Levi Richards facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Levi Richards |
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| Personal details | |
| Born | April 14, 1799 Hopkinton, Massachusetts, United States |
| Died | June 18, 1876 (aged 77) Salt Lake City, Utah Territory, United States |
| Resting place | Salt Lake City Cemetery 40°46′38″N 111°51′29″W / 40.7772°N 111.8580°W |
Levi Richards was an important early leader in the Latter Day Saint movement. He was also a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He worked as a doctor for the church's founder, Joseph Smith, and other members. This was during the time the church was growing in Nauvoo, Illinois. Levi was the older brother of Willard Richards, who became a church apostle.
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Early Life and Education
Levi Richards was born on April 14, 1799, in Hopkinton, Massachusetts. He learned to be a special kind of doctor. This type of doctor, called a botanical physician, used plants and natural remedies to help people.
Becoming a Church Member
In 1836, Levi Richards joined the Church of the Latter Day Saints. After joining, he moved to Kirtland, Ohio. This was where many members of the church were gathering at the time.
A Life of Service
Levi Richards spent much of his life serving the church. He was known for his dedication and hard work.
First Mission to Britain
In the late 1830s, Levi Richards served as a helper to Joseph Fielding. They worked together in the church's mission in Britain. By 1840, Richards was still serving as a missionary there. He helped share the church's message with many people.
Marriage and Nauvoo Life
Levi Richards married Sarah Griffith on December 25, 1843. Brigham Young, another important church leader, performed their marriage ceremony. Richards also served on the city council in Nauvoo. This meant he helped make decisions for the city where many church members lived.
Second Mission to Wales
From 1848 to 1853, Richards went on another mission to Britain. His wife, Sarah, went with him. They left their only child, Levi W. Richards, with family members. This was done on the advice of Brigham Young. For part of this mission, the Richards served in Wales. Sarah Griffith was born in Wales, so it was a special place for them. During this time, Levi Richards oversaw all the missionary work in Wales. This made him like the main leader, or mission president, for the church in Wales.
Settling in Utah
After their mission, the Richards family returned to the United States. They then traveled to Utah Territory. There, they reunited with their son, Levi W., who was eight years old by then.
A Church Leader in Utah
Levi Richards lived for several years in downtown Salt Lake City. Later, in the early 1870s, he moved to a different part of Salt Lake City. In 1873, he became a patriarch in the church. This is a special role where a person gives blessings and guidance. Levi Richards passed away in Salt Lake City on June 18, 1876.
