Hi there- I saved your email until I had a chance to look at my data base... I have a John R. ( no middle name listed) as born on December 15, 1838 and son of Alexander W. Richardson ( this is Tom's line if you want more on this as a possible lead) but I think they were in KY- Alexander left VA-. I have a possible family in Smythe Co. : Joseph R & wife Eda W. Smith were having children in the 1830's, dont have any names though... I have many Richardson's who could have been the grandfather of your John- but nothing specific- -Christiana