Benjamin Wood Richards
Benjamin Wood Richards | |
|---|---|
| Born | Template:Birth date Batsto, New Jersey, U.S. |
| Died | July 12, 1851 (aged 53) Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Occupation(s) | Public official, businessman |
| Years active | 1819–1851 |
| Known for | 59th mayor of Philadelphia |
Benjamin Wood Richards (November 12, 1797 – July 12, 1851) was an American public official who held the position of the 59th mayor of Philadelphia initially in 1829 and subsequently from 1830 through 1832.
Early life and education
Born in Batsto, New Jersey to Magaretta (Wood) and William Richards, Richards completed his education at Princeton University, graduating in 1815.
Career
In 1819, Richards partnered in establishing Richards & Bispham, which grew to become the largest commission firm in Philadelphia. He was a member of the Philadelphia City Council and secured election to the Pennsylvania General Assembly in 1827. Advocating for public schooling, he participated on Philadelphia’s inaugural Board of Control of Public Schools. Additionally, Richards was among the first members of the City Board of Controllers and was chosen as Canal Commissioner in 1829.
Under President Andrew Jackson’s appointment, Richards served as a director for both the United States Bank and the United States Mint. Following George M. Dallas, he assumed the mayoralty in 1829 and was re-elected to serve until 1832. After his tenure as mayor, Richards acted as trustee for both Girard College and the University of Pennsylvania. In 1836, he founded and led the Girard Life Insurance, Annuity and Trust Company as its president.
Richards held membership in the American Philosophical Society, played a key role in organizing Laurel Hill Cemetery, and supported the establishment of the Asylum for the Blind. He also fulfilled duties as director at the Deaf and Dumb Asylum.
He passed away in Philadelphia on July 12, 1851, with burial at Laurel Hill Cemetery.
Personal life
In 1821, Richards married Sarah Ann Lippincott, daughter of Joshua Lippincott, and together they had seven children.
His half-brother, Samuel Richards, gained recognition as a prominent iron manufacturer in New Jersey during the first half of the nineteenth century.