JOHN F. RICHARDSON

Sacramento County

Biographies

JOHN F. RICHARDSON

JOHN F. RICHARDSON. The activities which for years engaged the attention of John F. Richardson have been gradually relinquished, and he has entered upon that honorable retirement which follows well-directed and successful efforts. At his home in Sacramento he occupies the position to which his industry and high principles of honor entitle him, living quietly, looking after his general business interests. Mr. Richardson is a native of New York, having been born in Wyoming county February 5, 1827, the son of William and Fanny (Frink) Richardson, the former also a native of New York state, where for many years he was a dealer in coal. Up to his eighteenth year Mr. Richardson remained at home, receiving his education in the public schools of his native place, and afterwards secured employment as a farm hand on a ranch, but the stories of the discovery of gold in California fired his imagination and ambition and he determined to try his own fortunes in the Golden West. Taking the usual route across the plains, he arrived in California September 10, 1850, and at once engaged in placer mining, continuing in this for two years, at the end of which time he returned to New York.

On his second westward trip Mr. Richardson went to Illinois, where he married Mary E. Lewis, daughter of Russell Lewis. Mr. and Mrs. Richardson made the journey to California by water, encountering storms and rough weather during the greater portion of the voyage. Arriving in this state Mr. Richardson again engaged in mining, and was successful in this venture, making some $3,000. He then abandoned the mines and entered the employ of his uncle, Ledger Frink, with whom he remained about one year, then engaged in the dairy business near Georgetown. Later he disposed of this business and formed a partnership with Mr. Detruck, which, after one year, was dissolved.

In 1878, his first wife having died in 1875, Mr. Richardson was married to the widow of James Rundon, a native of Leicestership, England, and they now reside at Sacramento. Mr. Richardson continued in the diary business until 1896, then retired from active business. He is fraternally identified with Mentor Lodge No. 37, I. O. O. F., and in politics is a stanch supporter of the Republican ticket. Notwithstanding the fact that he is in his seventh-eighth year he is very active.

Transcribed 11-1-07 Marilyn R. Pankey.

Source: “History of the State of California and Biographical Record of the Sacramento Valley, California” by J. M. Guinn. Pages 1094-1097. Chapman Publishing Co., Chicago 1906.