Mormon pioneers and a missionary who traveled to different places to share his faith. He was even among the first missionaries to try and preach on the island of Jamaica.

Early Life and Faith

Darwin was born in Lisbon, New Hampshire. We don't know much about his life before he became a follower of Joseph Smith and joined the Latter Day Saint movement around 1834.

In 1834, he was part of a group called Zion's Camp. This group traveled from Ohio to Missouri. Their goal was to help other Latter Day Saints who were having difficulties there.

In 1835, Darwin Richardson became one of the very first members of a special leadership group called the First Quorum of Seventy.

Missionary Journeys

In January 1853, Darwin Richardson and three other missionaries arrived in Jamaica. They wanted to share their faith throughout the West Indies. However, their visit was not easy.

While they were meeting with the American consul, a large crowd of about 150 people gathered outside. They threatened violence if the missionaries were allowed to preach in Jamaica. The crowd was upset, calling them "polygamists."

Because of the threats, Richardson and his friends had to leave the island. Two of them were even shot at as they left.

Instead of Jamaica, Richardson traveled to England to preach. He returned to America in 1854. He came back with over 2,000 new converts from England.

Journey to Utah

In 1854, Darwin Richardson led a group of Mormon pioneers. He was the captain of their company. They traveled all the way across the United States to Utah Territory.

Darwin Richardson passed away in Salt Lake City, Utah Territory, in 1860.