MR. THOMAS J. RICHARDS, MANKATO, BUTTERNUT VALLEY, MINNESOTA.
Born at Penrhyn Bach, Merionethshire, Wales, in 1811.His parents moved in 1815 to Tafarn Trip, in the parish of Ffestiniog. There at the Bronturnor Sunday school he was greatly impressed by the remarkable prayers of William Elias, of Maentwrog. In 1820 the family moved to Hendre Ceryg, Dyffryn Ardudwy.
When 28 years old Mr. Richards married Miss Margaret Owens, of Bron-y-Foel-Fach. In 1851 they emigrated to America and lived eight years at Holland Patent, N. Y., and thence they moved to Proscairon, Wisconsin.
In the fall of 1867 they came to Butternut Valley, Minnesota. In February, 1880, Mrs. Richards died and Mr. Richards ended this life in June, 1885.
Both were devoted Christians and faithful members of the Bethel C. M. church, of which Mr. Richards was an efficient elder. He was a man of very positive convictions and prompt in his denunciation of wrong.
Mr. and Mrs. Richards had twelve children, only three of whom are now alive: John B. and David Richards, merchants of Mankato, and Margaret, wife of John J. Edwards, of the same place. Their son, Owen E. Richards recently died at Mankato.