BIO: John Custis RICHARDS, M.D., Chambersburg, Franklin County, PA

Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by Abby Bowman

Copyright 2006.  All rights reserved.
http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm
http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/franklin/
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Medical Men of Franklin County, 1750-1925 by Ambrose Watts Thrush, M.D.;
Chambersburg, Pa.; Medical Society of Franklin County, Page 68-69 
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JOHN CUSTIS RICHARDS, M.D.

1812 – 1874

Dr. Richards was born June 1, 1812, in Baltimore City, Md., and was a son of 
John Custis Richards of that city.  His grandfather, the Rev. Lewis Richards, 
had emigrated from Wales as a missionary and married a Miss Custis of Virginia.

Dr. Richards received his preliminary education at the Academy at Belle Aire, 
Md., and in 1830 matriculated as a Sophomore in Yale College.  After eighteen 
months he was called home because of sickness and death in the family and was 
unable to complete his course in this College.

He then began the study of medicine with Dr. Samuel Baker, Prof. of Anatomy in 
the University of Maryland, and received his degree of M.D. in 1834, from this 
institution.  He at once opened an office in Baltimore and served two years as 
Dispensary physician in the hospital service.  In June, 1837, he located in 
Chambersburg and was in active, successful practice here until a few months 
prior to the time of his death, June 11, 1874.

Dr. Richards had charge of a hospital in Chambersburg during the early part of 
the War of the Rebellion and served on the staff of the Surgeon General in 1863 
as one of the Volunteer Aid Corps of Surgeons of Pennsylvania.  He was one of 
the organizers of the Medical Society in 1854 and one of its most active 
workers.  In 1868 he signed the call for the reorganization of the Society and 
was a member until his death.

Dr. Richards was a conscientious physician, a skilful (sic) surgeon and a 
careful diagnostician.  His services were in frequent demand in consultation 
throughout the County.

He was twice married.  His second wife was Marry Potter McLanahan, born 1814, 
died 1890.