Dr. Stillman Richardson, of Niles
December 22, 1805 – March 29, 1875
Niles Democrat (Niles, Berrien Co., MI), Published April 3, 1875, page 3, column 1, microfilm Niles District Library
Death of Dr. Stillman Richardson.
On Monday, the 29th day of March, “Old Dr. Richardson,” in the seventieth year of his age, was called to rest from his earthly labors. His death was anticipated by those who noted the daily decline of his vital powers.
“After life’s fitful fever he sleeps well.”
Dr. Stillman Richardson was born in Cheshire county, New Hampshire, in 1805. Part of his youth was spent in Boston, Mass. He lived many years in Cortland county, N. Y., where he first read and afterwards practiced medicine. He married in 1835. The year following he came to Niles on horseback. His family, consisting of a wife and an infant son, following him in the latter part of the same year. He had been a live man in Niles from that date up to the time of his death. With an unusually strong constitution, he probably over estimated the natural powers of his system.
None but those who were intimate with him – and they were not many – ever knew of the continued and protracted toilsome service in which he was constantly engaged. Even the hours which nature demands should be devoted to rest, were not respected, but at all times of the day and night, in all kinds of weather, he promptly marched to the front at the call of suffering humanity. No time was allotted him for regular rest. No storm was sufficient to deter him from visiting his patients, when he considered it his duty to do so. During his last illness he bore his afflictions In silence. If he suspected the possibility of an unfavorable termination of his sufferings, he never made it manifest to his attendants. And this was eminently characteristic of the man.
As a rule, he preferred to manage his own affairs in his own way. Many sharp sayings, which the “Old Doctor” has bequeathed to the surviving members of the fraternity, will be long remembered. He was the Abernethy of this section, and, like his illustrious prototype, beneath a rough exterior lay hidden the inner and better portions of his nature. His great fear was that some one would discover that he was not an ogre, and yet a slight acquaintance would dispel the illusion. He was frequently breaking out in a fresh place in his short, cutting, imperative style, for no other purpose than to be consistent with himself in his assumed role. In his case the rule was reversed. The more intimate the acquaintance, the more one found in him to admire. Those who at first were repelled by his frigidities, on a further acquaintance, generally became his friends. His good deeds will obliterate all the heart aches caused by his hasty sayings. By his he will be known as a true philanthropist. He was more than ordinarily gifted as a conversationalist – always forcible in his remarks, and particularly happy in his conceptions.
As a physician his judgment was seldom questioned, and the confidence reposed in him by his patients was almost unlimited. The old settlers will miss him most, for he was with many of them in times of severe domestic difficulties. It was scarcely thought to be a regular, legitimate addition to a family, if “the old doctor” was not there to preside at the ceremony. So, too, when the angel of death came to claim one of the household, the old doctor was there; and who shall say how often the shafts of death were averted through his instrumentality. Like Napoleon’s old guard, he was always reliable. And now, in the front rank of the fight, with all his harness on, like an old war-horse, he has taken his stand, and like the old-time Roman sentinel, he, too, has perished at his post on duty. Others he saved - himself he could not save.”
Niles Democrat, April 24, 1875, page 3, microfilm Niles District Library
A more appropriate and expressive testimony of esteem and affection could not have been suggested than the erection of a monument to the memory of the late Dr. Stillman Richardson. Hundreds will deem it a privilege to contribute to this worthy object; and as the subscriptions are limited to $1.00 each, every one can manifest in this way their love and appreciation for the “Old Doctor.” The committee having the mater in charge are Messrs. Major Kimmel, R.T. Twombly, E.L. Hamilton, Geo. S. Hoppin and Granville Lacey. The cost of the monument is to be $1,000, nearly all of which has been already secured. Let the good work go forward, and ere the Autumn winds sigh around his last resting place, let a monument be raised that shall speak in silent, eloquent and imperishable language the grateful remembrance and honor in which he is held by this community.