George Read

George Read

Founding Father

About George

Table of Contents

I. Early Life and Pre-Revolution Career

  • Born in 1733: George Read's beginnings in Maryland.
  • Law Studies: Pursued his law education in Philadelphia.
  • Delaware Leader: Settled in Delaware and emerged as a prominent figure, becoming the attorney general in 1763.
  • British Resistance: Advocated against British overreach through leadership in the committees of correspondence.

II. Continental Congress

  • Delaware Representation: Served as a delegate from Delaware from 1774 to 1777.
  • Reluctant Signer: Though initially hesitant, he eventually supported and signed the Declaration of Independence in 1776.
  • Statecraft: Was instrumental in the framing of the Delaware state constitution and ascended to vice-presidential position.

III. Revolutionary Delaware

  • Interim Leadership: Stepped in as acting president from 1777-1778 in the absence of President McKinley.
  • War Support: Galvanized the relatively young Delaware legislature to rally behind the revolutionary cause.
  • Post-Presidential Role: Continued serving the Delaware council even after his presidential term.

IV. Constitutional Convention and Senate

  • Defender of Small States: Championed the rights of smaller states during the convention and endorsed the eventual compromises.
  • First to Ratify: Under his leadership, Delaware became the first state to ratify the U.S. Constitution.
  • Federalist Senator: Represented Delaware in the U.S. Senate from 1788-1793, endorsing Federalist stances.

V. Final Years

  • Chief Justice Role: After resigning from the Senate in 1793, Read was appointed as Chief Justice of Delaware.
  • End of Tenure: George Read's influential life culminated in 1798 with his passing.

VI. Legacy

  • Revolutionary Pillar: Read's contribution spanned from the Revolution, through the inception of state governance, up to the Federalist period.
  • Advocate for Independence: From initial skepticism to fervent support, Read's journey mirrored the evolution of American independence.