Robert Read

For the New Zealand cricketer, see Robert Read (cricketer). For those of a similar name, see Robert Reed (disambiguation).

Robert Read (December 11, 1814 – June 29, 1896) was an Ontario businessman and political figure. He represented Hastings East in the 1st Canadian Parliament as a Conservative until February 24, 1871 when he was named to the Senate of Canada for Quinte division.^[1]

The Hon. Robert Read
Senator for Quinte, Ontario
In office February 24, 1871 – June 29, 1896
Appointed by	John A. Macdonald
Member of the Canadian Parliament for Hastings East
In office 1867–1871
Succeeded by	John White
Personal details
Born	(1814-12-11)December 11, 1814 Fressingfield in Suffolk, England
Died	June 29, 1896(1896-06-29) (aged 81)
Political party	Conservative

He was born at Fressingfield in Suffolk, England in 1814,^[1] the son of Robert Read,^[2] and came to Upper Canada in 1836, settling at Belleville. Read was a farmer, distiller and tanner. He also served as director of the Grand Trunk Railway. He was elected to the Legislative Council of the Province of Canada for Quinte in 1862 and then was elected to the House of Commons after Confederation.^[3]

In 1840, Read married Margaret Campion.^[2] He died in office in 1896.^[1]

References

1. Robert Read – Parliament of Canada biography
2. Johnson, J.K. (1968). The Canadian Directory of Parliament 1867-1967. Public Archives of Canada.
3. The Canadian Biographical Dictionary and Portrait Gallery of Eminent and Self-made Men. Vol. Ontario. Toronto: American Biographical Publishing Company. 1880. pp. 725–726.