John Butler Reader

From History of Walworth County Wisconsin by Albert Clayton Beckwith, Vol. II, Publ. 1912 - Page 1035-1036 JOHN BUTLER READER. Success as a business man is not attained by the indolent and unobserving, but by the diligent, persistent and close observer, and these qualities seem to be possessed by John Butler READER, of Delavan, another of the worthy native sons of Walworth county, who represents an excellent old family and who has so conducted himself that he has met with a fair measure of success in a material way all along the line and at the same time has kept the good name of the family unsmirched. Mr. READER was born on August 17 1861, in this county and here he has been content to spend his life. He is the son of J. J. and Charlotte W. (HITCHCOCK) READER, a complete sketch of whom will be found on another page of this work. Mr. READER received his education in the public schools of the city of Delavan, and when twenty years of age he began his business career by accepting a position with Fairbanks, Morse & Company, of Chicago, continuing in their employ for a period of two years, giving them entire satisfaction. He then returned to Delavan in 1883 and began manufacturing windmills, and tanks, which business he has continued to the present with ever-increasing success, the superiority of his products being universally recognized, hence are eagerly sought after. He is well equipped in every respect for the manufacture of these lines and only the most skilled artisans are employed. He is also agent for the famous Fairbanks, Morse & Company's private light and pumping gasoline engine and dynamos, and enjoys an excellent business, which is rapidly growing. He has a good location at the corner of Seventh and Wisconsin streets. Mr. READER was married on January 8, 1891, to Alice M. SMITH, daughter of Ross S. and Elizabeth (BROOKS) SMITH, a sketch of whom appears on another page of this work. Suffice it to say here that, like the READER family, they have long been among our highly esteemed citizens. To Mr. and Mrs. READER two children have been born, named as follows: Frank Clifford, born November 26, 1891, died October 25, 1897; and Marlene Elizabeth, born January 29, 1901. Mr. READER has a commodious and modernly appointed home at the corner of Walworth and Seventh streets, and has also built several other fine houses in the city of Delavan. Mr. READER has also found time to perform his full duty as a public spirited citizen. He was a member of the city council six years, and for fourteen years has been a member of the board of trustees of Spring Grove cemetery, being on the executive committee of the board for the last ten years. He is also a member of the water commission in the city of Delavan, having served in that capacity several years. Submitted by Carol

See Also: J.J. Reader and Deacon John Reader