Children of Isaac and Deborah Richardson

Ruth Sansbury (1998) Beyond the Blew Stone. 300 Years of Quakers in Newcastle. Newcastle-upon-Tyne Preparative Meeting; John William Steel (1899) A Historical Sketch of the Society of Friends 'in Scorn called Quakers' in Newcastle & Gateshead 1653–1898. London & Newcastle, Headley Bros.: 97; minutes of Newcastle Monthly Meeting, Tyne & Wear Archives Service MF 169

The tendency of the religious teaching of the Society of Friends, under Divine guidance in everything, is towards self reliance of character, active and industrious habits, and simple tastes. John Richardson exemplified all these. He was the son of Isaac and Deborah Richardson, of Newcastle, and was educated first at Bruce's School, and was afterwards for some time under the care of Joseph Sams of Darlington—a great student and traveller of his day. Of a family who for generations had been in the tanning trade, John Richardson served an apprenticeship with his uncle John, at his tanyard in Bishopwearmouth, and on coming of age entered the business established by his father Isaac Richardson, in Newgate Street, Newcastle, and continued it with his brother Edward until death severed their close and brotherly partnership. They often combined with their business journeys the attendance of Yearly and Quarterly Meetings, travelling by coach or by sea, and took part in important meetings in London in the causes of the Abolition of slavery, of International peace, of Free trade, the Anti corn law agitation, and the first meetings of the United Kingdom Alliance in Manchester.

The annual return of the whale and seal fishing ships to Hull, or to Peterhead, Fraserburgh, and Dundee often took one or other of the brothers into Scotland necessitating large purchases. It is noteworthy that in consequence of the utilization of petroleums instead of whale and seal oils, for the first time this century no ship has this year, 1899, left Great Britain to continue this trade.

J.R. was always fond of gardening and the cultivation of vines. A mulberry tree in Summerhill Grove—probably the only one now within the City of Newcastle—is of his planting. Many drives to visit the gardens and hot-houses of country gentlemen, to inspect the bark of newly felled timber, or to and from a country house which he built in the valley of the Derwent, are remembered by his children with lively delight.

In the Society of Friends he filled the office of Overseer and Elder, being appointed to the latter station at the age of twenty-seven, and in many ways he served this section of the Christian church in which he had been born.

On returning home from a journey with his wife shortly after his marriage, he found the furniture of their dining room had been seized and taken away because he would neither serve in the militia nor pay for a substitute.

His private memoranda clearly shew his endeavour to keep in check the love of the things of this world and his desire to train up his family in the fear of the Lord. A large hearted hospitality made his home the frequent meeting place for friends and for social and religious gatherings.

As one of the largest shareholders in the Northumberland and Durham District Banking Company, its collapse in the dark days of 1857 involved him in the loss of much of his property. No law for limiting liability was then in existence. The anxiety entailed by this disaster was grievous. Though a principal shareholder he had never had anything to do with the management of the Bank, or had he more knowledge of its financial condition previous to its stoppage than was made public. Nothing could then be done to avert the ruin and distress which its failure caused. For himself he humbly accepted the trial as a discipline and bore it with Christian fortitude. He often expressed his consolation at having brought up his family in a way which rendered it needless to make any great alteration in their manner or style of living. More than a year of suspense during the liquidation of the bank's affairs told upon his health. The sale of his house and other property during this time of commercial depression was a most trying ordeal, but after settling with the liquidators of the insolvent bank in the spring of 1859, he went with his son James to Westmoreland, on a visit for rest and charge of scene, and when walking on the road between Shap and Kendal, one very stormy day, be was seized with an attack of apoplexy which proved fatal. Carried into a lonely wayside inn, 'The Plough," he passed away from earthly trouble, having just completed the sixtieth year of his age.

. . . only lived to the age of 27. Two years before her death she writes: "Felt much anxiety of mind to-day, having to act as clerk to the Preparative Meeting when the four queries had to be answered. In thus endeavouring to lend a helping hand in the maintenance of the discipline of our Society, I do wish and even pray that my willingness to perform this little service may be blessed."

Her cousin Rachel Pumphrey (daughter of George Richardson), writes from Ackworth in 1838, to Ann Richardson in reference to Rebecca's death—speaking of their stay at Cullercoats.—"How thoroughly I should have enjoyed accompanying Ellen and thee in your sea-side rambles. Ah! how this reminds me of days that are gone, when four of us joined in happy converse. One walk in particular seems so fresh in my recollection when our beloved departed one repeated Barbauld's beautiful hymn on those sands. I think I was never more struck with its beauty. . . . Almost four years have flown past since she was taken. May it be our chief endeavour to let the day's work keep pace with the day!"

Often accompanied her brother Edward on the journeys he took, by sea and land, for the benefit of his health. On one of these occasions they were shipwrecked. In 1837 they went to London by the Menai steamer to consult Sir James Clark, who recommended him to return home by a sailing vessel. Accordingly they embarked in a Newcastle trader, 'The Bywell,' making her first voyage. The weather was threatening, and the captain crowded on all sail; hoping to have light enough to run into Yarmouth Roads and shelter for the night. But the storm of wind and rain increased. Edward and Ann were alone about six o'clock in the cabin, fearing no danger, when suddenly there came an awful shock, quickly followed by another and another. The vessel had struck upon the Newcombe Sands off Pakefield, and all hope that the ship would get off was taken away, for the rudder was soon lost, and she seemed to be breaking up by the violence of the waves. The men prepared to launch the boats; the first was swamped in the attempt, and the long boat shared the same fate. They were three miles from shore. They were about three hours in this state of exposure and uncertainty, when the lifeboat from Lowestoft, with seventeen brave men, came to their rescue. Just a quarter of an hour afterwards the ship broke up. Edward lost everything except the clothes he wore. They reached the shore at about ten o'clock at night, where they received most kind attention from the Vicar of Lowestoft, Francis Cunningham, and his wife, one of the Gurneys of Earlham [Richenda, sister to Elizabeth Fry and Joseph John Gurney]. He took them to their house, and kindly sent them on to Norwich in their carriage to take coach for the North.

We discovered, in a tin in the games cupboard, an old bonnet & shawl & a pair of gloves. The bonnet bore a note that it belonged to Anne Richardson, later Anne Foster. She bought it in Lowestoft in 1837 after being shipwrecked and losing all her clothes. The gloves were returned to her after a fortnight in the sea, they were washed ashore at Lowestoft.

. . . they [she, her father, and her cousin Ellen] became warmly interested in the fishermen [of Cullercoats] and their families, making personal friendships with some, and winning the confidence of all. They soon found how great was the need for an infant school, so that the little ones might be cared for while their mothers were away in the neighbouring towns selling fish. A school-house was accordingly built, and the lowest age of admission was fixed at eighteen months. Toys and mattresses were provided, and this Crêche-school became almost a unique institution. It was not long before it developed, by natural growth, into a general elementary school for boys and girls. As the numbers increased the building was enlarged, and many of the inhabitants of to-day have grown up to thank "Miss Ellen" and "Miss Ann" and their coadjutors for there assiduous and watchful care.

About 1858 she was married to Robert Foster, and henceforth both were united in much philanthropic work in the town, and in labours connected with Newcastle Meeting. The Ragged School owed much to their care, and many can remember the hours of pleasant social intercourse passed in their hospitable home.

Watching our beloved Aunt Anne's life "Wearing awa, like snaw when its thaw." A paralytic stroke 3 months ago has made her helpless ever since. She has been such a large part of our daily life since we have lived side by side that our loss will be great indeed. She always took a keen and loving interest in our children.

Ann Foster, 83 10 7 mo. 1893
Newcastle-on-Tyne. An Elder. Wife of Robert Foster.

It has been thought that the memorials of the Annual Monitor would be incomplete without some record of one who was deeply attached to the Society of Friends, and who was much beloved and will be greatly missed by a wide circle. This brief tribute may recall her gentle presence to the minds of some, and her bright example may be to all a word of cheer.

Ann Foster was the daughter of Isaac and Deborah Richardson, and was born at Spring Gardens, Newcastle-on-Tyne, in 1809. Her father, a man of refinement and intellectual tastes, died when she was only ten months old, leaving his widow and young family to the guardianship of his brother, George Richardson whose paternal care over them was unremitting, and between whom and this almost adopted daughter a close and tender bond existed to the end of his long and venerated career. Her childhood was one of much indulgence, her health being delicate, and she was kept at home for education. Her only sister died in early womanhood, so that her lot was a secluded one, and passed in close companionship with her mother, to whom she was ever a devoted daughter.

In 1841 Deborah Richardson removed to Summerhill Grove, to be near her two sons, John and Edward, who had settled there, one with a bride from Plymouth, the other with one from Edinburgh. Though brought from places so far apart, they had both been carefully matured and trained in the same religious fellowship, and the families continued in close unity with the Society of Friends. When the first of these sisters-in-law came to Newcastle, Ann Richardson was a girl in her teens, but was already wearing the cap which, with a little alteration in style, was worn to old age, and which in some degree gave to her the same appearance from youth onwards.

From the time of their bridal days till death parted them, long years afterwards, an unbroken friendship existed between these three sisters ; and it was in the happy union and intimacy with the large families that sprang up in the houses of her two brothers that the foundation was laid of that relationship of "aunt " which clung to her through life, and by which she was known and beloved by succeeding generations.

Records of these early years, dating from 1824, tell of much intellectual activity amongst the young Friends of Newcastle, and of their diligent attendance at Monthly and Quarterly Meetings, going by steamboat and coach, and of journeys to London ; while the constant intercourse with Devonshire and Scotland, and long visits from distant relatives and friends, introduced an element of much interest and profit into these households. Many allusions are also made to the beauty and enjoyment of the fruitful gardens of their suburban residences, which have long been swallowed up or surrounded by the ever expanding city growth.

In looking back to this period one seems not only to span England, as it then was, but the century which has seen such changes in social and national life.

The death of Deborah Richardson took place in 1848, and was deeply felt. This loss did but deepen the tie which bound Ann Richardson to her brothers ; and as the years rolled on, with their alternating clouds and sunshine, she was to them a tender, loving sister, the constant sharer of their and their children's joys and sorrows.

She became stronger in health as she grew up, and her uncle George Richardson was very instrumental in the formation of her character. As this developed, the Christian graces of humility and love shone more and more conspicuously. The love of Christ within her brought forth its legitimate fruit of love to man, and in many ways she sought to promote the Redeemer's Kingdom on earth.

Being very dependent on fresh air, and delighting in the plentiful use of pure water, it was the family habit to go often to the country or sea-side, and hence she grew up familiar with both, especially with the sea and the hardy race of fishermen who inhabit the Northumbrian villages. Nor were the perils of the deep known to her only by hear-say. In 1837 she accompanied her brother Edward to London, and, for the benefit of his health, they were returning to the Tyne by sailing vessel. When off the coast of Suffolk the vessel ran upon the Newcome Sands, and all efforts to get her off proving fruitless, she became a total wreck. The water washed quite over the deck, and in the darkness of that fearful night they clung together, drenched to the skin, and expecting any moment might be their last. The Lowestoft life-boat, however, came off in response to a lighted tar barrel, and they were landed safely, but bare-headed and penniless. Their ship-wreck soon became known at Lowestoft. The clergyman, Francis Cunningham, treated them with great kindness, and a friend lent them money to enable them to go home by coach. The large Tuscan bonnet of the early Victorian period, purchased on that occasion, was kept as a memento, and brought out as often as the stirring tale was told to eager listeners in after years, but never without emotion and the acknowledgment of God's care, not only in preserving life, but also in that her brother's health did not materially suffer from such exposure.

The welfare, both spiritual and temporal, of sea-faring people engaged her earnest attention year after year. In conjunction with her cousin, Ellen Richardson, she established a school for children at Cullercoats; and through later life, when in residence at Newbiggin, a few miles further north, the needs of the poor were looked into and their condition often materially assisted. During her earlier years she also actively sympathised with the efforts made for the emancipation of the slaves.

A short account was given in the Annual Monitor last year of a visit to Paris, in 1846, by her cousins, Henry and Anna Richardson, for the purpose of distributing the New Testament in that city and its neighbourhood. A. Richardson's companionship and help on that occasion were truly valuable, and the enterprise was entered into and carried out with much zest.

Her labours on behalf of others did not consist in fitful efforts, but were mainly continuous, through years of patient endeavour, to establish and uphold what her judgment decided was for the best. Many charitable institutions received her warm support, the Ragged and Industrial School at Newcastle especially so from its very commencement. The teachers and matrons always found in her a kind and judicious adviser, and many can testify to the help she gave them into positions of much usefulness. She was liberal to the poor, seeking out the wretched and miserable in their dwellings, at personal self-sacrifice, with deep and true-hearted sympathy .

"While her heart was thus drawn out in care for others, she was always loyal to her own religious Society. She loved the principles of Friends, and sought in a gentle way to instil them. Friends travelling as Ministers were lodged and cared for, and companies of Monthly and Quarterly Meeting visitors were generously provided for during many j^ears. Being well qualified for the service, she filled the office of an Elder for a long period with much acceptance. She was able to speak the truth in love, and so to manifest her sympathy, whilst handing counsel, as to avoid giving offence. She was, indeed, a preacher of righteousness in life and conversation. Her light shone because it could not be hid; it was the illumination of the Divine Spirit within which made her what she was, and by this guiding light she sought to walk humbly with her God.

In 1858 Ann Richardson was united in marriage with Robert Foster. This step did not remove her from her native town, and by it another large circle was added to her own, and henceforth the house was more than ever an open one. The two were one in extending a double welcome, double kindness, and double help, if help was needed, to all who came. For thirty -five years this happy union of hand and heart continued, and by her death a deep sense of loss and sorrow fills the vacant place.

She was affectionately beloved by her nephews and nieces. Those of the second generation gathered round her as the first had done. She entered into their pursuits, her knowledge of Continental travel, and her acquaintance with modern educational requirements, enabling her to follow the accounts they brought from school and college, at home or abroad, though often with wonderment at the altered ways and the changed lines on which life runs since her own young days. She loved the little ones of the third generation, and her gifts to old and young alike were never failing.

As the threescore years and ten crept over her a failure of power was perceptible, though her activity continued great; and she still got out to Meeting, often twice a day; and she still took her accustomed interest in Society affairs and in all that concerned those dear to her. It was early in the spring of the present year, 1893, that decided signs of weakness appeared, and she was laid aside from further participation in outward things. Thus she continued for about three months, often speaking of the goodness of the Lord, and numbering her mercies; counting herself to be all unworthy, save through the redeeming love of Christ her Saviour. Very gently, day by day, her strength declined, till the end came and she peacefully departed— the end, it may be said, of an uneventful life, yet one of unobtrusive beneficence; and to her we must believe the glad words would be addressed :—" Thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things; enter thou into the joy of thy Lord."
 

Ann R. Foster was the daughter of Isaac and Deborah Richardson, and was born at Spring Gardens, in 1809. Her father, a man of refinement and intellectual tastes, died when she was only ten months old. Her childhood was one of much indulgence, her health being delicate, and she was kept at home for education. Her only sister died in early womanhood, so that her lot was a secluded one, and passed in close companionship with her mother, to whom she was ever a devoted daughter.

In 1841 Deborah Richardson removed to Summerhill Grove, to be near her two sons, John and Edward, who had settled there.

Records of those early years, dating from 1824, tell of much intellectual activity amongst the young friends of Newcastle, and of their diligent attendance at Monthly and Quarterly Meetings, going by steamboat and coach, and of journeys to London; while the constant intercourse with Devonshire and Scotland, introduced an element of much interest and profit into these households.

Her mother's death in 1848 was deeply felt. This loss did but deepen the tie which bound her to her brothers; to whom she was a tender, loving sister, the constant sharer of their joys and sorrows.

As her character developed, the Christian graces of humility and love shone more and more conspicuously. The love of Christ within her brought forth its legitimate fruit of love to man, and in many ways she sought to promote the Redeemer's Kingdom on earth.

Her help on the occasion of a visit to Paris in 1846, for the purpose of distributing New Testaments in that city was truly valuable, and the enterprise was carried out with zest.

Many charitable institutions received her warm support, the Ragged and Industrial School especially so, from its very commencement. She was liberal to the poor, seeking them out in their dwellings with deep and true-hearted sympathy.

While her heart was thus drawn out in care for others she was always loyal to her own religious society. She loved the principles of Friends, and sought in a gentle way to instil them. She filled the office of Elder for a long period with much acceptance. She was able to speak the truth in love, and so to manifest her sympathy whilst handling counsel as to avoid giving offence.

In 1858 she was united in marriage with Robert Foster. This did not remove her from her native town: and by it another large circle was added to her own. For thirty-five years this happy union of hand and heart continued.

She was affectionately beloved by her nephews and nieces. Those of the second generation gathered round her as the first had done. She entered into their pursuits with interest; her knowledge of Continental travel, and her acquaintance with modern educational requirements, enabling her to follow the accounts they brought from school and college, at home or abroad.

As the three-score years and ten crept over her a failure of power was perceptible, though her activity continued great.

Early in the spring of 1893 decided signs of weakness appeared, and very gently, day by day, her strength declined till the end came; the end, it may be said, of an uneventful life, yet one of unobtrusive beneficence.