Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1874-02-25
Death OF E1-Mayor Richards.


| Death has claimed another of the early
settlers of Watertown, and once more we are
called upon 10 chronicle the departure from
| among us to the world beyond of Al
old and prominent citizen, Mr.. John Rich
ards, who died at the city of Fond du Lac
early on the morning of Wednesday, Feb
ruary 18th, 1874, in the Goth year of his
age. Mr.. Richards left his home in this
city on the previous Friday to attend to
some business at Oshkosh aud Fond du Lac,
and W hle stopping at the National Hotel in
the latter city sometime between Saturday
night and Sunday morning received shock
of paralysis from the effects of which he
died. His last moments were made as COM
Portable as possible by the pres ence of his
wife, oldest daughter, brother, and some
old friends, residents of Foad du Lac, who
administered TO his wants and remained by
his bedside until he brea TIED his last Mr..
Richards had already wi thin a few years
past experienced three strokes OF paraly sis
and further visitation to him of this
dreaded disease had been a matter of some
solicitude to his friends for some time
Mr.. Richards was native, of Hinsdale, aMas-
sachusetts, and graduate Of Williamstown
College. He subsequently taught the South
Egglemont Academy, studied law andlwas
nd m tod to tbn mada bnc
ness of the profession, preferring to follow
other pursuits.
Mr.. Richards came here in April, 1887.
At an early day he was county supervisor
and justice of the peace, and on the organiza-
ton of Jefferson County was chosen its first
District Attorney. In 1S4l be married
Mss Eliza Forbes, Of Sheffield, Mass
achusetts; who shared his joys and sor-
rows for nearly 35 years. Mr.. Richards
beca me interested with Gen. Luther A.
Cole in the year 1917 in the erection Of the
Rough and Ready mill and tor nearly TWEEN.
ty years continued partners In the Touring
business. Several years ago Mr.. Richards
| disposed Of his interest in the in the Rou oh
and Ready, but retained control of the water
pow er on the east side where be carried on
. saw mill and planning mill up to the time
of his death. Although never politician
yet he he always entertained strong convic-
tons on the politics of the country and was
generally identified with the Republican
party. In our municipal affairs he always
took lively interest, and in 1869 was cleo
ted Mayor of the city, holding the office one
year.
Mr.. Richards was man marked
with strong traits of character, and endow-
| ed with stern will and indomitable energy,
| Ne man had . kinder or warmer heart, aud
as charitable neighbor and friend he will
long be remembered by many. In his own
family Mr.. Richards was . noble example
ofa loving husband, kind father and an
| sffectioaate brother, and his ssrroxing
| wife stricken children and bereaved relatives
have the sympathy OF our entire communal
ty over the irreparable loss they have sus-
tanned. The funeral Of Mr.. Richards took
place from his late residence in the LIST
Ward, Friday afternoon last the goth inst.
and vas largely attended by oil classes in
our midst who thus united in paying tho
last tribute Of respect to the memory of one
for whom they had SO much love and re-
spect when in life. The services were con-
Quoted by Rev. G. C. CraGin Of the Congrs-
gational Church. Nr. Richards leaves =
wife and five children, three sons aad two
daughters.