Leonard W. Hardy facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Leonard W. Hardy |
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| First Counselor in the Presiding Bishopric | |
| October 6, 1856 – July 31, 1884 | |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Leonard Wilford Hardy December 31, 1805 Bradford, Massachusetts, United States |
| Died | July 31, 1884 (aged 78) Salt Lake City, Utah Territory, United States |
| Resting place | Salt Lake City Cemetery 40°46′37″N 111°51′29″W / 40.777°N 111.858°W |
| Spouse(s) | Elizabeth Harriman Nichols Sophia Lois Goodridge Esther Smilinda Goodridge Harriet Ann Goodridge Rachel Smith Gardner |
| Children | 18 |
| Parents | Simon Hardy Rhoda Hardy |
Leonard Wilford Hardy (born December 31, 1805, died July 31, 1884) was an important early member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He was a pioneer who helped settle new lands. He also served as a leader in the church's Presiding Bishopric from 1856 until he passed away.
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Early Life and Faith
Leonard was born in Bradford, Massachusetts, in 1805. When he was 27 years old, he decided to join The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He was baptized by a church missionary named Orson Hyde in December 1832.
Missionary Work in England
In 1844, Leonard Hardy traveled far away to England. He went as a missionary for the church, sharing its message with others. He worked in a city called Preston, Lancashire. In 1845, he became the leader of the church's activities in that area, known as a conference president.
Journey to Utah
After returning to the United States, Hardy and his family moved to Utah Territory in 1850. They traveled with many other Mormon pioneers to settle in the western lands. During this journey, Leonard became sick with cholera, but he recovered.
Church Leadership in Utah
In Utah, Leonard Hardy became a bishop for two different local church groups, called wards. On October 12, 1856, he was asked to be the first helper to the church's main leader, the Presiding Bishop, Edward Hunter.
When Bishop Hunter died in 1883, William B. Preston became the new Presiding Bishop. Leonard Hardy was again chosen to be his first helper. However, Leonard passed away just a few months later in Salt Lake City. He was buried at the Salt Lake City Cemetery.
Family Life
Leonard Wilford Hardy had a large family. He was the father of 18 children. He had five wives, including three sisters: Sophia Lois Goodridge, Esther Smylinda Goodridge, and Harriet Ann Goodridge. His other wives were Elizabeth Harriman Nichols and Rachel Smith Gardner.
Legacy
The community of Wilford, Idaho, was named after Leonard Wilford Hardy.
