When the war broke out { Residing in Caro } he was a mere youth, but sixteen years old { files says 17 }, nevertheless, he enlisted and was mustered into service in October, 1861, as a private soldier in the Second Michigan Infantry; { Company F } and he went through the war, too, being discharged in August, 1865.

During that time he was in sixteen battles, was wounded twice, once at Knoxville, Tenn., on November 24, 1863, where eighty-four out of 150 were killed and wounded, and again at Petersburgh, June 17, 1864, and was a prisoner of war seven months.

When discharged he was color sergeant of the regiment and born some honorable scars that to-day he points to with pride.

He first came to Tuscola County in 1867, and in 1868 located at Vassar, where he remained one year, coming to Caro in 1869 where he entered upon the practice of his profession, dentistry, and has remained ever since, and says he expects to remain until he is carried out feet first.

He has been county clerk seven years, town clerk two years, school inspector, and also member of the village council. Is now in the abstract and real estate business.

He was married in 1870 to Miss Emily J. Hovey, of Genesee County, Mich. They have two children.

The Caro Advertiser and Citizen of December 28, 1882, says: "N. M. Richardson, who steps down and out of the county clerk's office next Monday, gives way to his predecessor with an exceptionally good record at his back. He has held the office seven years, having been first appointed on February 6, 1876, by Judge Josiah Turner. Since then he has been re-elected for three terms by the people. Methodical, accurate and industrious, he has always mastered thoroughly every duty when his position has demanded of him, and in a manner acceptable to the people."