JOSEPH RICHARDS, a prominent
business man of Slatington, is one of the proprietors of the
Carbon Slate Company, which is engaged in the mining and
quarrying of slate. The concern has built up a business of
large proportions, their sales being extensive in neighboring
states.
The subject of this biography was born in
Wales in 1848, and when a child of six years set sail with his
parents for the New World. On their arrival in Pennsylvania
they first located in Schuylkill County, and there our subject
passed his youth. His father was George Richards, whose birth
occurred in Wales, as did also that of his mother, whose maiden
name was Margaret Edwards. The education of our subject was
obtained in the common schools of Schuylkill County, and to this
father he gave his assistance until reaching manhood.
On becoming twenty-one years of age,
Joseph Richards went to Summit Hill, Carbon County, where he was
employed as a clerk for five years, after which he formed a
partnership with his father, and engaged in general
merchandising, continuing in this line of business for the
succeeding sixteen years. In 1890 our subject entered into
partnership with Elias Owens and R. G. Pierce, under the name of
the Carbon Slate Company. In addition to his interest in the
latter business Mr. Richards also carried on a general store in
Summit Hill. He sold his interest in the latter concern,
however, in July, 1893, and since that time has devoted his
entire attention to the successful management of the Carbon
Slate Company. He is also a stockholder in the Franklin Slate
Company.
In 1874 Joseph Richards was united in
marriage with Miss Margaret Williams, of Carbon County, and of
their union four sons have been born, and in order of birth are
as follows: Josiah, David, Joseph and John. The parents are
devoted members of the Baptist Church, in the work of which they
take great interest. In February, 1888, Mrs. Richards was
elected Burgess of Summit Hill, Carbon County. He deposits his
ballot for the men and measures of the Republican party, and is
a loyal and patriotic citizen.