WILLIAM D. RICHARDSON, M. D. The subject of this sketch is a physician whose extensive practice and high standing in professional circles prove conclusively his mental and physical endowments, his careful culture and his painstaking efforts to continually add to his theoretical knowledge and practical skill. lie makes his home in Centralia, and as a private citizen he is highly esteemed for his public spirit, personal example and interest is all that is beneficial to the community and county at large.

Our subject was born in Harrison County, Ohio, September 14, 1851, and when quite young was taken by his parents to Tuscarawas County, where he remained until reaching his eighteenth year. His early education was conducted in the public schools of that county. Later, however, he attended Canaan Academy, near Wooster, Ohio, and completed his literary studies in the Rockwell Normal. The succeeding three years he spent in teaching school in Ohio, and then removed to Iowa, where he was similarly employed for about four years.

During the years which Dr. Richardson spent in teaching school he had saved a sufficient sum of money to enabled him to carry out his long cherished desire of becoming a physician, and in 1876 he entered the College of Physicians and Surgeons at Keokuk, Iowa, and after taking a thorough couise in that institution was graduated therefrom, February 14, 1878.

When looking for a suitable location for the practice of his profession, Dr. Richardson selected Shobonier, Fayette County, this state, where he remained for three years, and then came to Centralia, where he has built up a large and paying practice.

He was married March 21, 1880, to Miss Leva, daughter of Lorenzo D. and Paulina B. (Lee) Morey, natives of Pennsylvania. To Dr. and Mrs. Richardson has been born one daughter, Nellie B.

In politics the Doctor always votes with the Republican party, and is interested in local and national issues. He is recognized as a man of extended influence. He was a member of the Board of Education for two years and is a member of the City Council, and has been for four years. He is a prominent Knight of Pythias, an Odd Fellow and a Modern Woodman. He occupies a high position among the fraternity in the county, and is a member of the National Association of Railway Surgeons. He has been surgeon for the Jacksonville & Southeastern Railway for five years, and has also been Chief Surgeon of the Centralia & Chester road. Dr. Richardson is President of the Home Building and Loan Association and was one of the prime movers in its organization, which was completed August 20, 1891.

Source: "Portrait and Biographical Record Clinton, Washington, Marion and Jefferson Counties, Illinois" Chapman Publishing Co, Chicago, 1894
Page 536 & 539
Submitted by Sandy Bauer