Theophilus Richardson’s life (1633–1674) spanned a formative period in early American colonial history. Born and raised in Woburn, Massachusetts, Theophilus lived during the first century of English colonization in New England. Below is an overview of what life would have been like during that time and in that area:

Woburn was officially settled in 1640 and incorporated in 1642, just a few years after Theophilus’s birth. It was part of the Massachusetts Bay Colony, established by Puritans seeking religious freedom from the Church of England.

The town was laid out in a classic New England pattern, with a central meetinghouse (used for both church services and town meetings) surrounded by homes and farmland.

Geography and Environment:

• Woburn was located about 10 miles north of Boston and was heavily forested with rivers and streams. Settlers cleared the land for farming, but the process was arduous and required cooperation among families.
• Winters were long and harsh, while summers were relatively short but could be hot and humid. Survival depended on efficient farming, hunting, and gathering.

The community was tightly knit and organized around Puritan religious practices. Church attendance was mandatory, and religion shaped every aspect of daily life, from governance to education.

Families were typically large, as children were seen as both a blessing and a necessity for labor. Theophilus likely grew up working on the family farm and helping with domestic chores.

• Woburn’s economy was largely agrarian. Most families engaged in subsistence farming, growing crops such as corn, beans, squash, and rye. They also raised livestock, including cows, pigs, and sheep.
• Bartering was common, as there was little coin currency available. Any surplus goods were traded with neighbors or sent to larger markets in Boston.
• Puritans placed a strong emphasis on literacy, as reading the Bible was central to their faith. Boys like Theophilus would have been taught to read and write at home or in small community schools.
• Harvard College, founded in 1636, reflected the colony’s focus on education, although only a small number of young men pursued advanced learning.

In 1890 a man by the name of Edward Francis Johnson published a  book called “Births, Deaths, and Marriages of Woburn, Mass from 1640 to 1873.” It’s this book that we are able to document so many in our family tree from that time period.

It’s thanks to this document that we know that Theophilus and his wife had eight children with his wife.

• Ezekiel (Oct 28, 1655)
• Mary (Jan 15, 1658)
• Sarah (April 23, 1660)
• Abigail (Oct 21, 1662)
• Hannah (Apr 6, 1665)
• John (Jan 16, 1668)
• Hesther (Jun 25, 1670)
• Ruth (Aug 31, 1673)

Some say that Bridget Richardson, born March 17, 1674, is also Theophilus’s daughter, but she wasn’t listed in the Woburn book.

However, I found a document called “Massachusetts Town Birth Records – Vital Records of Chelmsford,” which states that she was born on March 17, 1674, in Chelmsford and that her father is James, not Theophilus.

Theophilus Richardson is the son of my 11th great-uncle, Ezekiel Richardson. Theophilus’s grandfather is Thomas Richardson of Standon, my 12th great-grandfather. So, while he’s not in my direct line, he’s still a blood relative who lived in the same small town that my other family members did. For reference … here’s my direct family line.

• Thomas Richardson of Standon (1565-1633) My 12th great-grandfather
• Samuel Richardson (1602-1658) My 11th great-grandfather
• Joseph Richardson (1643-1718) My 10th great-grandfather
• Stephen Richardson (1674-1752) My 9th great-grandfather
• Stephen  Richardson (1696-1723) My 8th great-grandfather
• John David Richardson (1720-1777) My 7th great-grandfather
• David Richardson (1760-1842) My 6th great-grandfather
• Jonathan David Richardson (1795-1870) My 5th great-grandfather

Thomas Richardson of Standon had seven children, one of which was Ezekiel (Theophilus’s father) and the other being Samuel, which is my family line. These seven children would be the last generation born in England. From there, the kids would all move to America and have children of their own, who would become the first generation of American-born Richardson’s.

Major Historical Events During Theophilus’s Lifetime

1. King Philip’s War (1675–1678):
   • Though Theophilus died just as this conflict began, tensions with Native American tribes were a recurring issue during his life. King Philip’s War, which started the year of his death, was a violent and devastating conflict between English settlers and Native Americans. The war reshaped the New England frontier.
   • Earlier, there had been uneasy relations with local tribes, and occasional conflicts as settlers expanded onto native lands.
2. The Great Migration:
   • Theophilus was born near the end of the Great Migration (1620–1640), during which thousands of Puritans left England for New England. His family likely arrived as part of this wave, seeking religious freedom and economic opportunity.
3. Religious Life:
   • The Puritan way of life was strict and emphasized piety, hard work, and discipline. Ministers were community leaders, and infractions against religious laws (such as missing church services or public drunkenness) were harshly punished.
4. The English Civil War and Restoration:
   • Although Theophilus was living in the New World, events in England (such as the English Civil War, 1642–1651) still influenced the colonies. The Puritans initially supported Oliver Cromwell’s Commonwealth, and after the monarchy was restored in 1660, there was a growing unease about English interference in colonial affairs.

Challenges of Life in 17th-Century Woburn

1. Frontier Hardships:
   • Settlers faced constant challenges, including harsh winters, food shortages, and diseases such as smallpox and dysentery.
   • Relationships with Native Americans were fragile, and settlers were always wary of potential conflict.
2. Role of Women:
   • Women in Theophilus’s time were responsible for running households, raising children, cooking, and spinning wool or flax for clothing. Their lives were labor-intensive, and they held no formal political power, though they were active participants in the church.
3. Mortality and Health:
   • Life expectancy was relatively low. While Theophilus lived to age 41 (which was typical for men in his time), many children did not survive infancy, and diseases could quickly decimate entire families.

Theophilus Richardson’s life spanned a crucial period of colonial development in Massachusetts. He grew up during the early days of Woburn’s settlement, helping to establish a community that would endure for centuries. Like many New Englanders of his time, he likely worked tirelessly to ensure the survival and prosperity of his family and town. His life, deeply shaped by the Puritan ethic, was one of hard work, faith, and resilience.

Would you like to expand on any specific aspect, such as Puritan religious practices, education, or the Native American relations of the time?

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.

Stephen was the grandson of Samuel Richardson, one of the three Richardson brothers (alongside Ezekiel and Thomas) who emigrated to the Massachusetts Bay Colony in 1630 as part of the Great Migration. The Richardsons were devout Puritans, and their faith and values influenced their leadership and roles in the developing colony.

Stephen’s father, Joseph Richardson (1643–1718), was born in Woburn and married Hannah Green, the daughter of Thomas Green and Elizabeth Green of Malden. Joseph Richardson was a freeman of the colony, a member of the church, and an active participant in civic life, serving as a selectman in Woburn and fighting as one of Major Samuel Appleton’s soldiers during King Philip’s War (1675–1678). This legacy of civic engagement and military service was passed down to Stephen and his siblings.

Stephen was one of six children born into a family that emphasized religious devotion, community involvement, and family unity. His siblings included Hannah, Mary, Elizabeth, Joseph, and another brother, all of whom contributed to the growth of Woburn and the Richardson family’s enduring legacy.

Marriage and Family

Stephen married Bridget Richardson, a distant relative, continuing the practice of intermarriage within prominent families in colonial New England. This was not uncommon and helped maintain property and alliances within the community. Together, Stephen and Bridget had six children:

1. Stephen Richardson (1696–1703): The couple’s first son, who died young.
2. Phebe Richardson Snow (1704–1785): Their daughter, named after Phebe Richardson, the daughter of Ezekiel and Susanna Richardson, who was a key figure in the family lineage. Phebe married and lived a long life, contributing to the family’s story.
3. Ichabod Richardson (1706–1768): Ichabod became a prominent member of the Richardson family, representing the family’s continued influence in the Woburn area.
4. Stephen Richardson (1707–1787): Named after his deceased elder brother, a common practice in colonial families.
5. Adam Richardson (1709–1758): Another son who carried on the family name.
6. Asa Richardson (1713–1752): Asa’s life ended the same year as Stephen’s, marking a significant loss for the family.

The naming of children after deceased siblings or other relatives reflects the Puritan tradition of honoring family members and preserving their memory. The unusual spelling of Phebe’s name likely stems from earlier generations, specifically Phebe Richardson, daughter of Ezekiel and Susanna Richardson.

Life in Woburn, Massachusetts

Woburn, founded in 1642, was an early Puritan settlement. By the time Stephen was born, it was a thriving but still frontier-like community, heavily influenced by the strict religious practices and communal values of Puritan society. The town revolved around the church, which served as both a spiritual and civic center.

Stephen, like his father and grandfather, would have grown up farming, helping to clear and maintain land, and contributing to the survival of his family and community. Woburn’s economy was primarily agrarian, supplemented by small-scale trades and goods exchanged within the community or with neighboring towns like Boston.

The Puritan emphasis on literacy likely meant that Stephen had some level of education, as the ability to read the Bible was considered essential. His family, being relatively prominent in Woburn, would have ensured their children were well-prepared for leadership roles in the church and community.

Legacy and Death

Stephen Richardson passed away on February 4, 1752, just three days shy of his 78th birthday. He was buried in Woburn, where his family’s legacy was firmly established. His death marked the end of a life deeply intertwined with the development of one of New England’s earliest settlements.

Through his children, Stephen’s legacy continued, with the Richardson family remaining influential in Woburn and beyond. His descendants carried forward the values of faith, hard work, and community service that characterized the early Puritan settlers.

Historical Context

Stephen Richardson’s life was shaped by the broader events of colonial New England:

1. King Philip’s War (1675–1678): His father, Joseph, fought in this brutal conflict, which defined his childhood and the Richardson family’s commitment to defending the colony.
2. Puritan Society: The strict religious and moral codes of the Puritan faith governed every aspect of life in Woburn. This disciplined, community-focused lifestyle ensured the survival of settlements like Woburn in a challenging environment.
3. Intergenerational Continuity: As the grandson of Samuel Richardson, Stephen was part of a lineage that contributed to the success of the Massachusetts Bay Colony, ensuring that their legacy endured for generations.

Stephen Richardson’s life exemplifies the experiences of a second-generation Puritan settler in New England. Born into a family of pioneers, Stephen upheld the values of faith, family, and community. His contributions, both as a father and a resident of Woburn, helped shape the colony’s enduring foundation. Today, his descendants and the records preserved about his life provide a window into the struggles and triumphs of early colonial America.

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

Joseph was raised in a devout Puritan household. His father, Samuel Richardson, was among the founders of Woburn, which was incorporated in 1642. The Richardsons were prominent members of the community, known for their active involvement in both civic and church life.

Joseph’s birth is documented in the Woburn records of births, deaths, and marriages, confirming his birthdate as July 27, 1643, and listing him as the son of Samuel Richardson. These records demonstrate the meticulous record-keeping of the early Puritan settlers, who viewed such documentation as an important aspect of community organization.

On November 5, 1666, Joseph married Hannah Green, daughter of Thomas Green and Elizabeth Green of Malden, Massachusetts (modern-day Melrose). Hannah was born around 1647 and came from another prominent colonial family. Her father, Thomas Green, had emigrated from England before 1640 and was a selectman in Malden in 1658.

Joseph and Hannah Richardson had five children, all born in Woburn:

1. Hannah Richardson (b. October 22, 1667): Married Daniel Baldwin.
2. Mary Richardson (b. March 22, 1669): Married, first, James Fowle; second, Samuel Walker.
3. Elizabeth Richardson (b. June 28, 1670): Married, first, John Coggin; second, Jacob Wyman.
4. Joseph Richardson (b. May 19, 1672): Married Mary Blodget.
5. Stephen Richardson (b. February 7, 1674): Married Bridget Richardson, continuing the family line.

The Richardson family’s legacy extended through these children, who married into other notable families in the region, strengthening the family’s social and economic position.

Joseph Richardson was an active and respected member of the Woburn community. He was admitted as a freeman of the colony on May 15, 1672, signifying his full membership in the church and his eligibility to participate in colonial governance.

Joseph also served as a selectman of Woburn in 1693, 1694, and 1702, a role that involved overseeing the town’s administration, land allocation, and local disputes. This reflects his standing in the community and his commitment to public service.

In addition to his civic contributions, Joseph demonstrated his courage and dedication during King Philip’s War (1675–1678), one of the most devastating conflicts between English settlers and Native American tribes. He served as one of Major Samuel Appleton’s soldiers and fought in the Battle of the Great Swamp, an assault on the Narragansetts’ fort on December 19, 1675. This battle was a turning point in the war but came at a great cost, with significant losses on both sides. Joseph’s participation in this conflict highlights his role in defending the colony during one of its most perilous periods.

Later Life and Legacy

Joseph Richardson passed away on March 5, 1718, in Woburn. His will, dated June 24, 1717, was proved on April 22, 1718 and recorded in the Middlesex Probate Records (Volume XV, Page 143). The will provides insight into his character and priorities, showing that he carefully and generously provided for his wife, Hannah, and their children.

One notable provision in the will states that his son Joseph must “find her [Hannah] 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.” This stipulation underscores Joseph’s attentiveness to his wife’s well-being and the Puritan emphasis on familial duty.

Hannah Richardson outlived Joseph by three years, passing away on May 20, 1721.

Historical Context

Joseph Richardson lived during a pivotal period in New England’s history. Born shortly after the Massachusetts Bay Colony’s founding, he witnessed its transformation from a fledgling settlement to an established and prosperous region. Key historical events during his lifetime include:

1. The Great Migration: The wave of Puritan emigration to New England in the mid-17th century shaped the culture and governance of towns like Woburn.
2. King Philip’s War: This brutal conflict between colonists and Native Americans was a defining event in Joseph’s adult life and underscored the fragility of colonial existence.
3. The Dominion of New England (1686–1689): Joseph lived through the imposition of centralized control over the New England colonies by King James II, followed by the Glorious Revolution and the colony’s return to self-governance.

Joseph’s descendants carried on the Richardson family’s legacy in Woburn and beyond. His children married into other prominent colonial families, and their offspring continued to contribute to the development of Massachusetts. The Richardson Memorial, published in 1876, provides detailed genealogical records of his lineage, reflecting the enduring interest in and importance of the Richardson family in early New England history.

Joseph Richardson’s life exemplifies the values of Puritan New England: faith, hard work, community service, and dedication to family. From his early years in Woburn to his service as a soldier and selectman, Joseph played a vital role in the growth of his town and the colony. His careful planning for his family’s future, as seen in his will, highlights his commitment to ensuring their well-being even after his death. Today, his legacy endures through his numerous descendants and the rich records that preserve his story.

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.

These official documents are what help us prove specific dates and family connections. When doing your own family research, always make sure that you confirm anything someone else has said, with official documents.