Franklin D. Richards (Mormon apostle)
Franklin Dewey Richards (1821–1899) (commonly known as Franklin D. Richards) was a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from February 12, 1849 until his death, December 9, 1899. He also served as president of the quorum from September 2, 1898 until his passing. Both his son, George F. Richards, and grandson LeGrand Richards were members of the quorum, with his son also serving as president of the quorum from 1945 to 1950.
Calling
Elder Lyman Wight was excommunicated from the church in December of 1848 because he refused to join the church in the Salt Lake Valley. This left an opening in the quorum.
To fill the vacancy, and to bring the number of the quorum up to 12, Franklin D. Richards was called and set apart as the fourth of four apostles on February 12, 1849. The other three apostles were Charles C. Rich, Lorenzo Snow, and Erastus Snow.
President of the Twelve
With the passing of President Wilford Woodruff on September 2, 1898, President Lorenzo Snow became the president of the church. As the second-most senior apostle in the Quorum of the Twelve, Elder Richards assumed the role of President of the Twelve. His term was short-lived, as he lived only 15 months longer.
Death
President Richards suffered a stroke and paralysis in the fall of 1899. He passed away quietly in his home in Ogden, Utah on December 9, 1899.
The vacancy in the quorum created by his death was filled by Reed Smoot.
See Also
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Quorum of the Twelve Apostles Lorenzo Snow |
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