RICHARDS, John, Congress, PA (1753-1822)

RICHARDS, John, (brother of Matthias Richards), a Representative from Pennsylvania; born in New Hanover, Philadelphia County, Pa., April 18, 1753; educated under private tutors; served as magistrate during the Revolutionary War; appointed justice of the peace for Philadelphia County June 6, 1777, and served until his death; judge of the court of common pleas for Montgomery County in 1784; delegate to the Federal Constitutional Convention in 1787; elected as a Republican to the Fourth Congress (March 4, 1795-March 3, 1797); was not a candidate for renomination in 1796; was an ironmaster and also engaged in mercantile and agricultural pursuits; member of the State senate 1801-1807; died in New Hanover, Pa., November 13, 1822; interment in Faulkner Swamp (Lutheran) Church Cemetery.

Source: Biographical Directory of the United States Congress, 1771-Present