Erasmus Richardson
Erasmus Darwin Richardson | |
|---|---|
| Born | Template:Birth date Burlington, New York, U.S. |
| Died | January 2, 1892 (aged 81) |
| Occupation(s) | Banker, politician |
| Years active | 1840s–1892 |
| Known for | Founder of the Bank of Geneva; member of the Wisconsin State Assembly |
Erasmus Darwin Richardson (November 26, 1810 – January 2, 1892) was a prominent banker based in Geneva, Wisconsin. He served as a member of the Wisconsin State Assembly during the inaugural session of the Wisconsin Legislature and held several local government positions throughout his career.
Background and personal life
Richardson entered the world on February 26, 1810, in Burlington, New York, born to Caleb and Clarissa (Knight) Richardson. He received his education in public schools and worked as a teacher until he reached 21 years of age. Subsequently, he managed a modest school in Cooperstown, New York for three years, with assistance from Elizabeth "Betsy" W. Spafford. His teaching profession was cut short due to health issues. On October 23, 1834, he married Betsy Spafford, and they had one daughter named Elizabeth. After regaining his health in the western territories, Richardson returned to Cooperstown to take up bookkeeping duties. Betsy passed away on August 30, 1841.
In 1842, he relocated to Walworth County, Wisconsin, where he established himself on farmland in Hudson, Wisconsin, which was incorporated into Geneva in 1844. He was employed at a store owned by the Spafford family and wed Alma O. Spafford—his late wife’s sister—on February 16, 1843. As an Episcopalian, Richardson was chosen as an officer when the Episcopal congregation was formed in Geneva in 1850.
Public office
Following his move to Walworth County, Richardson held the position of justice of the peace for thirteen years. He served as town clerk for Geneva during 1845 and 1846. Affiliated with the Democratic Party, he represented the Walworth County Assembly district that included Bloomfield, Geneva, and Hudson (now known as Lyons). His legislative seat was later taken over by Samuel D. Hastings, a member of the Freesoilers. Richardson resumed his role as town clerk in 1850 and was elected village president of Geneva (currently Lake Geneva) in 1856; however, he resigned before completing his term. Additionally, he held an honorary colonel rank within the local militia regiment.
In 1869, Richardson was chosen as village clerk and then served as chairman of the county board of supervisors in 1870. He returned to the position of village president from 1870 to 1871 and again assumed that office in 1877.
Business activities
In 1848, Richardson established the Bank of Geneva and maintained sole ownership until his passing. In 1871, he became part of a consortium that obtained a charter for the State Line and Union Railway Company, which was eventually integrated into the Chicago and North Western network. At the time of his death on January 2, 1892, his bank—having endured challenges such as the Panic of 1857, a burglary in 1871 resulting in losses, and the Panic of 1873—was discovered to be partially insolvent. This financial condition was attributed more to his declining health associated with advanced age than to any mismanagement of funds.