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- Colonel John Reading, the founder of the New Jersey family of this surname, was without doubt of gentle birth, and enjoyed in his youth the advantages of a good education. It is thought that he was of London, England, or of that vicinity, where a family of that name had been seated from at least the Thirteenth century. The date of his emigration is not known, but was probably about the year 1684, in which year he is found in Gloucester, New Jersey. For some years prior to his coming to West New Jersey, he was interested in the movement to promote the settlement of the province, and in 1677 made his first purchase of lands there, consisting of one-sixth of a propriety (a propriety was one equal, undivided hundredth part of the province). The deeds for the same are not of record, but the fact is shown in later conveyances.
On his arrival in the province, he located at what is now Gloucester City, and here resided many years. The following year, 1685, he was elected a member of the assembly, and attended its sessions at Burlington. He became the owner of the majority of the eighty-eight lots into which Gloucester town was divided. In 1688 lie was chosen clerk of the county, the most important office within the gift of the people, and held the same until 1702, being annually re-elected. In 1693 he was granted the ferry franchise over Gloucester river, and on the Delaware river from Gloucester to Wicaco, Philadelphia. Colonel Reading was one of the largest landed proprietors in the province.
In 1681 a complete colonial government was established and a legislative assembly chosen, which body assumed the power to manage the landed interests of the proprietors. This continued until 1687, when the assembly declined further superintendence of the interests, especially belonging to the proprietors, and signified to them that they might choose a convenient number from among themselves to transact the business of the proprietors. John Reading is named in the agreement as one of the first cousellors, then styled commissioners and trustees, and nine others were chosen on the board. At a meeting of the council, held the following year, Colonel Reading was chosen a commissioner " to examine all deeds, take a minute of the same, and issue warrants to the surveyor general for the surveying and taking up of lands and keeping a record of the same," for the inhabitants of Gloucester county, or to any others as occasion may require. He was elected a member of the assembly of 1697, and attended its sittings at Burlington, and in 1701 was again chosen to the assembly, serving as clerk of that body.
In 1702, the proprietors of East and West New Jersey surrendered to the crown their claim to the right of government, whereby the two provinces became united in one, under the style of Nova Caesarea, or New Jersey. In the year 1703 the council of proprietors concluded to increase their landed possessions, and appointed John Reading, John Wills and William Biddle, Jr., their agents, to treat with the Indians, above Trenton Falls, for the purchase of lands. In pursuance thereof they negotiated with the chiefs, Himharnmoe and Caponnochon, and from the former they purchased a tract of land lying on both sides of the Raritan river, and from the latter land fronting on the Delaware river, amounting in all to about one hundred and fifty thousand acres. Some time between 1704 and 1709 Colonel Reading removed from Gloucester county to what was then the northern part of Burlington county, but which later became Amwell township, Hunterdon county. His estate lay on the Delaware river, covering what is now the towns of Stockton and Prallsville. His residence was at Stockton, where he established a landing known as John Reading's landing.
In January, 1712, he was commissioned by Governor Hunter as one of the judges of the supreme court of the province. December 5, 1713, he entered on his duties as one of the queen's council. He became an active member and continued so until his death. His life, which was always active and honorable, came to a close at his seat in Hunterdon county, in October, IM. His age was uncertain at his death, but it is assumed that he was over sixty-one. According to family records, Colonel Reading's wife was Elizabeth, maiden name not known. Their children were : John, mentioned hereinafter, and Elsie, who became the wife of Captain Daniel Howell.
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Gov. John READING was the president of the Royal Council of New Jersey and acting Royal Governor of New Jersey in 1747 and again in 1757, being the first native-born Jerseyman to govern the Province.
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He was a Justice of the Peace and was president judge of the Court of Common Pleas for Hunterdon Co.
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He was colonel of the Hunterdon Co., NJ Militia.
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