Individual Details
(October 17, 1850 - July 28, 1928)
Hardin Times Richardson (better known as simply H.T.) was born 17 October1850 in McLennan County, Texas; he was the eleventh child of Abraham Richardson. Most likely he was born on the Richardson farm near the small town of Valley Mills, which is located about 24 miles west-north-west of Waco, Texas. His mother, the former Phoebe Hart, was the second wife of Abraham Richardson. Phoebe was born in Kentucky according to unsubstantiated family tradition. H.T. had four half-brothers and three half-sisters from his father's first wife, as yet not identified. H.T. also had two brothers and two sisters. H.T.'s mother died shortly after giving birth to his youngest sister, Mary Missouri. Abraham was away on business and did not learn of his wife's death until he arrived home several days later. According to family history Phoebe was buried under a large tree on the farm near Valley Mills. Abraham never recovered from her death and died less than 18 months later. After the death of his parents, H.T. lived with his older half-brother, Isaac, in Coryell County, Texas, along with his minor brothers and sisters. Probate records of Abraham's estate indicate that a petition filed 10 January 1855 appointed his oldest son, Isaac, as administrator of the estate. 601 acres of the estate was set aside for H.T. and his minor brothers and sisters. On 26 March 1860 in Coryell County, Isaac was appointed legal guardian of the minor heirs of Abraham and Phoebe Richardson. Very little is known of H.T.'s early life, which was obviously spent on his brother's farm in Coryell County, Texas. At age 29 H.T. married Louise D. Briscoe in Bosque County, Texas. Louise was reportedly born ca 1861 in Bosque County. The 1880 U.S. Population Census for Hamilton County, Texas lists H.T. Richardson, age 29, farmer, and L.D., age 18, wife. By 1882 they were living in Hill County, Texas, and in early 1887 were in Kimble County, Texas. Three children were born to this union: Walter, born 31 May 1882 in Bosque County; Genella, born ca 1885 in Hill County; and Times Nathan, born 29 July 1887 in Kimble County. Louise D. Richardson died 25 August 1887, about five weeks after the birth of Times Nathan. A little over two years later, on 1 September 1889, H.T. married for the second time; taking Miss Nancy Jane Stout as his bride. On 19 July 1890 Nancy gave birth to Kern Dick Richardson. Nancy died 31 March 1891 and was buried in the Junction, Texas, city cemetery. In 1892 (exact date and place is unknown) H.T. married for the third and final time to Miss Sarah Shields. The old saying that the "third is a charm" proved to be true in H.T.'s final marriage. Sarah died 22 August 1925 after 33 years of marriage and after having raised of four of H.T.'s children by previous marriages. Sarah was buried in the Junction, Texas, city cemetery. H.T. died almost three years later on 27 July 1928. He is buried at the side of his third wife, Sarah. H.T. was well known in Kimble County. A review of records at the county courthouse in Junction, Texas, provided ample evidence of his land dealings, his fire-brand and ear marks for livestock and his dealings with the legal system. The following excerpt is taken from the District Court Minutes, October Term 1891, dated Wednesday, 28 October 1891; case No. 492, the state of Texas vs H.T. Richardson: "We the jury find the defendant not guilty." On 28 March 1890, a warrant was issued in Kimble County for the arrest of H.T. Richardson; this warrant was executed on 29 March 1890. The complainants in this case were A. Wair and H. Kinney and they, as well as William Truman, William Clemants, Jno. Billings, Sam Davis and Will Easm were all subpoenaed to appear in the Justice Court for Precinct1 of Kimble County, Texas, on 31 March 1890 in the criminal action of the State of Texas vs H.T. Richardson. A jury was duly selected and the case presented. The jury found the defendant guilty as charged and assessed a fine of $5.00. On 1 April 1890 a motion for a new trial was filed based on the following reasons: (1) the verdict of the jury was contrary to the evidence, (2) the court erred in permitting the county attorney to allude to failure of the defendant to testify in said court and (3) the court erred in not instructing the jury, after the county attorney had commented on the defendant's failure to testify, that this action could not be considered as a circumstance against him. On 21 October 1890, more witnesses were subpoenaed, but the case was continued until the next term of the District Court of Kimble County. On 4 March 1891, H. Kinney, one of the complainants, was subpoenaed to appear before the District Court on 23 March 1891. However, his health would not permit him to appear and the case was again continued. Finally, in October 1891, the State of Texas vs H.T. Richardson was heard in District Court and the verdict of "not guilty" handed down by the jury. What was the crime committed by H.T. Richardson that led to two jury trials and 19 months of legal maneuvering? Very simply, "using abusive language!" H.T.'s life was summed up in his obituary, which was written by Mrs Frank Wilson for the "Junction Eagle." In the hush of the evening shadows at 9:30 p.m., July 28, H.T. Richardson fell asleep at his ranch home on the North Llano. He was one of our pioneer citizens who has borne the burden and heat of Life's day for almost 79 years, the fortitude and unselfishness which has characterized his entire life, being manifested to the very end. The passing of this well loved old-timer leaves an inexpressible sadness in the hearts of Kimble Co. folks, and our sympathy goes out to the bereaved family - for their sorrow is our sorrow. In looking over his almost four score years H.T. Richardson has demonstrated again and again the patience and courage which was so characteristic of our pioneers as they trod their up-hill, difficult path to success. It would be impossible in this brief space to tell of the hardships, struggles and difficulties so nobly overcome; nor of the wonderful fortitude which H.T. Richardson has borne the intense suffering of the past three years. His one unselfish thought was "not to be a burden for others." H.T. Richardson was a kind neighbor and friend, and an honorable citizen and his name will ever be spoken with loving respect. But infinitely better than this, the name of H.T. Richardson is written in heaven in the Lamb's Book of Life. Twenty nine years ago he was converted and united with the Baptist Church, and now he has passed away to the rest that remaineth for the people of God. Light after darkness, gain after loss, strength after weakness, crown after cross, joy after sorrow, calm after blast, rest after weariness, sweet rest at last; sheaves after sowing, sun after rain, sight after mystery, peace after pain; after long agony rapture of bliss, right was the pathway leading to this."
Events
| Birth | October 17, 1850 | McLennan County, Texas | | | |
| Marriage | August 14, 1879 | Bosque County, Texas - Louise D. Briscoe | | | |
| Marriage | September 1, 1889 | Kimble County, Texas - Nancy Jane Stout | | | |
| Marriage | 1892 | Junction, Kimble County, Texas - Sarah Shields | | | |
| Death | July 28, 1928 | Junction, Kimble County, Texas | | | |
Families