No other graduate has given more to Noble and Greenough School than John Richardson. Born in Newton in 1886, he entered Nobles in the fall of 1896 and spent six years in the School. There were not as many undergraduate activities in those days, but Mr. Richardson played on the football team and began there his great interest in rowing. He also played on Nobles first informal hockey team.

He graduated from Harvard in 1908 and from the Law School in 1911. Two years later, at the age of 27, while practicing law with the firm, Ropes, Gray, Boyden and Perkins, he became one of the Schools first incorporators and member of its first Board of Trustees. In 1921 he succeeded Richard M. Saltonstall as President of the Board and served in that capacity until 1964. Mr. Richardson was responsible for securing Charles Wiggins IInd as the School's Headmaster in 1920 and with him arranged for the move of the School from Boston to Dedham. His wise leadership brought new stature to Nobles in the Dedham era.

Mr. Richardson did not limit his outside interests to Nobles. In the 1920's he worked actively for Herbert Hoover's election to the Presidency. He served on the Republican National Committee from 1932-1936 and attended eight Republican National Conventions. For years he was the respected Moderator of the Town of Canton where he has lived most of his adult life.

His loyalty to Harvard was shown by his serving as Director and Vice-President of the Alumni Assocation, and long time Fund Chairm­ man and Agent for both his college and law school classes. Other interests to which he has contributed include the Unitarian Church and Boston Better Business Bureau which he served as President.  His law work has been with Ropes and Gray since graduation from Law School, and as this is written, he stiil goes to that office every day. In 1909 he married Hope Hemenway, a member of another Nobles family.

They have five children including John, Jr., who received the Distinguished Graduate award in 1972.

Mr. Richardson was one of the five graduates honored for public service at the School's Centennial Exercises in 1966.