JOHN J. RICHARDS, a representative citizen of East Pike Run township, is a son of Thomas Richards, who was born November 18, 1801, in the State of Maryland, where he grew to manhood, and on November 28, 1824, was united in marriage with Esther Richards, who was born June 14, 1807. They moved to Washington county, Penn., many years ago, and settled on a large tract of land in East Pike Rune township, upon which he made many improvements. He was a Republican in political views, and in religion a member of the M. E. Church, with which his wife was also identified. They were the parents of three children, viz: John J., Sarah A. (deceased), and one that died in infancy. The father died October 2, 1873, and was laid beside his wife, who passed away August 29, 1868. John J. Richards was born September 30, 1829, on the home farm in East Pike Run township, where his school days were passed. On November 17, 1857, he married Elizabeth Ward, born August 10, 1830, in Washington county, Penn., a daughter of William Ward, who was born December 16, 1787, in Harford county, Md., and coming to Washington county, Penn., was there married to Pleasant Speers (born November 29, 1796), daughter of Henry and Nancy Speers, who were of Irish descent, and early settlers of Washington county. Mr. and Mrs. Ward were the parents of the following named children: Nancy, wife of James Warren; Solomon; Wilson; Rebecca; James; Elizabeth, wife of John J. Richards; Mary J.; Sarah M., wife of Noah Speers; Melissa, Henry, Martha and William (the latter three now being deceased). The father of this family was a Republican. He followed farming and blacksmithing in Allen township, this county, and was also a local Methodist minister, with which denomination he and his wife were identified. He died November 8, 1863, and Mrs. Ward entered the dark valley July 12, 1874. Mr. and Mrs. Richards have passed their wedded life on the old homestead, consisting of 100 acres. An elegant two-story residence, a barn, and other buildings, have been erected on this farm, which is an ideal rural home, furnished with all modern improvements. Mr. Richards is a Republican, and has served in nearly all the township offices. He and his wife are members of the M. E. Church.

Text taken from page 1107 of: Beers, J. H. and Co., Commemorative Biographical Record of Washington County, Pennsylvania (Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co., 1893). Transcribed February 1997 by Wilbur Frye of Pacifica, CA as part of the Beers Project. Published February 1997 on the Washington County, PA USGenWeb pages at http://www.chartiers.com/.

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