Richard Flower (settler)
Richard Flower | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1760 England |
| Died | 1829 |
| Occupation(s) | Banker, brewer, farmer, political activist |
| Years active | Late 18th century – early 19th century |
| Known for | Founding Albion, Illinois; advocating English migration to America |
Richard Flower (1760–1829) was a British banker and brewer notable for founding Albion, Illinois and advocating for English migration to America following the War of 1812.
Early life
Richard was the youngest child of George Flower (1715–1778), a London-based stationery merchant, and Martha Fuller (1717–1805), whose brothers included influential bankers William Fuller and Richard Fuller, MP. His older sibling was Benjamin Flower.
Career
Although initially intended for a career in agriculture, Richard pursued business ventures in Hertford, working as both a brewer and banker. In 1803, he divested from his enterprises and retired to his property at Marden Hill, dedicating himself to farming and political activism. He supported his brother Benjamin's progressive publications and actively opposed unfair taxation policies. In 1817, he sold the estate and moved with his family to Illinois to join his son George.
Family
Richard married Elizabeth Fordham (1765–1846) on 25 December 1786; she was the sister of brewer and banker Edward King Fordham. Together they had ten children, including George Flower (1788–1862), who co-established the English Settlement in Illinois alongside Morris Birkbeck; Martha Flower (1800–1838), spouse of William Pickering (governor); Mary Katherine Flower (1802–1852), who wed Hugh Ronalds; and brewer Edward Fordham Flower.
Publications
- Observations on Beer and Brewers, outlining the unfairness and imprudence of malt and beer taxation. Richard Flower. Cambridge, 1802
- Abolition of Tithe Recommended, addressing British agriculturalists with insights on tithing legislation. Richard Flower. Harlow, 1809
- Flower's Letters from Lexington (June 25, 1819) and the Illinois (August 16, 1819), a reprint of the original edition. Richard Flower. London, 1819
- Letters from the Illinois, 1820–1821, detailing the English community at Albion and countering distortions by Mr. Cobbett; includes correspondence from M. Birkbeck and annotations by B. Flower. Richard Flower. London, 1822