Mixture In ZNlemoriam of RICHARD PETERS, JR.

ADOPTED "BY THE COUNCIL OF THE HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF PENNSYLVANIA

RICHARD PETERS, JR., Recording Secretary, died Saturday, February 15, 1941, in the Pennsylvania Hospital to which he had been taken on the previous day from his office in the Architects' Building No. 117 South 17th Street, where he had suffered a stroke from which he failed to recover. On Thursday afternoon, the thirteenth, he was present in this room at a meeting of the managers of the Sons of the Revolution of which he was a Vice-President and appeared in good health and spirits. His funeral took place in Christ Church at one o'clock on February 18 and our President and members of the Council were a part of a large number of men and women, whose presence evidenced the affection and respect he had inspired in a wide acquaintance. Mr. Peters was a lineal descendant of William Peters, who came to Philadelphia from Lancashire, England, about 1730. He and his brother, the Reverend Richard Peters, became prominent in the political and social activities of the Province and held several important offices. William Peters acquired a large estate on the Schuylkill where he built the handsome mansion, still standing, called Belmont, to which his son Richard Peters (1744-1828) succeeded. The latter was a vigorous patriot and after receiving a commission as captain at the commencement of the Revolution he was appointed in 1776 to the Board of War upon which he served for over five years. In 1782 he was elected to Congress and in 1789 President Washington appointed him Judge of the U. S. District Court. He filled this position with learning and distinction until his death in 1828. In society he was noted for his wit and the charm of his hospitality and Washington and the notable men of his period were often his guests at Belmont. His grandson, Richard Peters (1810-1889) was a noted civil engineer and railroad executive and became a resident of Atlanta, Georgia, where he made a fortune in forwarding the growth of that new settlement.

503 504 IN MEMORIAM October

His eldest son, Richard Peters, the father of our late Councillor, was born there in 1848 but some time after his marriage to Harriet Felton, daughter of Samuel M. Felton, a man of large business interests and for some time the president of the Philadelphia, Wilmington & Baltimore Railroad, removed to Philadelphia. Richard Peters, Jr. was his elder son and was born on Christmas Day, 1880. He entered Swarthmore College in the Class of 1901. For many years he was engaged in the steel business and in recent years in selling building materials under the firm name of Lea, Peters & Company. Mr. Peters was a member of the Philadelphia Club, 1887-1935, and prominent in a number of patriotic associations. He became a member of this Society on February 27, 1922 and was a member of the Council, 1930-35. In May, 1935 he was elected Recording Secretary. He was conscientious in the performance of his duties, generous in giving his time and services, and his genial presence and valuable advice will be greatly missed. His honesty, amiable qualities, cheerful spirit, broad sympathies, and practical mind en- deared him to all who knew him. He resided at Chester, where he is survived by his widow, a son of like name, and two daughters to each of whom we extend our sympathy and sorrow for their bereavement.