Richardson, Thomas

RICHARDSON, WILSON, HAMBLETON, BREWERTON, KRAUS, SCOTT, LANGENHAGEN, KEITHLY, SADIE

Posted By: Volunteer Transcribers
Date: 2/14/2003 at 15:35:26

THOMAS RICHARDSON
Thomas Richardson, the well-known secretary of the Union Building Association, of Clinton, Iowa, and one of the influential business men of Clinton, was born in Staffordshire, England, July 30, 1836, and came to the United States in 1842, with his parents, Thomas and Ann (Wilson) Richardson, the voyage being made on an Irish brig, the Panther, which was nine weeks and three days in crossing the ocean. The family landed in New Orleans and from that place came up the Mississippi to St. Louis, where the father made the first fire brick ever manufactured in America. He continued to follow that occupation throughout his active business life, and died at the ripe old age of eighty-four years. His wife died in 1849, at the age of fifty-two. They were the parents of fourteen children, but only three are now living, namely: Thomas, of this review; Mrs. Sarah Hambleton, of St. Louis; and Mrs. Keziah Brewerton, of Colorado Springs, Colorado.
The subject of this sketch was educated in the free schools of St. Louis, but at the age of ten years was obliged to leave school and earn his own livelihood, his educational advantages being therefore limited. When fourteen years old he commenced learning the barber's trade, which he followed quite successfully for forty-four years, a part of this time being spent in Alton, Carrollton and Whitehall, Illinois.
In 1858 Mr. Richardson was united in marriage with Miss Felitzitas M. Kraus, a native of Ziddersitz, Oberfranken, Bavaria. Her parents died when she was very young. By this union were born five children, namely: John, who in early life followed the barber's trade, but is now engaged in the real estate and insurance business, in Clinton, married Elizabeth Scott, and they have two children: Charles S. and Fay. George W. is a barber, of Clinton. Henry B. Married Edith Langenhagen, and also follows the barber's trade. Anna is the wife of J. B. Keithley, and they have one child, Lola V. Sadie is a milliner of Walla Walla, Washington. On 6th of April, 1865, Mr. Richardson came to Clinton, Iowa, and as a barber began business on Front street, continuing to follow his trade long after he became interested in the Union Building Association, which was organized September 17, 1873, with George Haywood as president, and our subject as secretary. It has grown wonderfully, and to-day ranks among the best companies of its kind in the state. Mr. Richardson is still secretary, while L.P. Allen is president of the association. They have a very roomy office on Fourth avenue, with the largest vault in the city. Mr. Richardson discontinued work at his trade about ten years ago, as the work of the association needed all of his attention, and he has displayed excellent business and executive ability in its management, the success of the enterprise being due entirely to the capability of its officers. When he first became interested in the association he kept his papers in an old soap box, and the prosperity that has come to him is due entirely to his own well-directed and energetic efforts. He built and sold the building now occupied by the Postal Telegraph Company, at 509 Second street, and at one time owned the lots at 601 and 603 Sixth avenue, and still owns three dwellings at 611, 613 and 615 Sixth avenue. He is a member and past grand of the Odd Fellows Lodge, of Clinton, and is also connected with the Iowa Workmen, No. 16.
Source: The 1901 Biographical Record of Clinton Co., Iowa, Illustrated published: Chicago : S. J. Clarke Pub. Co., 1901.