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Below is a family biography included in The History of Spencer County, Indiana published by Goodspeed, Bros. & Co. in 1885.  These biographies are valuable for genealogy research in discovering missing ancestors or filling in the details of a family tree. Family biographies often include far more information than can be found in a census record or obituary.  Details will vary with each biography but will often include the date and place of birth, parent names including mothers' maiden name, name of wife including maiden name, her parents' names, name of children (including spouses if married), former places of residence, occupation details, military service, church and social organization affiliations, and more.  There are often ancestry details included that cannot be found in any other type of genealogical record.

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JOSEPH M. RICHARD, a prominent citizen of Hammond Township, is a native of Switzerland County, Ind., where he was born May 28, 1826, being the eldest, and the only surviving member of a family of seven children born to John and Mary (Clevenger) Richard, natives of Prussia and Virginia respectively. Joseph with his parents, remained in his native county until 1830, when the family removed to Cincinnati. From there, after two years, they removed to Kentucky and remained four years. They then came to this State and county in 1836, and settled on the farm where our subject now lives. His father died February 6, 1858, and his mother, June 10, 1884. Joseph received such an education as the primitive schools afforded. He has always followed farming, in which pursuit he has been quite successful. In politics he is a Republican, but in local elections does not allow himself to be controlled by party prejudice. Mr. Richards’ marriage with Fannie E. Owen was solemnized on February 11, 1862. To their union six children have been born. Five: Mary E., Joseph W., Sallie S., Orpha J. and John are living. Lina L. is deceased.

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This family biography is one of 344 biographies included in The History of Spencer County, Indiana portion of the book: History of Warrick, Spencer and Perry Counties Indiana published in 1885 by Goodspeed, Bros. & Co.  For the complete description, click here: Spencer County, Indiana History and Genealogy

View additional Spencer County, Indiana family biographies here: Spencer County, Indiana Biographies

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