The Good Doctor

Staying in the (Dr.) Willard Richards was truly not only an honor, but a welcome refuge from the packing and cleaning of our Nauvoo apt. We felt a calm and peaceful feeling there, also gained a greater appreciation for Willard Richards. He was a faithful friend and dependable recorder for the prophet. He was assigned many responsibilities for the Church. When Joseph was asked why Bro. Richards had so many callings he said, "I have looked long for a man with feelings like my own heart...Willard Richards is the man!" Willard was a member of the Quorum of the Twelve, who was jailed with Joseph and Hyrum Smith and John Taylor in Carthage. Shortly before the martyrdom, the jailer suggested that the prisoners would be safer in an iron-barred cell next to the bedroom. Joseph asked Elder Richards, who was called the "doctor" by his friends..."If we go into the cell, will you go in with us?" The doctor answered, "Brother Joseph, you did not ask me to cross the river with you - you did not ask me to come to Carthage - you did not ask me to come to jail with you - and do you think I would forsake you now? But I will tell you what I will do; if you are condemned to be hung for treason, I will be hung in your stead, and you shall go free."