THOMAS JEFFERSON DAVIDSON -- 142nd INFANTRYSCHROON FARMER PUT ON DRAFT LIST - Thomas Jefferson Richardson was theson of Thomas Jefferson Richardson, Sr. and Sophia Mason. He hadRevolutionary War soldiers on both sides of the family. In 1863, he wasplaced on the Civil War Draft registry and he got married in the sameyear. A year later, he enlisted in the 142nd Infantry in Plattsburghon September 3, 1864, and received a town bounty of \$600.His Muster Roll Abstract says he joined the regiment from the trainingdepot on October 14th, so his first battle was a Darbytown Road twoweeks later. During the battle they had 103 casualties including some ofthe men with whom he enlisted.In December 1864, the 142nd, sailed with General Benjamin Butler for thefirst expedition against Fort Fisher, NC. They landed there and secureda position near to and in the rear of the fort. A battalion of the enemywere captured by the 117th New York with whom they were fighting. Thewhole opposition of the Confederates was so weak that the officersbelieved the fort could have been taken then with small loss. However,in this engagement, the 142nd had 20 killed and wounded and In thesecond assault, in January 1865, they had 79 killed and wounded. Theregiment sustained no further losses in battle after Fort Fisher but waspresent at the actions of Fort Anderson and Wilmington, NC, and tookpart in the Campaign of the Carolinas from March 1 to April 26. Thomaswas mustered out June 7, 1865, at Raleigh, NC.He returned home to farm and also worked in a local sash factory tosupport his growing family. The Ticonderoga Sentinel of May 12, 1921,carried his death notice -- Thomas Richardson, a lifelong resident ofSouth Schroon, died Friday, May 6th, at his home at the age of 85years. He was a veteran of the Civil War. He is survived by three sonsand a daughter, Alfred and Harry of South Schroon and James and Mrs.Long of West Glens Falls, besides a number of grandchildren. Theservices were in the Union Church. Burial in the Rural Cemetery.Thomas was buried beside his wife and near his parents in the SouthSchroon Cemetery.
