The New York herald., 1871-01-19
@ B Z s.n u a, u X .
Peter ISiciiin ps.

This veteran actor died at his residence I'm Media
Pa, on yesterday evening, from the eject OF IN
Jures received by him fortnight ago, when lie was
thrown from his wagon. Mr.. Rlchings was born In
Kensngton. London. on the 10th or May 1907. Els
parents being IN aflluens circumstances, he re-
ceived careful education at one OF the
public schools OF the English metropolis, after
which ne obtained a studentship In Penn
broke College, Oxford where he graduated
with credit. He then studied for the ministry, and
was within u few months OF his ordination when he
obtained government cerkshlp under his father,
at Madras In the East Indies. Thither he went,
put he had not been long his post when his father
was stricken with paralysis and was compelled to
return to England. The old gentleman then pur-
subject OF this sketch, but on his being ordered to
the East Indies part of the world he uisIlked ne
sold out and returned to civil liie
MIR. RlchlngS now turned his attention TO- law.
During the period OF his legal studies he frequently
visited Drury Lane and Covent Garden theatres,
profession. Resolving to become an actor, and
knowing that his relatives and friends would place
Every s osrs 1s'dSe S IN e way 70 TN e Of
married In 1881 Tor New York, arriving IN the
autumn Of Of 1921: On the 21st Of septem-,
appearance upon any stage at the old
Park theatre as Henry sertram in "Guy
acquaintance Of Mr.. Simpson, the manager who had
engaged hlm more, perhaps, from friendship than
from anything else. Iulte q romance, by the way,
is associated with his debut the stage. In con-
sequence OF some correspondence between the
British Consul ana his family rumor became cur
rent that he was nobleman in disguise: that he
was left S750000 and puch more OF The same Kind.
Naturally these stories, absurd as they were gave
Mr. Richings a notOnety which not only aided hlm
IN obtaining his theatrical engagement out In filing
the theatre
AS Mr.. Richings himself has stated his first
attempts In his new profession were not sue
cesses. He therefore wisely decided begin at the
bottom OF the theatrical ladder. After two years OF
close study, during which he represented minor
parts, he appeared as Dick Tribe, IN the extrava-
ganzt Of tom. and jerry" achieving such decided
success as to establish his reputation as an actor
For thirteen years he remained at the Old Park thea
ire. In lS40 he went TO Phadelphla as associate
manager with w. Il. Burton. OF the National theatre
OF that city, and In 1S43 he became sole manager the
holiday street theatre. but, was after burned
out. Mr. Richngs then returned to Philadelphia
ana for nine years was manager of the Walnut
street theatre. In 1853 his daughter Caroline Rich.
lngs, the well known lyric actress resolved TO 90
upon the stage, and Mr.. RichiIgs assumed the man.
agement of the Richings English Opera Troupe
with which he travelled until 1867, when he retired
to his farm In Pennsylvania.
We have not the space to mention the numerous
characters in which MIR. Richngs achieved success.
AS an actor he was general favorite ana was al
ways welcomed by crowded houses wherever he
performed. In private life he was much esteemed
for his hgh-toned honorable qualities his integrity
OF character and his generous socable disposition