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WillardRichardsPICture.jpg
Willard Richards (June 24, 1804 - March 11, 1854) was born in Hopkinton, Massachusetts to Joseph and Rhoda Howe Richards on June 24, 1804.
In 1836, Richards worked at a medical practice in Boston when he came across The Book of Mormon. He read the book twice within ten days and, after making the necessary preperations, left for Kirtland, Ohio to be with the Saints and join the Church. He was baptized there on December 31, 1836, by Brigham Young and ordained an Elder roughly two months later, in February 1837.
Shortly following his ordination, Richards was called on a brief three-month mission to the Eastern United States. He was called on a more extended mission to Great Britain immediately upon his return. Richards met his wife, Jennetta Richards, while thusly engaged.
He was ordained an Apostle on April 14, 1840 by Brigham Young. After the death of Joseph Smith, he was called as Second Counselor in the First Presidency under Brigham Young.
Richards was a member of the incarcerated party at Carthage Jail when Joseph Smith, Jr. and Hyrum Smith were martyred.
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