Columbia-Lackawanna County PA Archives Biographies.....RICHARD, Frederick J. unknown - living in 1899 ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/pafiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Joy Fisher sdgenweb@yahoo.com July 2, 2005, 2:09 pm Author: Biographical Publishing Co. FREDERICK J. RICHARD. Among the principal industries of the remarkably industrious town of Bloomsburg is the Bloomsburg Manufacturing Company, of which the gentleman whose name heads these lines is president. He is well qualified to direct the affairs of that well-known concern, as he has had twenty-three years' experience and is a man of the highest mechanical skill. He has been connected with numerous similar enterprises, and has done more to promote the mechanical industry in Bloomsburg than any one individual during the equivalent number of years. He was born in Scranton, Pa., December 19, 1857, and is a son of Jacob F. and Josephine (Robert) Richard. Jacob F. Richard, the father of our subject, a mechanic of renowned skill, was a native of France where he learned the trade of a mechanic. He came to the United States and followed his trade in Scranton, Pa., New York City, and Waterbury, Conn., and was very prosperous. He died in Waterbury and his worthy wife has since resided in New York City. As a result of his marriage with Josephine Robert, four sons and one daughter were born, namely: Frederick J., in whom the interest of this sketch centers; Henry J.; George J.; Jacob J.; and Elizabeth, who was united in marriage to E. Hosbach of Wood Haven. Frederick J. Richard was reared in New York City and received his education in the public schools. He inherited his father's mechanical ability and love for mechanics, and early in life begged his father to allow him to choose the trade of machinist as his life occupation. His father would not consent until he had tried other lines of work, and met with disappointment, when he was finally allowed to enter the employ of Bliss & Williams of Brooklyn. He served an apprenticeship of five years during which time he became thoroughly acquainted with the trade and was thoroughly qualified to undertake the duties of the next position offered him. He was appointed foreman of the Manhattan Brass Company and, as his work proved very satisfactory, he was soon after appointed superintendent. He later took charge of the Brass Tube Works of Holmes, Booth & Haven of Waterbury, Conn., which is known far and wide as the Brass City, and held that position for three years. For the following two years he was superintendent for Randolph & Clauss, manufacturers of seamless brass and copper tubing. In 1891 he removed to the thriving town of Bloomsburg and, in association with J. L. Richardson, built the Brass & Copper Company's plant, manufacturers of seamless brass and copper tubing. The factory is a two-story brick structure, 175 by 75 feet, and is fitted throughout with machinery of the company's own manufacture. Our subject was made the manager and superintendent and under his careful guidance the venture was eminently successful. In 1892 the Bloomsburg Brass & Copper Company was formed and he was made superintendent. In 1893 he built the plant of the Shickshinny Tube Company, of which he is a director and stockholder. He was also a director and stockholder in the Bloomsburg Elevator Company, builders and makers of machinery. In partnership with J. L. Richardson, he built the Bloomsburg Manufacturing Company's plant in 1893; the building was 60 by 40 feet, and the boiler-room was 30 by 30 feet, both being made of brick. The company manufactures a large variety of articles, cuspidors, oil-cans, currycombs, etc. In 1894 a stock company was formed with the following officers: F. J. Richard, president; George J. Richard, vice-president; and L. E. Waller, director. As the growth of the business had been so rapid it was found necessary to enlarge the building. Another story was added to it, the length increased to no feet and an L, 50 by 25 feet, added. Machinery was put in for the manufacture of carpet looms for the Bloomsburg Carpet Manufactory, and also six cutting and stamping machines. Mr. Richard is the most experienced and skilled mechanic in this section of the state, and designed and made most of the machinery now in use in the factory. An average of fifty competent workmen is regularly employed, and their output is the finest on the market and finds a ready sale in the larger cities. Our subject's sterling qualities are a source of admiration and respect among his fellow-citizens who regard him as a man of great worth and influence in the community. Our subject was joined in hymeneal bonds to Catherine Cook, a daughter of Andrew Cook of Wood Haven, and they became the happy parents of the following children: William, deceased; Catherine; Julia; Lizzie, Lillia and Fred J., deceased; and Jennie. Mr. Richard was deprived of his beloved wife's companionship by death in 1897, aged thirty-seven years. In November, 1898, he joined in marriage with Hannah S. Christ of Bloomsburg, Pa., daughter of George T. and Margaret Christ of Bloomsburg. He has been a member of the town council several terms and his great popularity is shown by the fact that at a recent election he received the largest vote ever cast for a candidate for councilman. Socially our subject is a member of Harmony Lodge, No. 42, F. & A. M., of Waterbury, Conn. He resides in a fine residence on Normal Hill and is also the owner of a large tenement house on Light Street road, and one on Fourth street. As a representative and prominent citizen of Bloomsburg we show on a previous page a recent portrait of Mr. Richard. Additional Comments: Extracted from: Book of Biographies of the Seventeenth Congressional District Published by Biographical Publishing Company of Chicago, Ill. and Buffalo, NY (1899) This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.org/pafiles/ File size: 6.1 Kb