My Genealogy Hound

GEORGE RICHARDSON, M. D., deceased, was one of the most successful physicians of Randolph County. He conducted a good practice in township 6, range 7, for a number of years and became a well known and honored citizen, as well as a noted physician. He was born in Atherton, a small town in Warwickshire, England, June 24, 1833, where both of his parents died when he was quite young. He attended school in his native place, and when very young began to read medicine under Dr. Richings. When but a lad of fifteen he came to this country with his preceptor, locating in Winnebago County, Ill. During the winter of 1856-57 Mr. Richardson attended the Rush Medical College at Chicago, and the following year came to Randolph County, locating a mile south of Ellis Grove. Here he began to practice his profession and soon worked his way into the favor and confidence of the entire community. He was for a long time the only practicing physician in the neighborhood, where he became noted for his rare skill in the treatment of difficult cases.

In April, 1880, in Ellis Grove, Dr. Richardson’s great, warm heart was stilled forever, and his weary brain and overtaxed body found rest in death. He was mourned by many far beyond his sorrowing home circle, for he was the beloved physician and cherished friend in many a household, where his presence had brought healing, or had soothed the last hours of the dying. In his death his profession was deprived of one of its noblest representatives, and the citizenship of the community suffered a sad loss. He was a consistent member of the Episcopal Church, and socially was connected with Kaskaskia Lodge No. 86, F. & A. M. He was an advocate of the Democracy politically, and was an active worker for his party’s principles.

Dr. Richardson in 1861, and again in 1863, visited his old home in England, and during the latter trip was married to Miss Ann Brooker, a native of Chelsea, London, the ceremony occurring January 26, 1864. On his return the following spring he moved on a farm near Kaskaskia, where he resided until the death of his wife, in the fall of 1865. He then resumed his practice in Ellis Grove. On the 28th of February, 1867, Dr. Richardson was again married, taking as his life companion Miss Mary Lilly, a daughter of John I. and Eliza (Fink) Lilly, both natives of Pennsylvania, who came to Ellis Grove in 1853. To this marriage were born two children: Annie E., who is the wife of Elias Hall, and makes her home in Ellis Grove; and Carrie A., who was married to John Feaman and died two years later. Mrs. Richardson is still making her home in Ellis Grove, where she is surrounded by hosts of friends and acquaintances. She is a devout member of the Catholic Church.