John Gauden Richardson was born February 28, 1785, at the old homestead, in Sumpter District, South Carolina. So short a time after that great Revolution was not a good time to be born, for all the social relations of life had been badly disrupted. Schools, churches, with all requisites of refinement and amenities, were sadly neglected; all his early memories were associated with this period, when every nerve was strained to repair the broken fortunes of the planters by the severest thrift and patient industry. In a few years, however, this was rewarded with success which rendered the labor of himself and brothers comparatively easy, and gave them opportunities for mental improvement, but which were sadly neglected to their lifetime sorrow. The early bent of his mind was for present enjoyment, and as he grew up towards manhood, the more marked became these propensities. At maturity he was of medium size, with wonderful activity and powers of endurance; a joyous boon companion, no hilarious gathering was complete without him; and here it may be as well to record, that all through a long and useful life, he never recovered entirely from these controlling influence, which threw such a magic spell around his young manhood. He was fond of confessing that the strain of the violin acted strangely upon his nerves and the good points of a chorus were to him like diamond in the ore; a good hound ever had a faithful friend, and no fox or wildcat was ever safe with the sound of his clarion horn.  The character of John G. Richardson, at the age of twenty-two, was an unusual compound of pleasure and business, and his judgment was as confessed in one as in the other. There are undercurrents in human life, scarcely at first perceived, but fed by hidden springs, gradually increase in strength and volume, tillt it attains the mastery and sways the mighty river. Of all traits of character, there are perhaps none so potent in influence upon the masses as personal bravery, and this he possessed in an eminent degree. Indeed, it may be said of him that the principle of fear was wanting in his character. As liberal with  his purse as with his blood, he was ever ready to make the cause of injured innocence his own, leading consequences for after consideration. His long life was full of lessons to show the dangers and the folly to which such impulses lead, but he never learned them. At this period in history, his time was about fairly divided between the homestead in South Carolina, and to maternal uncles near Savannah, Georgia, who were devoted to him.

     It was during one of those protracted visits that a meeting was called in Sumpter District, to take into consideration the subject of emigration to Mississippi territory, then the all absorbing social problems in South Carolina. After much deliberation and comparing rumors and reports from that great unknown wilderness, so far beyond postal facilities of that day, it was finally resolved that, if John G. Richardson would go out as a pioneer, remain one year, make a crop of cotton and corn, they would all abide his decision. No higher complement could have been paid to a young man, when we consider the character of the families represented in that assembly, and of which immediate information was at once conveyed to him, and to which his answer was favorably and prompt. Indeed, no suggestion could have touched a more kindred card than this to him. Opening up as it did a rich field of enterprise and adventure so congenial with his nature he soon returned home and devoted his attention to every minutia necessary to the outfit of an undertaking so important to himself and others. He selected to African slaves to accompany him, Caesar and Pina, of the lot before mentioned of thirty, who had for years proven themselves first-class servents, faithful and true; a two horse covered wagon drawn by two powerful, well broken mules, and in which was stored seeds, farming and kitchen utensils, indeed everything necessary to begin life in the wilderness, a little, miniature Noah’s Ark.

     The first Monday in December, 1808, was a day of great interest at the old Richardson homestead, for a large crowd had assembled there to witness the departure. In front stood the wagon, all harnessed up and equipped, while Pina held Ma’s John’s famous saddle horse, well-equipped for the journey. He had decided on making the whole trip on horseback, as the saddle was his most delightful home. The leave taking was sad but soon over, for the Richardson’s are a very demonstrative people. His mother feared that she was looking upon her firstborn for the last time, when she thought of all the dangers through which he would have to pass. But the last words were spoken and he was gone, and no braver heart had ever turned face to danger.

     By a glance at the map United States it will be seen that his route lay diagonally through a portion South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama to the Southwest part of Mississippi Territory; a distance, as he had to travel it, of over a thousand miles. While inside the borders of the civilization his way was smooth and fair enough, and it was not until he had passed its confines that this fearful test began to be realized. Several hundred miles of his route lay through almost unbroken wilderness, with nothing but Indian trails to make his course. Camping out, often near the Indian villages, the greatest vigilance had to be used to prevent the loss of all his property, and even their lives at the hands of the treacherous savages. Often he would have to wait for days for swollen creeks to run down, and often a bridge was required before he could proceed. Wild game was abundant all along this portion of his route, and many carcasses he had to leave to the wilderness, except the skins, which Pina and Caesar were skillful in saving. Feeding his stock was much more difficult than feeding themselves, indeed this was their greatest trouble. His route struck Pearl River at the little trading post called Monticello, and great was his joy at once more meeting and mingling with people of his own race. Here he stopped for several days to recruit his animals and himself and Negroes as well; and here the latter found a good sale for their bear in dear skins. From the proceeds of which they astonished the whole trading post with their new outfit and on the strength of which they gave a general exhibition of a genuine Congo dance.

     Leave taking was celebrated at the post by a farewell ball the night before, at which everybody, with their wives, and especially their daughters, were present, and though we recorded without permission, we have no doubt but that the young South Carolinians gave them an exhaustive display of Virginia reels, breakdowns, and pigeon wings with many other varieties of Terpsichore. From that point his route onword, was easy in comparison to what he had passed through, lying entirely through the Choctaw nation; but he had wisely engaged the services of two experienced and influential Indian guides, which made it comparatively safe to pass through this country. Early in January he reached a settlement of some friends from Georgia, who had made the move by sea, and up the Mississippi River, and here he found a good old lifetime southern welcome. He found them located near where the town of Woodville now stands, and all well pleased with their prospects. Here leaving his Negroes and equipment for a few days, he prospected in every direction for a future home. He finally settled on a location fourteen  miles east, on what is now known as the Woodville and Liberty Road.  Here he entered a section, and bought a quarter of a section from a squatter named Clark who had opened a few acres on it, and that one hundred and sixty acres is called Clarkfield to this day. Arriving here in January, he at once proceeded to cut logs for necessary buildings, and here was the first of his new home. The log cabin of the pioneer is a picture to deeply engraved on the mind of every American to need repeating here. All his other necessary outbuildings were of a like inexpensive character, and early spring found him cutting down wild cane and opening up new ground for planting. Here, for the benefit of unborn Richardson boys, who, it is fair to presume, will have no opportunity of knowing personally about cane brakes, and new countries, we will record some particulars as to how their ancestor, John G. Richardson, managed it all. All of Wilkinson County was, in 1800, one vast cane brake which grew from 15 to 20 feet high. In the midst of one of them he settled in 1808, and commenced clearing it by cutting off the cane at or near the ground, falling it one way on a bed of forest leaves, so that when laying down flat it made a mat of from six inches to a foot deep; upon this was cut down all the saplings or small timber, well lapped up and the branches thrown over the cane, leaving nothing standing but big trees, which were girdled and left to rot down, or to be split into rails. All this was left to dry on the ground until it was wanted for planting, when some windy day was selected for a burn, and it all goes off right, it is the most grandly, beautiful sight ever. The bursting of the cane resembles the continued roll of small arms of contending armies. It’s far surpasses the best prairie fire, and that it climbs up dead vines to the top of the tallest timber, and wreathes its fiery festoons and garlands around the heads and all over the great, giant oaks of the forest, and gives a vivid panorama of creations winding up. A day or two after this grand conflagration the ground, with its fine coated top-dressing of ashes, is ready for planting, and in this way fifty acres was put in cotton and corn by the first of April.

     In the cultivation of the first crop no plowing is necessary or even possible, but the hoe must be actively used to keep down a rank growth of weeds, and most extraordinary crops are realized the first year. Wild game, especially dear and turkeys, was very abundant, also wild hogs, and he was able to lay in a good supply of meat for the year; in all of which his two South Carolina hound pups came well in play, and had already made quite a name for themselves. He tried hiring Indians to work on the farm, but they were not reliable, only as hunters. By October his crop was mostly gathered, and after engaging a good overseer, he was ready to return home; so selling his cotton in the seed, for the gin had only been invented a few years and had not yet gone into general use, he was ready to leave.

     Taking generally the same route he had come over, but making many shortcuts and with no encumbrance he arrived at his father’s house about the middle of November. His favorable report had been received in advance, and he found the whole community getting ready to move. Never was a hero crowned with laurels more warmly welcomed, and the old Richardson mansion was thronged from day to day to get particulars of their new, far-away home. His sales of cotton, planted and cultivated mainly by Pina and Caesar saved him volumes of words. Without a dissenting voice, he was again selected to arrange all the particulars as to time and manner of making the move; for all knew there was no safety except in reunion. In order to get out in time to make a crop, it was necessary to leave in November or December, cold and disagreeable though it may be, but better this than to lose a whole years work, and to this all energies were now directed. Everyone had their special arrangements to make but in his estimation all were small in comparison to the greater matter which weighed upon his heart and mind which we will now go back and bring up.

     A year before he went to the Mississippi territory, he had met at a party near Campden, Miss Margaret Du Bose, and which meeting was fatal to his peace of mind. Strange freak of nature which draws us to our opposites. She was the only young lady in that brilliant throng who did not join in the dance, and as dancing was his native element, he was so filled with amazement that he sought an introduction, and for once in his life forgot to dance the balance of the evening. Seating himself by her side he beffed to know her reasons, and in the explanation which followed, he discovered a rich vein of mind, conscience, duty, self-control, with all the fascinations of beauty in the dark eyed brunette. The persuasive strains of music went on, but for once in his life he heeded it not.” Saul among the prophets ”caused no more wonder, and he returned home with new and strange visions floating around him. He had gone to the party to meet a Miss Dick, a cousin of Miss. Du Bose, but a greater than Miss. Dick was there. Several interviews followed, which only served to sink the arrow deeper in his heart, but no other progress was made.

     His character on the turf, and as the best fox hunter in Sumpter District, did not recommend him to the staid widow of Capt. Daniel Du Bose, a staunch old Huguenot family, who had left behind him a splendid Revolutionary record, and who had received the warmest acknowledgment of General Sumter in his farewell address to his army.  “Too fast,” said Mrs. Du Bose “to be a suitable match for my daughter, Margaret,” who had been reared to know and to do her duty, and so the matter stood, when he was elected as Pioneer, by a large colony to brave a year in the wilderness with savages and wild beasts.

     They were now to part, perhaps forever; woman-like, she could not hide her fears, but no promise came to lean upon in his far off wondering, but there is a sympathy in a woman’s heart as irrepressible as the weird music of the passing gale, revealing often more to another, then is known to themselves; and thus they parted, he on his long and perilous journey with no facilities to lighten up irrepressible as the weird music of the passing gale, revealing often his lonely future, and she to commune with her own heart, as only women can commune, on a newborn idea, so deeply involving her all of life and happiness. And now a year had passed since then, and he was again at the house of Mrs. Du Bose as a visitor, but how changed were the circumstances. The whole country around was ringing out his exploits, and his successes, which made him quite a hero, and a very practical one in the estimation of the planters.

     The cordiality of his reception by Mrs. Du Bose greatly surprised him, and his felt that time had rolled away a great stone from his door, but a far greater one was rolled from his heart. At the closing of the interview with her daughter, the simplest narrative of his life, since they had last parted, was in itself enough to drop out all the sympathy of human nature, but when told with the current pathos of love’s own words, every cord of her heart responded, and tears glistened in her dark black eyes. He told of his lonely night- watchings through pelting rains beating on his bark-covered hut, surrounded by howling beast of prey. Yet how through it all, her image hovered around him like a guardian angel to shield him from harm. Soon he would have to return to his new far away home; must it again be without you?            her answer came by giving him her hand and saying ”I will go with you whenever you want to.”

Over seventy years have passed since then, and from dust to dust they have long since returned. A large family rose up to call them blessed, and now point back through longest years to their own loved “Isaac and Rebecca.”

     Next morning, with the full concurrence of Mrs. Du Bose, 16 November was appointed for the marriage which for the want of time had to be a hurried and quiet one. To make it unnecessary to again return to this subject, we will here record, that on the evening of the day appointed, a select company assembled at the residence of Mrs. Du Bose, and a joyous gathering it was. The Miss Dick before referred to, acted as bridesmaid to her cousin, and Mr. Miller, afterwards Gov. Miller, of Georgia, officiated as groomsmen. Two days after the marriage the bride and groom took up their residence at Richardson mansion, where his presence was needed every hour to direct the great move which was fixed upon for the last week in November. We remember of no such extensive exodus from any one state having ever occurred, as that from South Carolina, begun in 1808, and extending through 1810, to the then newly acquired Mississippi Territory. For twenty years afterwards it was the constant theme of conversation in Wilkinson County, where most of the immigrants located, so that every incident became thoroughly deguerrotyped on the mind and memory of the writer. Many interesting incidents we refrain from giving as they would lengthen his family reminiscences much beyond our original intention.

     The last Monday in November, 1808, was a day long to be remembered in the old Richardson neighborhood, as family after family fell in the line, each with wagon, teams and equipment. Negro boys generally rode mules, while the women and children were stowed away in the wagons. A long line of family carriages followed in the rear and completed this army of immigrants numbering over one thousand grown persons besides children. By common concurrence, it had been decided that John G. Richardson should be chief in command of the moving party, and as their route led through the Indian Nation, it was necessary for safety to keep in as compacta body as possible. A select number of picked men were arranged as avant-couriers to be kept a day’s journey in advance, to select camping grounds, arrange ferriage,, inspect bridges, and detect as far as possible any lurking danger. Their young Moses with his splendid horse and equipment ready for any emergency, was everywhere along the line, looking to the wants and comforts of all; with everyday came its annoyances and accidents, enough to fill a volume, but he showed himself equal to every emergency, and no doubt deserved more laurels than many a general has received for conducting and advancing or retreating army.

     In January, 1810, the locality of their future home was reached, and permanent tents were struck, stock enclosures made, and for a time most of the families went into winter quarters, which however proved to be very mild and open. Land sharks and agents were soon thick among them, each offering for a trifle to show ”the richest land that every crow flew over.” So that before a month had passed, the great company were mostly scattered, some never to meet again. The usual results followed, of conflicting claims, trespass and lawsuits, in which George Poindexter and other legal luminaries laid the foundation of their fame and fortune; the location, of our ancestors, has been before given, and we had now but to follow them to it. J. G. Richardson found his new home, which he had left under contract, well underway, but not completed, so that the newly married couple had to pass some of their time in the old log cabin. Here life began with them in earnest, with all that its cares and responsibilities common to human existence. The amount of property brought in marriage, was about equal and consisted mostly of slaves, of which there were about thirty all told. The improvements on the plantation were pushed rapidly forward; first the completion of the dwelling sacred in memory of all the children but the last; there were the Negro cabins, cottages on the hillside, and then the large barn and stables; and at last the great gin house at the head of the long avenue leading to the dwelling from the public road. But opening land and extending the field was the main work of the plantation hands, so that by May a fair crop, for the force, was put in.

     They tried again to utilize the Indians as farm laborers but found them too lazy and unreliable, except one called Indian John, who remained for several years as a sort of gardener and hunter, but whiskey was his great trouble. The crops of 1810 in 1811 were very remunerative and the smiles of Providence seemed to have gathered around their new home. The first year, August 1, added a daughter to the family, now Mrs. M. L. Gibson, and the proud mother of a numerous family in Missouri. But when did the stream of life ever flow smoothly without dashing against the rocks, over rapids and around cities. The second year came near shrouding their new home with gloom, for the life of its fair mistress was for weeks despaired of by her physicians, and everyone else, except good old parson Matthew Bowman, who came daily with his prayers and strong faith in her recovery. She became very happy in her affliction, and even joyful at the prospect of death, which for her, had lost all its terror and yet for the sake of her dear husband and child, she was willing to live. Her protracted illness and wonderful recovery was very impressive, and seemed almost miraculous, especially to him whose life was so much bound up in her. Now follows the sequel. He had seen and felt it all as only a devoted young husband can, when the idol of his soul is being taken away forever. Her resignation and willingness to go and leave him and her child was all a new revelation to him, and he determined to analyze and realize it all for himself. With him it had ever been to resolve to do, so with this intent, he communed with old father Bowman, and no man could better give him advice and instruction, under which, for the first time in his life, he commenced reading the Bible and religious works; this he continued for over a month, and with each day adding to his deep contrition for his past life. To use his own words, release came when his expected, as if a great burden was suddenly lifted off him. From that time until the day of his death he was a changed man, fully as much as with Saul after his journey to Damascus the whole current of his life and thoughts seem to flow in a new channel. We do not propose to argue cause-and-effect, but simply to record facts from which all are at liberty to draw their own conclusions. His first step was a family altar, and he would allow nothing to prevent the morning and evening sacrifice. Soon after, three of his former boon companions from Woodinville called in to pass the night; they had not heard ”that he had seen a vision” as bedtime approaches, he became nervous and embarrassed, which he confessed to his wife. Her advice was “husband, do your duty and all will be right,” and the service that night was sweet and refreshing. In a short time the first midway church was under contract, his subscription to be first and largest, and of which he was for many years a leading member.

     But all his plans of usefulness in the church and neighborhood were suddenly broken into by the rude blast of the war of 1812. Gen. Jackson’s proclamation reached the town of Woodville, calling loudly for volunteers to save Pensacola, which was environed by the warlike Creek Indians, and there was not a moment to lose. On the day appointed the streets of Woodville were crowded with volunteers, of which one hundred picked men were enrolled in a cavalry company and at the election of officers, John G. Richardson, was almost unanimously elected captain. A week after the drill of one of Gen. Sumter’s old veterans, and the first company of cavalry, ever raised in Wilkinson County, was ready to leave. His commission, as captain, now lies before me, dated March 3, 1813, and bearing the broad seal of the Territory of Mississippi, under Gov. David Holmes. Venerable parchment! Seared and yellowed by time--- how vividly it brings back to life fading memories long past, and of “The stout hearted, who have all slept their last sleep.”  The former prestige of their chief gave him the entire confidence of his men, who felt that they were under a boon commander; by forced marches he reached Pensacola, and received a cordial welcome from his commander-in-chief, who was soon, but other by other reinforcements, enabled to take the offensive, and add fresh laurels to his rising fame. The Wilkinson troops continued with Jackson’s army till the close of the Florida war, when they were disbanded and returned to their home. It was a great gala day for the town of Woodville, when the head of the column appeared in sight, for the families and friends of the troopers had assembled in great numbers to welcome them to home and rest.

     In his military career, Captain Richardson had held fast to his integrity, and well illustrated the life of a Christian soldier. His plantation affairs he found in good condition, under his overseer, David Jackson (who had laid the foundation of his subsequent large fortune), and with a hearty good will he resumed his former life and duties. This writer will not be accused of egotism, for omitting in its proper place, that before leaving for that way, his family had increased by twins, Francis and Mary, and now he returned a proud father as well as soldier, to enjoy the comforts and sweets of domestic life.  But, alas!  The vanity of all human calculations. Before a year had passed, the war cloud again darkened the country. Packenham had suddenly appeared with his army before New Orleans, and threaten the city was a terrible doom in which Louisiana, and the new state of Mississippi were involved.

     Again Gen. Jackson’s stood in the breach, calling for volunteers, when Captain Richardson’s Cavalry was at once reorganized, and in a few days in the Crescent City, reported for duty. Here, his energy and activity, with perfect drill, made his company conspicuous during the terrible conflict that ensued. Incidents and details crowd this mind of the writer, so often the story of the battle at every fireside was told, but it is to be hoped that all of his descendents will be conversant with the history of their country, and especially with the battle of 8 January, 1815, and which our ancestor acted so prominent a part. In the war as Captain, then Major, he was now Cololel of his Regiment. Thirty-seven years afterward, his eldest son was mainly instrumental in having a memorial monument erected by legislative appropriation on the plains of Chalmette, on which the names of all the officers were to be inscribed. And here is broken the bow and the shield and the sword and the battle.

     Home again with wife and children and friends, Colonel. Richardson resumed the care of his estate and the many responsibilities devolved upon him. While he had been away from home, fighting the battles of his country, its fair maîtres was winning the victories of peace. In this tribute the world is ever ready to pay to female loveliness of character, that which made his home quite the center of attraction. Four children had now blessed their union, and to train these ”Olive Branches” claimed their first attention. His aim was to surround them with literary association, and the neighborhood, physician, teachers and ministers all found a home in the family. Looking back now through a long vista, we are satisfied that more practical knowledge and foundation of character is gained by such surroundings in early life, that is gained in the schools. Nor do we remember ever to have heard an oath, seen a drunken man, or a game of cards ever played in our father’s house. His life is shaped in no small degree by the writings of John Wesley, to which we mainly attributed his ideas on redeeming of time. To this end, he ordained four o’clock a.m. as the hour of family worship, at which time Moses, son of winter, the Negro preacher, blew blasts so loud and shrill as to be heard “over the Hills and far away”, while every hound in the pack joined in the wild chorus, and even the geese united their cracked mistaken melody to break the stilly night. At one side of the large room called the hall, the blacks brought in their long benches, the whites on the other. A chapter was red, a hymn was sung and then the beautiful and fervent prayer closes service of the morning and evening sacrifice.

     Diligent in business, fervent in spirit serving the Lord, seem to be the motto inscribed upon his heart, and acted out in his life. It would be reasonable to suppose that such a life would be one of financial success, and so it was to some extent, for year after year found the small surrounding farms, one after another absorbed into his estate until it became one of the largest in that section. But yet Colonel Richardson was not a moneymaking man in the accepted sense of the term; for here again Mr. Wesley comes in with “Make all you can. Save all you can. Give all you can,“  and if any part of the injunction was lost it was sure not the last. His charities were not asthmatic, but a living principle ever beating over the pulsations of a generous heart. The support of the church was like providing for his own household. He warmly espoused the greatest enterprise of the day, that of planting civilization in Africa by means of the free Negroes in America, headed as it was by his political star, Henry Clay, as president, and who himself as one of the vice presidents of Mississippi. It was indeed a grand scheme and deserved a better fate. Millions went into its treasury, but it was stabbed in the house of its northern friends by Abolitionists, and finally buried by emancipation. All through the years of his life, he was often called upon to settle the estates of widows, who had a sort of sunflower instinct of turning to him in time of need, and they never turned in vain. Of the several orphans he reared and educated, his experience was not encouraging. But the greatest trial of this faith came from his free tenants, mostly Irish immigrants, sheltered in different corners of his estate, with a few acres to cultivate until they could do better, but who often preferred letting well enough alone. Very often, no doubt, he was made to feel, with the witty and sarcastic Tallyrand, that ”the gratitude of the human heart consisted in a lively anticipation of favors to be received.”  But there are some lessons, some men can never learn, and he never did. Strange, too, with such a near neighbor, friend and brother-in-law as Dr. William Winans, whose name is in history as one of the greatest divines of the South has ever produced.

     In 1824 he commenced building on the Woodinville and Liberty Road, about a mile from the old home, which had become too small for his growing family. In two years the new house was completed, and it presented a very imposing appearance, in the midst of a splendid Forest Park, with its tall, graceful pillars as if it had all grown from the ground up. It’s so captivated our young hearts that there was no sorrow or sighing on leaving the sweet, dear old home of our birth, but youth is not the time for sighing.

     Eighteen hundred and twenty-six found us in our new abode, six in number, the youngest died in infancy, and in a few months we were all rejoicing over a newborn sister, to our young hearts a fairy gift, to us and our Queen Mother. There are periods in the drama of human life when we would love to let the curtain fall to rise no more. There is a mysterious Providence which often leads mortals to the highest pinnacle of earthly happiness but to be dashed into the deepest abyss below. The year which had opened so bright and beautiful upon us looked out upon a household wreck. The light of our lives had gone out: all was dark in our hearts, as it was in the deep buried coffin of our mother. The golden bowl was broken and our treasures scattered, the silver cord was loosened which bound us together. We had seen our noble hearted father, who had braved death in a thousand forms, tremble under the blow, and cry out, ”All is lost, all is lost”;  we had all loved and learned too much, forgetting that she was mortal. It was our first great sorrow, and so deep did it enter, that even long, heavy years now pressing heavily upon us has never dimmed the memories of that dark day, or the sad train of events which followed it..  “God is our refuge and strength,” a very present help in trouble.” None knew this better or felt it more than Colonel Richardson, and it was here he renewed his strength for the battle of his life. His zeal in religion seemed to increase, and he resumed the active duties of life, but his friends generally said that he never was the same lighthearted, genial, joyous man. The social element of his nature, which had scattered sunlight all along his pathway, seemed tinged with a sternness before unknown. The condition of his children was a burden on his mind, for in his nature there was little of the domestic motherly elements, and he felt the necessity of providing for their wants, so that in the second year of his widowhood he married Mrs. Winningham, a cousin of our mothers, and to whom she had been much attached. It was a wise choice, for she was a good woman who would have done her duty well, but he was doomed again:  in four months she was in a grave beside our mother, and our home was again draped in mourning.

     After her death his great desire seems to be to leave the country. Which was the fatal error of his life, and brought with it all his woes. With this intent, he visited the far famed Teche country, and returned with the general admiration of that country, of which an admirer once said: “if there be a spot on all this sin-cursed earth, where God in His mercy left to remind man of Paradise he has lost, it is here”.  He became so entirely satisfied of this fact, that before leaving it, he had purchased for $10,000 the beginning of a sugar plantation, eight miles below New Iberia on the Teche, long afterwards known as the Richardson Place, now Hope Plantation.  

     In October, 1829, leaving half his force in charge of a long tried overseer, while the others he removed to his new purchase, where he arrived in time to put up seed cane, and prepare for the following crop, which was doomed to be almost entirely destroyed by the tornado of 1830. These three successive years are sad memories with the old sugar planters in Louisiana, with two storms and an untimely freeze. Sugar planting was in its infancy, except in expense, which came early to maturity, but he was fairly embarked upon the sea of trouble and had to cross or sink, consequently he sold his cotton plantation in Mississippi and concentrated all his means and added largely to his sugar interest. The second year of his Louisiana life, he married his third wife, Miss Lemon of Adams County, Mississippi, which we only record for the truth of history. The increase of investment in the sugar plantations gave no corresponding increase of profits: but in spite of his poor success, there was for him an infatuation in the business which short crops only seem to increase. Eight Hog-heads to the hand was always in the next crop, which seldom reach four; and the same may be said of all the American planters who settled in that section at that time, yet,  he was never hard to regret his change from cotton to sugar.

     Though eight miles away his place at church was never vacant but how small were his religious privileges compared with former days, strange faces, strange tongues, a people ”who knew not Joseph,” and though he lived long among them they never did. He made strong personal enemies by enforcing the law against some of his neighbors for cruelty to slaves but with him it was duty first, consequences afterwards. In 1840 he sold his property to his two sons, Edward and Daniel, and retired from business for a while, but becoming restless, he purchased a sugar plantation above New Iberia, Fausse Point, with which he had about his former success, and in a few years gave it up, and with it, all active business. His children had, in the meantime, married and settled in different sections of the country, where with each, a warm welcome awaited him. He greatly enjoyed traveling and extended his last trip into Canada, from which he returned to find himself elected officer of the day to command the veterans at the approaching celebration of 8 January, 1856 in New Orleans. But that day found him a victim of the most violent form of pneumonia, and in a few days this checkered life, at the age of 71 came to a close. We append the following obituary, by the gifted offer and divine, William Winens, D. D., Of Mississippi.

     “Col. John G. Richardson, son of Francis and Martha Richardson, was born in Sumter District, South Carolina, February 28, 1785. In 1809 he married Margaret Du Bose, a daughter of Daniel and Mary Du Bose, of the same state. In 1810 he immigrated to Mississippi Territory, and settled in Wilkinson County. He had scarcely established himself in his new home when war with the Indians, and with Great Britain, called him to share its dangers, privations and hardships. He commanded a volunteer troop of horse men and acquitted himself in a manner so much to the public satisfaction, that he was chosen successfully Major and Coolnel in the Regiment in which he had served. In his command he was brave, prudent, strict in discipline, and kind to his men, at once a popular and model officer.

     After a union of eighteen years, he and his excellent wife were separated by the death of the latter. This was a stroke under which his reason reeled, and no wonder that his anguish was nearly unendurable, for a better wife was probably never the portion of man. She had borne him eight children, all of whom, except one daughter who died in infancy, survived him. He was afterwards twice married, his second wife living but four months; his third wife survived him for five years. Before his death, and within a short time of that event, two sons a daughter and his son-in-law, in quick succession followed each other to the grave. From his moral constitution he was particularly sensitive to these bereavements, but his piety found consolation in a well founded assurance that there was hope in the end. In 1829, he removed to St. Mary’s Parish, Louisiana, where he continued to have his domicile, till transferred by death to a better home in heaven. Pecuniary litigation and difficulties occasioned him much perplexity and annoyance for several years, but he outlived them all, and attained to circumstances with which he was content. In youth John G. Richardson was proud, irascible and fond of pleasure, a worldly minded man. He was, however, high toned, despising what he considered to be mean, abhorring what he considered dishonorable. His passions were easily excited, and under their impulse, his action was prompt and reckless of consequences. Ardent temperament, his resentments were violent, and his friendships were warmhearted. He feared nothing an enemy would with like ardor have shed his blood in conflict with the former, or, in defense of the latter; a genuine specimen of southern chivalry.

     The conversion and pious example of his wife were instrumental, mainly, in bringing him from ”darkness into light,” and from the power of Satan unto God.” Affliction, severe and protracted illness, was the minister of mercy to her. Under its rude discipline she was trained to a renunciation of the world which she had previously loved too much to put her whole trust in her Savior, to devote herself to the service of God, and to submit without repining to the dispensations of an infinitely wise and gracious Providence. Always amiable and lovely, she was now consecrated to God in all her attractive qualities; she came out of the furnace of affliction “as gold seven times tried in the fire.” Purified, refined with added luster. Her husband felt and yielded to the influence of her sanctified loveliness. His pride and stoutness of heart gave way; he sought to become a companion, meet her for society, a fellow-servant of her God, a partaker with her in the blessings of the new covenant; a joint heir with the saints of light; nor did he seek in vain. After severe struggles against the corruptions of his fallen nature, and against the habit of rebellion against God he obtained deliverance at once from the dominion and guilt of sin, and rejoiced in spiritual freedom and hope of eternal life. This important change took place in 1813, or 14, so that he was more than forty years a follower of the Savior. He was long an efficient class-leader and steward in the Church. He became a member of the M. E. Church from a thorough conviction of the scriptural character of her doctrines, and the religious and moral wholesomeness of her discipline, and in this conviction he never faltered.

     There was more simplicity and less suspiciousness in him than in any man of his age, and who had been as much in the world as had he, whom I ever know. This was to him a fruitful source of discomfort and trial when he found his misplaced confidence not justified by the character and conduct of those he had trusted; he felt personally injured by the disappointment. He was himself the very soul of frankness, and he looked to be met in an equally open-hearted manner, and that he was often disappointed need not be stated. A more benevolent man would be hard to find than was Colonel Richardson. No form of human want or woe appealed to him in vain. His liberality was discriminating only in the amount of his contributions, which were large in proportion to the importance witch belonged to the claim to which he responded. The spread of the Gospel and the African Colonization Society drew most largely, I believe, on his liberality. How well he judged in preferring those to other claims, need not now be argued.

     Until near the close of his life, religion, its obligations and consolations, were themes on which he loved to dwell, and though delirium, in affliction, rendered his mind a chaos, no abatement, in his confidence in God, can be imagined. Doubtless he has rejoined his loved ones, who went before him, and that they all now rejoice in the presence of Divine Glory.