ANDREW J. RICHEY. Among the farmers of Moultrie County who have retired from arduous labors and are quietly passing their declining years, is Mr. Richey, whose home is a pleasant residence in Atwood, Piatt County. It is not possible in the limits of a biographical sketch like this to do more than touch upon the scenes, and incidents in a life which has been full of toil and usefulness, but it is our purpose to note the most salient features in that of Andrew J. Richey, until recently a resident of Lowe Township. He still owns the fine farm on section 2, which was for many years the scene of his labors, but this he now rents and expects to pass the remainder of his life retired.

Mr. Richey comes of excellent families of Kentucky, both parents having been born in that State. The father, Robert, and the mother, Elizabeth (Biggs) Richey, were united in marriage in Shelby County, Ky., in 1826. Two years after that important event they emigrated to Indiana and resided in Montgomery County five years, where the father followed the vocation of a farmer. We next find them in Vigo County, Ind., where the father died in 1861. To him and his good wife eight children were born, our subject being the eldest. Kentucky is his native State and in Shelby County he was born October 22, 1827. He accompanied his parents in their various removals and was reared to manhood chiefly in Vigo County, Ind.

When of sufficient age Mr. Richey wisely chose the vocation in which he has gained a good maintenance and has been able to give his family educational and social privileges that add to their efficiency as members of society. On November 9, 1848, he was united in the holy bonds of wedlock with Miss Barbara Doty, a native of Indiana. Mrs. Richey died in Lowe Township in 1867, leaving five children — Theodore J., Emory R., James R., Mary M., (Mrs. James Griffin) and Eli N. After his marriage our subject settled in Sullivan County, Ind., where he lived twelve years, operating as a tiller of the soil. In the fall of 1865 he came to Moultrie County and settled in Lowe Township where he resided until 1891, the date of his removal to Atwood.

The home of Mr. Richey is presided over by a lady of refinement and intelligence, who has aided her husband by her cheerful co-operation in all his enterprises. She bore the maiden name of Elizabeth Moon and was born in Monongahela County, Pa.. December 12, 1830. Her parents, John and Catherine Moon died in Piatt County, Ill. At the time of her marriage to our subject she was the widow of Cornelius Williams, who died in White County, Ind., leaving to her care two children — William and Jasper. The ceremony which made her the wife of Mr. Richey was solemnized in Moultrie County, Ill., December 12,1867, and has brought mutual happiness. Mr. and Mrs. Richey are active and consistent members of the Missionary Baptist Church.

In his political affiliations Mr. Richey is a Republican and has been active in local affairs. He is especially interested in the cause of education and has served as School Director and Trustee. Prior to his removal from his farm he had placed it under excellent improvements, both in respect to buildings and cultivation of the soil. The estate comprises two hundred acres of improved land and is numbered among the best farms in the township. Its beauty is enchanced by the numerous shade and fruit trees, whose foliage throws a pleasant shadow on the grassy lawn and whose ripened fruit blushes as though kissed by the summer sun. Mr. Richey is a reading, thinking man, public spirited and well informed, and owns one of the finest libraries in the community. He and his wife are deservedly held in high estimation by their neighbors; their warm hearts, kind manners, and many generous deeds have gained them the affection of the entire community.

Portrait and Biographical Record of Shelby and Moultrie Counties, 1891 - p. 618/619

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