Pleasant Richardson facts for kids

Pleasant Richardson (1845-1935) was an important person from Fincastle, a town in Botetourt County, Virginia. He was born into slavery, but later became a property owner and a brave soldier in the American Civil War.

Early Life of Pleasant Richardson

Pleasant Richardson was born in 1845. His parents, Patrick and Martha Richardson, were enslaved people on a large farm called Lauderdale. This farm was near Buchanan, Virginia. In 1853, a list of all the enslaved people on the farm was made. Pleasant was one of 50 people listed. He was the third youngest of his seven brothers and sisters, who included Will, Louis, Maria, Adaline, Taylor, and Joe.

Serving in the Civil War

In 1864, when he was 19 years old, Pleasant Richardson escaped from the plantation. He traveled to Grafton, West Virginia. There, he joined the Union side in the Civil War. He became a soldier in Company F of the 45th United States Colored Infantry Regiment. This was a special army unit made up mostly of Black soldiers. Many of them were formerly enslaved people or free Black men from states like Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia.

Pleasant Richardson's unit served in West Virginia and Pennsylvania. They also went to Washington, D.C.. In the spring of 1864, he was part of a huge group of 30,000 Union soldiers. They took part in a difficult fight called the Red River Campaign in Louisiana. Many soldiers died during this campaign, but Pleasant Richardson survived. The next year, he was present when General Robert E. Lee surrendered at Appomattox Court House. This event helped end the Civil War.

Life After the War

After the war ended, Private Richardson was officially released from the army in Philadelphia. He then returned to Botetourt County, Virginia. He married Henriette Braxton, and they had two children. Only their daughter, Mrs. Arena Richardson Preston, lived longer than him. After Henriette died, he married Mrs. Nancy Callender, who also passed away before him.

Even though he had been enslaved and likely didn't have much education, Pleasant Richardson worked hard. He was able to buy land in the county. He owned a piece of land on Murray Street, which he later sold in 1924. He also bought another piece of land on Water Street in 1912 and sold it in 1915. This showed how much he achieved after gaining his freedom.

Death and Special Recognition

Private Pleasant Richardson was always very proud of his time serving in the army. It was fitting that he died on Memorial Day in 1935. Memorial Day is a special day to remember soldiers who have served. He was buried in Fincastle. He was a dedicated member of the First Baptist Church of Fincastle, Virginia. People said he was an excellent soldier and that he was very proud of this fact, second only to his faith. He and his wives are buried in the church's graveyard.

On May 17, 2017, a group called the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War honored him. They decorated his grave for Memorial Day. After his death, Private Pleasant Richardson was given a special award called the West Virginia Civil War Medal. This medal was for his service with the 45th US Colored Infantry. The medal is now on display at the Botetourt County Museum of History.