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  Page 8 of 10

RICHARDSON HISTORY

Copyright © 2006  Bruce H. Richardson

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

1. Generation 7

    Thomas Richardson, b. 11 Jul 1724 Attleborough, MA continued

2. Generation 8

     John Richardson, b. 14 Oct 1750 Attleborough, MA

3. Endnotes

 

                                              

Following the Revolutionary war, Thomas Richardson⁷ becomes the first of our direct line to leave Massachusetts and move west. He and his family removed to the relatively new town of Packersfield, New Hampshire (later named Nelson) in an, as yet, sparsely settled area of New England.

 

    

                                          Nelson, New Hampshire

 

Below is an old map of Nelson homesteads.
The arrow pointing to "S" shows the location of Thomas' house, his son Amos', and Josiah Vining's (father of Dorothy Vining our g’-grandmother), wife of Thomas’ son John.
The arrow pointing to "M" is the location of John's place.
The arrow pointing to "V", on the edge of the town center, is the location of John's son, Asa Richardson, also our g'-grandfather in the direct line.

 

              
 

Nelson Village as it appears in a 1949 U.S. Government Geological Survey Relief map:

 

           

 

 

South of Nelson stood the Richardson homestead house, brick, colonial federalist style.  A History of Nelson contains the following account:

Josiah [Josiah Vining Richardson, g’-grandfather John's son] built the brick house in 1793 according to town records. It is still standing and in use [1968]. The ell, built of wood, had become a fire hazard, so between 1949 and 1959 the present owner replaced it with an ell built of concrete, brick and steel--in keeping with tradition, Mr. Struthers and his family did all of the construction. The barn is 155 feet long and Homer Priest said it was built in three sections, at fifty year intervals. Probably Josiah and Amos [Josiah's uncle, our 5th great-uncle] built the first section. "Aunts Dolly [g-grandmother Dorothy Vining Richardson, wife of John] and Hitty [Mehitable, wife of Amos] lived at the homestead after their husband's death; the widows died there, in 1833 and 1835 respectively....Charles Scripture, Son of Capt. Samuel Jr. bought the old Fletcher place from the John Richardson heirs; he lived and died there; afterwards owned by Lawrence Collins, Forest Hart of Marlborough (Peter Keough), Deacon Struthers--Arcady--and now owned by Dr. Alfred Morgan Struthers M.D.[57]

 

               

 

The photo above and following article are taken from Historic Homes of Cheshire Co., NH  by Majorie Whalen Smith, 1968:

MERRICONN FARM - 1793

 

Time passes easily in Nelson at Merriconn Farm with the congenial Dr. Parke Hardy Struthers whose conversational warmth and wealth of anecdotes and personal experience enchant visitors into forgetting the world beyond the boundaries of the farm. His is luxury living and contentment that comes from a sunny hayfield, back hillside of bobolinks, dooryard kitchen garden, a view of Mount Monacinock, and an historic farmstead of memories.

 

In 1793 Josiah Vining Richardson and his uncle, Amos Richardson, built a two-story brick house with such easy access to the Meetinghouse-Boston Road that one could step from a wagon onto the front doorstep. The road has been altered and now retains the name Cabot Road from later ownership of the property by Louis Cabot who had a horse farm there. He had been preceded by John Rutherford (1823-1906) who in 1885 kept fifty sheep and eight cows arid caught spring s first run from his three hundred sugar trees.

 

Named Merriconn Farm by its present owner who bought the house and its five hundred acres, "more or less," in 1932, it was originally a thousand acre land grant to Thomas Richardson (1723-1806) who came from Attleboro, Massachusetts, to settle in Packersfield at the end of the Revolutionary War. The town was not incorporated as Nelson until 1814.

 

Richardson's son, John (1750-1814), received a portion of his father's large holdings, and in turn the latter passed a number of acres to his youngest son, Josiah, who built Merriconn Farm's brick house. The bricks were made either at Harrisville or more probably at the brickyard near Tolman Pond.

Josiah Richardson married twice: Polly Wright (17841 826) and later Nabby Brooks. There is no record of any children. Uncle Amos Richardson (1754-1815) also lived at the farmstead with his wife, Mehitable, who died in 1835 at the age of seventy-seven. Known as "Aunt Hitty," she and her sister-in-law, 'Aunt Dolly," lived at the farm as widows….

 

Of particular interest is the one hundred and fifty-five foot long red barn at Merriconn Farm. Built in three sections at fifty-year intervals, the oldest end was probably raised by the Richardsons. The newest end is already a half century old, the work of Homer Priest who died in 1934.

The barn is so situated on a divide between Merrimack and Connecticut River drainage that rain falling on the north side of the barn roof eventually drains into the Merrimack River while that falling on the other slope of the roof flows to the Connecticut River. From this came the name "Merriconn Farm."

 

 

A brief history of the town of Nelson, drawn from A History of Nelson New Hampshire 1767-1967, depicts the life and tenor of the times:

Nelson, in Cheshire county, was first called Monadnock No. 6 with the first permanent settler in 1766. In 1774, the settlement became formally called Packersfield and received the name Nelson in 1814. In 1817 there were 1076 inhabitants. In town was a meeting-house, a cotton and woolen factory, 4 grain-mills, 3 saw-mills, and 1 clothing mill. . . .

During the 1800s Nelson prospered. The virgin forests that had blanketed hills and valleys alike, back in 1767, were being cut off; cultivated fields and walled-in pastures appeared; pioneer cabins were replaced by large, well-built comfortable homes; roomy barns and a flock of lesser buildings came along as crops and livestock multiplied. For many years the only means of transportation was the Boston stage coach, which passed through town; or by horse and wagon; or by ox-cart.

 

In the early days the outside world had little to offer Nelsonians in the way of luxuries or entertainment. They manufactured or raised the necessities of life; for within the boundaries of the town were sawmills, grist mills, small factories for making furniture, chairs, clothespins, wooden bowls, spoons, plates, mortars, baskets, barrels, tubs, pumps, plows, rakes, scythe snaths, hay forks, hoe and axe handles, wagons, carriages, and artificial flowers. There were two blacksmith shops, a pound for the stray cattle, sheep and hogs, three stores and the post offices. There were two shoemakers, a tailor, a dentist, doctor, undertaker, silhouette maker [the photography of the day], a justice of the peace and two ministers."

 

These were the days of wooden dishes, pumpkins, bean porridge, and for pastry, the 'bannock,' a product of flour and water, baked on a maple chip before the open fire. Often the fireplace was so spacious, that a person could literally sit in the chimney corner and study astronomy. Furniture was simple and useful; made of pine, birch, walnut and maple, by the local cabinetmaker. Vessels of iron and copper were used for cooking. The cupboard, or dresser, extended from the floor to ceiling, and it held an assortment of mugs, basins and plates of wood or maybe pewter. Breakfast generally consisted of potatoes which were roasted in the ashes, a bannock, or a piece of the delicious shortcake. Pork was plenty. If hash was had for breakfast, all ate from the platter, without plates.

'If fresh meat be wanting to fill up our dish,

We had carrots and pumpkins and turnip and fish;

And is there a mind for delicate dish,

We repair to the clam-banks and we catch fish.

Instead of pottage and puddings and custards and pies,

Our pumpkins and parsnips are common supplies;

We have pumpkins at morning and pumpkins at noon

If it was not for pumpkins, we should be undone soon.'[58]

 

 

An 1817 Gazette depicts the women of the era and area in humorously, ludicrously lofty language:

The female sex in New Hampshire have the general character which distinguish New England women; freshness, delicacy, and softness of countenance, creating not unfrequently the perfection of female beauty. Among that portion of them who have enjoyed the benefits of early education, the traveler may find all the fascination of manners, the charm of conversation and attractions of accomplishments. The females of this state are in general trained from their youth to all the duties of domestic economy, from which the distinctions of fortune are seldom considered an exception.

The employment of the needle and other domestic avocations are here regarded as honourable, and indolence brings equal reproach upon both sexes.[59]

 

   
                        Children of Thomas & Esther:

{John Richardson} b. 14 Oct 1750 Attleborough, MA, d. 14 Aug 1814 Nelson, NH age 64

      m. 18 Nov 1773 Dorothy Vining "Aunt Dolly" b. 08 Jan 1752 Abington, Plymouth, MA, d. 04 Jan 1833 Nelson,
      NH age 80

Amos Richardson b. 06 Oct 1755 Attleborough, MA, d. 30 Nov 1815 Nelson, NH age 60

      m. Mehitable "Aunt Hitty" b. ~1758, d. 06 Oct 1835 Nelson, NH

Amos served in the Revolutionary War. Lived on the Richardson homestead. Mehitable joined the church in 1817. Since Amos and his wife were without issue they adopted Betty Baker. Amos and Mehitable died in Nelson and buried in the family lot in the cemetary on the hill.[60]

 

General Griffin, in his reminiscences of Nelson Revolutionary soldiers, says of him:

"Amos Richardson was with Washington when he crossed the Delaware in the night, with his army, in boats. They left one hundred men to keep up the fires and deceive the British, and Richardson was one of the hundred. Early in the morning the British discovered what had happened, and came down upon them, but 'Old Put (General Israel Putnam) had declared he would save those men, and had returned for them himself. As they escaped to the boats the British brought their cannon to bear, cutting down branches of trees over their heads, but not a man was hurt."

It has not been found possible to identify his organization.

The only crossing of the Delaware by Washington that the story fits was that of December 8, 1776.

He came to Packersfield in 1785, and settled on what is now known as the Cabot place.  Died in Nelson, November 30, 1815, and is buried in the cemetery of the Town Common.”

 

                

 

        In memory of Mr. Amos Richardson                    MEHITABLE wife of Amos RICHARDSON 77

who died Nov. 30, 1815 in the 61 year of his age                           died Oct. 6, 1835 AE

 

Sarah Richardson b. 12 Dec 1757 Attleborough, MA, d. aft 1841

    m. 24 May 1777 Zebediah Paine b. abt 1755 MA, d. 4 May 1829 Westmoreland, NH

Charity Richardson b. 12 May 1761 Attleborough , MA, d. 17 May 1808 Nelson, NH age 47

Gravestone: In Memory of Mrs. Charity Richardson daughter of Mr. Thomas & Mrs. Esther Richardson who died 17 May 1808 in the 48th year of her age  "Here sleep dear friend, till from The archangel's trumpet bids thee rise Then join the holy choir above, In anthems of redeeming love."

 

                 

“In Memory of Mrs. Charity Richardson daughter of Mr. Thomas & Mrs. Esther Richardson who died 17 May 1808 in the 48th year of her age  “Here sleep dear friend, till from The archangel's trumpet bids thee rise Then join the holy choir above, In anthems of redeeming love.”

 

Nancy Richardson

Stephen Richardson

 

8th Generation

{JOHN RICHARDSON}⁸

(Thomas⁷, Francis⁶, Stephen⁵, Samuel⁴, Thomas³, Thomas², Thomas¹)

b. 14 Oct 1750 Attleborough, MA

d. 14 Aug 1814 Nelson, NH age 64

m. 18 Nov 1773

Dorothy Vining

b. 08 Jan 1752 Sharon, Norfolk, MA

d. 04 Jan 1833 Nelson, NH age 80

 

                               

              I N  memory of JOHN RICHARDSON                   DOROTHY wife of John Richardson
      who died Aug. 14, 1814 on the 65 year of his age              died Jan. 4, 1833 AE 81 years

 

A History of Nelson records of John:

Served in Revolutionary War; came to Packersfield about 1784 and lived on the Fletcher place; later Charles Scripture; now Dr. Alfred M. Struthers M.D. Died in Nelson and was buried in the cemetery on the Town Common. Children were all baptized by Rev. Gad Newell, June 7, 1795. Joined the First Congregational church in 1795.[61]

 

One can get an indication of the town-based welfare system in early New England and assume from the old Nelson town records that John Richardson had a philanthropic spirit. Consider this entry from March 16, 1802:

Voted to let the providing for the widow Mary [White] for the ensuing year to the person that will do it for the least sum. Mr. John Richardson agreed to keep and provide for her for Sixteen Dollars and fifty cents one year from the twentieth day of March instant he to provide house room and boarding the town to pay for all necessary doctoring.[62]

 Like his father, Thomas, John was also a veteran of the Revolutionary War. From Massachussetts Soldiers And Sailors In The War of The Revolution:

 

                        Children of John & Dorothy:

Joel Richardson b. 04 Dec 1774 Foxboro, Norfolk, MA

    m. Barrett

Thomas Richardson b. 30 May 1776 Foxboro, Norfolk, MA

Masa Richardson b. 03 Dec 1777 Foxboro, Norfolk, MA, d. 14 Nov 1778, Foxboro, Norfolk, MA

{Asa Richardson} b. 09 Mar 1779 Foxboro, Norfolk, MA, d. 19 Dec 1852 Clayton, Jefferson, NY

      m. 10 Apr 1806 Polly (Mary) Adams b. 28 Nov 1784 Nelson, NH, d. 18 Dec 1849 Clayton, NY age 65

Matthew Richardson b. 23 Nov 1780 Foxboro, Norfolk, MA

   m. Nancy b. ~1782

Matthew, after his father, was given to acts of charity as well.  Among several instances recorded in the Nelson Town Records are these two:

March 5th 1819 Rec'd of the Selectmen Fifteen dollars eleven cents in full for two dollars eleven cents repairs to the house I live in and thirteen dollars extra on account of taking good care of Sam'l Adams and wife the present year.  -- Matthew Richardson[64]

March 18, 1822 Received of the Selectmen four dollars and 37/100 in full for cutting wood for Mrs. Chandler.  –  Matthew Richardson[65]

Hannah Richardson b. 02 Sep 1782 Foxboro, Norfolk, MA

   m. 03 Jul 1814 Samuel Bryant

Josiah Vining Richardson b. 23 Nov 1784 Foxborough, MA, d. 5 Jun 1857 Astabula Co., OH, buried Hartsgrove Cem.,

         Hartsgrove, OH

   m. 10 Jun 1810 Nelson, NH Polly Wright b. 30 Dec 1784 Packersfield [Nelson], Cheshire, NH, d. 1826

   m. aft 1826 Nabby Brooks b. 15 Jun 1783 New Ipswich, Hillsborough, NH, d. 11 Apr 1863 Astabula Co., OH, buried Hartsgrove Cem.,

        Hartsgrove, OH

Josiah appears often in the Nelson Town Records in various capacities, to include Surveyor of Highways and Collector of School Taxes.  He also was given to charity, e.g.:

Nelson March 19, 1821 Received of the Selectmen eleven dollars 96/100 in full for providing for and taking care of Robert Follet one year up to the 17th of this month.   -- Josiah V. Richardson[66]

Nelson February 14, 1822 Received of the Selectmen three dollars in full for a pair of shoes and taking out a letter of Guardianship for Alonzo Barrett.  -- Josiah V. Richardson[67]

Received of the Selectmen nineteen dollars seventy cents in full for keeping Fanny Adams thirty one weeks and three days.  -- Josiah V. Richardson[68]

 

             

JOSIAH RICHARDSON died June 5, 1857 Aged 72y 9m 17d  (Nabby’s stone mostly missing)

 

Nancy Richardson b. 26 Jun 1786 Packersfield [Nelson], Cheshire, NH

Rachel Richardson b. 21 May 1789 Packersfield, Cheshire, NH, d. 18 Nov 1791 Nelson, NH age 2 1/2 years

 

                     

 

Gravestone: “Rachel Richardson dau. of John & Mrs. Dorothy Richardson.

   She died Nov. 18, 1791 in ye 3d year of her age.  ‘Death is a debt to nature due,

   as I have paid it so must you.’  Erected by Amos Richardson”

 

Amos Richardson (twin) b. 29 Mar 1791 Packersfield [Nelson], Cheshire, NH d. 12 May 1865 Jefferson Co., NY,

    buried Sulphur Springs Cem., Hounsfield Twp., Jefferson Co., NY

 

     

 

        Amos is buried with his twin sister Charity

 

Charity Richardson (twin) b. 29 Mar 1791 Packersfield [Nelson], Cheshire, NH d. 29 Oct 1869 Rodman, NY

    buried Sulphur Springs Cem., Hounsfield Twp., Jefferson Co., NY

Stephen Richardson b. 15 Apr 1793 Packersfield [Nelson], Cheshire, NH d. 14 Nov 1870 Hounsfield Twp., Jefferson Co., NY

   buried Sulphur Springs Cem., Hounsfield Twp., Jefferson Co., NY

   m. Lydia b. abt 1796 NY d. 5 Sep 1862 Hounsfield Twp., Jefferson Co., NY

   buried Sulphur Springs Cem., Hounsfield Twp., Jefferson Co., NY

 

        

 

Rachel Richardson b. 21 Jul 1796 Packersfield [Nelson], Cheshire, NH, d. 18 Nov 1801 d. 2 Mar 1869 Hartsgrove, OH

    m. Jonas Brooks b. 27 Apr 1794 Packersfield (Nelson), NH d. 24 Nov 1869 Manito, IL

 

                           

1797 - John Adams becomes 2nd President of the United States.

1800 - Capital moved from Philadelphi a to Washington.

1801 - Thomas Jefferson becomes 3rd President of the United States; John Chapman Johnny Appleseed spreads his seeds through-out Ohio, Indiana and Illinois.

1803 - Louisiana Purchase; United States buys vast tracts of land in Midwest from France.

1804-06 Lewis and Clark's expedition beyond the Mississippi.

1809 - James Madison becomes 4th president.

 

Copyright © 2006 Bruce H. Richardson. This data file may not be copied except for small quotations used with citation of source.

 

 

 

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