Richard is listed in Uniontown, as the Prothonatory, age 46 in 1850. Listed with him are his wife and 10 children. For many years he acted as clerk of the Supreme Court of Pensylvania.
He moved with his family and parents from Pennsylvania to Johnson Co, IA in April/May 1856 to settle on Government land available in Fremont township. The family home was on the east side of the road across from the Lutz’s. In 1860 he is listed in Fremont, IA as a farmer with $4,000 of land and $800 of personal property at age 56. Listed with him are 10 children, with John being married and living next door, and Rebecca being gone from the home, while Richard and Franklin were born in the interim. Also listed with the family are Rachel (40) and Rebecca (42) who would appear to be sisters of Richard; dau Margaret’s husband died in 1858, and her two youngest children, Wm (4) and John (3) Lutz are also listed in the household.
They had 12 children - John P., Margaret, Elizabeth, James C., Rebecca, Joseph W., Rachel, Mary, William S., Samuel B., Richard W., and Franklin. Records include another son, John Davis, but he is not included in the 1860 census.
In 1870 he and Charlotte are listed only with thier sons Richard Jr and Franklin.
In the 1880 census he is listed as 76 and a grocery keeper.
[Obituary] Washington County Press
Richard Huskins, father of Hon. J.P. and J.C., died at Lone Tree on Friday PM in his 82nd year. He was P.M. there. The Messrs. Huskins and W. Wilson jr and their wives attended the funeral. We learn, later, that he was born Oct 21, 1803 in Chester Co, PA, came to Iowa May 1, 1856 settling in Johnson Co; was for 52 years a consistent member of the M.E. church, and was esteemed by all who knew him.
[Transcribed from a multiple generation photocopy, by Jack Edward Eden, 20 Jan 2002. Clipping is copy of one kept in the Devoe bible.]
In the death of venerable Richard Huskins, Esq., of Fremont township, Johnson county, has lost one of its best known and best liked citizens, a man of whom one who knew him intimately has said, "He was a gentleman of the old school, always a gentleman and never anything but a gentleman."
Richard Huskins was born in Chester county, Pennsylvania, October 21st, 1803, and died at his home in Lone Tree, on Friday last at the going down of a day's sun, that marked to those about his bedside the earthly sun setting of a spotless life that had shone in truth and integrity beyond the remembrance of any there present save one.
As a young man he seems to have received more than an ordinary education, and to have fitted himself for the law. About 1840 he was appointed clerk to the commissioners of Fayette county, and held that place over seven years, until his election as Prothonatory and clerk of the court of common pleas, which office he ably filled for six years. In 1856, believing the west offered better prospects for his family he removed to Iowa, and located in Fremont township, where that year he entered about a quarter section of government land, and which yet remains in his family. On this farm he made his home until his sons grew to age and strength for its management, when he made his home in the village of Lone Tree, and latterly carried on a general store business. Here he served his neighbors acceptably in the office of justice of the peace and township clerk, year after year. In these places though brought into contact with the disturbing vexations and contentions of those about him, he never lost a friend nor made an enemy, his integrity was never questioned nor his conscientiousness doubted. Those who knew him best mourn him most deeply, and from all the many associated with him in thirty two years of active life we have heard by one expression, "he was a good man." It is a great deal to say of one that he was "good," yet an unblemished life of four score and two years; the training into esteem and honored manhood and womanhood of a large family: the patience, gentleness and helpfulness that marks one devoted to the service of God; the contentment of heart and spirit that neither envies nor covets the personal life as untarnished as that before men;--if these characteristics mark the "good man," then was Richard Huskins good.
During all his years of manhood he had believed in and faithfully adhered to the political principles advocated gby the democratic party, and while ever anxious for the public triumph of those principles he was not fixed in any partisan caste. On the incoming of a democratic administration, his friends with little reference ot party lines, urged him as the village postmaster, and he received the appointment to that office, which he filled less than a month. It came to him unsought, as did all other public place, and in accepting it, he conferred added honor upon the office.
Despite his advanced age, Mr. Huskins was vigorous and hale, due not doubt to even tempered and temperate course of life. Yet he seemed to have a premonition of the approaching end for on his last visit to Iowa City, when he came to add his presence to those who joined in the memorial obsequies to General Grant he said to a friend, "I think this is the last time I shall be in town, I feel as though I would not see you again." On that Monday he had arranged to come to the city with Mr. Doerres, but excused himself with the remark that he did not feel very well, and might take cold by exposure. His illness rapidly developed into acute pneumonia, against which all medical skill availed nothing. He sank peacefully to rest, and only a few moments before the last said to the faithful wife who for over half a century had walked life's path at his side, his helper and counsellor, "I am going away a little while, but I will soon come back for you." And the sad shock of his death has so heavily fallen upon her who best knew him as to make his words almost prophetic.
For over half a century Mr. Huskins had been a consistent and active member of the Methodist church, modestly and faithfully holding its tennets as his own. His funeral took place on Sunday last from the village church, the sermon being preached by Rev. Baser, and was attended by all the towns people and as many from the surrounding homes as could reach the place.
Mr. Huskins married about 1827 in Pennsylvania, Miss Charlotte Wells. Twelve children were born to them, of whom nine survive -- John P., the eldest, of Washington, a member of the twentieth Iowa general assembly; Frank and Richard, who live on the homestead farm; James of Brighton; Bryant, for a number of years resident in California; Mrs. S. J. Devoe, of Lone Tree; Mrs. Bovee and Mrs. Malin, of Washington; and Mrs Calvert residing in Kansas. These children, now men and women, with families of their own, have inherited the grand qualities that made their parents loved and respected by all, and in their daily lives testify to a noble heritage of truth and virtue.