His first wife Elizabeth Howatt, died at age forty-five leaving behind her husband and their seven children. The children from their marriage grew up in the Tryon area and became successful

in their various occupations. Richard’s second marriage was to Mary Pooley, who bore him

nine more children. In 1857 Richard and Mary moved with all of their worldly possessions, to Christopher Cross, with horses and wagons. They built a large family home on the farm property, and Richard became a successful businessman and farmer. He set up an extensive fish buying business at Yankee Brook, Norway Shore and North Cape, and opened a store on part of his

property at Nail Pond.

Being well educated and a knowledgeable man, he was appointed the first Justice of the Peace and Commissioner for Small Debts for Prince Edward island. The family home at Christopher Cross was used as a court house. On court days Richard would have a family member drive one of his spirited horses to the village of Tignish, to pick up the local clergy, to

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