William P. RICHARDSON

RICHRADSON, BARNARD, WOOD

Posted By: Sharon R Becker (email)
Date: 3/2/2009 at 18:03:15

Ringgold Record, 1888

OBITUARY.

On Saturday, April 14, Wm. P. RICHARDSON departed this life in Mt. Ayr, Iowa. He had been a long time in uncertain health. Not that he was confined to his bed, nor the house, for he was often on the street, and sometimes passed to and from his home twice a day. Yet he became slower in his movements and more suffering in his quiet, as the days rolled by. Indeed the night given for rest, brought much pain, for the recumbent position made breathing difficult, and it was often necessary for him then to sit up. Notwithstanding his oppresive breathing, he manifested a becoming patience and cheerfulness, and bore the restraints and burdens of sickness with quiet dignity and submission. His last moments were as usual in like cases, unexpectedly sudden.

On the afternoon of the previous day, his pastor called on him and found him, after awaking from a nap, as he said, "very much refreshed." He conversed with a full voice, and with marked interest in the conversation. His pastor, speaking of sickness, remarked that next to the minister of the Gospel, a good physician was the most useful man - for the minister's aim is to cure the soul, and the doctor's to cure the body; but that Jesus Christ united the two offices in His person of preacher and physician, for He both healed the body and cured the soul of sin. Mr. RICHARDSON answered: "I have two physicians." Supposing that he had called in a consulting physician, it was remarked, "Who are they?"

He gave the name of one, and added: "The second one is that other one whom you named."

"Do you mean the Lord Jesus Christ, and that He has cured your soul of sin?"

The answer came directly, "Yes." After a few remarks in the same line, "Good evening" was said, expecting another interview the next day. After spending a wakeful though very happy night with his family, he was suddenly called away at the next morning's breakfast hour.

The funeral services were held in the Presbyterian church, on Sabbath, April 15, 1888, at 2 o'clock p.m., and conducted by the Rev. E. P. WOOD. Thus passed away a gentle and good citizen, a devoted husband and an affectionate father. An overflowing church tendered their sympathy to the surviving family.

Mr. RICHARDSON was born February 20, 1816, in Cayuga County, New York. His parents removed to Knox County, Ohio, in 1818, and to Muscatine County, Iowa, in 1849, his post office being West Liberty. Mr. RICHARDSON married Caroline L. KEYES, then of Muscatine County, but formerly of Monroe County, New York, February 17, 1853. He moved to Grand Traverse, Michigan, in 1871, and back in 1875. In 1880 he moved to Ringgold county, and has been a resident of Mt. Ayr since the fall of 1886. He leaves a widow, two sons and one daughter - Prof. J. H. RICHARDSON, formerly principal of the Mt. Ayr public school, Mrs. George W. BARNARD, and Mr. Hugh RICHARDSON. --E. P. WOOD.

Transcription by Sharon R. Becker, 2008