Franklin D. Richards

Born at Richmond, Berkshire County, Massachusetts. Baptized by his father in 1838. Ordained a seventy in 1840 and sent on a mission to northern Indiana. Sent on a mission to England in 1844 but before setting sail was called back because of the death of Joseph Smith. Gathered donations for the Nauvoo Temple in Michigan in 1845. Labored on the temple in 1846. Went on a mission to England as the Saints, including his invalid wife and infant daughter, were leaving Nauvoo. Returned to the United States and arrived in the Great Salt Lake Valley in 1848. Ordained an Apostle in 1849. Called to another mission in the British Isles in 1849. Established the Perpetual Emigrating Fund. Returned to Great Salt Lake City in 1852 and served in the territorial legislature. In 1854 returned to the British Isles to preside over the work there as well as in Europe, Africa, Australia, New Zealand, and the East Indies. Traveled extensively in Europe during this mission. Returned to Great Salt Lake City in 1856. Called to serve another mission to Europe in 1866. Moved to Ogden in 1869. Elected probate and county judge that same year and held these posts until 1883. Became president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in 1898. (Andrew Jenson, Latter-day Saint Biographical Encyclopedia, vol. 1 [Salt Lake City: Andrew Jenson History Co., 1901], 115–21; Franklin Lorenzo Richards West, Life of Franklin D. Richards, President of the Council of the Twelve Apostles [Salt Lake City: Deseret News Press, 1924]; Lives of our Leaders: Character Sketches of Living Presidents and Apostles of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints [Salt Lake City: Deseret News, 1901], 67–83.)