Richardson Paid His Taxes

RICHARDSON PAID HIS TAXES

AN ODD SCIO CHARACTER WITH A BIG FARM,

Lives Alone and Dresses in Cowhide, With an Overcoat Patched From Several Coats.

When Thomas Richardson came in to pay his taxes of $113.79 on his 340-acre farm in Scio, the county treasurer's office was fairly well filled with spectators. They had gathered there to see this 77-year-old man, who is one of the characters of the county. Dressed in an overcoat tattered and torn, the sleeves of which belonged to some other coat, with his hat, trousers and boots, old enough for historic relics, and a combination of vests and under coats, his appearance was decidedly grotesque. He wears a beard and his face is rugged from exposure.

After he learned the amount of his taxes he pulled out his ancient and worn wallet and seven times counted over his bills. He did not have enough and fished out a bag of silver, but still he lacked a dollar. A gentlemen with him paid the dollar and when he had signed a check for $40, which he had given in part payment, he took his receipt and asked his friend if it was all straight.

"You'll have enough to buy an overcoat; you said your taxes were $120," said his friend.

"Yes," said Richardson, "enough for an overcoat."

The old man has lived in the county all his life and says it is the best place on earth. He lives alone about a mile and a half from the city and lets his farm out on shares. He is said to be very wealthy, but one would never get that impression from this queer garb. When asked if he was going to buy any Christmas presents, the old man looked as though he had never heard of such a day and simply said "No.'