Edward Richards
was born on July 13, 1679 in Lynn, Essex County, Massachusetts. His parents were John Richards and Mary Brewer.
He married Mary Kidder on December 6, 1703. Cotton Mather performed the ceremony in Boston.
Edward and Mary's children included:
John Richards (1704),
Mary Richards (1706),
Abigail Richards (1708),
Elizabeth Richards (1711),
Edward Richards (1717), and
Joseph Richards (1718).
In 1713 he received 20s from his father’s will and his son John Richard’s received one sheep.
His second wife was Hannah. Their son was Edward Richards (1727).
He became wealthy with a large business in Boston.
He died February 11, 1747/48 and is buried at Copp’s Hill Burying Ground in Boston with his wife and some of his children.
Copp's Hill Burying Ground
Old Style Calendar
Before 1752 the year began on Lady Day, March 25th,. Dates between January 1st and March 24th were at the end of the year. Old Style (O.S.) and New Style (N.S.) are used to indicate whether the year has been adjusted. Often both dates are used.
Cotton Mather was a Puritan clergyman and theological writer. His writings had great influence in his time. He is generally pictured as the archetype of the intolerant and severe Puritan and is known for his part in the Salem witch trials in 1692 . He did not approve of all the trials, but had helped to instigate the hysteria by his Memorable Providences Relating to Witchcraft and Possessions (1689)
Cotton Mather
In
Memory of
MR IOSEPH RICHARDS
Son to Mr Edward & Mrs Mary Richards
who died at Port Mahone
January ye 18th
1742
aged 24 years
Here lyes the Body of
MR JOHN RICHARDS
who died Janunary 5th 1732
aged 29 years
Here lyes the Body of
MRS ABIGAIL RICHARDS
dau to Mr Edward & Mrs Mary Richards
died Nov ye 4th 1745 in ye
36th year of her age
Here lyes buried ye Body of
MR EDWARD RICHARDS
son to Mr Edward Richards died
February ye 11th
1747
aged 70 years
