Monday, May 7, 2012

Amanuensis Monday - Obituary of Thomas Richmond (1848-1917)

Genea-blogger John Newmark (who writes the excellent TransylvanianDutch blog) started his own Monday blog theme many months ago called Amanuensis Monday. What does "amanuensis" mean? John offers this definition:

"A person employed to write what another dictates or to copy what has been written by another."

The subject today is the obituary of Thomas Richmond (1848-1917), who died in Clinton, Worcester County, Massachusetts on 9 November 1917, at the home of his daughter, Annie (Richmond) Pickford.  His obituary (dated November 17, 1917, unknown newspaper, obtained from family papers) reads:



"Thomas Richmond, one of the best known woolen carders in New England, died in Clinton, Mass., on Friday, November 9, at the home of his son-in-law, Walter Pickford, the well-known secretary of the National Association of Woolen and Worsted Overseers.  Mr. Richmond was born in England in 1848 and came to this country with his parents at the age of eight.  He began his mill career in some Connecticut mill and by the time he had reached his majority he had already become an overseer, holding his first position with the Westerly (R.I.) Woolen Co., long since out of business.  During a long and busy life the recognized ability of Mr. Richmond obtained for him some of the best positions in the country.  Besides being overseer of carding in Westerly, R.I., Mr. Richmond was in the early days of his mill career employed with old time mills in Salisbury and Elmville, Conn.

"He had been ill since last April from pernicious anaemia, and last August went to live with his son-in-law, Walter Pickford.  Although the best medical service was employed, it was without avail.  Mr. Richmond was well and favorably known in the textile industry.  His passing away will be a distinct shock and loss to the overseers of New England, among whom he passed his busy and practical life.  He was of a very affable disposition and his spirit of good will maintained even during his last days illness buoyed him up to the last.

"He leaves one son and four daughters, one of whom is the wife of Walter Pickford, head of the Alliance Chemical Company in Boston.  Mr. Richmond had been a member of the National Association of woolen and Worsted Overseers for many years.  Funeral services were held at St. Phillip's Episcopal Church, Putnam, Conn., and interment was in Grove Cemetery, same city.  He held his last position with the Putnam (Conn.) Woolen Co."

This obituary provides some helpful information about Thomas Richmond's career and last days.  Unfortunately, it doesn't name any of his children still living.  Four of his five sons were deceased when he died.

I wish that I could determine what newspaper this was obtained from.  I have the clipping, but don't know the newspaper name or the date of publication.  

Thomas Richmond is one of my great-grandfathers.  

The URL for this post is:  http://www.geneamusings.com/2012/05/amanuensis-monday-obituary-of-thomas.html

Copyright (c) 2012, Randall J. Seaver.

1 comment:

Darlene Steffens said...

Randy, I know it has been a while since you posted this obituary. In generating my next blog post I came across your article. I suggest that the newspaper where this is published would be found in the hometown where his son-in-law, Walter Pickford lived. The article doesn't give Walter's location, thus making me think that Walter's location is known to the inhabitants where the paper is printed. Good luck.