Benjamin Wood Richards

Benjamin Wood Richards (November 12, 1797 – July 12, 1851) was an American politician who served as the 59th mayor of Philadelphia in 1829 and a second time from 1830 to 1832.

Early life and education Richards was born in Batsto, New Jersey, on November 12, 1797, to Magaretta (Wood) and William Richards. In 1815, he graduated from Princeton University.

Career In 1819, he established Richards & Bispham, which became the largest commission house in Philadelphia. He served on the Philadelphia City Council and in 1827, served as a member of the Pennsylvania Legislature. He was a proponent of the common school system and served on the first Board of Control of Public Schools for Philadelphia. and was interred at Laurel Hill Cemetery.

Personal life He married Sarah Ann Lippincott, daughter of Joshua Lippincott, in 1821, and together they had seven children.

His older half brother, Samuel Richards, was a prominent iron manufacturer in New Jersey during the early-mid 19th century.