Rich Family Member, Robert Greene, shares insight into a Rich Family Notable
A Great Rich Exploring Expedition
Historical accounts indicate the need for ongoing self-improvement. In the 1800s, the Americas
experienced significant turmoil due to various issues and conflicts that influenced the nation’s development. During this period, a key opportunity arose for William Rich and his colleagues. William was part of an expedition led by Charles Wilkes, one of seven individuals selected for a four-year journey to the Pacific Islands to study the region’s flora.
William was a last-minute addition to the team, filling a position that had initially been reserved for Asa Gray, a prominent botanist who had to withdraw. Although William was not formally trained as a botanist and faced criticism from some in the field for his inclusion in the expedition, he later received recognition for his contributions.
Over time, the artifacts William collected during the voyage were displayed at the Smithsonian Museum. A play was also created to honor the individuals who studied the diverse plant life while away from their families for extended periods. William Rich remained unmarried, but he had a nephew who also bore his name. Historian Richard H. Eyde of the Smithsonian conducted research to locate this nephew, encountering significant challenges along the way.
Resource: Kinfolk, Summer 1985, pages. 3-4
A Rich History in Antarctica
Charles Clayton Rich II, a Harvard graduate and teaching fellow, pursued his doctoral studies at Victoria University in New Zealand before earning his PhD from Harvard in 1958. During this time, he participated in a scientific expedition to Antarctica, where his team experienced favorable weather and explored the Darwin Glacier region. They named several features in the area, including Mount Rich on the Brown Hills, marking one of the first explorations of that region.
Resource: Kinfolk March 1970, pages 4-6.
A Rich Sunday Painter
Beverlee Ahlin was a wonderful watercolor painter and a licensed pilot who discovered her passion for painting after turning forty. She often called herself a “Sunday painter,” enjoying her creative time on weekends. Beverlee studied at Boston University and George Washington University, and she loved traveling to find inspiration for her art. Interestingly, she was also a descendant of the Richard Rich lineage! She was excited about the possibility of being recognized in the Danish Modern movement because of her unique paintings
Resource: Kinfolk Spring 1982, pages 3-4
The Rich Courier
We have a cousin named Paul H. Rich Jr., a B-17 bomber pilot of “The Courier.” He was shot down and killed on November 22, 1944, during a mission over Erfurt, Germany. Paul served in the 398th Bomber Group, which documented their experiences in a book and contributed to the movie “Memphis Belle.”
Resource: Kinfolk Fall/Winter 1990, pg. 5-6
A Rich Solicitor General of the King’s Court
Richard Rich studied law at the Middle Temple and became the Autumnal Reader appointed by King Henry VIII. He gained wealth and honors, eventually becoming Attorney General of Wales and then Solicitor General of the King’s Court. Rich also visited the imprisoned Thomas More in the Tower of London, trying to convince him of the king’s spiritual leadership.
Resource: Kinfolk Summer 1991, pg. 8-10
A Rich to Remember
On July 8, 1889, a historic bare-knuckle fight, considered one of the greatest of all time, took place. Promoted by Charles Wesley Rich, a wealthy Mississippi landowner, the match featured Jake Kilrain versus John L. Sullivan, the “Boston Strong Boy.” Starting at 9:55 AM in sweltering 106-degree heat, the fight lasted 75 rounds, with Sullivan winning. Over 3,000 spectators attended the event, which marked the end of bare-knuckle fighting as gloves became mandatory due to the brutality of the sport.
Resource: Kinfolk Spring 1990, page 13.