Phinehas Richards facts for kids

Phinehas Howe Richards (born November 15, 1788 – died November 25, 1874) was an important early leader. He was involved with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and also played a role in the government of Utah Territory. Sometimes his first name is spelled Phineas.

Early Life and Family Connections

Phinehas Howe Richards was born in Framingham, Massachusetts. This was in Middlesex County, Massachusetts. He came from a notable family.

His Family

Phinehas was the brother of Willard Richards, who was also a well-known figure. He was also the father of Franklin D. Richards and Henry P. Richards. Franklin D. Richards later became an apostle in the Church.

In 1818, Phinehas Richards married Wealthy Dewey. They started their family together. In 1825, he was given the job of county coroner. This meant he investigated deaths.

A Family Tragedy

A sad event happened in 1838. His oldest son, George Spencer Richards, passed away at age 15. This happened during a difficult time for members of the Church, known as the Haun's Mill Massacre. This loss deeply affected Phinehas and his family.

Joining the Church and Public Service

Phinehas Richards became a member of the Church of the Latter Day Saints in 1837. After joining, he took on many important responsibilities within the Church and in the communities where he lived.

Church Leadership Roles

Richards served on high councils in several places. These councils were important leadership groups in the Church. He served in:

• Kirtland, Ohio
• Nauvoo, Illinois
• Winter Quarters, Nebraska
• Salt Lake City, Utah

Role in Nauvoo

He was also a member of the Nauvoo City Council. This council helped govern the city of Nauvoo. During his time on the council, he spoke about the challenges faced by the Church members. He used the memory of his son's death to explain why he believed the city needed to protect its citizens.

Service in Utah

Later, in Utah, Phinehas Richards continued his public service. He was part of the 1st Utah Territorial Legislature. This was the first group of lawmakers for the Utah Territory. He also served as the chaplain for this legislature.

Advocating for Justice

In 1844, Phinehas Richards wrote an important message. He sent it to the people of Massachusetts. In this message, he asked them to help the Latter-day Saints. He wanted them to take action against the unfair treatment the Latter-day Saints had experienced in Missouri. He sought justice for the wrongs committed against them.