Benny married his first wife, Karen Marie Wegley, on May 2, 1970. Together, they had three daughters. Melody, Tracy, and April. They would divorce on April 7, 1977.

In 1979, when he was 27, he had a fourth child, his only son, Nathaniel Wayne Richardson, with Cindy Walvoor, who was 15 or 16 at the time.

He married Carol J. Smith sometime around 1987. They had no children.

He played in bands his entire life. Mostly the guitar, but he also sang. He played in many local bands throughout the course of his life. Later, as his arthritis progressed, he taught himself the keyboard.

Fayette City is a small town located along the Monongahela River in Fayette County, Pennsylvania. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, this area was part of the booming industrial and coal-mining region of southwestern Pennsylvania. Here’s what life would have been like during that time:

The coal and steel industries heavily influenced Fayette City and the surrounding areas. Southwestern Pennsylvania was rich in coal, and mines in the region supplied fuel for steel mills in cities like Pittsburgh. Many residents, including children, worked in coal mines or industries supporting mining operations.

Labor was tough and dangerous. Coal miners often worked long hours in hazardous conditions for low pay. The rise of organized labor in the early 1900s, including unions like the United Mine Workers of America, began to advocate for better wages and working conditions.

Outside of industrial work, some families in Fayette City likely engaged in small-scale farming or ran local businesses to support the town’s economy. Rural areas like Fayette County were home to tight-knit communities where neighbors often relied on one another for support.

• By 1900, electricity was starting to reach some towns, though rural areas like Fayette City may not have had it yet. Gas lighting and wood-burning stoves were still common in homes.
• Railroads were a critical part of life. Fayette City was connected to regional markets by rail, which facilitated the transport of coal, goods, and people.
• Medical care was rudimentary. Doctors made house calls, and many treatments relied on home remedies. Diseases like typhoid, cholera, and tuberculosis were common as public sanitation systems were still developing.

Robert Thomas Hoag married Emma Marie Assel on May 20, 1924, in Monessen, PA.

Together, they had four children, only three of which who lived: Minni Marie Hoag, Elsie Jane Hoag, and Robert Thomas Hoag Junior.

Here is a death certificate issued for a stillborn child born on October 23, 1931. This means the child would have been younger than Elsie and older than Robert Thomas.

He died on November 13, 1961. we know this because we have a copy of his death certificate.

This document also confirms for us that his father’s name is Walter Hoag. When Robert Thomas Hoag died he was living at 1614 Maple Avenue, in Monessen, PA. It’s a small 2-bedroom house that is still around to this day. (Directions)

His death certificate also tells us that he died of pancreatic cancer, something of which he was diagnosed with just two months before his death.

** Source: England, Births and Christenings, 1538-1975. Salt Lake City, Utah: FamilySearch, 2013.

She was the eldest child of Thomas Richardson and Katherine Duxford. Elizabeth Richardson is my 12th great-aunt.

Elizabeth would go on to marry Francis Wyman on May 2, 1617, and together they had five children.

• Thomas (Baptized April 5, 1618)
• Francis (Baptized February 24, 1619)
• John (Baptized February 3, 1621)
• Richard (Baptized March 14, 1623)
• William (Baptized August 31, 1628 – Buried July 3, 1630)

** Sources, Boston Transcript. Volume 1, page 67: N.E.H.G. Reg. Volume 50, Page 45.

She was born and lived in West Mill her entire life.

This Elizabeth Richardson is not the same as the one who died on September 4, 1630 and was buried in Middlesex, England. Our Elizabeth died in Westmill, England, and was buried at St. Mary the Virgin in Westmill – St Albans, St Albans District, Hertfordshire, England.

So let’s talk about where she is from.

Standon is a historic village in Hertfordshire, located about 25 miles north of London. During Elizabeth’s lifetime, it was a rural agricultural community with a close connection to England’s broader economic, religious, and political transformations.

• Standon was a typical English parish village, with life centered around the parish church, which served as both a spiritual and social hub. Elizabeth would have been baptized, married, and buried in the church, as was customary.
• The economy of Standon was primarily agricultural. Farmers worked on open fields, practicing a mix of subsistence and market-oriented farming. Sheep grazing for wool production was particularly important in Hertfordshire, as the county was known for its contribution to England’s textile industry.
• Local markets and fairs were key parts of village life. Surplus goods—like wool, grain, and dairy—were sold at markets, often regulated by local lords or the crown.
• Most people in Standon lived in timber-framed cottages with thatched roofs. Homes were simple, often consisting of one or two rooms, with a hearth for cooking and heating.
• Life was communal, with extended families often living together. Tasks like cooking, weaving, and farming involved the entire household.

The Broader Historical Context (1593–1630)

1. Elizabethan England (1558–1603):
   • Elizabeth Jane Richardson was born during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, a period often referred to as England’s “Golden Age.” It was marked by relative political stability, economic growth, and cultural flourishing.
   • The Elizabethan Poor Laws, passed in 1601, began to formalize social welfare, reflecting the growing concern about poverty and vagrancy in rural areas like Standon.
2. The Early Stuart Period (1603–1630):
   • After Elizabeth I’s death in 1603, James I (James VI of Scotland) ascended the throne, ushering in the Stuart dynasty. James’s reign saw ongoing religious tension between Anglicans, Puritans, and Catholics.
   • Hertfordshire was largely Protestant by this time, aligned with the Church of England. However, Puritan influence was growing, especially in rural areas. Religious conformity was expected, and deviations (like Catholicism or nonconformist Protestantism) were met with suspicion or punishment.
   • The Gunpowder Plot of 1605, a failed Catholic conspiracy to assassinate James I, heightened anti-Catholic sentiment across the country.
3. Economic and Agricultural Shifts:
   • The Enclosure Movement, which saw common lands privatized and fenced, was transforming rural life. While enclosure brought efficiency and productivity, it also displaced small farmers and contributed to rising poverty.
   • Farming in Standon would have been impacted by these changes, with some families thriving and others struggling to adapt.
4. Family and Gender Roles:
   • Women like Elizabeth Jane Richardson were expected to marry, bear children, and manage households. Marriage was typically arranged based on family alliances or economic considerations.
   • Childbirth was a frequent and dangerous part of women’s lives. The high infant and maternal mortality rates meant that families often had large numbers of children to ensure some survived to adulthood.

Daily Life and Customs

1. Religion:
   • Religion was central to daily life. The Anglican Church governed not just spiritual practices but also many aspects of social and civic life. Church attendance was mandatory, and major life events—like baptisms, weddings, and funerals—were conducted according to religious rites.
   • Elizabeth’s baptism in 1593 and burial in 1630 would have followed traditional Anglican practices, reflecting the deep integration of religion into the rhythms of life.
2. Food and Diet:
   • The diet of rural villagers like Elizabeth would have been simple but hearty. Bread, cheese, porridge, and ale were staples, supplemented by vegetables from gardens and occasionally meat or fish.
   • Seasonal cycles dictated food availability. In winter, preserved foods like salted meats and dried fruits sustained families.
3. Education:
   • Formal education was limited, especially for girls. Elizabeth would likely have been taught basic literacy and household skills by her family, as education for women was considered unnecessary beyond practical knowledge.
   • The Protestant emphasis on reading the Bible may have encouraged some level of literacy, but most women’s roles were centered on domestic work.

Major Events During Elizabeth’s Lifetime

1. Plague Outbreaks:
   • Elizabeth lived through repeated outbreaks of the bubonic plague, which struck England periodically throughout the 16th and 17th centuries. Villages like Standon would have been vulnerable, as people had limited understanding of disease transmission.
2. The Thirty Years’ War (1618–1648):
   • While largely centered in Europe, this devastating conflict between Catholic and Protestant powers influenced England. James I attempted to mediate peace, but the war heightened religious anxieties within the country.
3. Early Colonial Ventures:
   • The late 16th and early 17th centuries marked the beginning of English colonization efforts. In 1607, Jamestown was founded in Virginia, initiating England’s overseas empire. Though far removed from life in Standon, this era of exploration and expansion reflected the growing ambitions of Elizabethan and Stuart England.

End of Life

Elizabeth Jane Richardson’s burial on June 22, 1630, was likely conducted in the parish churchyard of Standon, in accordance with Anglican customs. Her death occurred just four years after the ascension of Charles I to the throne in 1625, a period of rising political tension that would later culminate in the English Civil War (1642–1651).

Legacy

Elizabeth’s life was shaped by the rhythms of rural village life, deeply influenced by the church, the land, and the family. Her experiences reflect the transition from the Elizabethan “Golden Age” to the uncertainties of early Stuart England, providing a window into the daily lives and challenges faced by ordinary people in 17th-century England.

If you’d like, I can help further explore religious practices, gender roles, or another aspect of life in her time!

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 and 1604.

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

He married Susanna and together they had seven 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)

Ezekiel Richardson was among the early settlers of New England, arriving in America in 1630 as part of the Puritan migration during the Great Migration period (1620–1640). He is also referred to in historical records as “Ezechll Richeson,” reflecting the fluidity of spelling in the 17th century.

Ezekiel was the son of Thomas Richardson and Katherine Duxford. Although his exact date of birth is not recorded, historians estimate it to be between 1601 and 1604, based on the known dates of his parents and siblings. He was born in Westmill, Hertfordshire, England, a village about 30 miles north of London.

The Richardson family were Puritans, part of a religious movement that sought to reform the Church of England. Dissatisfied with the slow pace of reform and the persecution they faced under King Charles I, Ezekiel joined the thousands of Puritans who left England for the New World in search of religious freedom and a fresh start.

Ezekiel Richardson arrived in America in 1630 as part of the Winthrop Fleet, a group of 11 ships carrying nearly 1,000 settlers led by Governor John Winthrop. This expedition established the Massachusetts Bay Colony, a critical milestone in the history of English colonization in North America.

After landing in Salem, Ezekiel became a prominent member of the Puritan community, helping to lay the foundations for a new society governed by strict religious principles and communal cooperation.

Life in the New World

Ezekiel settled first in Charlestown, Massachusetts, one of the earliest settlements in the colony, where he was admitted as a freeman in 1630. Becoming a freeman signified that he was a full member of the church and granted him the right to vote in the colony’s affairs, a privilege reserved for Puritan men who adhered to the church’s strict moral and theological standards.

In Charlestown, Ezekiel and his fellow settlers worked together to clear land, build homes, and establish the Puritan way of life. The early years were challenging, marked by harsh winters, limited supplies, and the need to establish friendly—or at least neutral—relations with local Native American tribes.

In 1640, Ezekiel moved to Woburn, Massachusetts, where he played a key role in founding the town. Woburn was incorporated in 1642, and Ezekiel served as a selectman, helping to manage the town’s governance and development.

The Richardson family would have lived a modest but disciplined life centered on Puritan values. Education and religious instruction were emphasized, as children were expected to learn to read the Bible. Susanna played a critical role in managing the household, ensuring her children grew up with strong moral and religious foundations.

The Boston Church

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.

Ezechiel Richardson and Susan, his wife, were dismissed for participating 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 on 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 Ezekiel Richardson was taken on 18 November 1647 and totaled -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, confirmed 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”.

So what this information tells us, is that Susanna Richardson was the wife of Ezekiel. These are the kinds of historical documents that are the proof we need to trace specific members of our family.

Death and Legacy

Ezekiel Richardson passed away on October 21, 1647, in Woburn, Massachusetts. His death occurred during a period when Woburn was still in its early stages of development, with settlers working hard to carve a new life out of the wilderness.

Ezekiel’s legacy is one of perseverance and faith. As one of the early settlers and founders of Woburn, he helped establish a community that would thrive for generations. His descendants carried on his work, becoming part of the fabric of colonial New England society. His children, including Theophilus Richardson, played significant roles in expanding the Richardson family and contributing to the growth of the Massachusetts Bay Colony.

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.

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.

Together, they had at least nine 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

However, 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 and 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 (1523-1570)
• Thomas Richardson II of Westmill married Mary Margaret Champney (1543-1630)
• Thomas Richarson of Standon married Katherine Duxford (1590 – 1633)

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.

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.

The problem with the name “Thomas Richardson” is that at 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 because it further proves we have the right Thomas with the right wife.

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

Thomas Richardson I of Westmill’s life, spanning the mid-16th century, occurred during a time of profound cultural, religious, and political transformation in England. He married Margaret Silverside on June 15, 1567, at St. Albans Abbey, another Hertfordshire town with deep historical significance. Although the details of his death remain unclear, it is likely he passed away around 1570, as you’ve noted.

Here’s a closer look at what life was like in Westmill and England during this period:

Westmill, Hertfordshire in the 1500s

1. A Rural Village Setting:
   • Westmill, like much of Hertfordshire, was a small agricultural village. It was surrounded by fertile farmland, which supported the livelihoods of most of its inhabitants. Families like the Richardsons would have been engaged in farming, producing crops such as wheat, barley, oats, and vegetables, as well as raising livestock like sheep, cows, and chickens.
   • The village likely consisted of a few cottages clustered around a parish church, connected by dirt roads. The church played a central role in daily life, not only as a place of worship but also as a hub for social and communal activities.
2. Population and Economy:
   • The population of Westmill in the mid-1500s was small, likely a few hundred people. Life revolved around agricultural work, with a strong emphasis on self-sufficiency. Any surplus produce was sold or bartered in local markets or fairs, such as those in nearby towns like St. Albans.
   • Land ownership was hierarchical, with local gentry or landlords controlling large estates. Tenant farmers and laborers worked the land in exchange for rent or wages. The Richardsons may have been tenant farmers or small landowners.

Religious and Political Landscape

1. Religious Change:
   • Thomas Richardson was born during the early years of the English Reformation. In 1523, England was still a Catholic country, but by the 1530s, King Henry VIII had broken from the Catholic Church and established the Church of England. This led to significant upheaval in local parishes, including those in Hertfordshire.
   • By the time Thomas married Margaret in 1567, Queen Elizabeth I was on the throne, and Protestantism had been firmly established as the state religion. However, tensions between Catholics and Protestants persisted, and compliance with the Church of England was mandatory. Religious conformity was enforced, and dissenters were often fined or punished.
2. Social Structure:
   • Society in Westmill and Hertfordshire was highly stratified. The monarch and aristocracy held the most power, followed by the gentry and yeoman farmers. Below them were tenant farmers, tradespeople, and laborers.
   • The Richardsons may have been yeomen or prosperous tenant farmers, as they appear to have been respected members of their community. Marrying in St. Albans, a more prominent town, suggests some level of social mobility or standing.

Daily Life in 16th-Century Westmill

1. Work and Routine:
   • Life revolved around the agricultural calendar. Men and women worked long hours in the fields, tending crops and animals. Children were expected to help from a young age.
   • In addition to farming, villagers engaged in small-scale crafts or trades, such as weaving, smithing, or carpentry. Any extra income would be used to purchase essentials that couldn’t be produced locally.
2. Marriage and Family:
   • Marriage in the 16th century was often arranged or influenced by practical concerns, such as consolidating property or strengthening family alliances. Thomas and Margaret likely married for both social and economic reasons.
   • Families were large, as high infant mortality rates meant that not all children survived to adulthood. The Richardsons’ son, Thomas Richardson II, carried on the family legacy in Westmill, demonstrating the importance of maintaining a lineage during this period.
3. Education and Literacy:
   • Literacy was not widespread, but it was becoming more common among wealthier farmers and tradespeople. The Protestant Reformation placed a greater emphasis on reading the Bible, which may have encouraged basic literacy in rural communities like Westmill.

Hertfordshire’s Role in Tudor England

Hertfordshire, including Westmill, was strategically located near London and played a role in supplying food and goods to the capital. It was a relatively prosperous county due to its fertile soil and proximity to trade routes. Towns like St. Albans, where Thomas and Margaret were married, were significant centers of commerce and religion.

Clarifying Thomas Richardson’s Lineage

The challenge of accurately tracing Thomas Richardson I of Westmill’s ancestry underscores the complexity of genealogical research during this period. As you’ve noted, there were many individuals named “Thomas Richardson” in the area and throughout England, which complicates efforts to distinguish one from another. Misattributions, such as connecting him to Sir Thomas Richardson of the Scottish Peerage or other prominent figures, highlight the need for caution in interpreting historical records.

The Hertfordshire Marriages Record provides crucial evidence of Thomas’s marriage to Margaret Silverside, solidifying their connection and place in history. However, the question of Thomas’s father remains unresolved due to the lack of definitive documentation from the early 1500s. While it was previously believed that Ralph Richardson of the Jersey Channel Islands was his father, this claim has been debunked, leaving the matter open for further investigation.

Historical Significance

Thomas Richardson I of Westmill lived during a transformative period in English history, witnessing the shift from medieval to early modern England. His life, marriage, and descendants are part of the broader story of Hertfordshire’s development and England’s religious and social upheavals. As a farmer or tradesman in Westmill, he would have experienced both the challenges and opportunities of life in a rural Tudor community, contributing to the foundation of his family’s enduring legacy.

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.

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 1600s 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 refers to the St Mary Matfelon church, which was an English parish church on Whitechapel Road in Whitechapel, London.

The distance from Westmill to Whitechapel (approximately 30–40 miles) would take at least 8–12 hours round-trip, depending on road conditions and breaks. Travel in the 1600s was arduous and not undertaken lightly, particularly for funerals.

It’s highly improbable that a person who was born, married, and lived in Westmill their entire life would have been buried at St. Mary’s in Whitechapel. Burials typically occurred in the local parish churchyard, which, in the case of Westmill, would have been St. Mary the Virgin, the village church.

Given the historical context of burial practices, the importance of local parish records, and the travel difficulties of the time.  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.

• Thomas Richardson of Standon

They could have had more children and likely did, but so far, I 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, who, 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 his wife was Margaret Silverside. Their child was Thomas Richardson.

Because this can get confusing, I named  …

• Thomas Richardson was 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 must keep trying to figure out more family connections.

Ben Donald Price was born in what was then known as Grayson, in Jefferson county. However today the town is known as Waurika, Oklahoma.

His social security number was 526-24-0943, which can be found on the on the US Social Security Applications and Claims Index.

He was married to Elwynne May Lynell on June 4, 1949. They were very big into the Baptist church.

He died at the age of 79 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma and was buried at the Resurrection Memorial Cemetery in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. (find a grave page) His exact date of death was April 23, 2004. That means he died just a week after his 79th birthday.

He was born on July 27, 1927, in Waurika, Oklahoma.

His father was Benjamin Franklin Price and his mother was Ethel Ann Hopson.

His wife was Dorothy J Richardson. Apparently, she was no relation to us, it was just a crazy coincidence that she had the Richardson name. 🙂

They had a total of 4 children, Glen Jr, Gloria Jean, Freddy Dan and Joey.

Freddy Dan died on January 18, 2018. He had a stroke about 3 years prior and a friend of his had been taking care of him. Glen Jr. passed away about two years prior to that so about 2016 and that meant as of January of 2018 only Gloria Jean who they called sissy was still alive. Her family thought that she was still living somewhere in Mexico but know little else about her whereabouts.

He died of a cardiac arrest, due in part to his morbid obesity on August 3, 1982. His death certificate also tells us that he was a wrecker driver in Fort Worth, Texas. He was 55 years old. (Find a grave link)

At one time he lived at 2411 Warwick Ave, Fort Worth, TX, 76106-7557 and at another time his recorded address was 2226 Robinwood Dr, Fort Worth, TX, 76111-5117.

His photos are obvious shots of him in the Navy. His death certificate also states that at some time he was in the US Armed Forces. My grandmother (his younger sister), Alice Joann Price thought he went into the US Navy in 1941, but I knew that couldn’t have been right since then he was only 14. I found it though on his US Department of Veteran Affairs Death File.

He was in the Navy. He enlisted on November 29, 1944. He was released on May 11, 1946.

She was born on January 11, 1903 – most likely in Montague, Texas. I say that because this is where she lived during the 1910 federal census.

Sometime between 1910 and 1920, she moved to what today is known as Waurika, Oklahoma. Back then it was known as Grayson (Jefferson County), Oklahoma.

Two years later she would marry Benjamin Franklin Price on October 18, 1922. US Census records show us back then he was a farmer. That was just before the great depression.

They didn’t have children right away. They wouldn’t have their first child until 1925, 3 years after their marriage. Back then this was rather unusual. Most people back then married young and started popping out babies left and right.

In all, they had 5 children, only 4 of which would grow into adulthood. Their youngest child, Gloria Sue would die by the time she was 2.

• Ben Donald Price (1925-2004)
• Glen Edward Price (1927-1982)
• Kenneth Price (1929-2012)
• Alice Joann Price (1935-)
• Gloria Sue Price (1943-1945)

Ethel Ann Hopson and her husband lived in Waurika almost their entire lives – at the end, however, she would be moved to an assisted living facility in Oklahoma City, OK which is where she would die on June 15, 1990.

Here is a picture of me, with my sisters Melody and April on their porch as young children in Waurika.