My Genealogy Hound

CHARLES RICHARDS, Town Clerk and Treasurer of Enfield, was born in that town, September 30, 1818, son of Ephraim and Susanna (Chennery) Richards. Mr. Richards’s father was probably born in Ashford, Conn., in 1774. He settled in Enfield in 1812, and was one of the early manufacturers of Enfield cloth. He also engaged in mercantile enterprise. He was a successful business man, accumulating a considerable amount of property; and he became prominent in public affairs. He was an anti-Mason, a Whig, and later a Republican. When the town of Enfield was incorporated, he was its first Treasurer, and held that office for three years. In 1820 or 1821 he served as a member of the Board of Selectmen. He was for several years a Representative to the General Court in Boston. Subsequently, desiring to retire from public life, he made his wishes known to his constituents. These refused to allow his name to be withdrawn as a candidate, whereupon he agreed to treat the whole town if they would accede to his request. This proposition was immediately accepted, and it is alleged Mr. E. Richards most religiously kept his promise. He was well informed upon all public issues of the day, and was a conscientious public official of the old school. He died in Enfield, aged eighty-eight years. His wife, who was born in Holden, Mass., February 5, 1785, became the mother of nine children, eight of whom reached maturity; and four are now living. They were: Alona M.; Fanny F., now Mrs. Babcock, and residing in Boston; George L.; Susan P.; Charles; Charles, second, the subject of this sketch; William H.; Dexter N.; and Isaac N. — the last three residents of Boston. The mother died in 1872, aged eighty-seven years.

Charles Richards received his education in the schools of West Brookfield and Southampton. Upon the completion of his studies he served an apprenticeship at the jeweller’s trade in Northampton; and, after remaining in that occupation for five years, feeble health caused him to suspend active employment. Upon his recovery he engaged in mercantile business, and was also one of the organizers of the Hampshire Flax Company, with which he remained connected for three years. He conducted business in Enfield as a member of the firm of Bryant & Richards for about three years, at the expiration of which time he retired from the firm, and has since devoted his attention to public affairs. He was appointed a Justice of the Peace in 1853, was an inspector of the Monson almshouse in 1855 and 1856, was appointed a Justice of the Peace and of the Quorum in 1857, and on May 28, 1864, became Trial Justice, an office which he held until the establishment of the District Court. He was appointed Coroner on April 23, 1872; Notary Public in 1875, census enumerator for 1880, 1885, and 1890, and is at present Town Clerk and Treasurer, a position which he has occupied since 1882. He has long been prominent in educational matters and has served as a member of the School Board. Mr. Richards has been twice married. His first wife, whom he wedded September 21, 1841, was Caroline Clark, of Northampton. She died January 5, 1872, leaving four children, as follows: Charles E., who was born March 21, 1845, and resides in Waltham; Edward S., born January 12, 1847, now a commercial traveller for a Boston firm; Joseph C., born January 1, 1857, an undertaker of Boston; and Fred B., born May 29, 1859, now a Congregational preacher in New York City. On December 18, 1872, Mr. Richards married for his second wife Lorana S. Hunt. She was born in Prescott, May 17, 1842, daughter of Horace Hunt. Her father, who was born in New Salem, was engaged in mercantile pursuits for the greater part of his life. He died at an advanced age, and his wife is now residing with a son in Athol. By their union Mr. and Mrs. Richards have two children, namely: Caroline C., who was born October 30, 1873, now a teacher in Boston; and Raymond H., born December 9, 1877, attending school in Monson.

Mr. Richards is one of the oldest and most widely known residents of Enfield. He has been an able and faithful public official for many years, and is still actively engaged in attending to public business. He sustains the time-honored title of Squire with dignity, and is a living landmark of the town. Mrs. Richards is at present serving upon the School Board, and is a member of the Congregational church.