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Robert Newton Richardson, son of Robert Graves and Eliza Ratcliff Richardson (who moved from Virginia to Tennessee in 1830), was born in Franklin, Tenn., August 5, 1840. After a long illness, borne with patience and Christian fortitude, he heard "the one clear call," and on March 30, 1915, he went home to the "Master of all good workmen" with a record of brave and faithful service in war and in peace. In May, 1861, "Newt," as he was familiary called, joined the Williamson Grays, commanded by Capt. James P. Hanner, which afterwards became Company D, of Maney's 1st Tennessee Regiment. As a soldier he was faithful and true, ever ready for duty. His first service was in the mountains of Virginia under Gen. R. E. Lee. He was also in the battle of Perryville, Ky. In the spring of 1862 his regiment came back to the Army of Tennessee just in time for the battle of Shiloh. From then on he shared the vicissitudes of the gallant army on the march, in camp, and in battle until he fell most seriously wounded at Missionary Ridge. Then came long suffering in hospitals, which he bore uncomplainingly. He served through the Georgia Campaign, Tennessee Campaign, then back to North Carolina, where he was one of six to stack arms out of a company originally composed of one hundred, many of whom had given their lives on the fields of battle.

Returning home, he went to work and made as true a citizen of a reunited country as he had made a soldier of the South. He was always affable and kind, ever had a warm handclasp and pleasant greeting for all, especially for his former comrades, and was generous and charitable. He was for years and officer in the McEwen Bivouac at Franklin. A consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, he served as steward forty-six years and many years as trustee. On December 13, 1871, he was united in marriage to Miss Marienne Hightower Sims, who survives him. He was laid to rest in beautiful Mount Hope Cemetery.