THOMAS RICHARDSON. This gentleman is deserving of notice, not only as a skilled and prosperous agriculturist, but as a florist of rare ability. His beautiful home in Clear Lake Township is one of the handsomest places in the county, being conspicuous not alone for the neatness of every part of the estate, but for the large lawn and artistic arrangement of the choicest flowers which make a vast garden spot of beauty. Mr. Richardson is the possessor of nearly eight hundred acres of improved land, and has supplied himself with every modern convenience for the prosecution of the work in which he has been engaged and the comfort of the family. His dwelling was erected in 1874, and is a commodious and tasteful structure, well furnished, and displaying the evidences of refined taste in all its arrangements.

Mr. Richardson was born in Scotland, August 12, 1812, his parents being William R. and Elizabeth Hannah (Scott) Richardson. His father was a blacksmith and a most expert workman at the trade. Both parents were Presbyterians in religious faith and practice. The mother lived to the venerable age of ninety-nine years. Our subject received a common school education, and about the time that he entered his teens began to take a part in the labors of life as a herder of cattle. Some years later he drove a salmon fishing boat in England for about six months. He was then apprenticed to the landscape gardener of Sir William Jarden of Jarden Hall, one of the most beautiful places in all Scotland. The young man served an apprenticeship of three years and paid $400 for the privilege of acquiring the business under an expert. He worked altogether on the place four years, receiving nine shillings per week after he finished his apprenticeship.

Mr. Richardson then went to Edinburg and lived there for six years, coming to America from that city in 1840. After landing he went to New Haven, Conn., and hired out to Michael Baldwin to take care of that gentleman's place, remaining there five years. He then turned his footsteps westward, his destination being Springfield, and soon after his arrival he purchased his first farm in Clear Lake Township. He has pushed his affairs with the characteristic energy and steadfastness of the Scotchman, has always kept fine stock, and has made the best of every resource afforded him by nature, or acquired by his own industry and prudence.

Mr. Richardson was married to Miss Janet Wilson, in Scotland, and six weeks after he came to America; she remained in Scotland about a year after Mr. Richardson had emigrated and then she joined him in New Haven. She was born in Hight, Scotland, November 21, 1812, and was an able helpmate and a devoted mother, who wisely ordered her household affairs, and trained her children in ways of usefulness. She breathed her last April 12, 1886, her dying hours cheered by the Christian's hope, she having been for many years a consistent member of the Church of Christ. She was the mother of eight children, named respectively: William, James, Jane, Elizabeth, Mary H., Thomas, John and George. In 1888 Mr. Richardson was united in marriage to Dora Jones, widow of the late John T. Jones, who was born in Kentucky, and came to this county in 1847. She is an efficient housekeeper, a lady of much intelligence, and a worthy member of the Baptist Church.

Mr. Richardson is a man of extended information and one whose personal character wins the respect of his acquaintances. He is a stanch Presbyterian, and gives his political adherence to the Democratic party. He has enjoyed the personal acquaintance of a number of men whose names are placed high on the ladder of fame, among them being Abraham Lincoln, Stephen A. Douglas, John A. Logan, Ninian Edwards, Col. Baker, Judge Edwards and Judge Stephen F. Logan.