Rees G. Richards facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Rees Griffith Richards
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circa 1912
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| 16th Lieutenant Governor of Ohio | |
| In office January 9, 1882 – January 14, 1884 |
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| Governor | Charles Foster |
| Preceded by | Andrew Hickenlooper |
| Succeeded by | John G. Warwick |
| Member of the Ohio Senate from the 22nd district |
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| In office January 7, 1878 – January 1, 1882 |
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| Preceded by | J. K. Rukenbrod |
| Succeeded by | J. M. Dickinson |
| Member of the Ohio House of Representatives from the Jefferson County district |
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| In office January 5, 1874 – January 6, 1878 |
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| Preceded by | Samuel H. Ford |
| Succeeded by | Thomas B. Scott |
| Personal details | |
| Born | July 22, 1842 Swansea, Wales |
| Died | February 10, 1917 (aged 74) Steubenville, Ohio |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouses | Catherine C. Rees Elizabeth Johnson |
| Children | one |
| Signature |  |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Branch/service | United States Army Union Army |
| Years of service | 1861-1865 |
| Rank |  Captain |
| Unit | 45th Pennsylvania Infantry |
Rees Griffith Richards (born July 22, 1842 – died February 10, 1917) was an American politician. He was a member of the Republican Party. Richards served as the 16th Lieutenant Governor of Ohio from 1882 to 1884.
Contents
Early Life and Moving to America
Rees G. Richards was born on July 22, 1842, near Swansea, Wales. He lived there until he was 10 years old. His family then moved to Ontario, Canada. After a short time, they moved again to Tioga County, Pennsylvania in the United States.
Serving in the Civil War
When the U.S. Civil War began, Rees Richards joined the army. He enlisted on September 18, 1861. He started as a first sergeant in Company G of the 45th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry.
Promotions and Capture
Richards quickly moved up in rank. He became a second lieutenant on July 31, 1862. Then, he was promoted to captain on September 14, 1862. He chose to re-enlist on January 1, 1864, continuing his service.
However, he was captured during the Battle of the Crater on July 30, 1864. He was held as a prisoner of war at Asylum Prison Camp. This camp was located near Charleston, South Carolina.
Escape and Return to Duty
Rees Richards managed to escape from the prison camp on February 16, 1865. He and two other prisoners made a long journey. They reached Union lines in Chattanooga, Tennessee on March 16, 1865.
After his escape, he was appointed as a brigade inspector on May 11, 1865. He finished his military service and was officially released on July 17, 1865.
A Career in Politics
After the war, Richards moved to Youngstown, Ohio. He worked in business for two years. Then, he spent six years in Irondale, Ohio. In 1873, he began his political career.
Serving in the Ohio Legislature
In 1873 and again in 1875, he was elected to represent Jefferson County, Ohio. He served in the Ohio House of Representatives. This is where laws are made for the state.
In 1876, he became a lawyer. He then served in the Ohio Senate from 1878 to 1881. He represented the 22nd district.
Becoming Lieutenant Governor
In 1881, Rees Richards ran for Lieutenant Governor of Ohio. He won the election against Edgar M. Johnson. He served as Lieutenant Governor from 1882 to 1884. He was popular and could have run for re-election in 1883, but he chose not to.
Later Judicial Role
While living in Steubenville, Ohio, Richards continued his public service. He was elected to serve as a Common Pleas Judge for Jefferson County. He began this role in 1902. He served two terms as a judge. He passed away on February 10, 1917.
Personal Life and Beliefs
Rees Richards was married twice. He first married Catherine C. Rees on November 22, 1865. She was from Tioga County, Pennsylvania. Later, he married Elizabeth Johnson on September 25, 1894. She was from Jefferson County, Ohio, and they had one daughter.
Richards was a member of the Freemasons. He was also a Presbyterian by faith. He belonged to two important groups for Civil War veterans: the Grand Army of the Republic and the Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States.
