Richard Bache facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Richard Bache
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Portrait of Bache, by John Hoppner
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| United States Postmaster General | |
| In office November 7, 1776 – January 28, 1782 |
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| Appointed by | Continental Congress |
| Preceded by | Benjamin Franklin |
| Succeeded by | Ebenezer Hazard |
| Personal details | |
| Born | September 12, 1737 Settle, West Riding of Yorkshire, England |
| Died | April 17, 1811 (aged 73) Bucks County, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
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Richard Bache (born September 12, 1737 – died April 17, 1811) was an important businessman and public official in early America. He was born in Settle, England. Later, he moved to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. There, he worked in business and helped manage marine insurance, which protects ships and goods at sea. He also served as the Postmaster-General for the American Post Office. Richard Bache was also the son-in-law of the famous Benjamin Franklin.
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Early Life and Family
Richard Bache was born on September 12, 1737. He was the youngest child of William and Mary Bache. His father, William, worked as a tax collector. Richard had an older brother named Theophylact Bache.
In 1751, Theophylact moved to New York City. He was helped by Paul Richard, a successful merchant. Paul Richard's wife was a relative of the Bache family.
Richard Bache's Career
Richard Bache moved to New York in 1760. He joined his brother Theophylact in a business. They sold dry goods and offered marine insurance. After a few years, Richard moved to Philadelphia. He did well in business there for some time.
In 1766, Richard was one of many young men who started the Gloucester Fox Hunting Club. This was the first fox hunting club in America. In 1767, Richard faced some money problems. A business partner in London did not pay debts owed to him.
Later Years and Public Service
During the American Revolution, Richard Bache played a role in the war effort. He served on the Board of War. This committee helped manage the Continental Army. They also gave advice to the Congress about the army. His wife, Sally, was well-known for her support of the American cause. She also did a lot of charity work.
Later, Benjamin Franklin helped Richard get an important job. Richard became the US Postmaster General in 1776. He took over this role from Benjamin Franklin himself. Richard served as Postmaster General until 1782. After Franklin passed away in 1790, Richard and Sally lived on the money Sally inherited from her father. They moved their family to a new home near the Delaware River in 1794.
Personal Life and Family
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In 1767, Richard Bache proposed to Sarah Franklin. She was the only daughter of Benjamin Franklin and Deborah Read. At first, her parents were worried because Richard had money problems. They also heard rumors that he was only interested in Sarah's family wealth. Even though her parents did not officially approve, they allowed the marriage in 1767.
Richard and Sarah had eight children together:
- Benjamin Franklin Bache (1769–1798) became a journalist. He started his own newspaper. He was a strong supporter of the Jeffersonian Republicans. He disagreed with leaders like George Washington and John Adams. He died during a yellow fever outbreak in Philadelphia. His wife, Margaret Hartman Markoe Bache, helped him run his newspaper, the Aurora.
- William Franklin Bache (1773–1814) married Catherine Wistar.
- Sarah Franklin Bache (1775–1776)
- Eliza Franklin Bache (1777–1820) married John Harwood.
- Louis Franklin Bache (1779–1818) was a military officer. He served in the Pennsylvania State Militia during the War of 1812. He married Mary Ann Swift, and later Esther Egee.
- Deborah Franklin Bache (1781–1863) married William J. Duane. He was a lawyer who became the 11th United States Secretary of the Treasury.
- Richard Franklin Bache (1784–1848) served in the Republic of Texas Navy. He also served in the Texas Legislature. He married Sophia Durrell Dallas.
- Sarah Franklin Bache (1788–1863) married Thomas Sergeant. He was a judge on the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania and also the postmaster of Philadelphia.
Sarah, Richard's wife, was a leader in helping people during the war. She also supported women in the fight for independence. She passed away from cancer in Philadelphia in 1808. Richard Bache died in Bucks County, Pennsylvania on April 17, 1811. He was buried next to his wife in Christ Church Burial Ground in Philadelphia.
Notable Descendants
Richard Bache had many notable descendants.
- His grandson, Benjamin Franklin Bache (1801–1881), became a surgeon in the U.S. Navy.
- Another grandson, Alexander Dallas Bache (1806–1867), was a famous physicist.
- His great-granddaughter, Margaret Mason Perry, married the artist John La Farge.
- His grandson, Andrew A. Harwood, became an Admiral in the United States Navy.
