Biographical Sketch of

Thomas Richards

Transcribed by Barbara Voss


Source: Portrait and Biographical Album of Green Lake, Marquette and Waushara Counties, Wisconsin, 
published 1890 by Acme Publishing Co., Chicago, Pages 462 - 463

Thomas Richards, who is engaged in farming and stock raising in the town of Mackford, Green Lake County, is the owner 
of more than 500 acres of land in that vicinity, his home being situated on section 16. He is a native of England, 
having been born in Lincolnshire, June 28, 1818. His parents Gibson and Sarah (Idle) Richards were also born in the 
same county, where were born unto them five children: namely, Mary, wife of William Pearson, of England; Sarah, who 
died at the age of twenty one years; Thomas of this sketch; Elizabeth, who died in her native land in her fifteenth 
year; and Anthony Gibson, who also departed this life in England. Mr. Richards was a land owner of that country and 
was in very comfortable circumstances.

Our subject is the only one of the family yet living and it thus falls to his lot to perpetuate their history by 
written record. He remained under the parental roof until sixteen years of age, when he left home and entered a 
mercantile establishment as salesman, continuing to serve in that capacity for four years when he turned his attention 
to farming, which he followed eight years. In 1850 he determined to cast his lot with the American people, and bidding 
good-by to home and native land, he sailed for this country. Immediately on landing he resumed his journey across the 
continent, stopping only when he reached Green Lake County, where he decided to make his future home. He first purchased 
160 acres of land in the northeastern part of Mackford Township, but in 1860 sold out and bought eighty acres of the 
farm on which he now resides. His landed possessions have since been increased to between 500 and 600 acres, though 
his path to wealth has not always been an easy one. He had $900 when he started for America, but when spring came he 
had only fifty cents remaining. That he expended for a half bushel of potatoes. Being in need of some nails he went to 
the store and asked to be allowed to get some on credit, but was refused. He was then in limited circumstances, but now 
when his efforts have been blessed with an abundance of this world�s goods and he has the money with which to pay for 
everything he cares to buy, the merchants are only too willing to give him credit. It was not long, however, before his 
lands began yielding him a ready return for the care and cultivation which he had bestowed upon them and the difficulties 
and obstacles which he had at first encountered grew less and less, until now all is smooth sailing.

Previous to his emigration to America, Mr. Richards led to the marriage altar Miss Susannah Ellis, who was also born in 
Lincolnshire. Two children, yet living, were born to them-Thomas E., of Hutchinson, McLeod Co., Minn.; and Sarah A., wife 
of Adelbert Bemis, of Hector, Renville Co., Minn. The mother departed this life Sept 19, 1855 and in 1856 Mr. Richards 
was again married, his second union being with Miss Ann King, who was born in Lincolnshire, England, Jan 17, 1833, and 
is a daughter of William and Lucy King. They have ten living children: Anthony Gibson, who was born January 16, 1857 and 
is now living in Renville County, Minn.; William L., born January 2, 1859, still resides in Green Lake County; Mary E., 
born January 15, 1860, is the wife of Fred Bemis, of Green Lake County; John Lincoln, born May 11, 1861, is still in 
Green Lake County; George W., Born August 10, 1862; Carrie, born July 9, 1864, is the wife of Ralph Whitney, of Moore 
County, Minn.; Lucy E., born December 30, 1865, died March 9, 1868; Susie Electa born August 9, 1867; Henry Requa born 
June 30, 1869; General Grant, born July 4, 1871; and  Charley M., Born May 27, 1875.

Mr. Richards and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church and are highly respected citizens of the community 
in which they make their home, He is a warm friend of education and gives his support to any measure which is calculated 
to promote the general welfare, In political sentiment he is a Republican but though he feels a deep interest in political 
affairs he has never been an office seeker, as his business fully occupies his time. For almost forty years he has made 
his home in this community and is widely known.






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