Penn, Richard (1706-1771)

Pennsylvania proprietor, son of William Penn.

He never visited Pennsylvania, and his relationship with Franklin seems confined to public affairs, such as the chartering of the College of Philadelphia. In the late 1750s, Franklin was a leading member of the anti- proprietary party in the Assembly and was not on friendly terms with Penn.

Born in Bristol, England. Married to Hannah Lardner c. 1728; four children, including John and Richard Penn, both of whom later served as governors of Pennsylvania.