Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1923-01-30
ClintOn's Grand Old
Man Dies at "a

Clinton, Me, Jan. -3.-(Specldl.)
The death of Alton Richardson,
senior, occurred Sunday evening at
$40, at his home on Railroad street,
following an attack of grippe, COM
plicated by his advanced age. Had
he licved until June 9TH, he would
have reached his Goth birthday. In
the passing of Mr.. Richardson the
town loses the last OF that group OF
pioneer business men, who during
the earlier years of its history were
the leading spirits in its develop
ment.
tkc was born in 1873 in the south
part of Clinton. a section that was
afterwards aGt Off and became the
town of Benton in 1880. He was the
son OF Israel II. and Sarah (WellS)
Ric harrison, the sixth in a family of
ten children. He was the grandson
of Captain Andrew Richardson, one
of the Revolutionary soldiers. who
came to this region after that war
to take up homesteads. Both his
father and grandfather were farm
ers and lumbermen and his father
was an expert surveyor of lumber.
/ When Alton was II years old the
death of his father took place. leaN-
ms tItC W IdoN Will liIC ltlAlS "
care for. Taking up his share of the
burden. Alton remained at home I'M
til he was IL, when he hired out with
a tirmer. Jefferson Kinds. at $40 per
month. This was the beginning of
his Independent career. though he
soon left the position to become Il
log driver on the PenObscOt in the
employ of his brother. Albion.
In 1900 Mr.. Richardson went to
California. and there experienced
the hardships and excitement of a
mining camp. During the two years
passed there his run of luck was eX-
ccllent, and returning to his native
town, he invested in 12G acres Of
land. which he afterwards increased
to 200 acres. which constituted his
homestead farm for many years.
Following his return from the
west he became engaged in farming
and stock raising and built up a
very extensive business as a dealer
III livestock and hay
In 1850 Mr.. Richardson formed a
partnership with his uncle. Gideon
Wells, which proved very successful
This partnership lasted for - years
and the firm of Wells and Richard
son became known as the most eX-
tensire dealers in cattle in the state
oItcn OTerlnS from 1OO to oOO head
per week to the Brighton market
In 1850 the firm turned it's atten-
ton to buying and hay and shipped
about 1000 tons per year. After the
dissolution of this firm. Mr.. Richard
son became associated with Hon. w.
r. Gleason of Holbrook. Mass. and
with a. Frank Blaisdell of this town.
In 1858 Mr.. Richardson was mar
ried to Miss Jane B. Spencer of Ben
ton. Six children were born to them.
five of whom survive: Mrs. Alice A.,
wife of A. J. Hunter: Arthur W.,
Mrs. Clara j.. widow of the late at
torney. Forest j. Martin of Bangor:
Mrs. Martha G.. wife Of Charles C.
HeNs of Pennington, and Alton. Jr..
Of Watervile. The other daughter.
Florence NJ. married the late A.
Frank Hlaisdell. and passed away in
l9o2. Mrs. Richardson died while
the children We're still young. and
Mrs. Olive f. Webher became his
wife. her death occurring several
years ago.
The sons. Arthur w. and Alton.
Jr.. or Watefville. have inherited
their fathers keen business ability
and are following a similar line.
Both are well known throughout the