Richards, John J

Richards, John J., a minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, was born July 16, 1816. He united with the Church in his thirteenth year, and for several years filled the office of class leader, Sunday school teacher, and exhorter. In 1837 he was licensed to preach, and admitted on trial in the Georgia Conference in 1839, in which connection he remained until 1844, when he was transferred to the Florida Conference. There he labored until 1860, when, because of failing health, he was superannuated, and held that relation until his death — Sept. 4, 1863 — in Madison County, Fla. Mr. Richards was a sound and practical preacher, devoting his time and talents to the service of the Church. See Minutes of Ann. Conf. M.E. Ch. South, 1863, p. 467.