William Andrew Richardson

Born: 2 Nov 1831 in Craven County, North Carolina

Died: Exact date unknown.  He is in the 1850 census but not in the 1860 census.  Some family trees on the internet have 1858 as a death date but provide no documentation.

No photos available

Company E, 4th Tennessee Infantry, USA

23 Oct 1847-31 Jul 1848

William Andrew Richardson was the son of William Heizer Richardson and Sarah Goslin.  He married Mary E. Wiseman on 24 Dec 1850 in Smith County, Tennessee.  They had two children between 1852 and 1855.

William Andrew was 15, a month short of 16, when he enlisted with his father to serve in the Mexican War.  His father died in Mexico but William Andrew returned to Mine Lick Creek.  He was mustered out on 31 Jul 1848 in Memphis, having joined and served for nine months all prior to his 17th birthday.  Of course it was necessary to lie about his age in order to enlist.  Records show that William Andrew and his father, William Heizer, were "left sick in Puebla, Mexico" on 17 Jan 1848.  His father died in Puebla on 9 March of 1848 of "unspecified illiness" but obviously, William Andrew recovered and returned home.

He fathered two children by Mary after returning home but evidently died before 1860, probably as a result of his illness in Mexico.  Mary also died young leaving the two children as minors.  At least one child, Didama, married and had children.  I have not yet made personal contact with any of her descendants.  More research is required but I am confident this line is still reproducing.  If you have any information, please let me know.