Sea Stories in Stone

George T. Richardson (1834-1875) - Oak Grove, Bath

Succomb to Scurvy

George T. Richardson was born in Bath, April 1834, the son of David and Sarah Richardson. From 1837 to 1847 four younger siblings died. All were under four years of age.

In the 1850 Census, at age 16 George was a "school boy." His older brother John was a "clerk" and his father was a "mason." Also at home were mother Sarah, younger brother Lewis and younger sister Betsey.

June 20, 1856 George went downtown to the Customs House and applied for his Seaman's Protection Cerfiicate. He was 21 years old, 5' 6" tall, had a light complexion, light hair and blue eyes.

Although he may have been away at sea for weeks or months at a time, in the 1860 Census, 25 year-old George was part of his parents household along with a younger brother and sister. His father was still a mason. George and his 21 year old brother Lewis were seamen.

In 1870, George was still listed in his parents household with his sister Bestey, who would die later that year.

Per the 1874 Bath City Directory, George's father was a janitor at the Customs House, but George was still a seamen. They family lived on High Street near Walker Street.

January 14, 1874, George's father, David, died at age 69.

September 23, 1875, George died at home at age 41. According to cemetery records, the cause was "scurvy." George's mother lived until 1890. The fate of his brother Lewis was not discovered.

Sources: Bath Cemetery Records; Bath Daily Times, Bath City Directory 1874; Dixon's Index

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