Leonard Rich
Born: 1800
Called to Presidency of the Seventy: 1 March 1835
Honorably Released from Presidency of the Seventy: 6 April 1837
Died: 1868
Called to Presidency of the Seventy: 1 March 1835
Honorably Released from Presidency of the Seventy: 6 April 1837
Died: 1868
Biographical Articles
Jenson, Andrew. "Rich, Leonard." Biographical Encyclopedia. Volume 1. pg. 189-190.
RICH, Leonard, one of the First Seven Presidents of Seventies from 1835 to 1837. joined the Church at an early day and his name is first mentioned in the history of Joseph Smith, in connection with a council of High Priests and Elders, held in Kirtland, Ohio, Feb. 12, 1834, where he was called in question for transgressing the Word of Wisdom and for selling the revelations at an extortionary price while "journeying east with Father Lyons." Bro. Rich confessed and the council forgave him upon his promising to do better and reform his life. Later, he marched to Missouri as a member of Zion's Camp, and after his return to Kirtland he was ordained one of the first Seventies in the Church Feb. 28, 1835, under the hands of Joseph Smith and others. Soon afterwards he was chosen one of the First Seven Presidents of Seventies and took an active part in the public affairs of the Church for some time. Joseph Smith, in his history of Dec. 9, 1835, writes: "I would remember Elder Leonard Rich, who was the first one that proposed to the brethren to assist me in obtaining wood for the use of my family, for which I pray my heavenly father to bless him. * * * And I shall ever remember him with much gratitude for his testimony of benevolence and respect." In a letter written by the Prophet In September, 1837, the following occurs: "Leonard Rich and others have been in transgression, but we hope they may be humble, and ere long make satisfaction to the Church; otherwise they cannot retain their standing." Having been ordained a High Priest previous to his ordination to the office of a Seventy, he was counseled to identify himself with the High Priests; and his place among the Seventies was filled April 6, 1837, by the appointment of James Foster as one of the First Seven Presidents.
RICH, Leonard, one of the First Seven Presidents of Seventies from 1835 to 1837. joined the Church at an early day and his name is first mentioned in the history of Joseph Smith, in connection with a council of High Priests and Elders, held in Kirtland, Ohio, Feb. 12, 1834, where he was called in question for transgressing the Word of Wisdom and for selling the revelations at an extortionary price while "journeying east with Father Lyons." Bro. Rich confessed and the council forgave him upon his promising to do better and reform his life. Later, he marched to Missouri as a member of Zion's Camp, and after his return to Kirtland he was ordained one of the first Seventies in the Church Feb. 28, 1835, under the hands of Joseph Smith and others. Soon afterwards he was chosen one of the First Seven Presidents of Seventies and took an active part in the public affairs of the Church for some time. Joseph Smith, in his history of Dec. 9, 1835, writes: "I would remember Elder Leonard Rich, who was the first one that proposed to the brethren to assist me in obtaining wood for the use of my family, for which I pray my heavenly father to bless him. * * * And I shall ever remember him with much gratitude for his testimony of benevolence and respect." In a letter written by the Prophet In September, 1837, the following occurs: "Leonard Rich and others have been in transgression, but we hope they may be humble, and ere long make satisfaction to the Church; otherwise they cannot retain their standing." Having been ordained a High Priest previous to his ordination to the office of a Seventy, he was counseled to identify himself with the High Priests; and his place among the Seventies was filled April 6, 1837, by the appointment of James Foster as one of the First Seven Presidents.