Place of Origin

United States ➔ Delaware ➔ New Castle

Date of Composition

early 19th century

Description

This book of recipes for foods, household items, and remedies was probably kept by Margaret Meredith Read (1773-1816), wife of William Thompson Read, of New Castle, Delaware. William Read was born on August 22, 1792 in the Read Mansion in New Castle, Delaware. He graduated from Princeton and went on to study law with his father before being admitted to the Delaware Bar. He became active in politics, residing for some time in Washington and elected to the Delaware state senate in 1830. He authored a book on the life of his grandfather, George Read, a signer both of the Declaration of Independence and of the Constitution. He was one of the founders of the Historical Society of Delaware (now Delaware Historical Society), which now operates his house as a museum. Read died in New Castle on January 27, 1873.

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