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File contributed to the Fulton County ILGenWeb Project
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Source: Atlas Map of Fulton County, Illinois, 
Andreas, Lyter, and Co., Davenport, Iowa. 1871
(page 46)

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A. W. Richards, the subject of this sketch, was born in Lewis county, Kentucky, in 1828, being the third son of James Richards, who was also a native of Kentucky. His mother's maiden name was Susan Hampton, who was born in Faquer county, Virginia. 
    
Mr. Richards worked upon a farm until he was seventeen years of age. He then went to Maysville, Kentucky, and clerked in a store for seven years, and then came to Peoria county, Illinois, and from there came to Farmington, an entire stranger, in the spring of 1853. He clerked for A. D. & H. Reed from 1853 to 1854, and in the fall of the latter year he bought out the Messrs. Reed, and has been doing a splendid business for himself since, he being one of the most successful business men of Farmington. He has one of the most completely arranged stores in the west. 
    
Mr. Richards was married on the 6th day of November, 1856, to Miss Louisa Jane Little, daughter of G. W. Little, Esq., of Farmington, who was the first child born in the town of Farmington. Their family consists of two children -- Carrie B., eight years old, and Walter C., three years old. 
    
Mr. R. is a man of strict integrity, honorable in his dealings, always generous and courteous, and universally esteemed by his acquaintances and neighbors.