Children of John and Sarah Augusta Richardson

CHARLES RICHARDSON,       19    3mo. 24 1846

Newcastle. Son of John and Sarah Richardson.

At an early age, this beloved youth appears to have been made sensible of the tender visitations of his Heavenly Father's Love.

When nine years old, he was placed at York School, where he remained more than six years. During much of that time, especially the latter part of it, his conduct and conversation evinced that the fear of the Lord was before him, and that he was careful to attend to the gentle intimations of the Holy Spirit, and was thus enabled to maintain the strife with the evil propensities of our fallen nature, and to resist in great measure, the temptations incident to youth.

Kindness and truthfulness marked his intercourse with others; but his peculiar characteristic was, more than ordinary firmness in doing whatever he believed to be right. In obedience to this principle, on one occasion, whilst at school, when his firmness was put to a severe test, he courageously stood alone, silently and unobtrusively refusing to do as his class mates did, because he believed that so doing, would involve unkindness and injustice.

Twelve months after he had left York School, he paid a short visit there, on passing through the City. In a letter to one of his cousins, who was still at school, he speaks of the enjoyment he had had in the visit, and says that "he had not one uncomfortable feeling in re-entering the establishment," and adds "I feel persuaded, that if I had not endeavoured whilst a scholar, to perform my duty towards my teachers and schoolfellows, and give satisfaction to my master and mistress, my feelings would have been very different: would they not have been those of sorrow and regret?"

When he was sixteen years of age, he was placed in his grandfather's hop, at Plymouth, where he remained two years. He was fond of the study of Natural History, and by his diligence, he attained a considerable degree of proficiency in various branches of scientific knowledge.

Whilst at Plymouth, he commenced a diary; which is thus prefaced:— "I have for some time past, thought it would be very interesting to keep a diary or journal, in which events, which might otherwise escape my memory, might be entered; and to which, at a future period, I might refer with pleasure. It is with this view, and that of rendering me more circumspect in my life and conversation, that I am induced at this time, to begin to keep such an account, trusting that it may be accompanied with the Divine blessing."

The following are a few extracts from it, descriptive of his religious feelings.

5th month 11th, 1843. "Oh! I do indeed, most earnestly hope and crave, that I may be enabled to shun every temptation which may be permitted to cross my path, and walk acceptably in the sight, and in the fear of the Almighty"

21st. "Oh! how I do desire that I may not be found living in a state of lukewarmness or indifference; but that with purpose of heart, I may indeed cleave unto the Lord."

31st, Fourth day. "This morning I attended meeting, i am afraid, to but little profit: nothing was said in the line of the ministry, and I felt more than considerable difficulty in abstracting my mind from earthly and temporal thoughts, and fixing them on things eternal. Oh! how earnestly do I desire, that I may, in future, be strengthened to wait upon the Lord in singleness of heart, in these our religious assemblies, and be given to feel the gracious presence and covering of the Holy Spirit.["]

6th month 17th. "At times, throughout the day, I have felt much discouraged, and have been brought very low through a deep sense of my own sinfulness and weakness. I have been led earnestly to entreat the Almighty on my own behalf, that my sins may be for ever be blotted out, and that I may, in time to come, be preserved from sinning, and be delivered from evil. That I may know my heart to be cleansed—to be washed and made white in the blood of the Lamb. The gracious promise is recorded, 'Though your sins be scarlet, they shall be as white as snow, though they be red like crimson they shall be as wool.'"

25th. "In the evening, I was given to feel the utter weakness and helplessness of my own condition,—to see that I had sinned and fallen short, yes, very far short, of the glory of God; under a sense of which, I desire to feel truly humbled."

7th month, 2nd. "In the morning meeting we were addressed by S. T., and in the evening meeting, after we had sat some time, during which, I had a sense of my own unworthiness given me, and had felt somewhat cast down through a fear that I was lukewarm towards the one great object, we were addressed in a cheering and comforting manner by J. T., who spoke for the encouragement of some present very acceptably; and during the remainder of the sitting I had great peace of mind, for which I feel thankful."

3rd. "In taking a little retrospect of my recent life and conduct, this evening, I have felt sorry to find what slight progress I have made in my journey heavenward. Indeed, in my case, there seems much to mourn over, and Oh! how earnest are my desires that Almighty God would be pleased, in his unmerited mercy and lovingkindness, and for the sake of his dear Son, to pardon all my past sins,—sins of omission and commission more than I can number!—that he would give me strength in future to avoid every temptation, and to resist the great enemy of my soul's salvation."

More extracts might be added from his diary, which he continued to keep until within a month of his death, but the foregoing are sufficient to set forth the tenderness and abasedness of his spirit before his God, and to show that he had not neglected the work of his soul's regeneration.

He returned to Newcastle in the spring of 1845, with a cold which he had greatly increased whilst attending the yearly meeting in London, and which, although it seemed nearly to leave him during the summer, returned in the autumn, and medical endeavours to remove it were unavailing. He was taken, in the 12th month, for change of air, to the neighbourhood of Plymouth, where he remained about two months, his health during the time, gradually declining.

On the 2nd of 2nd month, 1846, he returned home, and the next day made the following entry in his diary. After describing his journey, and expressing his thankfulness for his safe return, he adds, "I am considerably worse and weaker than when I left home, and to me it seems very doubtful which way my complaint will turn. I think I may say—humbly say, in truth, I am fully resigned to die, could I but feel confident that my sins were forgiven. My fervent prayers have many times been put up before the throne of grace, to this effect, that my numerous sins might be washed away in the blood of Jesus; and I have generally found peace of mind for my portion, but I often fear that, throughout all, it may arise from lukewarmness or indifference. Oh, the prayer of my inmost soul is, that this may not be the case! Oh, that the joys of heaven may one day be mine! May the Holy Spirit dwell continually within me, to guide me to its gates of praise—then shall I be permitted to dwell for ever with the Father and with his Son, my Redeemer, who is love inexpressible! Oh, the wonderful greatness of His majesty who formed the universe, as well as the smallest of creatures!—What power!—What knowledge! Oh, to be where He is! and to partake of that bliss which it hath not entered into the heart of man even to conceive!"

Throughout his illness, a sweet peace was mercifully permitted to be the covering of his mind, which made it truly pleasant to his friends to be with him.

The last entry he made in his diary, was on the 28th of 2nd month, and was as follows:— "I have for the last few days, been arranging a few presents to give to my relations and friends, in doing which, I have felt comforted and easy; indeed the peace of my mind has latterly flowed as a river, in the full hope of immortality."

After this time he became too weak to write, but he sweetly expressed to those about him, and to friends who called to see him on various occasions, his hope of a blessed immortality.

On the morning of the 24th of 3rd month, he said that, he felt that his end was come, and that he had a joyful prospect of being soon in that land where he should hunger no more, neither thirst any more, but be led to streams of living water; and about six o'clock in the evening, his bright spirit left its decayed tabernacle to enjoy a better state of existence, for which he was prepared through the tender mercy of the Lord.

TO MANUFACTURERS AND OTHERS—TO BE SOLD OR LET, about 3,000 Square Yards of GROUND, Substantial WORKSHOPS, STABLES, and SHEDS, with an abundant supply of clear Well Water, situate in Gallowgate, and hitherto used as Glue Works.—Apply to EDWD. & JAMES RICHARDSON, Elswick Leather Works, Newcastle. Immediate Possession can be given.

A FREEHOLD SITE, suitable for commercial or manufacturing purposes, FOR SALE, in Manor Chare, opposite the Post-office, containing nearly 300 square yards.—Apply to JAMES RICHARDSON, Elswick Leather Works.

Near the entrance door is a case of horse shoes of various patterns, and adjoining these is a table occupied by specimens of oak tanned leather belting and hose pipe, exhibited by Messrs E. and J. Richardson, Elswick Leather Works, Newcastle.

TO BE LET, "North Ashfield Villa," situated in Gloucester Road, containing three sitting rooms, six bed and dressing rooms, three attics, kitchens, bath room, &c., and fitted with every convenience for a gentleman's family. A three-stalled stable, coach-house, large stable yard, and garden, now in the occupation of Councillor Henry Clapham. Rent, £120.—Apply to JAMES RICHARDSON, Elswick Leather Works.

Mr James Richardson, of South Ashfield Villa, Gloucester Road, Newcastle, leather manufacturer, died somewhat suddenly at his works yesterday.

THE sudden death, yesterday, of Mr. JAMES RICHARDSON, of South Ashfield, Newcastle, removes one of our most estimable citizens. He was a descendant of a family long connected with Newcastle business, and he and one of his brothers, Mr. DAVID RICHARDSON, developed largely the leather trades. Mr JAMES RICHARDSON sought no public appointments, and meddled little in politics; but in connexion with the denomination to which he belonged—the Society of Friends—he had filled many offices, and was widely known and esteemed. He was a strenuous advocate of peace principles, and moulded in accordance therewith his business, often refusing orders for material for war purposes. He leaves a widow—who is a sister of Sir RAYLTON DIXON—and a family of sons and daughters.

FUNERAL OF THE LATE MR. JAMES RICHARDSON.—The remains of the deceased gentleman were buried at Elswick Cemetery yesterday afternoon. The funeral cortege, consisting of a hearse and ten coaches, and Messrs. Richardson's workmen, left South Ashfield at 2.15. The body was enclosed in a polished elm coffin with brass mountings, and bore the inscription:—"James Richardson, died 16th of 6th month, 1890, aged 58 years and 9 months." The occupants of the coaches were Mrs. Richardson, Mr. A. Richardson, Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Holmes, Mr. and Mrs. Baumgartner, Mr. Frank and Miss Richardson, Misses and Master Richardson, Mr. David and Mrs. D. Richardson, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Richardson, Mr. and Mrs. T. Pumphrey, Miss Richardson and Miss Bragg, Mr. and Mrs. J.H. Richardson, Mr. Balkwill. There was a large gathering of friends at the cemetery, amongst whom were Dr. and Mrs. Hodgkin, Dr. Spence Watson, Mr. and Mrs. Holmes, Mr. and Mrs. Fry, Mr. E. Watson. The coffin was carried from the hearse to the grave by six of the workmen of Messrs. Richardson. The funeral arrangements were carried out by Mr. G.W. Ellis, of Northumberland Street.

I am indebted to Mrs Thomas Pumphrey of Summerhill Grove for an interesting note in which I am asked about some well-known Newcastle streets. My kind correspondent had been to see an exhibition last week of silhouette drawings that referred to the great general of Queen Anne's day, and her steps took her home by roads that seemed to have reference to Churchill, Duke, Blanford, Blenheim, and Marlborough himself. [ . . . ] Mrs Pumphrey thought that as the trees in Blenheim Park were once laid out in lines that reminded Marlborough of his battalions drawn up for parade, so the builder here went on some such plan. No; new streets then followed usually the line made by hedges as boundaries; [ . . . ]

It has hitherto, I believe, been a moot point, whether the Romans, possessed the art of making steel or not. The discoveries at Binchester prove that, at any rate, at the ancient city of Vinovium, they possessed the metal itself. To Mr David Richardson, of The Gables, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, is due the credit of making this discovery, which is certainly an important one.

president of the Northern Union of Mechanics' Institutes. At their conference at Stocksfield, "The proceedings were rendered more than usually noteworthy by what one of the delegates aptly termed a memorable address by the president, Mr. David Richardson, a well-known member of the Society of Friends, who took as his subject the British Navy, and made the remarkable pronouncement that England would be safer without any fleet at all.

DEATH OF MR. DAVID RICHARDSON.

Well-Known Newcastle Temperance Advocate.

Mr. David Richardson, of the firm of Messrs. E. and J. Richardson, leather merchants, Newcastle, died suddenly, yesterday. Mr. Richardson, who was the senior member of the Society of Friends in Newcastle, was at his office as late as Saturday last, and attended the services at the Friends' Meeting House, Pilgrim Street, on Sunday morning and evening. On Saturday morning, Mr. Richardson was at the Temperance Institute in Newcastle, and in the evening he attended the weekly council meeting at the Central Hall. His death occurred about three o'clock this morning.

Mr. David Richardson belonged to a well-known family of Quakers, and retained throughout his life many of the characteristics that, by long tradition, have belonged to the "Friends." "He was a whole-hearted advocate of peace; and it is said that on one occasion, when the Government would have placed with his firm a contract for leather, he refused to have anything to do with it, because the material was wanted for Army purposes'. He was, also, a strenuous temperance advocate, and his voice was, time and again, heard at meetings in Newcastle and elsewhere, in support of legislation designed to diminish the consumption of alcohol in the country. He was a prominent member of the United Kingdom Alliance, and one of the most earnest advocates of its programme. He joined the Independent Order of Good Templars in 1873, and was vice-president of the United Kingdom Alliance in 1888, and had been president of the Newcastle Auxiliary for several years. He had also been president of the North of England Temperance League, and of the Newcastle Temperance Society. He was one of the trustees of the Temperance Institute. The father of the deceased, Mr. John Richardson, who died in 1860, was one of the few who were present at the first meeting of the United Kingdom Alliance at Manchester, in 1860.

Mr. Richardson was a keen business man, and the firm in which he was a senior partner had a very extensive connection. He was on the jury of the Paris Exhibition in 1878, and was also a member of the jury of an exhibition held in Vienna. He was never closely identified with either of the political parties: temperance being ever his "politics." He was a member of the Newcastle Board of Guardians in 1875, and served for one year.

Mr. Richardson was born in Newcastle in 1835 and lived on Tyneside all his life. His Newcastle home was at The Gables, in Elswick Road, but he was very fond of country life, and a few years ago acquired Wheel Birks, at Stocksfield, and there he carried out extensive improvements. He had a great hobby for building, and this he freely indulged at Wheel Birks, where the home farm, occupied by Mr. White, is one of the best in the West Tyne district.

In 1910, when the Northern Union of Mechanics' Institutions held its annual meeting at Stocksfield, Mr. Richardson was President; and he was at the time of his death, a vice-president.

Mr. Richardson is survived by Mrs. Richardson and a grown-up family. Two of his sons are members of the firm; another is a science teacher in York Friends' School; another is an artist in the south of England; and a daughter is practising as a doctor at Roker. His brother, Mr. James Richardson, died suddenly some years ago in his office.

The widow of the deceased is also an earnest temperance reformer, and one of the founders of the British Women's Temperance Association. She is also associated in an official capacity with the North of England Temperance League, the Band of Hope, and other temperance bodies. The seven children of Mr. Richardson were brought up as life abstainers.

LEATHER MERCHANT'S DEATH.

PEACE ADVOCATE WHO REFUSED £30,000 WAR CONTRACT.

Many Northantonians will learn with regret of the death of Mr. David Richardson, of the firm of Messrs. E. and J. Richardson, leather merchants, Newcastle. Mr. Richardson's firm did an extensive business with Northampton and Northamptonshire boot and shoe manufacturers, and was held in high esteem locally. He was at business as recently as Saturday, and attended the services at the Friends' Meeting House at Newcastle on Sunday, but was taken ill during the night, and passed away at three o'clock on Sunday morning.

A member of a well-known family of Quakers, Mr. Richardson retained through life many of the characteristics that belong to the "Friends." He was a wholehearted advocate of peace, and his hatred of was such such that during the war with South Africa he refused a Government contract of £30,000 because the leather was wanted for Army purposes. A strenuous Temperance advocate, he was a prominent member of the United Kingdom Alliance, of which he was vice-president in 1888, and for forty years he was an ardent worker in the cause of Good Templary. Temperance, in fact, was ever his politics, for he never identified himself closely with either of the political parties.

Mr. Richardson was a keen business man and his firm had a wide connection. He was on the jury of the Paris Exhibition of 1878, and also a member of the jury of an exhibition held in Vienna. He was 78 years of age, had lived on Tyneside all his life, and leaves a widow and grown-up family.

IN David Richardson, who died suddenly in Newcastle, on October 20th, Bootham loses one of its oldest Old Scholars and the father of an honoured master, Hugh Richardson. Few men served their principles with greater devotion and keener service. The energy he threw into his advocacy of temperance and peace made him respected not only within the Society of Friends, whose ideals he held whole-heartedly, but among all those who had faith in great causes. He was as well a keen business man, thoroughly master of his craft, and his knowledge had been turned to public account in the Paris Exhibition of 1878, and again at Vienna.

He was a prominent member of the United Kingdom Alliance, and had been President of the North of England Temperance League and of the Newcastle Temperance Society.

He was at school from 1845 to 1851, and he was the same age and stood next in musters to Henry Tuke Mennell.

[ . . . ] He joined the Independent Order of Good Templars in 1873, and was vice-president of the United Kingdom Alliance in 1888, and had been president of the Newcastle Auxiliary for several years. He had also been president of the North of England Temperance League and of the Newcastle Temperance Society. He was one of the trustees of the Temperance Institute.

DAVID RICHARDSON      78    20 10 1913

Newcastle-on-Tyne.

David Richardson, of The Gables, Newcastle-on-Tyne, was born in 1835, the sixth child of John and Sarah Richardson, who then lived in Summerhill Grove.

Out of a rather delicate childhood, he developed, if not a very robust manhood, one singularly free from illness, so that it was noted on his sudden death in his 79th year, that it was 17 years since he had consulted a doctor. No doubt his active and abstemious habits contributed to this, as also the care exercised by his parents in seeking a country life for him in his early years.

He came from Quaker parentage on both sides, his mother being Sarah Balkwill, of Plymouth. She was fond, among other lively narrations, of telling her children how often when a child she ran home from school terrified at the cry, "Bony's coming," as ships were sighted making for Plymouth Harbour; and how as a girl of thirteen she was taken out in a boat to see Bonaparte before he was transported St. Helena on the Bellerophon. She saw him then in his characteristic attitude, arms folded across the breast.

Out of her twelve children four died in childhood, and one, a son of much promise, from consumption at the age of nineteen.

After the period of home-taught lessons, David Richardson was sent to Bruce's Academy in Percy Street, Newcastle. Dr. Bruce became well-known for his researches and book on the Roman Wall. He used to walk along the wall once every year, and some still living can recall his picturesque figure, as he lectured to fellow antiquaries on the uplands of Northumbria. A recumbent figure of him may be seen in the old Church of St. Nicholas, now called the Cathedral. David Richardson was too young to imbibe his master's love for antiquities, but the collection of Roman coins he made in after years was considered a good and fairly complete one.

From Dr. Bruce's school he went to Bootham, York. There his distaste for some branches of learning, notably the dead languages, led John Ford, the then Head Master, to shake his head with a wonder as to his future career. A little more insight might have led him to predict, from the scientific bent of the observant lad, a good measure of success.

The young Friends of that period, to whom a university education with its widening influence was debarred, sought to remedy this defect by forming themselves into associations of their own. To one of these David Richardson joined himself on leaving school. Some of the youths of that period in Newcastle became more widely known, of whom we may mention Dr Spence Watson, President of the Liberal Federation, Dr G. S. Brady, F.R.S., Daniel Oliver, Curator at Kew Gardens, John Dixon, engineer, who brought the Cleopatra Needle to the Thames Embankment, Jeremiah Head, of the firm Head and Wrightson, and John Wigham Richardson, shipbuilder.

In this way of self-education much knowledge was gathered, to which he gave practical application in collections of minerals, fossils, coins, and early editions of printed books.

It is an often-repeated difficulty with fathers to know how to launch their sons on a hopeful and profitable career. David Richardson's first business venture in agricultural machine making was not successful, owing to the failure of the partner chosen. After this he entered his father's leather manufacturing business, then in Newgate Street, Newcastle-on-Tyne. In this connexion he was chosen a juryman at the Exhibitions of Vienna in 1873, and of Paris, 1878.

He never entered political life, but as a Guardian of the Poor, felt so deeply the need of reforms they were powerless to carry out, that he retired from the Board, saying his energies should be directed to what he considered was remedial of evil, rather than merely palliative. With this in view, he gave much time and thought to Temperance work. He believed that excessive drinking was the cause of widely ramifying evils in the nation; that the excess was closely connected with the badness of the houses in which large numbers of the people lived, and the nature of their employment; thirdly, that even a moderate consumption of alcohol cost an undue proportion of the artisan's earnings; and, lastly, that the conditions under which he obtained it were very unsatisfactory. With the help of others, he erected a Temperance Institute near his country home, and in Newcastle he bought a house among the working class population as restaurant and recreation rooms, on which were chiselled the following words:---

"Lord, from Thy Throne above,

Sorrow look down upon:

      God bless the Poor.

Teach them true liberty,

Set them from tyrants free,

Let their homes happy be:

      God bless the Poor."

To his relatives he said, referring to this:

"I wish to promote among the drinking classes a divine discontent with their surroundings, and an aspiration for something better."

He was a familiar figure in many gatherings in Newcastle, and in this connexion, in July, 1913, a large company assembled at his town residence, The Gables, to meet Joseph Malins, Grand Chief Templar, who had motored from Carlisle, and addressed the assembly in the garden.

His country estate at Wheelbirks, Stocksfield-on-Tyne, became known to many. The property was bought in a somewhat derelict condition, but in the course of thirty years he very greatly improved the estate, amongst other things renewing the worn-out cottages and adding new ones. In this health-giving occupation he took great delight. His hospitality was largely exercised in this country home, and his thoughts were constantly turned to making it useful to others, in a variety of ways. Boys' brigades camped in the woods, and parties of young people year after year rejoiced in Christmas walks, ending up with bonfires and hospitable entertainment. Workers from a noisy town, seeking refreshment in fine air and charming scenery, were exhorted to bring baskets to carry away the fruit and flowers he loved to cultivate.

The walls that bound this Wheelbirks property are inscribed with thoughts. On one a neighbouring clergyman founded a sermon, inviting David Richardson to come to hear it. Others give food for reflection to the passing wayfarer. Beside these inscriptions he placed substantial stone seats. That they appeal to the traveller was shown by a paragraph in a newspaper calling attention to them.

It may interest some to know what these inscriptions are. On a bridge over a stream, near a bathing pool, we find:---

"Be sure your work is better than what you work to get."

On another bridge near an old Roman road:---

"Does the road wind uphill all the way?"

recalling the continuing lines---

"Is there for the night a resting-place?"

     Yea, beds for all who come."

On one of the well-build cottages:---

"A stone that is fit for a Wall will not be left in the Way."

A road that bounds this property on one side has a local interest, as along it, before railway days, lead was laboriously carted from Allendale to the River Tyne. It is hence called "the Lead Road." Here, near one of the many seats he erected, is Bacon's advice to "Friends in Council" :---

"It is good in conversation to vary speech of present occasion with experience of the past---fact with argument---tales with reason---question with opinion---jest with earnest---but tiresome to press discourse too far."

On another wall, bounding some waste land, to be re-planted:---

"Be fruitful and multiply;

Replenish the earth and subdue it."

To take raw material, human or otherwise, and lift it on to a higher plane, was the work of his life. By unostentatious labour this was done.

His note-books of travel, illustrated with drawings, are evidences of the care with which he noted what often escapes unseen.

He made a considerable collection of early editions of Bibles, which he presented to Armstrong College in his native town. One of the last visits he paid, three days before his death, was to the authorities in that College, to urge the claims of a peaceful over a warlike spirit in its students. Could he have foreseen that within a year that building, erected for the promotion of all the enlightening sciences and arts, would be entirely converted into a hospital for those wounded in the most desperate war ever waged, his faith in the advance of humanity would have received a shock.

In 1912 he was appointed President of the Association of Mechanics' Institutes, and read a paper on the Waste of War, and preferable Internal Reforms. The concluding words of his address were:---

"We are endowed with the faculties of music for noble ends, with the ability to look both forward and backward on the history of our race, with powers of reason, with invention, discovery, memory and foresight---not that we may practice the black arts of barbaric, civilized and scientific war, but that we may love, admire, and practice the lessons of the Prince of Peace."

The roots of a man's spiritual life are deeply hidden, but the prints of it can be seen. In his care for others and efforts to help them; in the denial of luxuries for himself, and the bestowal of kindnesses in hidden ways; in patient and laborious attendance at gatherings for the promotion of temperance, to the last days of his life, we see the flowers springing from these hidden roots. As a member of the Society of Friends, he rarely missed either the business or religious meetings, and he acknowledged how often the cares and burdens with which he had entered the service had rolled away, and he had felt strengthened for the further work of life.

With hear and mind full of thoughts and plans for the benefit of others, he retired to rest on the evening of Oct. 19, 1913, and after a heart attack, peacefully entered the unseen world on the morning of the 20th, like a vessel laden with merchandise, its sails all set for a desired haven.

In 1861 he had married Catharine Fry, daughter of Robert and Jane Fry, of Woodgate, Devon, who was his faithful coadjutor in hospitable receptions, and who, as Secretary of the British Women's Temperance Association in Newcastle, through a long course of years, furthered his work in that direction. Their five sons and two daughters all survive.

No one would have been more surprised than himself at the many tributes received by his family on his death. A university don wrote:---

"I have a vivid impression that his personality made on me when I came to Newcastle as quite a young man, in 1886. The inflexible adherence to principle, the zeal for reform and good works, combined with an unfailing geniality and unbounded courtesy and hospitality to a stranger like myself, made a deep impression, which was strengthened during the years in which I was a constant visitor at the Gables."

And a Newcastle citizen writes:---

"I had the privilege of working with Mr Richardson, and he always inspired me with admiration for his integrity and single-mindedness. He was a member of an old school of Englishmen, of whom we always had too few, and of whom there are fewer than there used to be. To know him was to revere him; I count it a privilege to have had the honour of being associated with him in however small a degree."

In thinking of him the words seem realized:---

"We faint not; though our outward man is decaying, our inward man is renewed day by day; while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal."

I have omitted to mention one or two things w^h. ought to be recorded. One is the marriage of my cousin Jennie to John Edmund Sturge, a very happy marriage except for the obstacle of distance from her friends. They live far off at Montserrat, but extremely enjoy the climate, & the beauty of the scenery, & Jennie gets on admirably with the negroes.

A very lovely fete at Ashfield House in honour of Jane Sturge's 80th birthday. Theo and I—Lizzie, Kate, Sarah Ann and Jane S. those present at the sumptuous lunch. S.A. the originator of it all. Olga and Freda there!

. . . on the 10^th Emily Watson, my sister in law, was married to Henry Richardson my first cousin. The day went off very satisfactorily—the bride looked lovely, & spoke well, the bridesmaids looked very pretty in their light floating white muslins—the breakfast was excellent, partaken of in a tent in the field, & the afternoon drive to Gibside, & evening party very enjoyable. The young couple went off to Derby, thence to Devonshire. They are now settled in their pretty home at Forest Hall near Benton—

Mr. Richardson said, he had recently been engaged in sinking, and had experienced the very trouble he had described. He had not yet adopted the improvement, but should he do so, he would communicate to the members the result of the application.

Henry Richardson, principal mining engineer to the Backworth Company, gave it as his opinion that 18 waggons was not too heavy a train for the Backworth engine to manage. It was clearly not the duty of his company's servants to "brake" the train on the top of the hill. It had never been suggested by the Commissioners that such was the duty of the company. It was the duty of the Commissioners' own men. In his opinion, the fact of the coupling of the engine having become undone did not contribute to the accident. If the engine was relied upon to stop the train, it was possible that the train might run away with the engine; more probably, it would snap a coupling. It was true that on this occasion the driver of the Company's engine had left his post to go and get his hair cut. That was contrary to all rule, and the driver was discharged. He was afterwards given employment as an engine hauler. Witness was of the opinion that there were not sufficient and proper appliances on No. 4 line to stop runaway waggons.

Cross-examined by Mr Strachan: With ordinary care neither of the routes from the standage sidings to the staithes, which had been mentioned need be dangerous.

Mr Sargent is painting a portrait of Mr Henry Richardson, one of the best-known among "colliery viewers," as they are called in the North of England. In other parts of the country the term is not viewer, but agent. Mr Richardson has, for thirty years or more, been the viewer of the Ashington Coal Company, and in the Morpeth District no man has a higher standing as a mining expert than he. The portrait is a presentation one; and next year at the Royal Academy the viewer will be viewed with especial interest by visitors from Tyneside.

A FORMER CHAIRMAN.

Mr Chas. Irwin, who was formerly a very zealous member of the board of Guardians, performed a graceful act at the opening ceremony in presenting the Board with a portrait of Mr Henry Richardson, of Backworth, a former chairman of the Board. Mr Richardson's strong personality is deservedly held in remembrance for the exceptionally able manner in which he presided over the affairs of the Union. He was a man of pure, disinterested motives, whose only ambition was to serve the public faithfully and well, a duty which he had not only the will but the ability to perform. It was a great loss to the Board when his defeat at an election in the parish which he had represented caused his retirement. The picture presented by Mr Irwin will, I hope, occupy a worthy place on the walls of the Board Room.

DEATH OF WELL-KNOWN LOCAL MINING EXPERT.

Mr. Henry Richardson.

The death has taken place at the Grand Hotel, Barras Bridge, Newcastle, of Mr Henry Richardson, a well known mining expert in Northumberland, who for many years took a useful part in the public life of the county. Mr. Richardson had a stroke seizure last Friday, and Dr. Bentley, Jesmond Road, was called in. The deceased never fairly rallied, however, and passed away on Tuesday evening.

Mr. Richardson was born in Newcastle on August 10, 1841, and was therefore in his 73rd year. He received his early education at the school of Mr. Robert Doeg, Harraby Hill, near Carlisle, and he was afterwards a pupil at the Friends' School, York. He was subsequently trained as a mining engineer. For many years he was manager of of the Backworth and East Holywell Collieries, and resided at Backworth Lodge. He also acted in an advisory capacity to the Ashington Coal Company and to numerous other colliery companies, being recognised as an eminent authority on everything bearing upon coal mining. Mr. Richardson was professionally connected with West Cramlington Colliery up to the time of his death, and he was also associated with the management of the Manners Main and Houghton Main Collieries in Yorkshire.

During his residence at Backworth Lodge, Mr. Richardson took a keen interest in public affairs. For many years he was chairman of the Tynemouth Board of Guardians, and was regarded as a singularly able man in that capacity. Mr. Richardson was often alluded to as "a model chairman." He served on the Northumberland County Council for a long period, and was a member of the Standing Joint Committee, of the County. Mr. Richardson was a Justice of the Peace for Northumberland, and used to sit on the Bench at the old Correction House Police Court, Tynemouth, and afterwards at the new Police Court at Whitley Bay. The deceased gentleman retired from the management of the Backworth Collieries some years ago, and came to reside in Newcastle. Later he moved to Eden Mount, Wetheral, where he lived until about five years ago. He then went to live in London, but occasionally visited Newcastle, and, when in the north, always stayed at the Grand Hotel.

He arrived at the hotel a fortnight ago, and death came to him in the town in which he was born. Mr. Richardson was a man of fine physique, and there is in existence a portrait of him in oils, painted by Mr. R.S. Sargeant, the famous artist. The picture was presented to Mr. Richardson by the owners of the Ashington Collieries about fourteen years ago. Mrs. Richardson died in October of last year, and the deceased gentleman is survived by a daughter. The latter is the wife of Lieut. Macartney, who is at present stationed at Malta. A son and daughter of Mr. Richardson died some time ago, but a daughter-in-law, Mrs. Howard Richardson, was with him at the time of his death. Mr. Richardson was a member of the Society of Friends.

OBITUARY.

MR HENRY RICHARDSON.

The death took place on Tuesday night, at the Grand Hotel, Newcastle, of Mr Henry Richardson, a well-known mining expert. Mr Richardson, who was in his 73rd years, was born in Newcastle on August 10, 1841. He received his early education at a private school at Stanwix, Carlisle, and was subsequently trained as a mining engineer. For many years he was manager of the Backworth and East Holywell Collieries, and resided at Backworth Lodge. He also acted in an advisory capacity to the Ashington Coal Company and to numerous other colliery companies. During his residence at Backworth Lodge he took a keen interest in public affairs. He was for many years chairman of the Tynemouth Board of Guardians, and was often alluded to as "a model chairman." he served on the Northumberland County Council for a long period, and was a member of the Standing Joint Committee of the county.

Mr Richardson was a Justice of the Peace for Northumberland, and used to sit on the Bench at the old Correction House Police Court, Tynemouth, and afterwards at the new Police Court at Whitley Bay. The deceased gentleman retired from the management of the Backworth Collieries some years ago, and came to reside in Newcastle. Later, he moved to Eden Mount, Wetheral, where he lived until about five years ago. He then went to live in London, but occasionally visited Newcastle.

Mr Richardson was a man of fine physique, and there is in existence a portrait of him in oil, painted by Mr R.S. Sargent, the famous artist. The picture was presented to Mr Richardson by the owners of the Ashington Collieries about fourteen years ago. Mrs Richardson died in October of last year, and the deceased gentleman is survived by a daughter. The latter is the wife of Lieut. Macartney, who is at present stationed at Malta. A son and daughter of Mr Richardson died some time ago, but a daughter-in-law, Mrs Howard Richardson, was with him at the time of his death. Mr Richardson was a member of the Society of Friends.

MAGISTERIAL REFERENCE

Before commencing the business at Whitley Bay Petty Sessions, yesterday, Mr. H. Oswin Bell, the presiding magistrate, referred in sympathetic terms to the loss the Bench had sustained by the death of Mr Henry Richardson.

Mr G.R. Duncan, on behalf of the legal profession, said they were desirous of associating themselves with all the chairman had said regarding the late Mr Richardson. Mr Richardson was always courteous, and they deeply regretted his loss.

THE LATE MR HENRY RICHARDSON.

In the presence of a large gathering, the funeral took place, at Jesmond Cemetery, Newcastle, yesterday, of Mr Henry Richardson, a well-known mining expert, who for many years was associated with the coal industry, as well as with the public life of Northumberland. The service was carried out in accordance with the custom of the Society of Friends, of which the deceased gentleman was a member.

At the graveside, two nephews of the deceased, Mr Lawrence Richardson and Mr Herbert Corder, officiated. Mr Richardson read a Psalm and a portion of the Scriptures, and delivered a brief eulogy on the character of the deceased. Mr Corder also spoke a few words, and read Whittier's poem, "At Last."

Among the mourners present were Captain and Mrs McCartney, son-in-law and daughter; Mrs Harold Richardson, daughter-in-law, Mr and Mrs Percy Corder, son-in-law and daughter; Mrs David Richardson, sister-in-law; Mrs Sturge, sister; Miss S. Richardson, sister; Mr Alaric Richardson and Miss Laura Richardson, Mr Alfred and Mrs Holmes, Dr. and Mrs Baumgartner, Mr George Richardson, Mrs Gurney and Miss Gurney, Mrs Spence Watson, Dr. and Mrs Merz, Mr and Mrs Herbert Corder (Sunderland), Mr and Mrs Walter Corder, Mr Robert Corder, Mr Edward Watson (Gateshead), Mrs Proctor and Mr Alan Proctor (Gateshead).

[Long list of other attendees follows; these include Mr Bowman Watson, Mrs Thos. Pumphrey, Mr Walter Pumphrey (Stockton), Mr and Mrs Lionel Clapham, Miss Edmondson, Mrs Henry Armstrong, Mrs Bernard Pumphrey, Mr Jas. Watson, Mr and Mrs Guy Clephan, the Rev H.C. Foster (Goole), Mr J.J. Watson, Mr John Watson, and numerous others, not apparently related]

The funeral arrangements were carried out by Messrs Coxon and Co., Newcastle.

"[ . . . ] The second collection, that of Mr. Jos. H. Richardson, a registered apprentice, residing with Mr. Balkwell, member of the Pharmaceutical Society, at Plymouth, was also a very deserving one, and reflected much credit upon its collector. It contained many rare plants, and comprised altogether 341 species.

CHEMIST'S ASSISTANT Wanted by W. and H.M. Goulding, Cork. A good hard-working Young Man who understands wholesale and laboratory work preferred.—Apply, until the 16th instant, to J.H. Richardson, Adelphi Hotel, Liverpool.

J.H. Richardson, of Cork, earnestly entreated all present to become abstainers and help their noble rector in this cause.

GOOD TEMPLARISM.—On Friday evening, J.H. Richardson, Esq., District Deputy for Cork, instituted a Good Templar lodge in the Barrack Schoolroom, Cork. The lodge is to be composed of soldiers of the 7th Regiment, who are about to sail for India and to be quartered at Puna, Bombay Presidency. The "Empress of India" Lodge (No. 197), as it is named, commenced under auspicious circumstances, and promised to do much good among the soldiers of the 7th Regiment. An efficient staff of officers were installed to conduct the business of the lodge.

Member Pharm. Society: Member Newcastle Nat. Hist Society: Won a Silver Cup for rowing (along with 3 others): Head of Cork International Order of Good Templars: Hobbies—Botany, ornithology, birds' eggs—large and good collection, supplemented by John Hancock: Presented collection of shales to Newcastle Museum:

In 1868 Anna Mary married her cousin, Joseph H. Richardson, and for a while lived in Gateshead. The burning of her husband's oil factory, however, led to their removal to Cork, where they lived in loving fellowship with their Irish neighbours, and worked heartily and successfully in the Temperance cause, sparing no efforts for the religious and moral uplifting of those around them.

In consequence of his removal to another house, Joseph H. Richardson caught a violent chill, which ended fatally after a very brief illness, and the six short years of happy companionship and united endeavour were over.

Then my first cousin Joseph H. Richardson was taken ill, & died after a short illness & much suffering. They lived in Cork, & the funeral took place there, but his poor wife will return to Plymouth to her mother's home. Poor Jennie at Montserrat would hear the sad news about a fortnight afterwards. My cousin was only 29 years old when he died, & was thus taken in the prime of manhood, & in the midst of a useful career.

M. LINEHAN begs respectfully to announce that he has been favoured with instructions from the Representatives of the late J.H. Richardson, Esq., to Sell by Unreserved Auction, at No. 3, ARUNDAL TERRACE, Blackrock Road (within ten minutes' walk of the city), on THURSDAY NEXT, Jan. 1st, all the Superior Furniture, &c., including Walnut Lounger, 2 Easy Chairs and 6 Small Chairs covered in Damask, Window Hangings and Poles, Tapestry Carpet and Hearth Rug, Druggett, Work Table, Telescope Dinner Table, Mahogany Sideboard, Rosewood Centre Table, several Valuable Drawings and Chromos in Gilt Frames, Chimney Ornaments, Gasaliers, Fenders and Fire Steels, Coal Vases, Superior Brass and Iron Half-Canopy and French Bedsteads, Feather Beds and Hair Mattresses, Mahogany Drawers, Wardrobes, Dressing Tables and Stands, Toilet Ware, Dressing Glasses, Baths, Rocking Chairs, Commodes, Cane Seated Chairs, Hall Tarpaulin, Cuckoo Clock, Stair Carpet and Rods, Hall Lamp, Door Mats, a great variety of nearly New Culinary Utensils, Dinner, Breakfast and Evening China, Cut Glass, Cutlery, Plated Articles, Kitchen Furniture, including a good Dresser, a quantity of New Flooring Boards, Window Sashes, Ladders, and other Property.

Sale at half-past 12 o'Clock.

M. LINEHAN, Auctioneer & Valuator.

South Mall.