George F. RICHARDSON

RICHARDSON, WATERS, BELL, SNYDER

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 10/11/2014 at 16:18:31

September 21, 1826 -- January 23, 1914

George F. Richardson passed away at the residence of Mrs. W. H. Bell at 3 a.m. January 23rd, 1914. His last two days were days of suffering. That the last few moments were peaceful, conscious moments of resignation. Just as we have seen the son approach its setting, struggle through drifting clouds and as it sinks below the horizon it throws out lights and colors of unclouded beauty. His mind and will were supreme to the last. His life can be briefly summarized as follows:

He was born in the County of Kent, Canada, Sept. 21st, 1826, being in his 88th year at his death, and graduated from the Normal school at Toronto in 1848. He was married to Sarah J. Waters at Chatham, Canada, Dec. 31st, 1852. They lived together over 61 years. He taught school in various parts of Canada and in 1856 moved to Wisconsin, became a citizen of the U. S. and cast his first vote for General John C. Fremont fro President. For eight years he followed his vocation, teaching in the Public Schools of Portage, Wisconsin. In 1864, he joined the quartermaster's department at Louisville, Ky. and served until the surrender of Lee. He volunteered his services to the army but disabilities prevented his acceptance. He was traveling salesman for the A. H. Andrews School Supply firm at the time of the great Chicago fire of 1871. He again returned to his chosen profession and in 1871 moved to Webster City, Ia. He there engaged in School teaching, was Principal of one of the departments and in 1880 became a candidate for Supt. of the schools of Hamilton Co. and was elected for three successive terms. He enjoyed a wide acquaintanceship among leading educators. His closing years were spent here in Renwick and the last five years at the home of his eldest daughter Mrs. Bell.

He leaves a widow of 83 and four children: A. B. Richardson and Mrs. W. H. Bell of this place; Mrs. Mabel Snyder of Buhl, Idaho and Harry Richardson of Des Moines. Three children are buried at Webster City.

Rev. Hudson of the Baptist Church conducted the services, and accompanied the relatives to Webster City, where he completed his services at the grave. The Minister paid a fine tribute to the deceased, as one who dwelt in his thoughts among high ideals and purposes. He labored in educational fields, where results are often far reaching.

In communicating of his death the Webster City Freeman Tribune said: "Mr. Richardson must have been nearly ninety years of age at the time of his death. He was a good educator when in his prime and was with.. a good man and citizen."

The Renwick Times - Renwick, Iowa
January 29, 1914