Biography

Joseph Lane Richardson (1776-1855) was raised in the Quaker home of his uncle, near 
Philadelphia, with his cousin David Thomas (b. 1776). About 1795, Joseph and David 
rode on horseback to the Cayuga Lake region of New York. Joseph purchased a farm 
about two miles north of Aurora, and grew wheat. He studied law with Judge Wood and 
was admitted to the bar in 1802. In 1806, he moved to Auburn, establishing the family 
home, "The Locusts." He became partner of lawyer Enos T. Throop, who later became 
Governor of New York. In 1827, after holding several offices, Joseph Richardson was 
appointed First Judge of the Court of Common Pleas of Cayuga County, a position he 
held for nineteen years by reappointments. His wife was Catherine Dole Richardson.