Holy Ghost / Guidance and Direction

Morgan Richards — Spiritual Prompting to Gather to Zion

Published August 31, 2026 at 4:42 AM

1850s · 1853
Merthyr Tydfil, Wales
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While living in Merthyr Tydfil, Wales, in the early 1850s, Morgan Richards Sr. received a distinct spiritual manifestation regarding his family's future. Despite having a stable life and trade in Wales, he was moved by a powerful prompting of the Holy Ghost that he must gather his family to Zion immediately. This manuscript-sourced account from the DUP collection describes how this divine guidance led him to liquidate his assets and depart on the ship Marshfield in early 1854. This timely departure is viewed as a miracle of guidance, as it allowed the family to join the Darwin Richardson company and reach Utah just before significant hardships and travel restrictions impacted later emigrants from the British Isles.

Sources & References

Mary Richards McInelly, 'Morgan Richards,' DUP History Collection; Pioneer Pathways; Church History Biographical Database (https://history.churchofjesuschrist.org/chd/individual/morgan-richards-1821) (research confidence: medium)

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