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         JOHN RICHARDS, a farmer and stock-raiser residing on section 5, Columbus City Township, was born in Wales, Sept. 18, 1830, and is a son of Richard and Jane (Lewis) Richards. The parents were born, lived and died in Wales, the death of the father occurring in 1873, of the mother in 1849. The father was a farmer by . . .

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. . . occupation, and reared a family of children, though only two emigrated to America, John and Evan; the latter is now residing in California.

Our subject grew to manhood upon his father’s farm, and in 1856 he emigrated to Rock Island, Ill., and there worked at the carpenter’s trade, which he had previously learned in his native land, for about nine months. Removing to Coal Valley, in Rock Island County, he there also followed the same occupation until 1861, when he responded to the first call for volunteers, and enlisted in the 12th Illinois Infantry as a mechanic. Receiving his discharge at the expiration of his term, he returned to Coal Valley, making it his home for a year, when he removed to Louisa County, in 1863, and renting land, engaged in farming. His first purchase of land was made in 1874, consisting of 160 acres on section 5, Columbus City Township, where he still makes his home. To his original purchase he has added as time passed, until his farm now comprises 233 acres, which are well cultivated.

In 1871 John Richardson wedded Mrs. Ann Williams, widow of Richard Williams, her maiden name having been Arthur. She is a native of Wales, and by her former marriage became the mother of two children: Rachel, wife of David O. Jones, of Clay County, Iowa; and Mary, wife of Humphrey Richards, a resident farmer of Louisa County. By the latter union four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Richards: William, now living in Colorado; Jane, wife of John Paugh, of Colorado; Lewis, who is engaged in teaching; and Kate, yet at home. Politically, Mr. Richards is a Republican. He is a member of the Congregational Church, while his wife is a member of the Calvinistic Church. To all enterprises for the public welfare he lends his earnest support, and is one of the representative farmers of Columbus City Township.