The Risdons were early settlers of Burlington County, N.J., having emigrated from England in the 18th century. Samuel Risdon (1772-1844) and Anna Elizabeth Nightingale were the progenitors of the line of the family represented in these papers. Samuel was a saddler by trade. Samuel and Elizabeth had at least seven children, including Isaac N. Risdon (1800-1860) and William M. Risdon (b. 1809). In 1816, Isaac went to Philadelphia and began an apprenticeship as a tailor. He later opened his own shop, also in Philadelphia. In 1837, he retired from the tailoring business and returned to Mount Holly, N.J. By 1841, he had established the Mount Holly Cemetery Company. Having made several substantial investments, it was necessary for Isaac to resume work as a tailor in 1847. He retired for a second time in 1857.
Isaac married Matilda Barras in 1819; the two had ten children, including Henry C. Risdon (1832-1903). In 1863, Henry married Anna Bunting (d. 1821). Henry served with distinction during the Civil War as a Captain and then Lieutenant. After the war, he seems to have taken an active role in the Risdon Mutual Building and Loan Association. When Isaac died in 1860, Henry and William M. were named executors of the estate. William passed away before the estate was settled, making Henry the sole executor.
From the description of Papers, 1794-1920. (Winterthur Library). WorldCat record id: 84666379
