City: Oliver Springs
RICHARDS, John R., coal operator and merchant; born Danville, Pa., Oct. 15, 1857; son of Joseph and Ann (Thomas) RICHARDS; paternal grandfather John RICHARDS, paternal grandmother Ann (Evans) RICHARDS, maternal grandfather David W. THOMAS, maternal grandmother Ann (Williams) THOMAS Welsh descent; fathers’ /sic/ occupation, rolling mill superintendent; later coal operator; educated Knoxville, Tenn., city schools and one year at University of Tenn.; early business, timekeeper and assistant superintendent of rolling mill, Portland, Me.; married Hannah DAVIS Aug. 16, 1879; member Masonic Lodge; former postmaster at Oliver Springs, Tenn., under the Harrison administration; Alderman of the 3rd ward, Oliver Springs, and serving his fourth year as City Treasurer; secretary of Oliver Coal Co. and one of four brothers owning the Oliver Springs property which comprises some 2,500 acres coal, iron and clay, with the well known mineral springs; member and Elder of Presbyterian church.
Source: Who’s Who in Tennessee: A Biographical Reference Book of Notable Tennesseans of To-Day. Memphis: Paul & Douglas Co, 1911.
