Edward Richardson served in the Civil War in the 22nd Regiment USCT (United States Colored Troops), reaching the rank of Sergeant. A former slave, Richardson was born October 15, 1841 on a plantation in Cecilton, Maryland. After escaping by means of the Underground Railroad to Salem County, where he was aided in his new life by Quakers, Richardson became a resident of Woodstown, New Jersey. He married Fannie Sturges in 1866 and they lived in a house on Bailey Street, just a few doors down from the Spencer U.A.M.E. Church where he is now buried. Until recently, only his family knew the exact location of his grave. But now Edward Richardson has a proper headstone, thanks to the efforts of his great-granddaughter Susan Richardson-Sanabria.
Susan Richardson-Sanabria learned that with proper documentation the government provides headstones for the unmarked graves of soldiers. She was able to provide Richardson’s enlistment and discharge papers and in July 2011 a headstone was erected. Read the Today’s Sunbeam story published July 24, 2011.
Edward Richardson’s Civil War enlistment paper.
Edward Richardson (wearing part of his Civil War uniform) and his wife Fanny Sturges on the occasion of their marriage.
Edward Richadson as an older man seated with his wife, Fannie Sturges. Behind are three of their daughters, (L-R) Abigail, Ella, and Sarah. The men are not family members, but are believed to be suitors.
Images courtesy of Susan Richardson-Sanabria
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