ISAAC RICHEY, a farmer and stock-raiser residing on section 13, Sullivan Township, Moultrie was born in Bedford County, Pa., May 7, 1845. His parents were Abraham and Elizabeth (Bollman) Richey, and were natives of the Keystone State. The father died in this county in 1881, and the mother, who still survives, resides in Jonathan Creek Township, this county. She is now in her eighty-third year and has been the honored mother of nine children, five sons and four daughters. Of the latter only one remains on earth, but the sons are all living.

Our subject came to Illinois with his parents in 1866, and settled in Jonathan Creek Township as his father had purchased a farm there, on which the mother now lives. Mr. Richey has been twice married, his first wife being Ruth Homan, a native of Kentucky. They were married in that State in 1879, and the young wife was called from earth about a year later. Our subject was a second time married, taking as his wife Miss Anna A., daughter of David Kirkpatrick. Mrs. Richey is a native of Kentucky, and was born in January, 1859. Her parents still reside in the latter State. To this happy union four children were born, of whom one, Oliver J., is deceased. The remaining sons are: Clarence D., Jessie Earl and Clyde L.

The business of farming has been the vocation to which Mr. Richey has devoted himself with energy and enthusiasm throughout life. He owns a fine farm of one hundred and sixty acres, with good improvements and a high state of cultivation. A beautiful park surrounds his home and gives to it a charm which few houses can boast. The refinement and culture which is implied by thus beautifying one's abode is a delightful acquisition to any neighborhood.

Mr. Richey is liberally inclined both in politics and religion. He has always voted for Republican candidates for President, but in State and local matters he uses his own judgment in selecting the best man for the place and is governed in this by purely business principles. He never made any profession of religion, yet gives liberally of his means to the support of the Gospel and other religious and benevolent enterprises. He at one time belonged to the Patrons of Husbandry, but is not now connected with that body. The estimate in which he is held by his fellow-citizens is shown by the fact of his being twice elected to the office of Township Collector of Taxes, and his having been called upon to serve as Supervisor of Roads.

Portrait and Biographical Record of Shelby and Moultrie Counties, 1891 - p. 311

Transcription copyright 2003/2007, Moultrie County ILGenWeb/USGenWeb