Mr. Richardson's career since coming to America is a practical illustration of the possibilities that lie within the reach of all who have the courage, ability and industry to grasp them. His English training taught him that nothing is gained without labor, and following this idea, he has reached a high eminence in his calling. Many Englishmen have come to this country with money, and plenty of it, and have miserably failed. They did not have a proper conception of their opportunities but brought with them the high notions that are inseparable from the English aristocracy. On the other hand, the poor man who, perhaps, came in the same ship, riding in the steerage of the vessel while his wealthier brother was having the best in the cabin, attained wealth, and when they visited their native land, it is safe to say that the one who came here with money exchanged places on the ship with the Englishman who came here totally destitute of resources.
The father of the subject of this sketch, Jonathan Richardson, Sr., was a typical English farmer. He was a native of Yorkshire, and was married in his native county to Jane Pasby, who was a native of the same shire. After marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Richardson, Sr., began farming on a small scale, and in common with most small farmers in England, it was with difficulty that they made both ends meet, but they succeeded in giving their children a fair education, and teaching them that their success in life would depend wholly upon their own efforts; and with that lesson fully learned, Jonathan Richardson, Jr., sailed for America in 1857, joining his brother, William, who had preceded him to America in 1850, and had located in Morgan County.
In 1858, the father and mother, accompanied by three of their other children, came to the United States and located near Jacksonville. They both lived and died in Morgan County, living to a good old age. The elder Richardsons had a reputation of being prudent, industrious and intelligent people, and when they died were deeply mourned. When Jonathan, Jr. came to America, he had just become of age. He was married in the house he now owns and occupies, on April 12, 1867, to Miss Martha J. Mawson, a native of Scott County, and who was born March 10, 1841. She is the daughter of Robert and Ann (Killam) Mawson, now both deceased, having died at their home at an advanced age. The parents of Mrs. Richardson were natives of Yorkshire, England, and came to America in 1829 and located in Morgan County. They came here when this part of the country was nearly uninhabited, and by good management built up a comfortable fortune. Their reputation was that of worthy citizens.
Mrs. Richardson, as before indicated, was reared to womanhood in this county. Not being blessed with any children of their own, Mr. and Mrs. Richardson reared and educated two - Thomas B. Swawell and Lena Ball. Mr. Richardson is a Republican in politics, and attends the Methodist Episcopal Church.