Richard Peters (priest) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Johann Philipp
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Peters by Mason Chamberlin
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| Born | 1704 |
| Died | 10 July 1776 (aged 71–72) |
Richard Peters (born 1704, died 1776) was an important person in early American history. He was a lawyer, a church leader, and a government official. In 1735, he moved from England to Pennsylvania. There, he worked for the Penn family, who founded Pennsylvania. He held many important jobs, including being part of the Governor's Council. He also became the main priest, called a rector, at Christ Church in Philadelphia.
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Early Life and Learning
Richard Peters was born in Liverpool, England. His father, Ralph Peters, was also a lawyer and a town official. Richard went to a famous school called Westminster School. He then studied more at the Dutch University of Leyden. He also studied law at the Middle Temple in London. Later, he became a priest in the Church of England. He continued his studies at Wadham College, Oxford.
Moving to Philadelphia
In 1735, Richard Peters left England and moved to Philadelphia. His brother, William Peters, also moved there. Philadelphia was the biggest city in the Pennsylvania colony.
Richard Peters first worked as an assistant at Christ Church for two years. After that, he started working directly for the Penn family. They owned and governed Pennsylvania. He had several important jobs for them:
- He was the Secretary of the Land Office. This meant he handled all the records for land sales and ownership.
- He was the Secretary of the Province. This was like being the main secretary for the entire colony.
- He was the Clerk of the Council. This meant he kept records for the Governor's Council.
He held these jobs for 25 years. In 1749, he also joined the Governor's Council. This was a group of advisors to the governor. He stayed on the council until the Revolution began.
Working for the Colonies
In 1754, Richard Peters was chosen to represent Pennsylvania at the Albany Congress. This was a big meeting in Albany, New York. More than 20 representatives from different colonies came together. They met to talk about how to defend themselves against the French. This was during the Seven Years' War, which was known as the French and Indian War in North America.
Peters supported a plan called the Albany Plan. This plan was suggested by Benjamin Franklin. It was an early idea to create a united government for all the colonies. However, both the colonial governments and the British government rejected the plan.
Later Years and Public Service
In 1762, Richard Peters stopped working for the Penn family. He had earned enough money to retire to his home, called "Belmont." He was then asked to become the main priest, or rector, of Christ Church. He served there until his health made him resign in September 1775.
During these years, he was very active in many important areas:
- Education: In 1743, he was the first person Benjamin Franklin talked to about starting a public school. Six years later, in 1749, Peters helped found the College of Philadelphia. This college later became the University of Pennsylvania. Peters was one of its first trustees. He also served as the President of the school's Board of Trustees from 1756 to 1764. For two years, he was also the school's Treasurer.
- Community: He was a director of the Library Company of Philadelphia from 1750 to 1764. He also helped manage the Pennsylvania Hospital from 1751 to 1752.
- Science and Ideas: He was a member of the American Philosophical Society from 1769 until his death in 1776. This group was for people who wanted to discuss and advance knowledge.
Richard Peters died in Philadelphia in 1776.
His brother, William, also lived in Pennsylvania. William named his son Richard after his brother. This nephew became known as Richard Peters Jr. to tell them apart. Richard Peters Jr. (1744-1828) later represented Pennsylvania in the Continental Congress. He also became a U.S. District Court judge in Philadelphia.
