When 16, Richardson began working for the
Chicago Inter Ocean newspaper; and later became a European correspondent for the
Boston Herald. In addition to other newspaper and magazine posts, he served as managing editor of
The Morning Telegraph when that newspaper was first founded. He was known for changing jobs often. In 1884 he founded
The Journalist trade magazine with
Charles Alfred Byrne. Later in life, he joined the staff of
The New York Times.
Notable interview In 1876 while in
Deadwood (in the
Dakota Territory), he happened to interview
Wild Bill Hickok the day before his death, and wrote about the event a number of times. ==Theatrical writer==