THOMAS RICHARDSON , was born in the Parish of Lochmaben, Dumfrieshire, Scotland, July 12, 1812. His parents were William and Elizabeth (Hannah) Richardson. He attended the common schools of Scotland, receiving a common school education. He remained at home until about eighteen years of age, when he was bound out for three years to Sir William Jardine, of Jardine Hall, to learn landscape gardening; followed that business until 1843. On February 3, 1837, he was united in marriage to Miss Jannet Wilson, born November 21, 1812, they are the parents of eight children, all of whom are living, William, James W., Jane F., now Mrs. John Beaumont, of St. Louis; Elizabeth A., now Mrs. E. Johnson, of Springfield; Mary H., now Mrs. John Norred, of Christian county; Thomas B., John D., and John R. The same year of his marriage he emigrated to America, (his wife coming the next year); he first located in New Haven, Connecticut, working for Michael Baldwin, of York Square, as a gardener; he finished the St. John's Conservatory, working there five years. He then went to New York city and hired out to Colonel Thomas Mathers, now a resident of Springfield, Illinois, for two years, laying out the Colonel's residence, where the State House now stands. In 1844, he purchased one hundred and thirty-five acres of land where he resided nineteen years, then moved to the site of his present home. He built a beautiful dwelling in 1875, and has since laid out the front grounds in mathematical style. He commenced life in America with one sovereign, and by hard work and economy has accumulated considerable wealth, he now owns seven hundred and fifty-nine acres of well improved land, valued at $60 per acre. Mrs. R. is a worthy member of the Presbyterian Church. His son, James W., enlisted in the One Hundred and Fourteenth Regiment, serving his country all during the war, receiving an honorable discharge. Politically Mr. R. is a Democrat. Post Office, Riverton.