President of the British Mission, 1852-1854, 1857-1858, and the Eastern States Mission, 1895-1897, Editor of the "Millennial Star, " Board of Regents University of Deseret, and held many civil offices in Utah. Richards was born in Richmond, Massachusetts, son of Phineas Richards and Wealthy Dewey. His journals describe the following: His early life; conversion to Mormonism, 1838; proselyting activities in New England; conflict in Nauvoo, Illinois before and after the martyrdom of Joseph Smith; building and dedication of the Nauvoo Temple; marriage to Mary Parker; excommunication of James J. Strang; preparations to move west with the Mormons; mission to England, 1846; journey across the plains, and arrival in the Salt Lake Valley, 1849; his service as Salt Lake City councillor; return to Europe, church activities there, 1852; attendance at the Deseret Theological Institute, 1855; his plural marriages; publication of the Deseret Alphabet, 1856; work on a constitution bill for Utah, 1856; trip to the eastern United States, 1870; life in Salt Lake City; delegate to Coalville County Convention, 1887. The diaries also contain poems and hymns written by Samuel Whitney Richards, and an experience with Oliver Cowdery in Missouri, 1848.

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