Los Angeles County, CA, Biographies

This file is part of the California Genealogy & History Archives 
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SOLOMON RICHARDSON.
 
        Among the earlier residents and well-known citizens of the San Gabriel 
Valley is the subject of this sketch, whose fine orchard property is located in 
the Alhambra school district, about one and one-half miles northwest of the 
mission of San Gabriel. His farm consists of seventy acres of rich and 
productive land, twenty-three acres of which Captain C. G. Hutchinson has an 
interest in. A fine orange grove of twenty-five acres is one of the improvements 
on his place. With
the exception of five acres of Washington Navels, his trees are seedlings. There 
are also four acres of deciduous fruits, principally pears and pomegranates, and 
besides these nearly all varieties of fruit grown in the valley. He has also 
about three acres of wine grapes of Mission and Blauelba varieties. The rest of 
his land is
devoted to grain and alfalfa. Captain Hutchinson, who has an interest in the 
farm, was born in Antrim, Hillsboro County, New Hampshire; came to California in 
1852 via Cape Horn. Later he returned East and brought his wife to this place, 
arriving here in September, 1858. His wife died nine months later. Captain 
Hutchinson was one of the first to engage in raising strawberries in Los 
Angeles. Mr. Richardson was born in Pelham, Hillsboro County, New Hampshire, in 
1831. His parents were Solomon and Hannah (Currier) Richardson, both natives of 
that State. He was reared a farmer and lived upon his father's farm until he 
reached his majority. In 1853 he left his native State and went to Australia, 
where he engaged in mining and other occupations. In 1858, while in Australia, 
he married Miss Agnes Mellor, a native of England. Mr. Richardson remained in 
Australia until 1860, when he came to California. Upon his arrival he located in 
Alameda County and afterward came to Los Angeles County, settled near San 
Gabriel, rented land from B. D. Wilson and engaged in farming. He was also 
interested in mining in Colorado for a short time. In 1867 he purchased a 
portion of his present farm, which was then in a wild and uncultivated state, 
and commenced its improvement and cultivation. Since that time he has devoted 
his attention to agricultural pursuits, and by purchase has increased his 
acreage to his present holdings. Mr. Richardson's long residence in the San 
Gabriel Valley has made him well known and gained him the respect and esteem of 
a large circle of friends and acquaintances. In political matters he is a strong 
supporter of the Republican party. From the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Richardson 
there are eight children living, viz.: Mary, Allie, Charles, Andrew, Roy, Harry, 
Rachel and Ralph. Mary married George Campbell, and is now residing in 
Washington Territory. Allie married Logan Seitzeand, and is living in San 
Bernardino County. The other children are residing under the parental roof.
 
An Illustrated History of Los Angeles County, California �  Chicago, The Lewis 
Publishing Company, 1889   Page 615
Transcribed by Kathy Sedler