John Wigham Richardson
John Wigham Richardson (1837-1908) of Wigham Richardson, shipbuilders
1837 Born the son of Edward Richardson, a tanner from Newcastle-upon-Tyne, and Jane Wigham from Edinburgh; these were a well-known Newcastle Quaker family.
1853-6 Apprenticed to Jonathan Robson initially at Ouseburn
1857 Attended University College, London, then went to work for R. and W. Hawthorn at Forth Banks.
1860 Resigned from Hawthorns, founded the company Wigham Richardson at Wallsend-upon-Tyne. Acquired the lease to the shipyard from Losh, Wilson and Bell for £1500.
1871 Living at Wingrove House, Newcastle: John W. Richardson (age 34, born Torquay), Shipbuilder and chemical manufacturer employing 1,000 men. With his wife Marianne H. Richardson (age 29 born London) and their four children; Philip Richardson (age 6 born Newcastle-upon-Tyne), Ernestine Richardson (age 3 born Newcastle-upon-Tyne), Maurice Richardson (age 2 born Newcastle-upon-Tyne), and Cecil Richardson (age born Newcastle-upon-Tyne1). Also one visitor. Four servants.[1]
1881 John W. Richardson 44, ship and engine builder, employing 1200 to 1300 men, lived in Elswick, with Marian H. Richardson 36, Ernestine Richardson 13, George Richardson 8, Felix G. Richardson 3[2]
1908 April 15th. Died. Of Hindley Hall, Stocksfield. Probate to Philip Wigham Richardson, ship broker, and George Beigh Richardson, company director.
His biography is at hathitrust.org