Ezekiel Richardson

Ezekiel Richardson first came to America in 1630. He has also been known as Ezechll Richeson.

He was the son of Thomas Richardson and Katherine Duxford. His exact date of birth is unknown but it is thought to be somewhere between 1601-1604.

He died in  Woburn, MA on October 21, 1647.

He married Susanna and together they had 7 children.

  1. Phebe (Phoebe) (June 3, 1632)
  2. Theophilus (December 22, 1633)
  3. Josiah (November 7, 1634)
  4. John (July 21, 1638)
  5. Jonathan (February 13, 1639/40?)
  6. James (July 11, 1641)
  7. Ruth (August 23, 1645)

Ezechiel Richardson and his wife were admitted to Boston church as members #80 and #81, which would be in the winter of 1630/1; on 14 October 1632.

Ezechiell Richardson and Susan his wife were dismissed to participate in the organization of Charlestown church; on 2 November 1632 “Ezek:” and “Susan Richeson” were admitted to Charlestown church as founding members.

Ezekiel Richardson was admitted as an inhabitant of Charleston in 1630 and appeared in the lists of inhabitants of January 9, 1633/4 and January 1635/6.

In his will, dated 20 July 1647 and proved 1 June 1648, “Ezekiell Richardson of Woebourne” appointed “my wife Susanna and my eldest son Theophilus joint executors”; and bequeathed to “Josias my son �30” at twenty-one years of age; to “James my son �3O” at twenty-one years of age; to “Phebe my daughter �3O” at “twenty years of age or within six months after the day of her marriage”; if any of these three should die before they come of age, the legacies be shared among the survivors; in case “my son Theophilus die before he shall accomplish one and twenty years of age, then his portion shall be equally divided to my other children”; discharged demands against “my brother Samuell Richardson“; to “my brother Thomas Richardson, his son Thomas, 1Os.”; overseers Ed-ward Converse and John Mousall of Woburn, if either of these die, then the survivor with the consent of Thomas Carter, pastor of the church in Woburn, to choose a replacement overseer; 30s. to each overseer; residue to my executors, “provided that my wife may peacably enjoy her habitation in the house so long as she shall live”.

The inventory of the estate of Ezekiell Richardson was taken 18 November 1647 and totalled �19O 6s. 6d., with no real estate included.

On 6 March 1649/50 Edward Converse confirmed to the heirs of Ezekiel Richardson an earlier sale of twelve acres of meadow & upland in Woburn [MLR 2:71].

Now look at this tidbit of information —

On 27 March 1651 Samuel Richeson of Woburn “having formerly sold unto Ezekill Richeson my brother (who is since deceased) forty acres of arable & meadow land” in Woburn, con-firms the same to “my sister Susanna Brookes (who was the wife of my deceased brother Ezekill Richeson”, On 23 March 1654/5

See that? That shows us that in fact, Ezekiel Richardson was the brother of Samuel Richardson, son of Thomas Richardson. So I’m not sure why Thomas Richardson of Standon left him out of the will, but it could have to do with why Ezekiel left to America a few years prior.

“Susanna Richeson now Brookes formerly the wife of Ezek: Richeson” confirmed a sale made eight years earlier by “Ezekill Richardson & Sussanna Richardson my wife” to Thomas Moulton and John Greenland of thirty-five acres of land in Woburn. On 13 December 1659 “Henry Brookes & Susanna Brookes of Woburn,” in accordance with an award of the court, deeded to Theophilus Richardson the right and title they had in “the moiety or half part of the housing & land of Ezekiell Richardson of Woburn aforesaid, by executorship or otherwise”.

 

 

Stephen Richardson (Senior)

Stephen Richardson was born on February 7, 1674 in Woburn, Middlesex, Massachusetts. He died on February 4, 1752.

The first bit of verifiable information comes from the book – A genealogical dict. of the first settlers of New England, showing three generations of those who came before May, 1692. By James Savage. Boston. 1861. (4v.)v.3:536 — volume 146 page 1.

Next, we have The Richardson Memorial, Part 1 of 2, John Adams Vinton, Brown Thurston & Co.  Portland, ME, 1876, pg 186-187. It tells us —

1555.

JOSEPH RICHARDSON,2  brother of the preceding, and second son of Samuel Richardson,1 was born in Woburn, July 27, 1643; married, Nov. 5, 1666, HANNAH GREEN,2 born about 1647, daughter of Thomas1 and Elizabeth Green, of Malden.

Thomas Green, her father, was born in England, probably about 1606.  He came to this country probably before 1640; lived in the north part of Malden, now the town of Melrose; was a selectman in 1658, and died Dec. 19, 1667.  For a further history of him and his numerous descendants, see the Green Family, in the VINTON MEMORIAL, by the compiler of this volume.

Joseph Richardson dwelt in Woburn; was admitted freeman of the colony, May 15, 1672, and was, therefore, a member of the church.  He was one of Major Samuel Appleton’s soldiers, and was engaged in the fierce assault on the Narraganset fort, Dec. 19, 1675,  In that severe encounter six brave captains fell, and eighty privates were killed.  He was a selectman of Woburn, 1693, 1694, and 1702.

He died in Woburn, March 5, 1717-18.  His will is dated June 24, 1717; proved April 22, 1718; recorded Midd. Prob. Rec., xv. 143.  He provides very carefully and liberally for his “well-beloved wife Hannah,” and, among other things, that his son “Joseph shall find her a horse, and keep the same for her use, and a man or himself to ride before her on Sabbath days, or where she shall have occasions to go, all during her natural life, if she remains my widow.”  He also mentions his five children, as in the sequel.  His widow Hannah died May 20, 1721.

Their children, all born in Woburn were:

  • +1567  Hannah3, b. Oct. 22, 1667; m Daniel Baldwin.
  • +1568  Mary3, b. March 22, 1668-69; m. first James Fowle; second, Samuel Walker
  • +1569  Elizabeth3, b. June 28, 1670; m. first John Coggin; second, Jacob Wyman.
  • +1570  Joseph3, b. May 19, 1672; m. Mary Blodget.
  • +1571  Stephen3, b. Feb 7, 1673-74; m. Bridget Richardson.

Next, we have a record of those buried in Woburn. Notice you’ll see Stephen Richardson died on February 4, 1752.

Stephen Richardson married Bridget Richardson and together they had six children.

  • Stephen Richardson 1696–1703
  • Phebe Richardson Snow 1704–1785
  • Ichabod Richardson 1706–1768
  • Stephen Richardson 1707–1787
  • Adam Richardson 1709–1758
  • Asa Richardson 1713–1752

It’s not uncommon for people to name their children after family members. You’ll notice their daughter Phebe with its unusual spelling. She might have been named after Phebe, daughter of Ezekiel and Susanna Richardson.

 

Joseph Richardson

Joseph Richardson was born on July 27, 1643, in Woburn, Mass.

He married on November 5, 1666, to Hannah Green. He died on March 5, 1718, in Woburn, Middlesex, Mass.

We can verify this date of birth in the Woburn, Mass records of births, deaths, and marriages records. It shows us that he was born on July 27, 1643, and is the son of Samuel.

Woburn, Mass records of births, deaths, and marriages
Woburn, Mass records of births, deaths, and marriages

Joseph Richardson’s children include:

  • Hannah (October 22, 1667)
  • Mary (March 22, 1669)
  • Elizabeth (June 25, 1670)
  • Joseph (May 19, 1672)
  • Stephen (February 7, 1674)

We know about him from The Richardson Memorial, Part 1 of 2, John Adams Vinton, Brown Thurston & Co.  Portland, ME, 1876, pg 186-187. It tells us —

1555.

JOSEPH RICHARDSON,2  brother of the preceding, and second son of Samuel Richardson,1 was born in Woburn, July 27, 1643; married, Nov. 5, 1666, HANNAH GREEN,2 born about 1647, daughter of Thomas1 and Elizabeth Green, of Malden.

Thomas Green, her father, was born in England, probably about 1606.  He came to this country probably before 1640; lived in the north part of Malden, now the town of Melrose; was a selectman in 1658, and died Dec. 19, 1667.  For a further history of him and his numerous descendants, see the Green Family, in the VINTON MEMORIAL, by the compiler of this volume.

Joseph Richardson dwelt in Woburn; was admitted freeman of the colony, May 15, 1672, and was, therefore, a member of the church.  He was one of Major Samuel Appleton’s soldiers, and was engaged in the fierce assault on the Narraganset fort, Dec. 19, 1675,  In that severe encounter six brave captains fell, and eighty privates were killed.  He was a selectman of Woburn, 1693, 1694, and 1702.

He died in Woburn, March 5, 1717-18.  His will is dated June 24, 1717; proved April 22, 1718; recorded Midd. Prob. Rec., xv. 143.  He provides very carefully and liberally for his “well-beloved wife Hannah,” and, among other things, that his son “Joseph shall find her a horse, and keep the same for her use, and a man or himself to ride before her on Sabbath days, or where she shall have occasions to go, all during her natural life, if she remains my widow.”  He also mentions his five children, as in the sequel.  His widow Hannah died May 20, 1721.

Their children, all born in Woburn were:

  • +1567  Hannah3, b. Oct. 22, 1667; m Daniel Baldwin.
  • +1568  Mary3, b. March 22, 1668-69; m. first James Fowle; second, Samuel Walker
  • +1569  Elizabeth3, b. June 28, 1670; m. first John Coggin; second, Jacob Wyman.
  • +1570  Joseph3, b. May 19, 1672; m. Mary Blodget.
  • +1571  Stephen3, b. Feb 7, 1673-74; m. Bridget Richardson.

I found this document created by another person doing research. Please keep in mind, just because someone says something doesn’t make it true. However, I did want to include it for your reference. Just don’t consider it 100% factually true unless you personally verify the information.

Next, we have a record of those buried in Woburn. Notice you’ll see Stephen Richardson died on February 4, 1752.

 

Samuel Richardson

Samuel Richardson was born in 1602 in Westmill, Hertfordshire, England. He died on March 23, 1658, in Woburn, Middlesex, Massachusetts.

He is the son of Thomas Richardson and Catherine Duxford. We know this because Samuel was the executor of his father’s estate on July 31, 1634, in Hutchins, England. This is the Thomas Richardson that we also call Thomas Richardson of Standon.

Samuel Richardson was christened at St. Mary the Virgin in Westmill on December 22, 1604.

Samuel Richardson married Joanna Thake. They were married on October 18, 163 in Great Hormead, Hertfordshire, England.

Marriage register of Samuel Richardson and Joanna Thake - Great Hormead 1632

Together they had at least 9 children.

  • Mary (1637-1677)
  • John (1639-1696)
  • Hannah (1642-1642)
  • Joseph (1643-1718)
  • Samuel (1646-1712)
  • Stephen (1649-1717)
  • Thomas (1651-1657)
  • Elizabeth (1653-1677) ?????

In 1636 they arrived in Charlestown, Massachusetts. He was one of the founders and largest landowners of Woburn, Mass.

His father was Thomas Richardson of Standon and his mother was Katherine Duxford.

Samuel Richardson (1602 – 1658)
11th great-grandfather

Joseph Richardson (1643 – 1718)
son of Samuel Richardson
Stephen Richardson (1674 – 1752)
son of Joseph Richardson
Stephen Richardson (1696 – 1723)
son of Stephen Richardson
John David Richardson (1720 – 1777)
son of Stephen Richardson
David Richardson (1760 – 1842)
son of John David Richardson
Jonathan David Richardson (1795 – 1870)
son of David Richardson
Thomas Richardson (1826 – 1898)
son of Jonathan David Richardson
John Durk Richardson (1847 – 1926)
son of Thomas Richardson
Rubin Nemon Richardson (1898 – 1960)
son of William Alexander Richardson
Reuben Namon Richardson (1929 – 2002)
son of Rubin Nemon Richardson
Benjamin Wayne Richardson (1951 – )
son of Reuben Namon Richardson
Samuel Richardson is one of three brothers who came to America.  Ezekiel came to America first in 1630, and Samuel and Thomas followed a few years later (1636).
A list of fifty-eight men, inhabitants of Charlestown, dated Jan. 9, 1633-4, is found on the records of that town. Among them is the name of Ezekiel Richardson, but not Samuel or of Thomas, his brothers.
The first notice we find of Samuel is dated July 1, 1636, when he and his brother Thomas Richardson, with others, were on a committee to lay out lots of land for hay. In 1637, the names of Samuel and Thomas Richardson first appear in a list of inhabitants of Charlestown.
The same year the town of Charlestown granted to each of them a “house-plot,” clearly indicating that they had become residents.
Map of Waterfield 1638 Riichardson-Johnson — This map was constructed by the late George Cooke and George T. Littlefield of Winchester and is designed to show “the approximate location in 1638” of the lots in Woburn and Winchester which had been granted to the inhabitants of Charlestown. The descriptions of the lots, from which the compilers prepared their map, were taken from the Charlestown Book of Possessions. This land is situated in the westerly part of Winchester.
Map of Waterfield 1638 Richardson-Johnson — This map was constructed by the late George Cooke and George T. Littlefield of Winchester and is designed to show “the approximate location in 1638” of the lots in Woburn and Winchester which had been granted to the inhabitants of Charlestown. The descriptions of the lots, from which the compilers prepared their map, were taken from the Charlestown Book of Possessions. This land is situated in the westerly part of Winchester.
Samuel and Thomas were admitted as members of the local church on February 18, 1637-8, making them freeman of the colony on May 2, 1638.
Samuel was chosen surveyor of the highways on March 17, 1636-7.
The three brothers had lots assigned them on April 20, 1638, on “Misticke side above the Ponds,” that is, in Malden, and their names, among others, appear as persons having the privilege of pasturing cows upon the Common, Dec. 30, 1638.
On the 5th of Nov., 1640. the three brothers and four others, Edward Convers, Edward Johnson, John Mousall, and Thomas Graves, were chosen by the church of Charlestown as commissioners or agents for the settlement of a church and town, within what were then the limits of Charlestown, but soon after erected into a separate town, and called Woburn. That whole territory was then a wide, uncultivated waste.
In the February 1641, the commissioners built a bridge over the Aberjona River, north of Mystic Pond. This bridge was known as Converse Bridge, from Edward Converse, the proprietor of the adjacent mill. He lived in the immediate vicinity, in the first house built in Woburn.
This mark is set in the north side of the Converse Bridge, carrying Main St over the Aberjona River in downtown Winchester, MA. The marker reads:
“Converse Bridge – 1640 1915 – Site of first bridge crossing the Aberjona river over against the Edward Converse house. Also site of The King’s Ford located at lower side of bridge from 1638 to 1845.”
His descendants lived there, or in that vicinity, and the entire locality is now in the heart of the town of Winchester.
When the church was constituted in Woburn, Aug. 14, 1642, O.S., Samuel Richardson and his two brothers, with John Mousall, Edward Johnson, Edward Converse, and William Leonard, solemnly stood forth, as the nucleus around which the church was to be gathered.
The first organizational Town Meeting was held on April 13, 1644, and the first town officers were chosen. Town Selectmen were Edward Johnson, Edward Converse, John Mousall, William Learned, Ezekiel Richardson, Samuel Richardson, and James Thompson. William Learned was also selected as Constable.
Michael Bacon, Ralph Hill, Thomas Richardson were chosen for Surveyors of Highways. As you may recall, this was a position that Samuel previously held.
The three brothers lived near to each other, on the same street, which has ever since been known as “Richardson’s Row.” In 1647 the town officially named it Richardson Street which still exists to this day.
Samuel Richardson was selectman of Woburn in from 1644-1646 and from 1649-1651.
In 1645, he was listed as having paid the highest tax of any man in Woburn; Capt. Edward Johnson the next.
Samuel Richardson was married to Joanna Thake who united with the church in Charlestown on the 9th of July, (or Sept 9th), 1639.
Samuel Richardson died on March 23, 1658, without leaving a will.  His widow and eldest living son John were appointed administrators of his estate. John would have been about 19 at the time his father died.

Thomas Richardson I of Westmill

So many people in my tree named Thomas Richardson. This particular one we are speaking about now was born in 1523 in Westmill, England and he died in 1570.

Although I should note there is a Millennium file document that says he died in March of 1630. But that could be his son.

What I can say for sure is when he was born and married.

  • Born: May 14, 1523, in Westmill, Hertfordshire, England
  • Married on June 15, 1567, in St. Albans, in Hertfordshire, England

It was originally thought that Thomas Richardson I of Westmill’s father was Ralph Richardson of the Jersey Channel Islands. That turns out however not to be true.

Thomas Richardson I of Westmill had a son known as Thomas Richardson of Westmill. We call him Thomas Richardson II of Westmill, just to avoid confusion.

This Thomas is not the person known as Sir Thomas Richardson. He is also not the Thomas Richardson from Alphamstone. This is also not the Thomas Richardson who married Margaret that has a son named Thomas who was born in Kirkham, Lancashire, England. We can say this for sure because that child was born on July 20, 1823. Our guy was dead hundreds of years before that.

Many have wrongly associated this Thomas Richardson with Sir Thomas Richardson of the Scottish Peerage. That would be impossible because ancient records tell us that he married on December 14, 1626, at St. Giles-in-the-Fields, London without issue. That means he had no children so he can’t be your ancestor because his line ended with him.

So who is our Thomas Richardson? This gets confusing for a few generations so to clarify …

Thomas Richardson I of Westmill married Margaret Silverside on June 15, 1567. How do we know when our Thomas was born? Thanks to the “Heritage Consulting. Millennium File”.  This record tells us that he was born in 1523.

thomas-richardson-i

Heritage Consulting. Millennium File. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2003. Original data: Heritage Consulting. The Millennium File. Salt Lake City, UT, USA: Heritage Consulting.

The problem is, the death date is wrong. It lists the death date of his son Thomas II. This is why it’s so hard to find accurate information when even “official” records are flawed.

Thomas Richardson married Margaret Silverside in 1567 at St. Albans Abbey.

Below is a copy of their marriage register which clearly shows they were married in 1567 on June 15th.

thomas-richardson-marriage-register

The problem with the name “Thomas Richardson” is that in this time in history there were more than a few of them in the area. This makes it very hard to figure out which one is which. That’s why when you find any sort of absolute proof of information, you have to hold onto it tightly to make sure you don’t confuse or mix up people because it’s so easy to do.

This record comes from the Hertfordshire online archives. Why it is important is because it further proves we have the right Thomas with the right wife.

First name(s) Thomas
Last name Richardson
Marriage year 1567
Marriage date 15 Jun 1567
Place St Albans, Abbey
Groom’s first name(s) Thomas
Groom’s last name Richardson
Bride’s first name(s) Margaret
Bride’s last name Silvsode
County Hertfordshire
Country England
Record set Hertfordshire Marriages
Category Birth, Marriage & Death (Parish Registers)
Subcategory Parish Marriages
Collections from England, United Kingdom

So now the question is, who is Thomas Richardson I of Westmill’s father?

 

Thomas Richardson II of Westmill

Thomas Richardson was born on March 15, 1543, in Westmill, Hertfordshire, England.  He died on March 4, 1630, also in Westmill, Hertfordshire, England.

He is not the person known as “Sir Thomas Richardson”.

He is also not the person who was buried on  December 13, 1630 at St Mary, Whitechapel, Tower Hamlets, Middlesex, England.  Although they have the same name and died in the same year, our Thomas Richardson, Thomas Richardson of Westmill II died in March, not in December. Our Thomas died in Westmill, not in Middlesex.

To avoid any confusion with other people named Thomas Richardson in my family tree, I will now refer to him as Thomas Richardson II of Westmill.

Name Thomas Richardson II of Westmill
Father Thomas Richardson I of Westmill
Mother Mary Margaret Silverside
Birth Date 15 Mar 1543
Birth Place Westmill, Hertfordshire, England
Death Date 4 Mar 1630
Death Place Westmill, Hertfordshire, England
Cemetery St. Mary the Virgin-Westmill
Burial or Cremation Place St Albans, St Albans District, Hertfordshire, England

There is a record out there stating that Thomas Richardson was buried on December 13, 1630, at St Mary, Whitechapel, Tower Hamlets, Middlesex, England. This is an official Parish register.

This is from “London, England, Church of England Baptisms, Marriages, and Burials, 1538-1812 – Tower Hamlets – St Mary, Whitechapel – 1558 – 1643”.

Middlesex is in modern day London. That’s about an hour’s drive from Westmill. St. Mary’s was a church in the 1600’s that was located in Whitechapel. This is a district that is now in the East End of London, in the London Borough of Tower Hamlets.

The document in question is referring to the St Mary Matfelon church, which was an England parish church on Whitechapel Road, in Whitechapel, London.

Horse and carriages were said to go about 3 to 4 miles per hour. This means it would have taken them 4 or 5 hours to go from Westmill to London. That’s not likely that a person who was born, got married and lived in Westmill their entire life would have gone all the way to London, 4 or 5 hours away to be buried in a church there. Therefore we can reasonably assume that the record for Thomas Richardson who was buried on  December 13, 1630, is not our Thomas Richardson II of Westmill.

____________________

Thomas Richardson II of Westmill was born in St. Albans Abbey in Westmill.  His wife was Mary Margaret Champney and together they had at least one child.

They could have had more children, and likely did but so far I’ve haven’t been able to find any information other than about their son Thomas Richardson of Standon.

His date of death on March 4, 1630, in Westmill comes from the Find a Grave listing. This, however, lists his wife as Mary Margaret Silverside which in fact is his mother.

We have a record called the Millennium File that tells us Thomas Richardson was born in 1523 in Westmill. He died in March of 1630 in Westmill and that his wife was Margaret Silverside. Thier child was Thomas Richardson.

Because this can get confusing I named  …

  • Thomas Richardson born in 1523 – Thomas Richardson I of Westmill
  • I then named his son Thomas Richardson II of Westmill.
  • I then named his son Thomas Richardson of Standon.

We next have the England, Select Births and Christenings file that tells us Thomas Richardson of Standon is the father of Samuel Richardson.

Next, we have a document telling us that Thomas Richardson married someone named Mary. Well, guess what?  That document is totally useless to us because both Thomas Richardson I and Thomas Richardson II of Westmill, both married someone named Mary.

  • Thomas Richarson I of Westmill married Mary Margaret Silverside.
  • Thomas Richarson II of Westmill married Mary Margaret Champney.

See the problem? So we have to keep going to try and figure out more family connections.

 

John Henry Richardson

John Henry Richardson is the brother of my 2nd great-grandfather, William Alexander Richardson. He is the son of John Durk Richardson.

We know that during the 1880 US Census he was 2 years old, so that means he was about about 1878. This makes him 4 years younger than William Alexander.

This record also says that he was born in Texas, not Tennessee like so many others list.

john henry richardson - 1880

When I corrected that information on my bio is where I was able to find all my information about him.

John Henry Richardson was born on January 12, 1878 in Wise, Texas. We were able to get this information from his World War 1 Draft Registration Card.

John Henry Richardson married Lou Ella Fortner on May 4, 1897 in Smith, Texas.

He and his wife, Ella Lou (aka Lou Ella) Fortner, had quite a few number of children.  During the 1920 census we see that both he and his wife are 43. At the time they list off 7 children, however that’s not even half the story ….

  • Claude
  • Lizzie
  • Hazel
  • Lela
  • Dora
  • Fannie
  • JD
  • Dewie

In all they had at least 16 (maybe 17) children, several of which died young.

  1. Claude T (1896)
  2. Infant Son (possibly twins – Died – 1898)
  3. Anna Richardson (1899)
  4. Kendrick (1901)
  5. James Clifton (1903)
  6. Lizzie (1906)
  7. Jessie Lena (1907)
  8. Elsie (1908)
  9. Hazel Martha (1908)
  10. Infant Daughter (Died – 1910)
  11. Lela Gertrude (1910)
  12. Dora Carolina (1913)
  13. Frances Mae (1915)
  14. Fannie (1916)
  15. Jake D (1918)
  16. Dewie W (1919)

John Henry died at the age of 26 on January 17, 1924, in what today is Waurika, Oklahoma.

John David Richardson

John David Richardson was born in 1720 in Randolph, North Carolina. He received a delayed birth certificate and that is how we know his full name. (Roll # NCVR_B_C081_68002, volume 16, page 369)

He is the son of Stephen Richardson and Mary Trueblood.

I don’t have a lot of information on him. I think he might have died in 1777 in North Carolina.

He married Nancy Mary and together they had maybe 5 children.

  • William Drury (1735)
  • William (1750)
  • Stephen (1753)
  • Elizabeth (1755)
  • David (1760)

The problem is, when you have someone with such a common name like David or John David, you find it difficult to distinguish them from other men of the same name who also live in the same area.

While trying to find information about John David and his wife, I had to start by working on the files of his son, David Richardson. His son had more information available because he was in the military, having fought in the American Revolution.


1845, Oct 27 — Revolutionary War Application
Sarah Richardson (age 85), widow of David Richardson applied
lists David Richardson as dying on May 17, 1842 in Moore County, NC
listed marriage as 1785 in Cumberland County, NC
lists children as John Richardson, Polly Cockman, Jenney Smith, Nancy Richardson, Vicey Richardson, Betsey Morgan, Angy Brown, Peggy Richardson & Malony Smith.

1852, Oct 25 — Revolutionary War Application
John Richardson, son and administrator of David Richardson, deceased applied for pension
lists David Richardson as dying on May 17, 1842 in Moore County, NC
lists Sarah Richardson as dying on Oct 30, 1847
lists children as Polly Cockman, Jenny Smith, Nancy Richardson, Vicy Richardson, Betsey Morgan, Angy Brown, Peggy Richardson & Malony Smith.

David Richardson

David Richardson was born in 1760 in Cumberland County, North Carolina.

David Richardson is the son of John David Richardson and the father of John David Richardson. Confusing? Yeah don’t worry, it was for me too.

David Richardson lived in Moore County, along Buffalo Creek, a tributary of Deep River.

We know that Jonathan David Richardson was born in 1760 because of his marriage record.

I was trying to find out if he was the same David Richardson that was born in 1760 in Cumberland County.  Turns out I couldn’t find out the record of his birth because in 1769 all Cumberland County records were destroyed in the burning of the Bladen County courthouse.

So what I needed to find is what could be the link between Cumberland County and Moore County.  And I finally found it!  Moore County was formed from Cumberland County in 1784.

A year later in 1785, he married Sarah in Moore County.

Name: John David Richardson
Gender: Male
Birth Place: NC
Birth Year: 1760
Spouse Name: Sarah
Spouse Birth Year: 1765
Marriage
Year:
1785
Marriage State: NC
Number Pages: 11

4 years after that he got a grant of land (50 acres)

And there we have it …. that is how I made the link, to confirm he is the same person.   I know it’s not scientific proof but it’s the best I can come up with. 🙂

Maybe one day I can get some kind of church records or whatnot to prove his birth is one in the same but for now, this will have to do.

David Richardson fought in the American Revolution. At the age of 85, his wife Sarah applied for a war pension as his widow. This is how we know he died on May 17, 1842.

She lists his children as John Richardson, Polly Cockman, Jenney Smith, Nancy Richardson, Vicey Richardson, Betsey Morgan, Angy Moore, Peggy Richardson & Malony Smith.

Through various records and notes, we found that David served as a Private and Lieutenant under Captain Cox-Captain Buie and Captain Henry Carter. He was taken prisoner at Charleston, SC and conveyed to Wilmington, NC where he was kept in confinement four months and then exchanged.

It appears that David Richardson fought on the side of the Confederate during the American Revolution. He served with the North Carolina Infantry as a Private. The American Revolution took place between 1765 and 1783. He was in the 45th Regiment, North Carolina Infantry, Company D. Film # M230 roll 33.

David Richardson was born in 1760. He married Sarah in 1785 (when he was 25 years old and Sarah was 20). That same year their daughter Polly was born.

In all, they had at least 9 children during their marriage.

  • Polly
  • Vicey
  • Jenney
  • Jonathan David
  • Peggy
  • Maloney
  • Nancy
  • Angy
  • Betsey

1789, Sep 3 — Land Grant #310, Moore County, NC

David Richardson died on May 17, 1842.

So to note this means he is not the same David who served in the Civil War because that was from 1861-1865. He was long dead. We know his exact date of death because of his widow’s request for a war pension.


  • 1780 — Tax List, Cumberland County, NC
    David Richerson listed in Captain John Cox’s District
    listed 400 acres valued at $450
    3 Horses, 7 Cattle and $7 cash
    Total tax value $7171783 — Tax List, Cumberland County, NC
    David Richardson listed as paying $10 in Captain John Cox’s District1789, May 18 — 1784-1795 County Court Minutes, Moore County, NC Page 228
    A deed from John Shuffield to Stephen Smith was proven by David Richardson

    1789, Jun 4 — Land Entry #189, Moore County, NC
    David Richardson entered 50 acres located on Mill Creek

    1789, Sep 3 — Land Grant #310, Moore County, NC
    David Richardson received a 50 acre Land Grant located on Mill Creek

    1789, Sep 3 — Land Grant #334, Moore County, NC
    David Richardson served as a Chain Carrier on John Morgan’s 50 acre Land Grant located East of Cabin Creek

    1790 — Census, Moore County, NC Page 156
    David Richeson
    (16+) 1M
    4F

    1790, Aug 17 — County Court Minutes, Moore County, NC
    David Richardson proved a Deed from John Morgan to William Morgan

    1790, Aug 17 — County Court Minutes, Moore County, NC
    Davey Richardson served Jury Duty

    1794, Aug 20 — County Court Minutes, Moore County, NC
    David Richardson served Jury Duty

    1795, Mar 27 — Land Grant #1054, Moore County, NC
    David Richardson served as a Chain Carrier on John Morgan’s 100 acre Land Grant located on Cabin Creek

    1795, May 20 — County Court Minutes, Moore County, NC
    David Richardson served Jury Duty

    1795, Nov 16 — County Court Minutes, Moore County, NC
    David Richardson served Jury Duty

    1798, Feb 14 — Land Grant #1740 & 1741, Moore County, NC
    David Richardson served as a Chain Carrier on William Smith’s (2) 100 acre Land Grants located on Wet Creek and Cabin Creek

    1798, Nov 30 — Land Grant #1474, Moore County, NC
    John Morgan receives a 100 acre Land Grant located South of Cabin Creek that included David Richardson’s improvement

    1800 — Census, Moore County, NC Page 69
    David Richardson
    (45+) 1M
    (26-45) 1F
    (16-26) 1F
    (10-16) 2F
    (0-10) 1M 2F

    1800, Jul 26 — Land Grant #1686, Moore County, NC
    David Richardson served as a Chain Carrier on Murdock McLeod’s 100 acre Land Grant located between Dry Creek and Horse Creek

    1803, Nov 15 — Land Grant #1837, Moore County, NC
    David Richardson listed as a Neighbor on John Dunn’s 100 acre Land Grant located South of Mill Creek

    1804, Apr 7 — Land Grant #1954, Moore County, NC
    David Richardson served as a Chain Carrier on Levy Deaton’s 50 acre Land Grant located East of Wet Creek

    1810 — Census, Moore County, NC Page 624
    David Richardson
    (45+) 1M 1F
    (16-26) 2F
    (10-16) 1F
    (0-10) 1M 4F

    1814, Nov 11 — Land Grant #2228, Moore County, NC
    Daniel McNeill received a 52 acre Land Grant located West of Wet Creek adjoining Grove, Neil McLeod, Thomas Harvel and Key. Phillip McNeill and David Richardson were chain carriers.

    1814, Nov 11 — Land Grant #2230, Moore County, NC
    Hector McNeill received a 15.5 acre Land Grant located East of Wet Creek adjoining own line, Neil McLeod and Grove. Phillip McNeill and David Richardson were chain carriers.

    1815 — Tax List, Moore County, NC
    David Richardson lists 75 acres valued at $75

    1818-1823 — Tax List, Moore County, NC
    David Richardson lists 75 acres valued at $100

    1820 — Census, Moore County, NC Page 310
    David Richardson
    (45+) 1M 1F
    (16-26) 2F
    (10-16) 1F
    (0-10) 1M

    1830 — Census, Moore County, NC Page 477
    David Richardson
    (60-70) 1M
    (50-60) 1F
    (40-50) 1F
    (20-30) 1F
    (15-20) 1M
    (10-15) 1M

    1836, Jan 9 — Land Grant #2970, Moore County, NC
    Hiram Deaton received a 100 acre Land Grant located between Mill Creek and Cabin Creek and adjoins the land that he purchased from David Richardson

    1845, Oct 27 — Revolutionary War Application
    Sarah Richardson (age 85), widow of David Richardson applied
    lists David Richardson as dying on May 17, 1842 in Moore County, NC
    listed marriage as 1785 in Cumberland County, NC
    lists children as John Richardson, Polly Cockman, Jenney Smith, Nancy Richardson, Vicey Richardson, Betsey Morgan, Angy Brown, Peggy Richardson & Malony Smith.

    1852, Oct 25 — Revolutionary War Application
    John Richardson, son and administrator of David Richardson, deceased applied for pension
    lists David Richardson as dying on May 17, 1842 in Moore County, NC
    lists Sarah Richardson as dying on Oct 30, 1847
    lists children as Polly Cockman, Jenny Smith, Nancy Richardson, Vicy Richardson, Betsey Morgan, Angy Brown, Peggy Richardson & Malony Smith.

Thomas Richardson of Standon

Today we are going to talk about Thomas Richardson of Standon or Thoms Richardson. He is the son of Thomas Richardson II of Westmill and the grandson of Thomas Richardson I of Westmill.

Thomas Richardson of Standon is my 12th great-grandfather.

Thomas Richardson of Standon short biographical details from the book The Wymans: First Wyman Generation
Thomas Richardson of Standon short biographical details from the book The Wymans: First Wyman Generation

This is a person that I was struggling to verify information about. Luckily the UK is big on record keeping and thanks to the fact that Hertfordshire in England has their very own records database I was able to confirm the identity of Thomas Richardson who from now we will refer to as Thomas Richardson of Standon.

  • Birth: Aug 24, 1560 (1565??) – Standon, Hertfordshire, England
  • Death: Jan 7, 1633 – Westmill, Hertfordshire, England

The International Genealogical Index says that he was born on August 24, 1560, and died on January 8, 1633. It also states that he was married on  August 24, 1590.

Here is an image, although not a clear one — proving his marriage in 1590 – August 24, 1590, to be exact.

First name(s) Thoms
Last name Richardson
Marriage year 1590
Marriage date 24 Aug 1590
Place Westmill
Groom’s first name(s) Thoms
Groom’s last name Richardson
Groom’s parish Stondon
Bride’s first name(s) Kathren
Bride’s last name Duxforde
Bride’s parish West
County Hertfordshire
Country England
Record set Hertfordshire Marriages
Category Birth, Marriage, Death & Parish Records
Subcategory Parish Marriages
Collections from England, Great Britain

Notice the typos in the name. It’s not really as much a typo as a variation of the spelling.  Look at this clearer image of his grandmother’s marriage registry (Thomas Richardson I of Westmill)

thomas-richardson-marriage-register

We spell May as May and they spell it, Maye. We spell July they spell it, Julie. February to them was Februarie. Obviously, in context, we know what they meant, but it’s just a perfect example of why it’s so hard sometimes to find certain information.

So while we know they are talking about Thomas Richardson of Standon, it can complicate things when we are trying to find out the details Thoms Richardson of Stondon’s life.

We know he married Katherine Duxford of Westmill, but they call her Kathren Duxforde of West.


Thomas Richardson married Kathern Duxford (Katherine Duxford) on August 24, 1590, in Westmill, Hertfordshire, England. Their marriage took place at the St. Mary the Virgin Parish Church in Westmill. This is also where he would later be buried.

We know for a fact this is his wife because a copy of his will still exists in the Hertfordshire, England archives to this day.

For clarification purposes, this Thomas Richardson’s mother is not Agnes. So if you find a record that says something else, then it is not a record that belongs to this Thomas Richardson who we are now referring to as Thomas Richardson of Standon. Thomas Richardson of Standon’s mother was Mary “Margaret” Champney and his father, who married his father, almost named Thomas Richardson.

This Thomas Richardson is not Sir Thomas Richardson. Sir Thomas has some association with Alphamstone, while our Thomas does not. If you come across a Thomas Richardson record that references Alphamstone, then that isn’t Thomas Richardson of Standon.

Westmill is a very tiny village in England. Today less than 300 people live there. It’s just north of London.

Together he and his wife had 7 children.

We know the names of his children from his will. His will lists the name of each child as well as the exact date of their baptism.

Elizabeth y^ daughter to Thomas Richardson baptized 13 Jan. 1593.
John son to Thomas Richardson baptized 7 Nov. 1596.
James, y” sonne of Thomas Richardson baptized 6 Apr. 1600.
Samuel y® sonne of Thomas Richardson baptized 22 Dec. 1602 [or 1604],
Margaret ye daughter of Thomas Richardson baptized 19 April 1607.
Thomas ye sonne of Thomas Richardson baptized 3 July 1608. 

Notice that their son Ezekiel who had gone off to America in 1630, wasn’t event acknowledged in the will.

Thomas’ will indicates he was a farmer of moderate means. He was a Husbandman when his will was created on March 4 in 1630 (31?).

A husbandman in England at that time period was a free tenant farmer or small landowner. The social status of a husbandman was below that of a yeoman. The meaning of “husband” in this term is “master of the house” rather than “married man” like we know it today.

Back then yeomen were farmers who owned land. Their wealth and the size of their landholding varied. Sir Anthony Richard Wagner, Garter Principal King of Arms, wrote that “a Yeoman would not normally have less than 100 acres and in social status is one step down from the Landed Gentry, but above, say, a husbandman.”

Often it was hard to distinguish minor landed gentry from the wealthier yeomen, and wealthier husbandmen from the poorer yeomen.

Landed gentry basically meant the lesser nobility in England. They basically consisted of Baronets, Knights, Esquires, and Gentlemen.

So it went Landed gentry, then yeoman and then husbandmen — which is what Thomas Richardson of Standon was.

When he passed he left Katherine “my littell close of pasture called little hunnymease, containing half an acre”.

*** half an acre in Westmill today will cost you upwards of a million bucks.

After her death, he wishes it all to go to his son Samuel and his heirs.

John is to be paid 40 shillings for 3 years, after both his mother and father die.

James is to be paid 12 pence and his son Thomas will get 3 pounds, to be paid within 5 years of his and Katherine’s death.

In other words, after Thomas and Katherine are both dead, he wants Thomas to be paid 3 pounds within 5 years.

To his beloved with Katherine, he gives her all his movable goods for her life and thereafter they should go to his son Samuel who was named his executor. The will was witnessed by Richard Baker and Philip Baker.

You’ll also notice that in his will he leaves everything to Samuel and not John. Back then in England, they left everything to their eldest son. That means that John and James would have probably died prior to the creation of the will, sometime prior to March 4, 1630.



Thomas Richardson of Standon and Katherine Duxford of West mill were married 24 Aug. 1590. 

Elizabeth y^ daughter to Thomas Richardson baptized 13 Jan. 1593. 
John son to Thomas Richardson baptized 7 Nov. 1596. 
James, y'' sonne of Thomas Richardson baptized 6 Apr. 1600. 
Samuel y® sonne of Thomas Richardson baptized 22 Dec. 1602 [or 1604], 
Margaret ye daughter of Thomas Richardson baptized 19 April 1607. 
Thomas ye sonne of Thomas Richardson baptized 3 July 1608. 

Catherine the wife of Thomas Richardson buryed the x*** of March 1631. 
Thomas Richardson was bui*yed the viii daye of January 1633. 

It would naturally be supposed that the will of Thomas Richardson would 
be found in the Commissary Court of Essex and Hertfordshire, but the 
Archdeaconry Court of Huntingdon, or that portion in the Hitchin Reg- 
istry, had jurisdiction over part of Hertfordshire, and included 77 parishes. 

The original will of Thomas Richardson of West Mill, Herts, found at 
Hitchin, reads : . 

March the 4'^'^ Ano domini 1630. In the name of God Amen I Thomas ) 

Richardson of Westmill in the County of Herts, husbandman, being sick / 

in bodye but of good an perfect memory thanks be to God doe make and 
ordeyne this my laste will in manner and forme following, firste. I bequeath 
my soull unto the hands of God my maker and Redeemer by whose merits 
I only truste to be saved, and my body to be buryed in the i^lace of Chris- 
tian buryall and Touchinge my temporall goods I doe dispose of them as 
followeth. 

First. I gyve unto Katherine my wife duringe the tearme of her natu- 
rall life my littell close of pastm-e called little hunnymeade cont half an 
acre and after her decease I give the same to my sonn Samuell and his 
heyers for ever. 

Item. I give to my sonn John forty^ shillings to be payed to him within 
the space of three yeares next ensueing the decease of me and Katherine 
my now wife by my executor. 

Item. I give to my sonn James Twelve pence. 

Item. I give to my sonn Thomas three pounds to be payed to him with- 
in the space of fyve yeares next ensueing the decease of me and Kathy- 
rine my now wife. 

Item. I gyve unto Katherine my wife all my movable goods to use for 
and during the terme of her life and after her decease I gyve the same 
unto my sonn Samuel whom I doe ordeyne and make my sole executor. 
In Witness whereof I have sett my hand and Seal the daye and yeare 
above sayd. 

Sealed and declared vSig™ Thomas 

in the presence of us [mark] Richardson 

Richard Baker. 

Philip Baker, 
proved 31 July 1634 at Hitchin presented by son Samuel Richardson." 

The three brothers, Ezekiel, Samuel and Thomas Richardson, are known 
as such by the will of Ezekiel, who names the other two as his brothers. 

Ezekiel, evidently the oldest, was the first to come to New England, and 
was a planter in Charlestown in 1630. His departure previous to the 
making of the will, perhaps against his father's wishes, or possibly having 
received his share of his father's small estate, maj' account for the name of 



Ezekiel not appearing in the will. His baptism is not found at "West 
Mill, as are the baptisms of Samuel and Thomas. 

Ezekiel probably came with Winthrop, he and his wife becoming mem- 
bers of the Charlestown church, 27 Aug., 1630. 

Thomas Richardson, baptized at West mill, 3 July, 1608, had wife Mary, 
who joined the Charlestown church, 21 Feb., 1635-6, and he joined, 18 
Feb., 1637-8. 

Samuel presented the will of his father for probate ^t Ilitchin, England, 
31 July, 1634. He had previously married ; and had baptized, at West 
Mill, a son Samuel, 3 July, 1633, and a daughter Elizabeth, 22 May, 1635. 

Samuel Richardson's name does not appear in the Tithe Book of West 
Mill after 1635. Against Over Green, where he (and also his father, 
Thomas) lived, is written " none." It was, therefore, after that date he 
and his brother Thomas sailed for New England, with their families ; and 
we find, on 1 July, 1636, the brothers were on a committee to lay out lots 
of land in Charlestown, for hay. There is no record of the birth or bap- 
tism of a daughter Elizabeth to Samuel in Woburn, but the will of his 
wife Joanna, in 1666, mentions a daughter Elizabeth, who was probably 
the one baptized at West Mill, 22 May, 1635. 

Doubtless the register of the parish of Standon, which is but a few 
miles south of West Mill, would, if it existed, give further particulars of 
the Richardsons, or at least of Thomas who married in 1590 ; but the ear- 
liest entry to be found is 1671. Braughing, just east of West Mill, has 
a register which begins in 1563, but it gives no items of the Richardson 
name. Great and Little Hormead, north-east of West Mill, was the 
home of some of the Wymans in the past, but there are no traces of 
the Richardsons there. Just east of this locality is the border of Essex, 
and there are many of the name in that county, though the name is com- 
mon in aU the counties of England. From Nazing, Essex, about ten miles 
from West Mill, came John Eliot, the apostle, and many of the settlers of 
Roxbury, Mass. 


St. Mary the Virgin Parish Church in Westmill, where Thomas was married and buried has been around for a thousand years. The church still stands to this day.

It has the oldest bell in Hertfordshire, it’s 600 years old and still rings. Below you’ll find a video about the effort to rebuild the roof.

He made a will on 4 Mar 1630/31 at Westmill, Hertfordshire, England.1

Thomas RICHARDSON357, 9G Grandfather. Born abt 1565-70. Buried on 7 Jan
1633/4 in Westmill, Hertfordshire, England. Will dated on 4 Mar 1630/1 at Westmill,
Hertfordshire, England. Will proved on 31 Jul 1634.

According to Threlfall’s GMC50358, “THOMAS RICHARDSON was born about 1565-70. On
24 August 1590 [Threlfall gives this date as 25 August on p. 536] at West Mill, Hertfordshire,
he married Katherine Duxford of that parish. The marriage record states that he was of Standon,
which is the next parish to the south. She was the daughter of Richard and Joan Duxford, and
was born about 1565-70. They settled down in West Mill.

“Katherine was buried 10 March 1630/31 [Threlfall gives this date as 1631/32 on p. 536] at
West Mill. Thomas was buried there 7 January 1633/4. An abstract of his will follows.”

Thomas Richardson’s son Ezekiel had been comprehensively documented in Anderson’s
GMB359 where it is noted that “Samuel Richardson and Thomas Richardson, brothers of
Ezekiel, arrived in New England by 1635; Francis Wyman and John Wyman, sons of Ezekiel
Richardson’s sister Elizabeth, also came to New England [Sarah Hildreth Anc 25-27].”

Thomas Richardson and Katherine Duxford are ancestors to U.S. Presidents Bush, Coolidge,
Hoover (probably), and Pierce,360 and to suffragist Susan B. Anthony.281

Gary Boyd Roberts, Ancestors of American Presidents: First Authoritative Edition, Santa
Clarita, CA: Carl Boyer, 1995 (published in cooperation with the New England Historic
Genealogical Society).

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It would naturally be supposed that the will of Thomas Richardson would be found in the Commissary Court of Essex and
Ilertfordshire, but the Archdeaconry Court of lluntingdon. or that portion in the Hitchin Registry, had jurisdiction over part of
Tlertfordshire, and included 77 parishes.
The original will of Thomas Richardson of West Mill, Herts, found at Hitchin, reads:
March the 4th Ano domini 1630. In the name of God Amen I Thomas Richardson of Westmill in the County of Herts,
husbandman, being sick in hodye but of good an perfect memory thanks be to God doe make and ordeyne this my laste will in
manner and forme following, llrste. I bequeath my soul1 auto the hands of God my maker and Redeemer by whose merits I
only truste to be saved. and my body to be buryed in t.he place of Christian buryall and Touchinge my teniporall goods I doe
dispose of them as followeth.
First. I gyve unto Katherine my wife (luringe the tearme of her naturall life my littelI close of pasture called little
hunnymeade cont half an acre and after her decease I give the same to my sonn Samuel] aud his heyers for ever.
Item. I give to my sonn John forty shillings to be payed to him within
the space of three yeares next ensueing the decease of me and Katherine
my now wife by my executor.
Item. I give to my sonn James Twelve pence.
Item. I give to my sonn Thomas three pounds to be payed to him within the space of fyve yeares next ensueing the decease of
me and Kathy-
rifle my now wife.
Item. I gyve unto Katherine my wife all my movable goods to use for and during the terme of her life and after her decease I
gyve the same unto my sonu Samuel whom I doe ordeyne and make my sole executor. In Witness whereof I have sett my hand
and Seal the daye and yeare above sayd.
Sealed and declared Sigm THOMAS
in the presence of us [mark] . RICHARDSON
Richard Baker.
Philip Baker.
proved 81 July 1634 at I-Iitchin presented by son Samuel Richardson.” He was married to Katherine DUXFORD on 13 Jan
1593 in , West Mill, Herts, England. (1288)

http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Bluffs/2806/d1841.htm

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