William Richards, born in Wisconsin, began his career with surveying missions in Nebraska and later in Wyoming. He gained notable experience in local politics, serving as a county commissioner and Surveyor General for Wyoming. Richards transitioned to governorship, where he successfully managed the Jackson Hole Indian Crisis and pardoned a minor offender. Post-governorship, he held federal roles, including Commissioner of the General Land Office, and contributed to the passage of the Antiquities Act of 1906.

William Richards's political career is marked by a blend of progressive and pragmatic approaches, particularly in his handling of Indian affairs and criminal justice. His unexpected pardon of Butch Cassidy reveals a nuanced understanding of justice and rehabilitation. Richards's legislative actions, such as opening Indian reservations to settlement, show a complex balance between development and preservation, hinting at a highly localized approach to governance.