My Genealogy Hound

REV. JOSEPH RICHMOND, a retired minister of the Gospel, is at present residing in the pleasant village of Green Ridge. He was born in Virginia, March 7, 1817, and was the fourth in order of birth in the family of Joseph and Mary (Whorton) Richmond, both natives of Washington County, Pa. They were reared and married in the Keystone State and in 1816 took up their abode in Virginia.

Joseph Richmond, Sr., was a farmer and miller and followed these combined occupations in the Old Dominion very successfully until his decease, his good wife also dying in that state. In our subject’s childhood there were very few schools in his neighborhood, and even these, which were conducted on the subscription plan, were taught by persons possessing inferior education. The greater part of his knowledge has been gained by his own efforts since attaining mature years.

The father of our subject was not a very wealthy man, and in order that he might do his share toward the support of the family, young Joseph remained at home until the year prior to attaining his majority, when he made his way to Ohio and secured work as a farm hand for one season. The following winter was spent with a married sister in the Buckeye State. The next summer he worked out, and the ensuing year farmed a piece of property on shares. This was really his first venture in making money, for his work the two previous summers had netted him only $9 and $10 per month.

Mr. Richmond continued to do farm work in Ohio until 1843, when he returned to his native state and resumed farming, continuing thus engaged until 1853. That year he sold out his possessions and emigrated to Illinois, being classed among the substantial agriculturists of that state for five years. For many years he had been a close student, fitting himself for the ministry, and now abandoned farming in order to accept the pastorate of a church, having been ordained for the_ministry in 1858. In 1864, however, he severed his connection with this denomination and connected himself with the Christian Union Church, whose great plea is the union of Christ’s people. He has been untiring in his efforts in saving souls and has been the efficient and well beloved pastor of many congregations.

Rev. Mr. Richmond came to Pettis County, this state, in 1881, locating near Dresden, where he became the owner of land. There he made his home until October, 1890, when he came with his estimable wife to Green Ridge and is now spending his declining years in peace and happiness, surrounded by many old-time friends and acquaintances.

Mr. Richmond was married, in 1839, to Susan Chess, a native of Ohio. She departed this life in 1873, after having become the mother of seven children. Of this family, four are now living: Mary, the wife of Samuel McHurd, of Illinois; Catherine, Mrs. David Thompson, also of the Prairie State; Clara, Mrs. James Piatt, who resides in Colorado; and George B., living in Centralia, Wash.

In 1875 our subject was married to Mary Copley, a native of Illinois, who departed this life some three and one-half years later, and the lady whom he chose as his companion in June, 1880, was Miss Sarah, daughter of John and Lucinda (Needles) Keyes, natives of Delaware and Ohio, respectively. They were married in Ohio, where their daughter Sarah was born and reared. She is a well educated lady and for many years prior to her marriage was a noted teacher both in Ohio and Illinois. Mr. Richmond has nineteen grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Socially our subject has been a Mason for more than thirty-five years. He has never taken an active part in politics, other than to cast a vote in favor of Democratic candidates.