Richard was the youngest son of George Flower (1715–1778), who had a stationery business in the City of London, and his wife Martha Fuller (1717-1805).
Initially destined for an agricultural career, Richard instead went into business in Hertford, becoming a brewer and a banker.
[1] In 1803 he was able to sell up and retire to his country estate of Marden Hill, where he farmed and also pursued his political interests.
[2] These included financial support for his brother Benjamin's radical publications and his own campaigns against what he considered unjust taxation.
In 1817 he sold up and took his whole family with all their possessions to join his son George in Illinois.