#25 John Richards
1824 – April 20, 1879
John Richards, Sonoma County’s first civil rights activist, was born a slave in 1824 Kentucky. He and wife Philena arrived in Santa Rosa in 1856 where John opened a barber shop that became the most popular gathering place to hear the news of the world. Richards sheltered former slaves, expanded his business, and bought more than 130 acres, making him very wealthy. In a town full of Confederate sympathizers, Richards rose above prejudice to “command the friendship and respect of all.” His funeral was one of the largest in Santa Rosa history.
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