John Richards (Pennsylvania)

For similarly named people, see John Richards

John Richards (April 18, 1753 - November 13, 1822) was a United States Representative from Pennsylvania. Born in New Hanover, he was educated under private tutors and served as magistrate during the Revolutionary War. He was appointed justice of the peace for Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania on June 6, 1777 and served until his death. He was judge of the Court of Common Pleas for Montgomery County in 1784, and was a delegate to the Federal Constitutional Convention of 1787.

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Richards was elected as a Republican to the Fourth Congress, serving from March 4, 1795 to March 3, 1797. He presented a memorial on December 10, 1795, claiming election since the governor had declined to issue a certificate to either candidate. The committee of election reported that James Morris had been duly elected, but died subsequent to the election so that the seat had become vacant. This report was recommitted and subsequently a resolution was reported that John Richards was entitled to the seat, which was adopted by the House on January 18, 1796, and Mr. Richards took his seat the same day.

He was not a candidate for renomination in 1796. Richards was an ironmaster and also engaged in mercantile and agricultural pursuits, and was a member of the Pennsylvania State Senate from 1801 to 1807. He died in New Hanover; interment was in Faulkner Swamp (Lutheran) Church Cemetery.

Matthias Richards, John's brother, was also a U.S. Representative from Pennsylvania.

References

• John Richards (Pennsylvania) at the Biographical Directory of the United States Congress
• The Political Graveyard
• House Document No. 108-222, Biographical Directory of the United States Congress 1774 - 2005