Richard was born in England and came to Utah in a handcart company of Mormon immigrants.
Richard's formal education was limited to the 6th grade, but his thirst for knowledge didn't stop as he left the schoolroom; he continued to learn through self-education. His life story lists only two books that he studied and absorbed, but these two provided what he needed in sacred and secular learning.
- The Bible - Richard was known as quite a Bible student. With a remarkable memory, he not only studied this sacred book, histories state that he could quote much of the Bible from memory giving chapter and verse.
- The dictionary was said to be his constant companion and he used it almost continually.
Richard's example of perpetual learning and making the most of what you have available is inspiring to me. With vast amounts of information available instantaneously through electronic access, the skills of study and memorization are sometimes neglected in our day.
Richard must have understood and believed the principle that is now included in the Doctrine and Covenants 130:18. This section includes instruction that the Prophet Joseph Smith gave in 1843:
Richard must have understood and believed the principle that is now included in the Doctrine and Covenants 130:18. This section includes instruction that the Prophet Joseph Smith gave in 1843:
- "Whatever principle of intelligence we attain unto in this life, it will rise with us in the resurrection."
I hope to meet my Great, Great Grandfather someday and maybe he'll teach me a thing or two.
