Richards, William P.

15 July 1795–4 Nov. 1868. Merchant. Born in Wilmington, New Castle Co., Delaware. Son of Nathaniel Richards and Lydia Prichett. Store owner operating under firm William P. Richards & Co., 1826, in Wilmington. Moved to Macomb, McDonough Co., Illinois, ca. 1834, where he engaged in mercantile business with Thompson Chandler under firm Richards & Chandler. Active in local politics. Wrote letter to George Miller, 14 Jan. 1845, proposing the Latter-day Saints relocate outside Illinois. Moved to Bushnell, McDonough Co., by 1860.