My Genealogy Hound

JAMES B. RICHARDS. Joshua Richards, father of James B. Richards, of Royersford, was a native of Wales. He was educated there in the best schools available for the purpose, and on leaving school turned his attention to the grocery business. He remained in that occupation for some years, but deciding to emigrate to America he set sail for this country in July, 1870. He went to Schuylkill county on reaching Pennsylvania, and located at Minersville, remaining there two years, and then removed to Lost Creek, same county, and remained until 1887, conducting a mercantile business while there. He then removed to Royersford, where he conducted a grocery store, and prospered in business. His health giving way, he went to California where he experienced some benefit for a time, but finally died there, April 2, 1892. He was a very worthy man, and reared his family in the principles of the Christian religion. He was respected by the whole community in which he resided. He married, in Wales, Miss Margaret Bowen, who died October 25, 1880, in Schuylkill county. The couple had the following children: Julia, deceased; Susan, deceased; Harry, deceased; Arthur, James B., Sarah A., deceased; Mary E., and Lillian, deceased.

James B. Richards, subject of this sketch, is a native of Wales, where he was born at the homestead, April 18, 1867. He was educated in Schuylkill county, his parents having come from Wales and located there. On leaving school he entered a coal mine, where he worked hard, and by dint of saving habits, accumulated some money. He remained in this position until his parents removed to Royersford, where he secured a position at the last named place in the stove works as a nickel polisher. He continued there for seven years, and had by this time saved quite a sum of money. He decided to engage in business on his own account. He purchased the store of J. W. Langdon, of Royersford, who conducted a dry goods store, and at once commenced business. He proved a success in the new position from the beginning, and was very popular with the public. He increased his stock and was ultimately obliged, because of rapidly increasing business, to enlarge his store, which is located in the Latshaw Hall building. He has now one of the best stores of this kind in Montgomery county. He is also interested in the grocery business with his brother, Arthur E., in Royersford.

Mr. Richards married, in October, 1893, Miss Sarah Robinson, daughter of Andrew Robinson, of Royersford, the couple having the following children: Russell L., H. Donald, and Margaret L. Richards.

In politics Mr. Richards is a Prohibitionist, and has been named as a candidate for office many times on his party ticket, although, as a matter of course, he has never been elected. He has been a delegate to several state conventions of the Prohibition party. He is a member of the Knights of the Golden Eagle. He is an enthusiastic member of the Methodist church, which he attends regularly, and where he is president of the Epworth League and assistant superintendent of the Sunday school. He is one of the most enterprising and prosperous business men of Royersford, and stands high in the community.