Richard Frothingham Jr. (January 31, 1812 – January 29, 1880) was a Massachusetts historian, journalist, and politician. Frothingham was a proprietor and managing editor of The Boston Post. He also served in the Massachusetts House of Representatives, and as the second mayor of Charlestown, Massachusetts, in the United States.

Early life

Frothingham was born in Charlestown, Massachusetts to Richard and Mary (Thompson) Frothingham. He attended school in Charlestown.

Journalistic career

Frothingham was a proprietor, and from 1852 to 1865, a managing editor of, The Boston Post.

Politics

He was a member of the Massachusetts state legislature in 1839, 1840, 1842, 1849, and 1850, and mayor of Charlestown from 1851 to 1853. Frothingham was a delegate to the 1852 Democratic National Convention. During the 1852 election, Frothingham was an energetic supporter of Franklin Pierce for President. He was also a delegate to the 1876 Democratic National Convention.

Writings

He devoted much of his time to historical study, and published, in addition to many pamphlets, magazine articles and addresses: For several years, he was treasurer of the Massachusetts Historical Society. In 1858, Frothingham was elected a member of the American Antiquarian Society.