US Congressman. A member of the Democratic-Republican Party, he served in the US House of Representatives for one term from March 1795 until March 1797. He received his early education from private tutors. During the Revolutionary War, he was appointed a magistrate and in June 1777 be became justice of the peace for Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania, a position he held until his death. In 1784 he served as judge of the Montgomery County, Pennsylvania Court of Common Pleas and was a delegate to the Federal Constitutional Convention of 1787. Elected to the 4th US Congress in 1794, In December 1795 he presented a memorial, 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 US House of Representatives in January 18, 1796 and he took his seat the same day. In 1796 he was not a candidate for re-nomination and returned to his home after vacating his seat, where he engaged in mercantile and agricultural interests. In 1801 he was elected to the Pennsylvania State Legislature and served until 1807. He died at the age of 69. His younger brother, Matthias Richards, was also a US Congressman from Pennsylvania.
US Congressman. A member of the Democratic-Republican Party, he served in the US House of Representatives for one term from March 1795 until March 1797. He received his early education from private tutors. During the Revolutionary War, he was appointed a magistrate and in June 1777 be became justice of the peace for Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania, a position he held until his death. In 1784 he served as judge of the Montgomery County, Pennsylvania Court of Common Pleas and was a delegate to the Federal Constitutional Convention of 1787. Elected to the 4th US Congress in 1794, In December 1795 he presented a memorial, 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 US House of Representatives in January 18, 1796 and he took his seat the same day. In 1796 he was not a candidate for re-nomination and returned to his home after vacating his seat, where he engaged in mercantile and agricultural interests. In 1801 he was elected to the Pennsylvania State Legislature and served until 1807. He died at the age of 69. His younger brother, Matthias Richards, was also a US Congressman from Pennsylvania.
Bio by: William Bjornstad
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