Wilmington daily commercial., 1873-01-28
Obituary.
DEATH OF WIN. T. READ.

DEATH OF WIN. T. READ.
William T. Read, Esq, died at his residence, a
New Castle, yesterday afternoon, at $3.50, in the
slst year Of his age. The death Of no one has
occurred in this State, for many years, which
will be more universally regretted. Though In
feeble health from advancing age, he was ia the
enjoyment OF his usual strength until yesterday
at IL o'clock, when he fell insensible under an
appopleItic stroke and expired 81 the hour stated
Mir, Read was a grandson OF George Read the
signer of the Declaration Of Independence and a
son Of the late George Read. He was brother
OF the late George Read, Jr., very gifted man
aud member Of the New Castle County Bar, and
also member of the Constitutional Convention
of 1880.
William T. Read, although man Of distinc-
ton was never very actively engaged in public
life. He won his renOwn principally in the field
of literature, and has furnished some very valu-
able contributions to history. In his earlier
years he was q member Of the New Castle Ooun-
ty Bar, but practiced only short time, the con-
tests Of the bar being incompatible with his
tastes. He has been retired entirely for many
years. He was at one time a member Of the
Legislature, and at the time of his death men,
ber Of the Centennial Commission.
MIR. Reads great fondness was for literature,
especially for history, and 1t s highly probable
that no man is left in Delaware 30 familiar with
the history Of his State and country al he. There
came into his possession q mass OF papers and
correspondence belonging to his grandfather,
which related to the period prior to- during and
subsequent to the Revolution, which have been
OF inestimable service to Mr. Read in the various
contributions which he has made to history,
from time to time,
MIR. Reads principal work was the history of
his grandfather, and was the most valuable con-
tribution to the history OF Delaware, probably,
that has ever been written 1t contains great
mass of original papers and correspondence never
before published historical sketches of the CON
temporaries Of his grandfather, and distinguish
ed soldiers, statesmen and lawyers. The work
was the result OF a protracted and conscientious
labor. and gives evidence of literary ability Of
no mean order. With tho compilation Of this
work, his literary life seemed TO cease II called
forth the congratulations OF the friends and ia
vorabe notices from the press, which afforded
Mr.. Read in his declining years, great pleasure.
Mr. Read was prominent member of the Ma
sonic order. and at various times delivered his
torical addresses before the society Of great
value, among which is a sketch Of the life and
character Of Hon. Cesar A. Rodney. He was
also member Of the Delaware Historical Socie'
ty and contributed many valuable papers to the
history of this State under its auspices.
Two or three years ago Mr.. Read lost the
partner of his Joys by an unfortunate accident
This was great aifliction TO him. She was
lovely woman, and he was devotedly attached to
her They leave no children.
In his religious convictions, Mr.. Read was an
Episcopalian, and strongly rooted in that faith,
For many years he was one Of the wardens Of
Emmanuel church, at New Castle.
He was a man OF irTeproachable character,
gentle and amisble in his disposition, while bis
manners were those of a gentleman of the old
school. He was most scrupulous OF his honor,
and held in deteatation the commission OF a
mean act He was Rffable and agreeable to all
with whom he was in any manner associated.
The funeral of Mr.. Read will take place on
Thursday, at o'clock z. NJ. Interment at I'm
manuel Church, New Castle.