US Congressman, Inventor. Born in Warren, Massachusetts, he graduated from Harvard University in 1781, was a teacher and a tutor in Harvard University, until 1787. In 1788, he began to work with the theories of steam engines and built the tubular boiler, a new kind of steam boiler. He then made efforts to improve the function of the steam cylinder placed it in a horizontal position so the engine could sustain much higher pressure and invented the high-pressure steam engine. His new engine was more convenient, portable, also much lighter and safer, which could be used in new fields, such as steamboat and locomotive. Read made several models of steamcar and steamboat in 1790, invented the chain-wheel to using paddle wheels to propel the steamboat and set up a shipbuilding factory in 1796. He also developed a new machine, which could be cutting and heading nails at one operation, which was patented on January 8, 1798 and developed a style of rotary steam engine in 1817. In 1800, he was elected as a Federalist to the Sixth Congress to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of Samuel Sewall, was reelected to the Seventh Congress and served until 1803. Not a candidate for re-nomination, he was judge of the court of common pleas of Essex County in 1803, moved to Belfast, Maine, in 1807 and was judge of the county court of Hancock County in 1807. He was instrumental in establishing Belfast Academy and served as trustee until his death at age 89 in Belfast, Maine.
US Congressman, Inventor. Born in Warren, Massachusetts, he graduated from Harvard University in 1781, was a teacher and a tutor in Harvard University, until 1787. In 1788, he began to work with the theories of steam engines and built the tubular boiler, a new kind of steam boiler. He then made efforts to improve the function of the steam cylinder placed it in a horizontal position so the engine could sustain much higher pressure and invented the high-pressure steam engine. His new engine was more convenient, portable, also much lighter and safer, which could be used in new fields, such as steamboat and locomotive. Read made several models of steamcar and steamboat in 1790, invented the chain-wheel to using paddle wheels to propel the steamboat and set up a shipbuilding factory in 1796. He also developed a new machine, which could be cutting and heading nails at one operation, which was patented on January 8, 1798 and developed a style of rotary steam engine in 1817. In 1800, he was elected as a Federalist to the Sixth Congress to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of Samuel Sewall, was reelected to the Seventh Congress and served until 1803. Not a candidate for re-nomination, he was judge of the court of common pleas of Essex County in 1803, moved to Belfast, Maine, in 1807 and was judge of the county court of Hancock County in 1807. He was instrumental in establishing Belfast Academy and served as trustee until his death at age 89 in Belfast, Maine.
Bio by: John "J-Cat" Griffith
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