CAPT. CHARLES M. RICHARDS, real estate dealer of Shannon County, is well known here and has done much to build up the interests of this section. Born in Pennsylvania, Wyoming Valley, in 1834, he is a son of David P. Richards, also a native of that State. The latter followed farming all his life.
On his father’s farm in Wyoming Valley our subject grew up and in the schools of the valley he received his education. When ten years of age he was in the post office there, remaining eight years, and then, in July, 1861, he joined Company M, Ninth Regiment New York Cavalry. Two years later he was made captain of Company C, and was mustered out of service at Buffalo, New York, in July, 1865. He served in the Army of the Potomac, Sheridan’s cavalry corps, and participated in many engagements. His regiment was in eighty-six regular battles, the most important of which were the following: Gettysburg, Fredericksburg, Cold Harbor, Appomattox Courthouse. He was fortunate, never having been wounded nor taken prisoner. He came out of this regiment as captain of Company C, at the close of the war. Afterward Mr. Richards went to Kent County, Del., near the capitol, and bought a farm on which he remained for several years. From there he went to Wyoming Valley, Penn., engaged in the lumbering and contracting business eight years, and then in 1886 went to the Black Hills. There he was engaged in freighting, etc., for four years, or until 1890, when he came to Shannon County, Missouri Since then he has been engaged in the real estate business, and has met with well-deserved success. The Captain has done much to improve and develop this part of the State and the result of his enterprise may be seen on every hand. The population is increasing, prosperous people come here from other counties, and everyone is contented and happy. Capt. Richards selected his wife in the person of Miss Maggie Cooper, a native of Delaware, who died in Pennsylvania in 1871. Four children were given them, three daughters and a son, the latter deceased. The Captain’s second union was with Miss Mariam Cooper, a sister of his first wife. They have one son, Harsen. Socially Capt. Richards is an Odd Fellow and a member of the G. A. R. In politics he is a Democrat.