My Genealogy Hound

J. M. Richardson, an old and respected citizen of Scotland County, and a resident of Mount Pleasant since 1837, was born in Fentress County, Tenn., on the first day of the new year, 1818. He is the son of J. M. and Abigail (Hildreth) Richardson, both natives of Wythe County, Va. The father was of Welsh-Irish descent, and moved to Fentress County, Tenn., when settlers were few and far between. He was a farmer, and was circuit court clerk for over forty years. He was a wealthy man, and made his money by his own honest efforts. His wife was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and died in Fentress County. Our subject was the sixth of fourteen children, six of whom are now living. He received a fair education, and in March, 1837, left his parents and came to Mount Pleasant Township, took up a claim, and when the government land was sold, purchased a farm, and there he has since resided. July 12, 1838, he married Miss Jane Heryford, a native of Wayne County, Ky., born April 1, 1816, and the daughter of Paul Heryford. To this union were born seven children, six now living: John W., James C., Mary A., Jeffery, Madison B. and Milton; Henry is deceased. Our subject delighted in hunting, and can tell many interesting anecdotes connected with the early history of the county. He has been extensively engaged in farming, and in the rearing of livestock, in which he has been very successful. In June, 1861, he engaged in merchandising in Greensburg, Knox Co., Mo., and continued in business for about four years, but in the meantime was burned out, and lost considerable. He is a decided Democrat, and he and his wife are members of the Christian Church. He is an influential and prominent citizen of the county, and takes great pride in advocating the cause of education and religion, as well as all laudable enterprises.