James Richardson was born in Belfast and was educated in Tottenham. He joined the family linen business in Bessbrook, County Armagh, the model village set up by his father, John Grubb Richardson. He was interested in the welfare of his workers and did much to improve the quality of life. He was a member of parliament for County Armagh from 1880 to 1885 and frequently travelled abroad. He published a Quaker biography and several volumes of poetry, and died at Malvern. (Memoir by C. F. Smith).

Born:	7 February 1846
Died:	11 October 1921