USA > Massachusetts > One of a thousand, a series of biographical sketches of one thousand representative men resident in the commonwealth of Massachusetts, A.D. 1888-'89; > Part 78
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He was married at Westfield, May 3, 1852, to Mary Jane, daughter of John and Mary Jane (Knapp) Phipps. They have had six children : of whom Harriet Phipps and Alice Maude are now living, the former being the wife of William F. Ray, of Franklin. Albert D. Richardson of the " New York Tribune," author of " Beyond the Mississippi," and several other popular volumes, was a brother of the subject of this sketch.
RICHARDSON, SOLON OSMOND, son of Solon O. and Susan ( Barnard ) Richardson, was born in South Reading (now Wakefield), Middlesex county, Sep- tember 9, 1841.
He derived his early education from the public schools of his native town and the Park Latin school, Boston.
In 1867 he associated himself in busi- ness with Daniel D. Foster, under the firm name of Foster & Richardson, 141 Wash-
RICHARDSON.
ington Street, Boston, also 505 Broadway, New York, as New York and New Eng- land agents for the Florence sewing ma- chine, also wholesale dealers in machine twist, cotton and linen thread, and sewing machine findings. In 1871 they sold the business to the Florence Sewing Machine Company, and dissolved the co-partner- ship.
On the death of his father, August 31, 1873, he succeeded to the business of "S. O. Richardson, Sherry Wine and Jaundice Bitters." He took charge of this business and has since continued in it.
Mr. Richardson was married in Wake- field, October 2, 1862, to Abba Maria, daughter of Daniel D. and Susan (Patch) Foster. Of this union are two children : Solon O. Richardson, Jr., and Dana Fos- ter Richardson.
Mr. Richardson was chairman of the Wakefield board of health. He was a rep- resentative to the General Court in 1881 and '82. He is now a selectman of Wake- field.
SOLON O. RICHARDSON.
He was treasurer of the First Univer- salist Society of Wakefield, and is now a trustee of the Beebe town library, presi- dent of the Wakefield Savings Bank, and a director of the Boston Wharf Com- pany.
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RICHMOND.
RICHMOND, GEORGE B., son of Gideon Richmond, of Dighton, and Re- becca (Barstow) Richmond, of Scituate, was born in New Bedford, Bristol county, November 9, 1821. When a boy he at- tended the Friends' Academy, New Bed- ford, and Pierce Academy in Middlebor- ough. Two years were passed at Brown University, but Mr. Richmond's college course was cut short by ill health. On his return to New Bedford he engaged actively in business, and at once became earnestly interested in public and political affairs. He soon took a leading place among the public- spirited men of the city, and has constantly maintained it to the present time.
In 1851 Mr. Richmond was elected upon the Whig ticket as a representative in the state Legislature of 1852. He was ap- pointed on the first of May, 1861, as in- spector, weigher, gauger and measurer in the New Bedford custom house, holding the office until January, 1874, when he re- signed. During his service in the custom house, the temperance question became prominent in local politics, and Mr. Rich-
GEORGE B. RICHMOND.
mond was at once foremost on the side of the temperance men. An ardent Republi- can, he was also an ardent advocate of prohibitory measures for the suppression of the liquor traffic.
RICHMOND.
Mr. Richmond was mayor in 1870, '71, '72, '74 and '78, each time being chosen as the representative of the distinctively tem- perance element. To this day, his admin- istration is cited by prohibitory advocates as proof of the soundness of their views. Aside from this, Mr. Richmond's mayoralty was highly successful. His administration was signalized by a new era in the exten- sion of streets, and his enterprise in this and other public improvements contributed in a marked degree to the prosperity of the city. On the 31st of December, 1873, he was appointed by Governor Washburn a member of the board of police commis- sioners, and held the office until the board was abolished in July, 1874.
In 1880 and 'SI he was a member of the state Senate, representing the 3d Bristol district. The last named year he was chairman of the committees on public charitable institutions and the liquor law. A vacancy occurring in the office of regis- ter of deeds for the southern Bristol dis- trict in March, 1883, he was appointed to fill the vacancy, and has since been thrice elected by the people, the third time almost unanimously. As register of deeds he has been an efficient and popular official.
In the spring of 1886 he was appointed by Governor Robinson a trustee of the Westborough Insane Hospital, and in Feb- ruary, 1887, was re-appointed by Governor Ames, for five years.
Mr. Richmond was a member of the Republican state central committee for 1888 He was chairman of the Republican county committee several years ; chairman of the ist congressional district Republican committee three years ; and for some time chairman of the 3d Bristol district senato- rial committee. In 1888 he declined a re- election on all of these committees, desiring to devote his time to the duties of his office.
Mr. Richmond was elected a director of the Bristol County Mutual Fire Insurance Company in 1889. He is chairman of the board of trustees of the First Baptist So- ciety. For seven years Mr. Richmond was president of the Young Men's Christian Association, and five years superintendent of the First Baptist church Sunday-school. He has been closely identified with many movements for promoting the moral and material welfare of the city, and is one of New Bedford's most honored citizens.
Mr. Richmond was married at Middle- borough, November 5, 1844, to Rebecca R. C., daughter of Rev. Ebenezer and Rebecca C. (Childs) Nelson, of Middleborough, by
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whom he had seven children, five of whom are living. Mrs. Richmond died July 31, 1863. His second marriage was at New Bedford, December 15, 1864, to Abby S., daughter of Deacon Nathaniel and Han- nah (Smith) Nelson, of New Bedford, who died July 30, 1868. His third marriage was at New Bedford, November 2, 1871, to Elizabeth E., daughter of Charles D. and Mary H. (Crane) Swift, of New Bed- ford.
RICHMOND, SILAS PEIRCE, was born at Freetown, Bristol county, June 19, 1831. He received his early education at the "Forge" district school in Freetown, fin-
SILAS P. RICHMOND.
ishing at Pierce Academy, Middleborough. Upon leaving school, he commenced farm- ing on the Richmond homestead in Free- town. He then tried the grocery and provision trade at Beloit, Wis., the express business at Lawrence, Kan., the lumber trade at Newport, Ind., and the grain trade at Decatur, Mich., where he lost a fortune by the great fire in that city. He then re- turned to farming at Freetown, on the old homestead that has been in the Richmond family one hundred and thirteen years.
Mr. Richmond has held the position of turnkey of the state prison and deputy master of the Bristol county house of cor- rection. He is at present the general trav-
eling agent of Clark's Cove Guano Com- pany, New Bedford.
He was for many years moderator of the annual town meetings. He has been town auditor, town clerk, assessor, and a mem- ber of the school committee, selectman and overseer of the poor, and also president of the Bristol County Agricultural Society.
In 1854 he was captain of the Assonet Light Infantry ; in 1855 and '56 major and inspector of the 2d brigade M. V. M .; in 1860 and '61 a captain and aide-de- camp of the 2d brigade M. V. M., serving at Fortress Monroe, Hampton, Va., and at the battle of Big Bethel, Va .; in 1862 and '63 he was colonel of the 3d regiment Massachusetts volunteers in the North Carolina campaign; in 1864 and '65 colonel of the 58th regiment Massachusetts volun- teers, and also in 1865 assistant provost- marshal, department of the South. He is a member of Sutton Commandery, Knights Templar, and of William Rodman Post I, G. A. R., New Bedford. He now holds his fourth commission as justice of the peace and of the quorum.
Mr. Richmond was married at Freetown, June 16, 1850, to Elizabeth J. Haskins, by whom he had six children : Emma A., Cynthia E., Sarah E. E., Walter S., Flora J., and Lillian F. His second marriage was with Zadie, daughter of Dr. John Scott, of Michigan, by whom his children were : Annie E., Roy S., Ruth E., Forrest S, and Isaac Foster. Of the children, Cynthia E. was drowned by the upsetting of a sail-boat in Assonet Bay, June 14, 1871 ; Forrest S. died August 26, 1883 ; Ruth E. died June 20, 1884, and Emma A. died January 13, 1885. Annie E. married Herbert Stone, Freetown, August, 1886.
RICKER, JAMES W., son of Charles and Eliza B. (Perkins) Ricker, was born in Portsmouth, Rockingham county, N. H., January 31, 1829.
He was educated in the public schools of his native place, and his introduction to business was in a printing-office at Great Falls, N. H. By unceasing perseverance and earnest attention to business, he ac- quired habits that subsequently became invaluable when he went to the city of Boston to better his condition in life.
On the 28th of December, 1852, in Chelsea, Mr. Ricker was married to Sarah F., daughter of Henry W. and Rebecca H. (Darracott) Fenno. Their children are: Julia Marland and Everett Wilder Ricker.
Mr. Ricker's present residence is at Jamaica Plain, Boston. He was elected collector of the city of Boston in 1883, and
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has been re-elected each successive year since then, giving the universal impression that he is the right man in the right place. He was fitted for the position to which he was elected by a long experience, having entered the city treasurer's office in 1862,
JAMES W. RICKER.
when the collection of taxes was one of its duties. When the collector's office was established in 1875, Mr. Ricker was a candidate in opposition to General Sher- win, who was elected, and by whom he was immediately appointed chief clerk. When General Sherwin resigned, Mr. Ricker was at once placed in the position which he now occupies. The wisdom of the choice has been abundantly justified, Mr. Ricker being a remarkably well-posted man in municipal affairs, a courteous and genial official, very popular with both political parties, although his own affilia- tions have ever been with the Democrats. Before entering the employ of the city he was connected with several of the Boston newspapers at various times, and was one of the projectors of the "Ledger," which was published in Boston some seventeen years ago.
Mr. Ricker is descended on the paternal side from George Ricker, who emigrated to this country in 1760, and settled in Somersworth, then a part of Dover, N. H.
ROADS.
The surname Ricker is supposed to be a corruption of the French Richer, several persons of which name have been eminent in the literature of France. The first per- sons of that name in New England are traditionally reported to have come from Jersey, the island on the coast of France.
ROADS, SAMUEL, JR., the sixth of the name in line of descent from one of the early settlers of Marblehead, was born in that town October 22, 1854. He is the eldest son of Samuel and Emma L. (Wood- fin) Roads. His family traces its lineage back to several of the most prominent families of New England, Dr. Elisha Story, an eminent physician, and a surgeon on the staff of General Washington during the revolution, being one of his ancestors.
Mr. Roads received his education in the public schools. He early developed liter- ary talent, and a taste for journalism, mn which latter profession he has become widely known. Before coming of age he demonstrated his ability in this line of work in the conduct of a local paper pub- lished in his native town. He soon formed connections with the "Boston Post," the "Boston Globe," and other metropolitan papers, and is now engaged in this and other literary work.
Mr. Roads is the author of the interest- ing and widely read "History and Tradi- tions of Marblehead," a work published by Houghton, Osgood & Co., in 1880, and which has been aptly termed by reviewers " a model history of an American town."
His first public office was as a member of the board of trustees of Abbot public library, of Marblehead, to which he was elected in 1883. In November of that year he was elected a member of the House of Representatives, and served by continuous re-elections during the sessions of 1884, '85, and '86. In 1887 and '88 he was a member of the state Senate, repre- senting the 2d Essex district, comprising the city of Salem and the towns of Mar- blehead and Beverly. The district has a large Republican majority, but Mr. Roads, though a Democrat in politics, was twice elected by phenomenal majorities. In 1888 he received the honor of a unanimous nomination for representative in Congress, by the Democrats of the 7th congressional district, and though defeated at the polls after a most spirited contest, demonstrated his popularity as a candidate by running nearly one thousand votes ahead of his party ticket.
Mr. Roads has shown marked ability in the public positions to which he has been
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ROBERTS.
ROBERTS.
called, and while in the Legislature, he was recognized as one of the leading members of his party. He commanded respect, and won merited encomiums for his strength and force as a debater, and the tact and talent exhibited in the man- agement of the many important cases in which he took a lively interest.
ROBERTS, JAMES H., son of John and Joanna (Hutchins) Roberts, was born in Gilford, Belknap county, N. H., April 15, 1831.
His early educational advantages were limited, a very few terms of the district school comprising all his opportunities for obtaining an education.
The prominent characteristic of his youth was untiring energy. This was indicated by the fact that he determined to leave the home farm life, and seek his fortune in Boston, when, to do so, he was obliged to earn the money for his expenses at the rate of eight cents per day.
At the age of fifteen he entered the employ of Denio & Roberts, machinists and safe manufacturers, becoming profi- cient in all departments of their extended business. He remained in their employ until 1862, when he accompanied Gen- eral Butler to New Orleans as division armorer.
After his return from the war, he asso- ciated himself with his former employers in business- the firm being known as Denio, Roberts & Co .- and continued with them until the firm disposed of their inter- ests to the American Steam Safe Company, when the two senior partners retired from business.
In 187 1 he established the present well- known house of James H. Roberts & Co, manufacturers and dealers in machinery, Boston, where he has since remained. While an active member of the firm of which he was the head, he found time to devote his energies to various objects, ren- dering his life a very busy one.
Mr. Roberts was married November 8, 1862, to Mrs. Sarah Jane Chase, the daugh- ter of William and Clarissa Rollins. They have no children.
The public career of Mr. Roberts began in 1862, he instituting that year the widely- known " Bay State Lecture Course." This course was in many respects the most noted in the country, embracing in its list of lecturers, readers, and musical artists, the most distinguished in the United States and Europe.
His pronounced temperance principles are well known, as he has been an active
member of the various temperance organi- zations for many years. He has served with great acceptance upon many of the most important committees, and held some of the highest offices in these societies.
Mr. Roberts represented his district in the lower branch of the Legislature in 1869, but only for the purpose of using his influ- ence towards the re-enactment of the pro- hibitory law which had been repealed. This having been accomplished during that ses- sion, he declined to allow the use of his name for re-election to the House of 1870, and retired from public office at that time.
For several years he was a member of the Republican state central committee, but becoming dissatisfied with the attitude of his party upon the temperance question, he withdrew, and has become of late one of the most aggressive leaders of the Prohibi- tion party.
For several years he has maintained, largely at his own expense, a series of
JAMES H. ROBERTS.
Sunday evening and afternoon temperance meetings, held in Music Hall, Tremont Temple, and People's Church, Boston.
Mr. Roberts is still in the full vigor of life, and, as ever, actively engaged in benev- olent work and the many agencies of moral reform in which he has hitherto been a conspicuous leader.
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ROBINSON.
ROBINSON, CHARLES, son of Charles and Mary (Davis) Robinson, was born in Lexington, Franklin county, November 6, 1829.
His early educational training was ob- tained in the public schools of his native town and the first Model School of Massa- chusetts, at Lexington, of which the re- nowned Cyrus Peirce was principal. He was afterwards educated in the higher branches at Groton and Lexington acad- emies. He at first intended to devote his life to agricultural pursuits, but a taste for the legal profession finally decided his choice, and he read law with James Dana and Moses G. Cobb, at Charlestown. He was admitted to the bar July 2, 1852. He began the practice of law in Charlestown and continued there until 1868. He then removed his office to Boston, where it has since remained.
Mr. Robinson was married in Charles- town, July 4, 1858, to Rebecca T., daugh- ter of Philander and Rebecca (Gibbs) Amcs. Of this union are three children : Emma A. (wife of Charles I. Travelli, Pitts- burgh, Pa.), Miner, and Sumner Robinson.
Mr. Robinson was commissioner on the girls' school at Lancaster, and was also trial justice in Charlestown several years before the police court of that city was es- tablished. He was mayor of Charlestown in 1865 and '66, and, although at the time residing in Newton, he in 1874 and '75 was solicitor for the city of Somerville.
He was a member of the House of Representatives in 1874, with his brother George D. Robinson, subsequently the governor of the State, and was again elected to the same body in 1880, where, with his legal ability and large experience in civil life, he rendered most efficient service.
He is a Universalist in his religious be- lief. Hle has been since 1857 a trustee, from 1869 to '83 vice-president, and ever since then president, of the corporation of Tufts College. Mr. Robinson was origi- nally a Democrat, having voted for Frank- lin Pierce for president, but becoming dis- satisfied with his administration, he then left the Democratic party, and has always from that time been prominently identified with the best material of the Republican party. He has never sought office, but has not evaded the responsibilities of citi- zenship when called upon by his neighbors thus to serve the body politic.
Mr. Robinson has found his enjoyment in the duties of his profession, and as an advocate and counselor has won a gratify-
ing success and the confidence of his many clients and the public.
His early fondness for the cultivation of fruits and flowers continues ; his friends and neighbors and the sick have often had occasion to realize this fact, as well as his generous thought of them.
ROBINSON, DAVID INGERSOLL, son of John and Sarah Lufkin (Ingersoll) Rob- inson, was born in Manchester, Essex county, October 6, 1844. He is a descend- ant of Abraham Robinson, one of the earliest settlers of Cape Ann (Gloucester), probably one branch of the family of Rev. John Robinson of Puritan renown.
He removed with his parents to Illinois in 1851, receiving his educational training
DAVID I. ROBINSON.
in Alton of that statc. He taught school in 1863 and '64, and in May, 1864, enlisted in company H, 133d regiment, Illinois vol- unteer infantry. At the expiration of his term of service he received an appointment as ist lieutenant in a new regiment then recruiting, but owing to sickness was not again mustered into service.
Hle served in the provost-marshal's office, Alton, Ill., and at the close of the war went into business with his brother, under the firm name of Robinson Brothers.
In 1866 he visited his birthplace, and decided to make his permanent home in
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ROBINSON.
the East. In January, 1869, he married Nellie A., daughter of Samuel E. and Han- nah (Gott) Smith, of Gloucester, and settled in that town ; of this union are three chil- dren : Willie A., Emma C., and Helen D. Robinson.
He entered the firm of Stockbridge & Smith, first as bookkeeper, then became partner, under the firm name of Stockbridge & Co. Later on he became a stockholder and active partner in the Atlantic Halibut Company, one of the largest fresh-fish com- panies in the United States. He is a part- ner in the firm of Pool, Gardner & Co., vessel outfitters and fish packers ; and also treasurer of the Gloucester Fish Company (incorporated), of Boston.
In politics a Republican, he has served in various official positions in the city of Gloucester - precinct officer, councilman in 1880 and '81, serving the latter year as president of the common council. He was elected mayor in 1886, serving during the year 1887. His administration was char- acterized by a vigorous campaign against the liquor traffic. At the close of the year he was re-elected. In May, 1888, licenses were issued by the board of aldermen, but he stoutiy refused to affix his signature. The case was carried to the supreme court, and a decision was rendered that a mayor of a city could not use discretionary powers in the granting of licenses, but must sign them ; and a writ of mandamus was ordered to be issued. He immediately resigned the office, against the wishes of many supporters, rather than sanction the sale of liquor by an official act within his control.
During Mr. Robinson's mayoralty many radical improvements were inaugurated - among them the erection of two public buildings, high school house, and the police station and court room. The city debt was bonded at reduced interest, and the general financial and municipal affairs were managed to the satisfaction of all, without respect to party affiliation.
In temperance organizations he has been prominent, and held the highest office in the gift of the Temple of Honor. In religion he is a Baptist, actively engaged in Sunday- school work, for many years superintend- ent, and at present is a deacon of the First Baptist church, Gloucester. He is a men- ber of the G. A. R., and F. & A. M.
ROBINSON, GEORGE DEXTER, son of Charles and Mary (Davis) Robinson, was born in Lexington, Middlesex county, Janu- ary 20, 1834.
He passed through the common district schools of Lexington ; attended Lexing-
ton Academy one year, and was one year in Hopkins classical school, Cambridge. Having fitted for college, he entered Harvard, and was graduated therefrom in the class of 1856. While pursuing his college course, he taught district schools during two winters, in Lexington.
Immediately after graduating he became principal of the high school at Chicopee, and held the position until March, 1865. He then studied law in Charlestown, with his brother, Hon. Charles Robinson, and was admitted to the bar in March, 1866. He immediately opened an office in Chicopee.
He was first married in Lexington, November 24, 1859, to Hannah E., daugh- ter of William and Nancy (Pearce) Stevens, who died September 5, 1864. He was again married in Lexington, July 11, 1867, to Susan E., daughter of Joseph F. and Susan (Mulliken) Simonds. By the first
GEORGE D. ROBINSON.
marriage he has one child : Walter Stevens Robinson, born March 22, 1861, and by the second : Annie Florence Robinson, born October 4, 1869.
He was a representative in the Legisla- ture in 1874 ; senator in 1876, represen- tative in the 45th, 46th, 47th and 48th United States Congresses.
He was elected governor of the Com- monwealth of Massachusetts in 1884, and
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re-elected in 1885 and '86. In 1887 Gov- ernor Robinson was tendered by Presi- dent Cleveland, an appointment on the Interstate Commerce Commission, but de- clined it. In 1889 he was appointed by President Harrison, commissioner to the Cherokee and other Indian tribes, to receive title to lands in the Indian Terri- tory, but declined the office. He is now engaged in the practice of his profession at his home in Chicopee.
Governor Robinson has never been invited to a position of public or private trust, that, having been accepted, has not been filled with honor, and managed with ability. He has been signally fortunate in being called upon at critical times in the history of the Commonwealth to serve her people, and few occupants of the guber- natorial chair have surpassed him in the dignified, courageous and impartial admin- istration of her interests. In the higher council of the Nation he left a record for an earnest, manly and broad statesman- ship which has reflected infinite credit upon the State which has a generous remembrance of his loyal service. Massa- chusetts has indeed cause to be proud of this, one of her most illustrious sons.
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