In 1903 Mr. Richardson was united in marriage to Miss Loretta M. Frazer, of Ashland, Illinois, who was principal of the Dayton high school. They became the parents of one son, who died in infancy. In politics Mr. Richardson is a democrat and keeps well informed on the questions and issues of the day, but has never consented to become a candidate for office. Since his retirement from business in 1909 he and his wife have spent much of their time in travel, having visited many European countries, also South America and Japan, thus gaining that broad knowledge and liberal culture which only travel can bring. The life record of Mr. Richardson should serve to inspire and encourage others, showing what may be accomplished through individual effort guided by sound judgment.
ARTHUR G. CORNWELL.
Among those whose extensive farming operations have made Walla Walla county famous as a wheat producing region is Arthur G. Cornwell, who is residing in the city of Walla Walla but is personally directing the operation of about one thousand acres of fine land. He is a native of the county, born April 11, 1869, and is a son of James M. and Mary A. (Stott) Cornwell. He was reared at home and as a boy and youth attended the country schools, thus laying the foundation of his education, and later he was a student at Whitman College. Following his marriage he began farming on his own account and from the beginning proved successful, his early training in agricultural work under his father proving of the greatest value to him. For about ten years he operated rented land and then purchased a farm. His holdings now comprise three hundred and twenty acres of farming land, one hundred and sixty acres of timber and grazing land, and in addition to cultivating his own half section he operates leased land, farming in all about one thousand acres, devoted to the raising of wheat. He keeps his business well in hand and studies carefully the problems of lowering the cost of production, of increasing the yield and of marketing to advantage. He is a stockholder in the Farmers Savings Bank of Walla Walla and in the Farmers Grain Agency and belongs to the Farmers Union, believing thoroughly in the importance of cooperation.
Mr. Cornwell was married on the 15th of July, 1891, to Miss Carrie E. Ingram, who was born in Georgetown, Colorado, a daughter of James H. and Mary J. (Williams) Ingram. In 1847 the family removed to Walla Walla and the father bought a small tract of land on the outskirts of the city of Walla Walla. He planted fruit and devoted the remainder of his life to horticulture. His wife was a writer of ability and after reaching her seventieth year wrote a book of poems. Mr. and Mrs. Cornwell have three children: Artemisia May, who was graduated from Whitman College in 1916 and also in that year completed the course offered in the Whitman Conservatory of Music, receiving the degree of B. M.; Edna Genevieve, who was also a student at Whitman College and is now the wife of Carl Gensel, of Walla Walla; and Elmer Grant, who is now farming on the home ranch. He was married in September, 1917, to Miss Ethel Heath.
Mr. Cornwell is a republican in politics and served for several years as deputy assessor. He and his family belong to the Presbyterian church and for about ten years he has served on its financial board. He is one of the most influential citizens and most successful farmers of Walla Walla county and wherever known is held in the highest esteem.