George Read

George Read was an influential American politician and a Founding Father, who played a significant role in the early governance of the United States. He served as a U.S. Senator from Delaware and held various prominent positions throughout his political career, including being a delegate to the Constitutional Convention and president of Delaware. His contributions to the founding documents of the nation are notable, as he was one of the few individuals to sign both the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution.

Early life and career

George Read was born on September 18, 1733, in Cecil County, Maryland. Shortly after his birth, his family relocated to New Castle County, Delaware, where they settled near the village of Christiana. Read's early education took place at the Rev. Francis Allison's Academy in New London, Pennsylvania, where he studied alongside Thomas McKean, who would also become a prominent political figure. Following his education, Read pursued a legal career, studying law in Philadelphia under John Moland. He was admitted to the Pennsylvania Bar in 1753 and returned to Delaware the following year to establish his law practice in New Castle.

In 1763, George Read married Gertrude Ross Till, who was the daughter of the Rev. George Ross, an Anglican rector, and the widowed sister of George Ross, another future signer of the Declaration of Independence. The couple had four children: John, George Jr., William, and Mary. The family resided on The Strand in New Castle, where their home is now part of the Read House and Gardens, a property owned by the Delaware Historical Society. Read was an active member of the Immanuel Episcopal Church.

Read's political career began in earnest when he was appointed crown attorney general for the three Delaware counties by John Penn, the proprietary governor, in 1763. He held this position until he departed for the Continental Congress in 1774. Additionally, Read served in the Colonial Assembly representing the lower Delaware counties for twelve sessions from 1764 to 1776, during which he became increasingly involved in the political landscape of the time.

Senate tenure

George Read's Senate career began in 1789, when he was elected as a U.S. Senator from Delaware. He was a member of the Senate Class 1 and served two terms in this capacity. His tenure in the Senate lasted until December 31, 1793, marking the end of his formal legislative career at the federal level. During his time in the Senate, Read was part of the early formation of the legislative processes and structures that would define the United States government.

As a senator, Read was involved in the foundational debates and decisions that shaped the new nation. His experience as a delegate to the Constitutional Convention in 1787 and his previous roles in the Continental Congress provided him with a unique perspective on the challenges facing the young republic. Although specific details about his voting record and legislative initiatives during his Senate tenure are not available, it is clear that his prior political experiences influenced his contributions to the Senate.

Legislative focus and committees

Throughout his political career, George Read's legislative focus was shaped by the tumultuous political climate of the time, particularly during the American Revolution and the formation of the United States government. Initially, Read was part of the Court Party, which favored reconciliation with Great Britain and was generally aligned with the colonial proprietary government. However, as tensions escalated, he became involved in the revolutionary movement, serving as a delegate to both the First and Second Continental Congresses from 1774 to 1777.

Read's cautious approach to independence was evident when he voted against the motion for independence in July 1776, a decision that required his fellow delegate, Caesar Rodney, to travel overnight to Philadelphia to cast the decisive vote in favor of independence. Despite his initial reluctance, Read ultimately signed the Declaration of Independence, demonstrating his commitment to the cause of American freedom.

In addition to his role in the Continental Congress, Read played a significant part in the governance of Delaware. He was elected president of the Delaware constitutional convention, which drafted the state's first constitution in 1776. His leadership in this capacity was instrumental in establishing the legal framework for the new state following its separation from British rule. Read also served as president of Delaware from October 1777 to March 1778, during a critical period when the British occupied Philadelphia.

After his Senate career, Read continued to be active in public service, including a role as chief justice of Delaware. His contributions to the early legal and political framework of the United States, as well as his involvement in the drafting of key documents, solidified his legacy as a significant figure in American history.

George Read passed away on September 21, 1798, leaving behind a legacy as a Founding Father and a key player in the establishment of the United States. His life and career reflect the complexities of the American Revolution and the challenges faced by the early leaders of the nation.