Cabinet member and jurist. He graduated from Harvard and became an attorney in 1846. Richardson served in various local offices, including President of the Lowell City Council and Middlesex County Probate Judge. In 1869 he became Assistant Secretary of the Treasury, holding office until becoming Secretary in 1873. Richardson became involved in the 1874 Sanborn Incident when he contracted with John Sanborn to collect back taxes. This agreement enabled Sanborn to keep twenty-five percent of what he collected, with twenty-five percent going to Richardson. Though not illegal this arrangement became a point of contention between President Grant and his opponents, so Richardson resigned. Grant demonstrated his confidence in Richardson by appointing him a Judge on the US Court of Claims. In 1885 Richardson became this court's Chief Justice, serving until his death.
Cabinet member and jurist. He graduated from Harvard and became an attorney in 1846. Richardson served in various local offices, including President of the Lowell City Council and Middlesex County Probate Judge. In 1869 he became Assistant Secretary of the Treasury, holding office until becoming Secretary in 1873. Richardson became involved in the 1874 Sanborn Incident when he contracted with John Sanborn to collect back taxes. This agreement enabled Sanborn to keep twenty-five percent of what he collected, with twenty-five percent going to Richardson. Though not illegal this arrangement became a point of contention between President Grant and his opponents, so Richardson resigned. Grant demonstrated his confidence in Richardson by appointing him a Judge on the US Court of Claims. In 1885 Richardson became this court's Chief Justice, serving until his death.
Bio by: Bill McKern
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