John H. RICHARDSON, jeweler and dealer in musical instruments at Mt. Ayr, is a native of Iowa, born in Muscatine County, January 15, 1854, a son of William and Caroline (KEYES) RICHARDSON, both natives of the State of New York. William RICHARDSON was among the early settlers of Ohio, from which State he came to Iowa in 1849, and married Caroline KEYES in 1853. They settled in Ringgold County, this State, in 1880, where they have since made their home.

John H. RICHARDSON was reared on the home farm in Muscatine County, where he attended the district schools until eighteen years of age. He then went to Michigan with his parents, where he attended the high school at Northport for two years, and later attended Grand Traverse College for one year, after which he returned to Iowa and began his career as a teacher. He taught five years in the common schools in the eastern art of the State, then taught in the high school at West Liberty, Muscatine County.

In 1881 he was appointed as assistant in the public school at Mt. Ayr, which position he filled for two years, when he was promoted to the principalship of the school. He held the position of principal for three years, when he resigned, and immediately engaged in his present business. He is located on the east side of the square, in a fine brick business block, where he keeps on hand a complete stock of jewelry and silverware, muscial instruments, sewing machines, etc., and in his business he is meeting with success, having by his upright and honorable dealings, gained the confidence of all who know him.

Mr. RICHARDSON was married in 1883 to Miss Lulu MILLER, of Indianola, a daughter of the late Rev. J. H. MILLER, who was a member of the Des Moines Conference at the time of his death. Mr. and Mrs. RICHARDSON have two children - Harry M. and Edith E. Both Mr. RICHARDSON and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church.

SOURCES:
Biography & Historical Record of Ringgold County, Iowa, p. 329, 1887.

Transcription and note by Sharon R. Becker, March of 2009

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