Rhoads, Samuel, 1711-1784

Samuel Rhoads (1711 – April 7, 1784) was an American architect who served as a Member of the First Continental Congress and as the 59th mayor of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States.

Rhoads was born in Philadelphia into a Quaker family. After receiving a limited education, he first worked as a carpenter and builder before becoming a merchant. Rhoads's political career began in 1741, when he was elected to the Common Council of Philadelphia. He designed the east wing of the Pennsylvania Hospital. He also designed the west wing and an additional outdoor structure that weren't built until after his death. Rhoads also served on the Board of Managers of the hospital. In 1761 he was elected to the Pennsylvania Assembly, where he served two terms. Rhoads shared the revolutionary sentiment spreading through the city in the 1770s and was a delegate to the First Continental Congress. He was elected Mayor of Philadelphia in 1774.

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