Richard Peters (November 2, 1848 – May 24, 1921)[1] was an American civil engineer, railroad executive, soldier, and clubman who was prominent in society during the Gilded Age.

Among his siblings was Edward, Ralph, president of the Long Island Rail Road, and Nellie, who also became prominent.

[3] After returning to America, he became a civil engineer and attended the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, New York, where he was a member of the Theta Xi fraternity.

For his efforts during the War, he was decorated with four Croix de Guerre and was awarded the Légion d'Honneur.

[9][10] At the time of his death, he was the oldest member of the Charity Ball Committee of Philadelphia, having served for thirty years.