Cumberland County, Maine - Captain John M. Richardson
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Biography
Captain John M. Richardson
Biographical Review
Cumberland County, Maine
Boston
Biographical Review Publishing Company
1896
Page 261-262


Captain John M. Richardson, superintendent of the life-saving stations of the
First District, which comprises Maine and New Hampshire, with his headquarters
at Portland, Me., was born at Pittsfield, N.H., September 20, 1835, where his
father, the Rev. John Richardson, was settled as pastor of the Baptist church,
remaining there until 1842. The Rev. Mr. Richardson's next charge was at South
Berwick in this State, which was his home for many years, although at the time
of his decease he was living at Auburn, Me. He married Mary J. Perkins, who bore
him five children, namely: Mary J., wife of H. C. Gilpatrick, of Somersworth,
N.H.; Mrs. S. P. Ordway, a widow, residing at Somerville, Mass.; W. S.
Richardson, of Newark, N.J.; T. B. (deceased); and the Captain.

John M. Richardson was educated at the common schools and academy at South
Berwick, leaving the latter institution when a boy of fifteen to follow the sea.
For the first thirteen years of his seafaring life young Richardson was employed
in the East India trade, and for twelve years thereafter was connected with
European trade. Shipping at first as a boy before the mast, he gradually worked
his way upward through every grade until he became master of the vessel, a
position which he ably filled for some years. For a quarter of a century he
sailed the seas, visiting in that time all the important ports of the globe, but
fortunately meeting with no disaster of any kind. In 1874, at the time of the
organization of the life-saving service, Captain Richardson accepted his present
position; and under his supervision all of the life-saving stations of this
district, twelve in number, have been built and equipped. From year to year vast
improvements are made, and the efficiency of the service greatly increased.
Ninety-six men are now employed, distributed at various points along the coasts
of Maine and New Hampshire, each station being amply supplied with life-boats
of the most improved modern construction, many of the life-saving appliances of
each boat having been devised by Captain Richardson himself. With the exception
of S. I. Kimball, the chief of the department, Captain Richardson ranks as the
oldest officer in point of time, and, it is hardly needful to say, is regarded
as one of the most valuable in the service.

For many years the Captain has resided at 21 Locust Street, where, he has a
cosey home, in which he and his wife extend a cordial hospitality to their many
friends. Socially, he is a Mason, belonging to St. John's Lodge, No. 51, A. F. &
A. M., of South Berwick. The maiden name of the first wife of Captain Richardson
was Miriam P. Hanson. She died in early life, leaving him two children, namely:
Minnie I., now deceased; and John W., who is in the employment of John C.
Stevens, the noted architect of this city. Captain Richardson subsequently
married Miss Emily S. Hunt, who was born and bred in Belfast, Me.