Early Years
Richard was the son of William Peters (1702–1786), who came from Liverpool, England to Philadelphia in 1739. He was named for his uncle, Richard Peters (1704–1776), rector of Christ Church in Philadelphia. Richard was born on his father's newly acquired country estate, named Belmont, then just outside of Philadelphia. William Peters was a large landowner with rental properties in both America and England; he had a successful law practice in Philadelphia, and was appointed as a judge in the court of common pleas.
Young Richard was educated in his early years at home and then attended the College of Philadelphia (now the University of Pennsylvania). After graduating in 1761, he read law and was admitted to the bar in 1763. He built a successful practice in Philadelphia. He also held a number of colonial government posts, including as Admiralty Register of Philadelphia, from 1771 to 1776.
Read more about this topic: Richard Peters (Continental Congress)
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