John Reading (New Jersey governor) facts for kids

John Reading (born June 6, 1686 – died November 5, 1767) was an important leader in early New Jersey. He was the first governor of the British Province of New Jersey who was actually born there. He served as acting governor twice: first in 1747, and then again from September 1757 to June 1758.

John Reading's father, Colonel John Reading, owned a lot of land in Hunterdon County. The Reading family is still well-known in New Jersey today. John Reading also helped start the College of New Jersey, which later became the famous Princeton University.

Early Life and Public Service

John Reading was born in Gloucester, New Jersey, on June 6, 1686. When he was young, he and his sister Elsie went to England with their mother for their education. They stayed there for several years.

After returning to America, John helped his father with his work. His father was a surveyor, which means he measured land. He also helped manage the family's large land holdings. When his father passed away in 1717, John inherited a lot of land. This made him the wealthiest person in Hunterdon County.

Joining the Provincial Council

On November 3, 1718, when John was 32, Governor Hunter chose him to join the provincial council. This council helped the governor run the colony. At the same time, Reading was chosen to help mark the border between New Jersey and New York. He also helped define the lines between East and West New Jersey.

On June 24, 1720, Reading was appointed to the council for the new governor, William Burnet. He stayed on the council until 1758, when he decided to step down. During his time on the council, he became the acting governor of the province twice.

Other Important Roles

John Reading held many important jobs. On February 10, 1727, he became a "Colonel" in the military for Hunterdon County. On the same day, he was appointed the main judge for the court of common pleas in that county. Later, on August 14, 1727, he became a "surrogate" for Hunterdon and Somerset counties. This role likely involved legal duties, like handling wills.

On November 6, 1728, the King appointed him as one of the judges to "try pirates." He also served as a justice of the peace, helping to keep order. In April 1740, he helped recruit men to fight in the war against Spain. That same year, King George II appointed him to help define the border between Massachusetts and Rhode Island. For several years, he also managed the land interests in New Jersey for the family of William Penn.

Serving as Acting Governor

When Governor Lewis Morris passed away on May 21, 1746, Colonel John Hamilton took over. He was in charge until his own death on June 17, 1747. John Reading was then the senior member of the council. This meant he became the acting governor and commander-in-chief. He was the first person born in New Jersey to lead the province.

Reading's first time as governor was short. On August 10, 1747, Jonathan Belcher from Massachusetts took over as the official governor. Governor Belcher remained in charge until he passed away on August 31, 1757.

Second Term as Acting Governor

After Governor Belcher's death, John Reading was still the most senior member of the council. So, the job of leading the government fell to him again. At first, he didn't want to take the role because he was old and not feeling well. But he eventually agreed. He officially took office on September 9, 1757.

The next day, he wrote to Thomas Pownall, who was the Governor of Massachusetts and also named Lieutenant-Governor of New Jersey. Reading asked to be relieved of his duties right away due to his poor health. Governor Pownall took the oath of office on September 22, 1757. However, Pownall realized that even though Reading was physically weak, he was very sharp mentally. He also saw that people respected and trusted Reading a lot. So, Pownall returned to Massachusetts, leaving Reading in charge.

Supporting the Colony

Before New Jersey was fully united, the government met in two different places: Perth Amboy for East Jersey and Burlington for West Jersey. After the two parts joined, they kept both locations. The general assembly, which made laws, usually switched between the two places to make it fair for everyone.

In October 1757, the assembly met in Trenton. This was to make it easier for Reading, who was there for medical treatment. The assembly knew it was important for President Reading to live at one of the official capitals. They also knew he was not well enough to stay in an inn. So, they offered to pay for a home at each capital for him and his family.

In March 1758, letters arrived from England. They announced that Major-General James Abercrombie would lead the King's forces in North America. The letters asked the colonial governments to raise troops for the Seven Years' War. Reading received his letter on March 6. He quickly responded to the King's request. He called a meeting of the general assembly, which met in Burlington on March 23. The next day, he gave speeches asking the assembly to raise troops to support the King in the war. He also announced that a regiment (a group of soldiers) would be formed right away. Reading even called for a day of fasting and prayer.

Retirement from Public Life

The last meeting of the council under John Reading's leadership was on May 22, 1758, in Trenton. During this meeting, he approved payments for the colony's officials. Three weeks later, the Honorable Francis Bernard arrived from England. He had been appointed as the new governor. On June 16, Bernard officially took over from Reading.

Even after Bernard became governor, John Reading's name was still at the top of the council list in the King's instructions. However, Reading was determined to retire from public life. On July 28, 1758, he met Governor Bernard in Burlington. He told Bernard that "his great age and infirmities" (his old age and poor health) made him unable to do his duty on the King's Council. He asked Governor Bernard to accept his resignation.

Governor Bernard thanked Reading for his service. He promised to tell the King about Reading's request so it could be approved. With everyone on the council agreeing, Reading was excused from his duties until the King made a final decision. The King later accepted his resignation and appointed someone new.

After leaving public office, John Reading lived a private life until he passed away on November 5, 1767. In his will, he arranged for a special communion service to be given to the Old Amwell Presbyterian Church. He was connected to this church, and his body is buried in its graveyard.

He was known for being fair and kind to people of all Christian beliefs. He always told the truth and kept his promises. Everyone liked him, and his death was greatly missed.

Images for kids

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  John Reading Farmstead, built 1760