Richard Hudson III was born about 1660 in Henrico County, Virginia. He married Mary (Hall?). After the death of his father, Richard and his brothers were fostered by a guardian, Thomas Pauldon.

In a Henrico County deed passage dated December 1, 1688 Richard III mentions his father, Richard II, had a will of October 25, 1669, in which he gave the land he received from his father in law, Bowman, "Roxdale," equally to his three sons. He also stated said plantation was occupied by "Thomas Poland" and subsequent to his father's will the land was swindled from them.

Pauldon, since he was the guardian, likely took, or controlled, the land that rightfully belonged to the sons of Richard II. But it seems conditions may have been suitable to get it back, because Richard sold his share of said plantation at Roxdale to his brother, Robert Hudson, for 1600 pounds of tobacco.

Richard then left Henrico County for the frontier, which later became Amelia County. He settled at Hatcher's Run around 1706.