My Genealogy Hound

Jacob F. Richardson, a dealer in general merchandise at Mineral Point, was born in Illinois November 19, 1838, and is a son of John R. and Catherine Richardson. The father was a miner by occupation, and discovered the famous Buck Horn diggings in the Dubuque Lead Mines, Iowa. He died in Washington County, Mo., March 9, 1858, to which county the family had removed in 1842. Of the nine living children Jacob F. is the third. He was reared a farmer and miner, which occupations he followed until the outbreak of the war. He enlisted first in the State troops, and after serving his time entered the Thirty-first Missouri Infantry, being discharged in 1863 on account of disability. He married Miss Mary J. Mesplay, a daughter of Bazil Mesplay, an early settler of Washington County. In 1881 Mr. Richardson commenced selling goods, and is doing his share of the trade of the place. Mr. and Mrs. Richardson have seven children, viz.: Willis, Sarah B., Frank, Nellie, Mamie, Walter and Stella. John R. Richardson, father of our subject, was a soldier in the Mexican War.