John Read was a lawyer, financier, and philanthropist in Philadelphia, Pa. Born in 1769, he was the son of George Read and Gertrude Ross. He graduated from the College of New Jersey (Princeton) in 1787 and then studied law in his father's office in New Castle, Delaware. Read was admitted to the bar in 1791. In 1789, he moved to Philadelphia and married Martha Meredith. Read was appointed Agent General of the United States under the Jay Treaty in 1794. He served in that capacity until 1809. Read was active in Pennsylvania politics, a leader of the Federal Party, and held several elected offices. From 1819 to 1841, he was President of the Philadelphia Bank as well as head of other corporations. He was active in the Episcopal Church. Read and his family resided in a mansion on the south side of Chestnut St. between 7th and 8th Sts.
From the description of Account book, 1799-1801, 1805-1811. (Winterthur Library). WorldCat record id: 84666599
