Richard Thomas (Pennsylvania)


Richard Thomas was an American politician from Pennsylvania who served as a Federalist member of the United States House of Representatives from Pennsylvania's 3rd congressional district from 1795 to 1801. He also served in the Pennsylvania State Senate for the 9th Senatorial District from 1791 to 1793.

Early life and education

Thomas was born in West Whiteland Township, Pennsylvania and was educated at home by private teachers. He served in the American Revolutionary War as colonel of the First Regiment, Chester County Volunteers of the Pennsylvania militia.

Career

Thomas was elected to the Pennsylvania State Senate for the 9th Senatorial District and served from 1791 to 1793.
In 1793, he was appointed a brigadier-general of militia by Governor Thomas Mifflin but declined to accept the role.
He was elected as a Federalist to the Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth Congresses, serving from March 4, 1795 to March 3, 1801. He engaged in agricultural pursuits and in 1832 died in Philadelphia.
Thomas is interred at the Friends Western Burial Ground in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Personal life

Thomas married Thomazine Downing who was the grand-daughter of Thomas Downing, founder of Downingtown, Pennsylvania.