George Read: Lawyer, Patriot, and Father of Delaware

Early Life and Legal Career

• ⚖️ George Read, born in 1733, became a self-made lawyer and patriot who played a key role in shaping American government.
• 💼 By age 21, he had established a legal practice in Delaware and was recognized as one of the colony’s most respected attorneys.
• 👑 In 1763, Read was appointed Attorney General for Lower Delaware by the British Crown, a position he held for over a decade.

Path to Independence

• 🤝 Initially, Read sought reconciliation with Britain and advocated for compromise, hoping to resolve colonial grievances without war.
• 📜 He joined the Continental Congress in 1774 and, despite his diplomatic nature, eventually signed the Declaration of Independence with full conviction.
• 🏠 In retaliation for his support of independence, British forces ransacked his home and captured his wife, leading him to be on the run for six years.

Founding Delaware and the Constitution

• ✍️ Recognized for his contributions, Read was selected to draft Delaware’s first constitution and is considered by some to be its "father."
• 🏛️ He served as acting governor in 1777 when the British captured his predecessor.
• 🤝 In 1787, Read led Delaware’s delegation at the Constitutional Convention, strongly supporting small state interests.
• ✅ He urged Delaware to become the first state to ratify the U.S. Constitution.

Later Public Service

• 🇺🇸 Read continued his public service as a U.S. Senator and later as Chief Justice of Delaware until his death in 1798.
• 🗣️ He emphasized that the people are with the states and urged citizens to "guard the republic well."