GEORGE READ 1734-1798

George Read was born in the province of Maryland in 1734, the eldest of 6 brothers.  His Grandfather was a wealthy resident of Dublin, Ireland and his father emigrated to America about 1726. He was placed in a highly regarded school in Pennsylvania where he learned Latin and Greek, his father already prepared him with a good English education.
At the age of seventeen he studied for the law and when he was accepted for the Bar he did a remarkable thing.  He legally removed himself from the family's holdings leaving all to his brothers.
At the age of 29 he became the Attorney General of the lower counties of Delaware.  He held that post until elected to the Continental Congress in 1774
When the English Parliament, in order to punish Boston for dumping the load of tea in the harbor,  passed the Act closing the port to all shipping, in and out.  They also filled Boston with Red-Coats.  The people of Boston were in dire straits.  George Read along with Nicholas Van Dyke organize the effort to collect relief for the people of Boston.
Then in 1774 Mr. Read, along with Caesar Rodney and Thomas McKean, were elected to the General Congress.  He was reelected in 1775 and 1776 and was proud to place his signature on the Declaration Of Independence.  During this time he was also a member of the Delaware Assembly.
Soon after the Battle of Brandywine in 1777, Governor M'Kinley, President of the state was captured by the British and Mr. Read, being Vice President took over the duties of the President, serving both offices at the same time.
In 1785 he was appointed Judge of a special court to settle a dispute over territory between New York and Massachusetts.
George Read was elevated to Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of
Delaware in 1793 and held that position until his death in 1798...Medicinneman!