My children and I, as well as the younger generations, have been greatly blessed with a rich Church heritage. It obligates each of us to strive to live up to that legacy rather than boasting of it. Where much is given, much is required.
As senior members of the Counsel of the Twelve Apostles each of my grandfathers died six months before they would have had to assume the burden of Church president. Grandpa Richards’ father, Franklin D. Richards, also served as President of the Twelve. He compiled the original Pearl of Great Price. Three of my uncles, Abram Cannon, Sylvester Cannon and Legrand Richards, also served in the Twelve. Willard Richards, prominent in early church is my great-grandfather by sealing.
Grandpa George Q. Cannon served as alternate counselor in the First Presidency with Brigham Young, and as first counselor to Presidents John Taylor (his uncle), Wilford Woodruff and Lorenzo Snow. President Woodruff considered him as the father of Utah statehood for his labors in congress and with Abraham Lincoln. He was one of the founders of Zions Bank, ZCMI, the power company and numerous other companies.
We are from pioneer stock. Grandma Cannon walked all the way from Nauvoo to Salt Lake except when men had to carry her across rivers. There she was baptized as she turned eight. I used to ask her to tell me again of the buffalo that chased her.
My father and mother were also exceptional people who I will write about elsewhere.
You should also be proud of your Eriksson heritage, which like hybrid corn, brought strength into the family.
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