Follow Us
Like Us
Historical records matching Dr. Levi Richards
view all 28
Immediate Family
-
wife -
-
wife
-
wife -
father
-
mother
-
brother
-
sister -
brother -
sister
-
sister
-
sister
About Dr. Levi Richards
Levi Richards (1799 - 1876), fourth son and ninth child of Joseph Richards and Rhoda Howe, was born 14 April 1799 at Hopkinton, Middlesex County, Massachusetts; he died at age 77 on 18 June 1876 at Salt Lake City, Salt Lake County, Utah Territory, and was buried at Salt Lake City Cemetery. He married (1) Sarah Griffith on 25 December 1843 Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, and (2) Persis Goodall Young on 27 January 1846 at Nauvoo.
Marriages and Children
- Sarah Griffith (1802 - 1892), married 25 December 1843 Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois
- Levi Willard Richards (1845 - 1914)
- Persis Goodall (1806 - 1894), married 27 January 1846 at Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois
Biographical Sketch
From early childhood, Levi showed great interest in things mechanical. He was very musical, playing several instruments, the clarinet being his favorite. He qualified himself for the position of school teacher in the district schools.
Much sickness in his family influenced him to give attention to the use of botanical medicines. Attending school, he qualified in the Thomsonian or Botanical system of medical practice, becoming a successful and skillful practitioner.
About 1835, becoming interested in the Book of Mormon, he went to Ohio to investigate the new faith. Taking up his residence in Kirtland, he was so impressed with Mormonism that he was inclined to give up the practice of medicine for the ministry. However, repeated calls made upon him for his medical services prevented him from following his desire, and he embarked upon the general practice of medicine. His services were in great demand and he rendered to all who called upon him, often declining financial remuneration.
During the time of his practice, he was often called upon to attend Joseph Smith, often accompanying him on trips. In 1841, Dr. Levi went on a mission to England, returning via New Orleans in 1842.
He was highly regarded as a physician. Joseph Smith stated in his journal on 19 April 1843, "Levi Richards is one of the best physicians anyone was ever acquainted with." On 15 December 1843, Smith wrote, "I was seized with dryness of mouth and throat, sickness of stomach, and vomited freely; my wife waited on me, assisted by my scribe, Dr. Willard Richards, and his brother Levi, who administered to me herbs and mild drinks. Revived by evening."
On Christmas Day 1843, Dr. Levi was married to Sarah Griffith, by Brigham Young. Later, he married Persus Goodall, who had divorced Lorenzo D. Young.
After serving a second mission in England, 1848-1853, Dr. Richards returned to Utah, where, while he did not engage actively in practice, he gave freely of his knowledge to friends. He served as a member of "Board of Examination" for physicians. He died 18 June 1876, age 77.
Sources
- Find A Grave Memorial# 19472385
- Mormon Pioneer Overland Travel: Levi Richards; John Brown Company (1853); Age at departure: 54.
view all 13
Dr. Levi Richards's Timeline
| 1799 |
April 14, 1799
|
Hopkinton, Middlesex County, Massachusetts, United States
|
|
| 1836 |
December 31, 1836
Age 37
|
||
| 1843 |
December 9, 1843
Age 44
|
||
| 1876 |
June 18, 1876
Age 77
|
Salt Lake City, Salt Lake County, Utah Territory, United States
|
|
| 1932 |
May 6, 1932
Age 77
|