Mr. Richardson has lived on his farm since 1862, and has made most of the improvements that now adorn the place, since he purchased it. He owns eighty acres in another part of the township also. He was born not farm from Franklin, this county, on Feb. 14, 1840. His father Vincent Richardson, whose biography appears in another part of this volume, is one of the prominent men of the county. He came here in 1830, and was one of the men who originally bought his land from the Government. He was born in Yorkshire, England, and was married to Miss Lydia Rawlins, who died some twenty years ago. He married a second wife, who is still living.

John V. Richardson was the second child and eldest son of a family of five sons and two daughters. As had been before stated, he was reared and educated in this county, where he was married, near Lynnville, to Miss Mary Combs. She was also a native of Morgan County, and was born May 8, 1851. She is the daughter of Richard Combs, who was a native of Devonshire, England. After her father attained his majority, he came to the United States, where he married his wife, who died when she was in the prime of life, and when her daughter, Mrs. Richardson, was quite young. After her death, Mrs. Richardson was reared by her father, who is yet a resident of Lynnville, this county, where he has retired from active life, and is living with his second wife.

After the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Richardson, they took up their residence on their present elegant farm, and in 1879 returned to the native land of their parents, in England. They returned with new ideas of the early life of their parents, and how it was spent in England. Mrs. R. died at her home Dec. 7, 1887. She was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and died in that faith. She was a woman of fine character, and well beloved by all who knew her. She left four children, the following of whom are deceased: Walter C. aged four years. He was accidentally killed by swallowing carbolic acid: Minnie B., died aged eighteen years. She was a bright and intelligent young lady. The two living children are John W., who is fifteen years of age, and Annie S. seven years old. Mr. Richardson is a Republican, and takes great interest in the welfare of his party, and though he is not what may be termed a politician, he is always foremost in the councils of his party. He belongs to the Methodist Episcopal Church, and in religious matters, displays the same enthusiasm that he does in secular affairs.