A local family’s rich history has been archived and celebrated with the donation of the Richardville Family History Book to the Knox County Public Library. Michael Richardville presented the book on Thursday morning, during a gathering of Richardville family members from near and far, who came together to share memories and honor their heritage.
The book, compiled by Michael’s father, Bernard Richardville, will be added to the family history collection at the McGrady-Brockman House, Regional Historical/Genealogical Center. Bernard meticulously researched and documented the family’s history long before the advent of the internet, using traditional methods such as birth certificates, baptismal records, marriage and death certificates, estate records, wills, and history books. His work spans over 870 years of Richardville history and was carefully typed on an old word processor and stored on floppy discs.
Michael Richardville said he’s humbled to have the book preserved in the library’s family history room, stating, “I think that any family with such a long history will find similar stories. We’re all a nation of immigrants, and while our story is unique to us, I’m very honored by it.”
In related news, Michael’s uncle, Bud Richardville, who served in the Graves Registration Service during World War II, is being honored this week. A new book inspired by his life, titled Your Forgotten Sons, is being featured in a “Meet the Author” event at the library Thursday night. The book, written by Anne Montgomery, was inspired by letters Bud sent home during the war. Montgomery hopes to shed light on the often-overlooked work of those who cared for fallen soldiers.
Reflecting on Bud’s role, Montgomery said, “On D-Day, there were 10,000 dead, both allies and Germans. For morale and health reasons, their bodies had to be cleared quickly. That was Bud’s job—to identify and take care of the fallen.”
Bud Richardville died in France during the war, and his remains are still there. On Friday morning, a special ceremony will be held in his honor at the Indiana Military Museum at 9:30-am. A plaque dedicated to him and all those who served in Grave Registration will be presented, with the Mayor attending for an official proclamation.