The History of William Morgan Richards

When I was four months old, I was given in charge of my Grandmother, Sarah Morgan and my Uncle William Morgan. When I was 6 years old, my uncle took me to work in the coal mine. I worked with him until I was 10 years of age. Afterwards, I worked with several other men. In my youth I never did anything to cause me to be brought before the Justice of the Peace. In the year 1846 some Elders of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints came to that Nebourhood to preach and there was much persecushon on them. After hearing them preach, and having a little talk with them, I believed the Gospel, in which I greatly rejoiced, The Lord being merciful unto me, in giving me a knowledge of the truth. January 11, 1847 I was baptized by David W. Evans (Elder). Near Pengwern Dowlais on the 12/47, I was confirmed by Alfred Clark, the President of Dowlais Branch.

About October 1847, I was married to Mary, Daughter of Moses & Hanah Thomas by David Lewis, Register Office, Merthyr Tydvil on the 3 February 1849. My wife gave birth to a daughter; her name was Ann. Two months afterward we removed to the Twenty Houses near Dowlais. In six months after this, my wife died of Colera Morpus, August 1, 1849. Buried August 3, in Veinor Church Yard, Veinor Parish, Breconshire. She was baptized by Elder William Thomas. Confirmed January 12, 1847, by Alfred Clark, President of Branch. She was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints up to her death. After her death I returned to my Grandmother, October 1849. My little girl died, 7 months old at this time.

I was called to the Office of a Priest and ordained under the hands of Elder William Thomas, 1849. In the same year my Grandmother died. Buried in Veinor Church Yard, Veinor Parish Breconshire. She was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. She was baptized by Elder David W. Evans.

In the beginning of 1850, I moved to Rhmney with Elder David Jones, according to Council of President William Phillips. In this year I was called to the Office of an Elder in Rhmney Branch. Ordained by David Jones and to be first councilor to David Jones, President of Rhymney Branch. I remained in that position for some time, until the removal of President David Jones to Dowlais, then I was called to preside over the Rhmney Branch. I presided for about three months when I was released August 20, 1851, and was appointed to preside over Meirioneth & Montgomery Shires in place of William Evans. August 26, 1851 I was married to Ann Williams, by David Lewis, Registers Office, Merthyr Tydvil. She was baptized by Elder Wm. Evans, May 9, 1847. Confirmed May 12, 1847 by Elder William Evans, Rhmney Branch.

Ann Williams Richards, Daughter of David and Margaret Williams was born in the year 1825 in Hangadog Parish, Carmarthenshire. Her Father was born in the same Parish, and her Mother was born in Ddausant Parish. They were both faithful members with the Baptist. They had 9 children. When the youngest child was 18 months old, all the family removed to Swansea, Glanmorgan Shire. They remained here twelve months. They removed to Hanelby. Her Father gave up farming and went to work on a railway. After working here 12 months, a pece of rock fell on him and killed him on the spot. Was buried in the Felinfol Chapel Grave Yard. In two years after, her Mother died and buried in the same grave. All the children was left fatherless and motherless and was scatered about and Ann came up to Rhmney when about 11 years old. She went in service for her board and clothing. She was in several places until she was 21 years old, and had an excellent character for her duties and honesty. When she was 21 years old, she married with one, William Williams Collier, by Lodowick Edward, Priest, on the 8th of August 1846. In about twelve months after they were married, he was hurt having his backbone broke and was for 3 1/2 years unable to do anything or to move of himself. He died April 14, 1851. He was confirmed April 18, 1847. On the 26 August 1851, we were married and moved to North Wales to the town of Machynlleth. I remained of Carnarvonshire Conference, including Angleysen (sp.?) In the time I baptized several and rebaptized several. We remained there until December, 1853, when I was released to emigrate to Zion. Left Merthyr Tydvil on the of January 1854. Left Liverpool January 4th. Landed in New Orleans inte Weeks to the day. Had a pleasent vouage, only we were rather sick all the way. Took Steamer to St. Louis. Staid in St. Louis two weeks. Came up the River to Kansas City, 12 miles from Independence. Camped there and the Nebourhood three months. Then we on our journey over plains. Arrived in Salt Lake City, about the last of September 1854. Staid in Salt Lake over conference. Started down south to Cedar City, Iron County: arrived there about the last of October, or the beginning of November. Distrance of about 272 miles. Staid in Cedar until March 1857, when we moved up to Beaver City, Beaver County. Stayed in Beaver three years. Moved down to Greenville, March 1860. Distance of four miles.

(WRITTEN IN REMARKS IN BACK OF BOOK THE FOLLOWING:)

I hereby certify that I William Morgan Richards, do humbly desire that some of the Elders presant in my funeral, will preach upon the following words according to a dream that I received. "I have fought a good fight, I have finish my course, I have kept the faith." Timothy 4 Chapter and the 7 Verse.

(WRITTEN UNDER RECORD OF DEATHS - COM. BY B. A. ARTHUR)

William Morgan Richards departed this life October 10, 1880 of the Asthma. He leaves three wives and ten children to mourn the loss of an affectionate parent and an indulgent husband. Having spent his best days in preaching the Gospel and bringing souls into the Knowledge of the Truth. Rejoicing in the privilege of doing so.