Robert Richardson was born at Pittsburgh, Penn., September 27, 1806. His education was carried on principally at his father's house under tutors, but he also attended the schools of the city. When about eighteen years of age he began the study of medicine under Dr. Plummer, finishing his course in Philadelphia. He began a country practice about thirteen miles from Pittsburgh about the year 1828. He was married at the age of twenty-five to Rebecca Encell, of Wheeling, and subsequently lived and practiced medicine in Carthage, Ohio, and in Wellsburg, Va. When in 1841, Bethany college was founded by Alexander Campbell, Dr. Richardson was elected as one of the professors. He filled this position for over twenty years, teaching the various branches of natural science. He also filled the position of vice president and professor of natural science in Kentucky university for four years, being called to that institution in 1858. At the breaking out of the war he removed his family back to Bethphage, his country home, near Bethany, but continued for one year longer to teach in the Kentucky university, near Bethany; he spent the remainder of his life in writing and in agricultural pursuits. He was a pioneer in scientific farming in this part of the country, and taught his neighbors the value of a small farm well tilled, as compared with larger ones cultivated by old and unscientific methods. He was also an author of note in the Disciples church. He published Memoirs of Alexander Campbell, in two volumes; Principles of the Reformation Urged by A. Campbell and Others, in 1853; Communing's in the Sanctuary, in 1872; The Office of the Holy Spirit, in 1873. He also contributed numerous articles to different religious journals. For many years he suffered with his eyes, and was compelled to call upon one of his daughters to act as his amanuensis. Dr. Richardson was a most accomplished and scholarly man, and in all respects a model Christian gentleman. No citizen of Brooke county was more sincerely mourned in his death than was this wise and good physician.

      The electronic version of the biographical sketch of Robert Richardson is taken from Chapter XVIII by Samuel L. Jepson (b. 1842) in History of the Upper Ohio Valley, with Family History and Biographical Sketches. A Statement of Its Resources, Industrial Growth and Commercial Advantages. Madison, WI: Brant and Fuller, 1890 Vol. I, page 568.

      Addenda and corrigenda are earnestly solicited.

Ernie Stefanik
Derry, PA

Created 17 August 2003.