Transcribed by Mary Ann Kaylor
Page 1562
RICHARD, FRANK, was born in Germany, in April 1828. His parents spent their entire lives in Germany, where the father carried on farming in a small way, but was not able to do much for his children in the way of starting them in life. Frank, however, was soon able to provide for himself, after his school days were over, when he learned the excellent trade of shoemaker.
In 1853 Frank Richard left Germany, and by slow means finally reached the United States. Being equipped with his trade, for which there is always a demand, he easily found work at the bench. He landed at the port of New York and from there came directly to Springfield and has lived in this section ever since. He worked at his trade until his health failed, then turned his attention to farming, his wife owning an excellent farm on the outskirts of the city, and he has also done considerable gardening.
At Springfield, Ill., on December 15, 1857, Mr. Richard was married to Miss Catherine Schwartz, who was born in Lauderback, Germany, March 26, 1834, a daughter of Michael and Margaret Schwartz. Her parents spent their entire lives in Germany, Mrs. Richard being brought to American when young by her uncle, Conrad Locke. The latter was a shoemaker by trade. Mrs. Richard was the youngest of her parents' family. Mr. and Mrs. Richard have had nine children and have sixteen grandchildren. The oldest daughter, Mary, is the wife of Martin Schimmitz, and they live at Springfield; Mrs. Amelia Casey also is a resident of Springfield; Frank; Elizabeth, wife of Thos. Taylor, living on the old farm, having bought the same; August, Louis, Katherine, Julia and Sophia are all deceased. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Richard who reached maturity all married and established homes of their own and in addition to the sixteen grandchildren who have been taught according to the good old German way, to give obedience and respect to their grandparents, there are two great-grandchildren. Mr. Richard is a member of the Roman Catholic Church, but Mrs. Richard belongs to the German Lutheran Church of Springfield.