James D. Richardson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
James D. Richardson
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Richardson in Masonic regalia, around 1909
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| House Minority Leader | |
| In office March 4, 1899 – March 3, 1903 |
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| Preceded by | Joseph Weldon Bailey |
| Succeeded by | John Sharp Williams |
| Leader of the House Democratic Caucus | |
| In office March 4, 1899 – March 3, 1903 |
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| Preceded by | Charles Frederick Crisp |
| Succeeded by | John Sharp Williams |
| Chairman of the House Democratic Caucus | |
| In office March 4, 1897 – March 3, 1899 |
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| Speaker | Thomas Brackett Reed |
| Preceded by | David B. Culberson |
| Succeeded by | James Hay |
| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Tennessee's 5th district |
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| In office March 4, 1885 – March 3, 1905 |
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| Preceded by | Richard Warner |
| Succeeded by | William C. Houston |
| Member of the Tennessee Senate | |
| In office 1873-1875 |
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| Member of the Tennessee House of Representatives | |
| In office 1871-1873 |
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| Personal details | |
| Born | March 10, 1843 Rutherford County, Tennessee, U.S. |
| Died | July 24, 1914 (aged 71) Murfreesboro, Tennessee, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Alabama Rebecca Pippen |
| Children | 5 |
| Alma mater | Franklin College (Tennessee) |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  Confederate States |
| Branch/service |  Confederate States Army |
| Years of service | 1861–1865 |
| Rank |  First Lieutenant |
| Unit | 45th Tennessee Infantry Regiment |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
James Daniel Richardson (born March 10, 1843 – died July 24, 1914) was an American politician. He was a member of the Democratic Party. Richardson represented Tennessee in the United States House of Representatives. He served for 20 years, from 1885 to 1905.
Contents
Early Life and Education
James Daniel Richardson was born in Rutherford County, Tennessee. His parents were John Watkins and Augusta M. Starnes Richardson. He went to local country schools. Later, he attended Franklin College near Nashville.
Family Life
On January 18, 1865, James married Alabama Pippen. They had five children together. Their children were named Annie Augusta, Ida Lee, James Daniel, Allie Sue, and John Watkins.
Military Service
Before finishing college, Richardson joined the army. He served for nearly four years during the American Civil War. For the first year, he was a private soldier. For the next three years, he was a first lieutenant. He was also the adjutant (a staff officer) for the 45th Tennessee Infantry Regiment.
Political Career
After his military service, Richardson studied law. He became a lawyer on January 1, 1867. He started his law practice in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.
State Politics
Richardson began his political journey in Tennessee. He was elected to the Tennessee House of Representatives. He served there from 1871 to 1873. After that, he was elected to the Tennessee Senate. He served as a state senator from 1873 to 1875.
National Conventions
James Richardson was an important figure in the Democratic Party. He was chosen as a delegate for several Democratic National Conventions. These conventions are where the party chooses its presidential candidate. He attended the conventions in 1876, 1896, and 1900. At the 1900 convention, he was the permanent chairman. This means he led the entire meeting.
Serving in Congress
Richardson was elected to the United States House of Representatives. He served for ten terms, from March 4, 1885, to March 3, 1905. During his time in Congress, he became a House Minority Leader. This is a top position for the party not in power. He held this role from 1899 to 1903. This was during the 56th and 57th Congresses.
Important Work
In 1894, Congress asked Richardson to work on a special project. He was in charge of putting together the "Messages and Papers of the Presidents." This was a huge collection of important government documents. It included papers from President Washington up to President William McKinley.
Later Life and Death
James Daniel Richardson passed away on July 24, 1914. He was 71 years old. He died in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, where he had practiced law. He was buried at Evergreen Cemetery.
Personal Life
James Richardson was a member of a group called the Freemasons. He became a Freemason in Murfreesboro in 1867. He later became the Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Tennessee in 1873. He also held a high position in another Masonic group, the Scottish Rite. He was the eleventh Sovereign Grand Commander of the Supreme Council. He held this important role from 1900 until his death in 1914.
