Athens in Henderson County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
William Richardson
(Dec. 6, 1805 - May 30, 1864)
Photographed by Steve Gustafson, August 29, 2009
1. William Richardson Marker
Born in South Carolina, William Richadson moved to Pickens County, Alabama in 1830. There he married Mary "Polly" Kilpatrick (1813-1889) on Feb. 13, 1834. Children born to them were John K., James J., Sara F., Margaret C., Martha E., William A., Peter M., Andrew J., Franklin P., Ann, Allen, Texana, Mary M., and Judeth. Richardson moved his family, slaves, and the families of his brothers, Steven, Madison and Matthias, to Texas by wagon train, arriving at this location on Dec. 12, 1855.
Richardson built a home (1 mi NE) and became a successful planter. His "Three Circles" cattle brand was recorded in 1855. He was appointed to lay out one of the first roads between Athens and Kaufman. Highway 175 follows much of his original route. He and his brothers helped found the First Baptist Church in Athens.
The slaves he brought to Texas were Dinah, Charles, Gin, Rachel, Washington, Henry, Tom, Harrison, Kate, Easter, Til, Carolina, Jane, Sam, Congo, Marion, Mimm, and Jube. All took the Richardson name, and most stayed on with the family after being freed. Later they and their descendants established the Sand Flat community (1 mi. NNE).
William Richardson is buried in the family cemetery (1 mi. NE) along with his wife, two sons, and two grandchildren. Some of the slaves are buried there also.
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Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical month for this entry is February 1802.
Location. 32° 15.883′ N, 95° 56.091′ W. Marker is in Athens, Texas, in Henderson County. It is at the intersection of State Highway 175 and Richardson Road, on the right when traveling west on State Highway 175. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Athens TX 75751, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the American South and in the Piney Woods. Globally, it is in North America, a Gulf of Mexico state, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain, the Republic of Texas, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 7 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Site of Blackshear/Fisher School (approx. 5.9 miles away); Richard Columbus Fisher (approx. 6 miles away); Mt. Providence Baptist Church (approx. 6 miles away); Site of Hawn Lumber Company (approx. 6.2 miles away); Faulk-Gauntt Building (approx. 6.2 miles away); First National Bank (approx. 6.2 miles away); Jess Sweeten (approx. 6.2 miles away); 1925 Henderson County Jail (approx. 6.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Athens.
Photographed by Steve Gustafson
2. William Richardson Marker
Photographed by Jeff Leichsenring, August 27, 2025
3. William Richardson Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on September 6, 2025. It was originally submitted on October 18, 2010, by Steve Gustafson of Lufkin, Texas. This page has been viewed 3,511 times since then and 138 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 18, 2010, by Steve Gustafson of Lufkin, Texas. 3. submitted on September 4, 2025, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.
