Gilbert Beebe Richardson

As printed in 1903

GILBERT BEEBE RICHARDSON.

One of the leading business men of Sigourney, Iowa, dealing principally in music and musical instruments, is Gilbert Beebe Richardsoii, who was born on a farm in Steady Run township, Keokuk county, Iowa, oii April 14, 1858, and is a son of Thomas and Eliza Ann (Weller) Richardson, whose history is recorded in the biographic sketch of Joseph M. Richardson, elsewhere in this volume. Mr. Richardson was reared on a farm and obtained his education in the common schools. At the age of nineteen years he began teaching school in the rural neighborhoods and continued in this profession for three years. In 1883 he went into railroading and became agent and telegraph operator for the Burlington & Western railroad, a position he held for twelve years. Our subject then engaged for a short time in the hardware business at Martinsburg, but later sold this business and re-entered the employ of the same railroad, taking a position in the train dispatcher's office at Burlington, serving two years as assistant and one year as chief dispatcher. On account of failing health he then felt obliged to give up telegraphic work and seek some other employment. In 1901 he purchased a grocery store, in Sigourney, but he has since then changed his stock to music, this being more in accordance with his tastes.

In 1880 Mr. Richardson was united in marriage with Miss Mary E. McKinnis, of Keokuk county, and four children have been born to this union, namely: Pearlie L., Edna G., Jesse T. and Leona M. With wife and children, our subject belongs to the Presbyterian church. His career in this community has won for him the esteem of the citizens and he has a wide and pleasant acquaintance with the traveling public in this' locality, numbering many friends, who value him highly.

As printed in A genealogical and biographical history of Keokuk County, Iowa .. (1903). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.