George Read and His Son
Their prominence in New Castle
George
Read is a prominent man not only in Delaware history, but also American
history. As the plaque to the right
(which is currently found on the wall surrounding the George Read II House garden)
says, he was a “MEMBER OF THE CONGRESS OF THE REVOLUTION, THE CONVENTION THAT
FRAMED THE CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES AND OF THE FIRST SENATE UNDER IT,
JUDGE OF ADMIRALTY PRESIDENT AND CHIEF JUSTICE OF DELAWARE AND A SIGNER OF THE
DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE.” His
second born son, George Read II aspired to one day surpass his father’s
fame. While his political and
occupational attempts never quite reached such a high level, his home did. It was said to be the largest and most
magnificent house in all of Delaware at the time.
Aside
from his grand residence, he also led a successful personal life. He married his cousin Mary Thompson from
Carlisle, Pennsylvania and fathered eight children. He made his living as a lawyer.
Considering all that went into the house, many contractors and
specialists that contributed to its construction, and the constant upkeep and
renovations (like the kitchen), one can gather that George Read II was a
successful lawyer. The engraving on
the left was taken from a portrait by Adolf Ulrich Wertmuller.
*Click here for a Read Family Genealogy
-Researched by: Amy Cunningham
