Source: Portrait & Biographical Album of Whiteside County, IL
Originally published 1885 Chapman Bros., Chicago, IL

Transcribed by: Becky Jones

Pages 575-576

Draper B. Richmond, a farmer of Lyndon Township, section 4, was born Feb. 19, 1836, in the township of Rutland, Tioga Co., Pa., and is the son of Daniel and Mahala (Reynolds) Richmond. When he was eight years of age he came to Whiteside County, where he was educated in the common schools, and was reared to the vocation of farmer. He was a member of his father’s family until his marriage.

He became the husband of Dorothy A. Hutchinson, Dec. 25, 1857. She was born March 25, 1842. With his bride, he settled on section 33, Mt. Pleasant Township. His claim was unimproved, and he erected necessary buildings, and set himself vigorously to work to put his farm in prosperous agricultural condition, and the prospects of the little household were in most promising condition when the tornado of June 3, 1860, two years and six months after the marriage of the young couple, forever wiped out of existence their home and their plans. Their house was blown to fragments and scattered beyond finding. Mrs. Richmond, who was then but 18 years old, was found fatally injured a few rods from the site of her house, and died within an hour. Mr. Richmond was permanently hurt, and at the time thought to be fatally so, but partially recovered. When he was again able to do business, he sold his place in Mt. Pleasant Township.

Sept. 5, 1861, he was again married, to Maggie Gibson. She was born Oct. 17, 1843. Mr. and Mrs. Richmond settled on section 5, Lyndon Township, where he has since resided with the exception of three years, which the family spent at Morrison for the purpose of securing better school advantages. Five children are included in the family circle, named Mary E., Dorothy A., Mina M., Frank D. and Rew J.