Road to Liberty: George Read

George Read, born on September 18, 1733, in Cecil County, Maryland, was a self-made lawyer and patriot who helped shape the foundation of American government. He studied law at an early age and, by 21, established a legal practice in Delaware, quickly becoming one of the colony’s most respected attorneys.

In 1763, at 29, Read was appointed Attorney General for Lower Delaware by the British Crown, a position he held for over a decade. Though loyal to the law, Read hoped to resolve colonial grievances without war and initially sought reconciliation with Britain.

In 1774, Read left his post to join the Continental Congress, continuing to advocate for compromise. However, as the push for independence became unavoidable, he signed the Declaration of Independence. In retaliation, British forces ransacked his home and captured his wife.

Recognized for his contributions, Read was selected to draft Delaware’s first constitution, and is considered by some to be “the father” of Delaware. In 1777, he served as acting governor when the British captured his predecessor. A decade later, Read led Delaware’s delegation at the Constitutional Convention, where he strongly supported small state interests. After securing those rights, he urged Delaware to become the first state to ratify the U.S. Constitution.

Read continued his public service as a U.S. Senator and later as Chief Justice of Delaware, a role he held until his death on September 21, 1798.