The Read family of Delaware were a prominent political family in the 18th and 19th centuries in Delaware, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. It was founded by John Read, a wealthy Englishman who was one of the founders of Chestertown, Maryland. Family Members John Read (1688- June 17, 1756), m. Mary Howell, resided New Castle County, Delaware George Read (Sep 18, 1733- Sep 21, 1798), m. Gertrude Ross Till, resided New Castle, Delaware. Signer of the Declaration of Independence, U.S. Senator, and Acting President of Delaware. John, died in infancy George, II, resided New Castle, Delaware John (Jul 7, 1769 - July 13, 1854), banker, resided Philadelphia, Pennsylvania John Merideth Read (Jul 21, 1797 - Nov 29, 1874), Chief Justice of Pennsylvania, resided Philadelphia, Pennsylvania John Merideth Read (Feb 21, 1837- ) diplomatist Thomas Read (1740- Oct 26, 1788), Commodore, U.S. Navy, resided Bordentown, New Jersey James Read (1743- Dec 31, 1822), Colonel, Continental Army, resided Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Mary, m. 1769 Gunning Bedford, Sr. References Read Read