Peters, Richard, 1744-1828

Richard Peters (June 22, 1744 – August 22, 1828) was a Pennsylvania lawyer, Continental Army soldier, Federalist politician, author and United States District Judge. Before his federal judicial service in the United States District Court for the District of Pennsylvania, Peters served as secretary of the Continental Board of War, delegate to the Congress of the Confederation and as member and speaker of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives and later the Pennsylvania State Senate.

Born at Belmont Mansion, now in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Peters graduated from the College of Philadelphia (now the University of Pennsylvania) in 1761, then read law in 1763. Peters had a private legal practice in Philadelphia from 1763 to 1771. In 1771, he became registrar of the admiralty, and served in that post until 1776. By 1775, Peters became a captain of the local militia, and continued in that position in the Continental Army, although his patriotic service would be mostly administrative. From June 13, 1776, until resigning on June 8, 1781, Peters served as secretary (and member of) the Continental Board of War. Peters was elected as a delegate to the Congress of the Confederation (Continental Congress) and served from 1782 to 1783.

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