Charles John Reader
Charles John Reader in Christchurch, NZ
Charles John was the first child of Chas and Mary Ann Reader. He was born in Spitalfields and christened on the 18th December 1803 at St Botolphs at Bishopgate, in London.
In 1823 he joined the Mechanical Institute which was a revolt against the establishment, to help make reading of a book legal with access to all. He spoke at Glasgow as a guest speaker.
In 1835 he joined the Booksellers Provident Fund of which his father was a founder and Director.
At the age of 35 in 1841 he was still living at his parents home at 29 Bellyard, Lincolns Inn as a shopman. Probably working for his father in the second hand legal bookshop.
On the 3 March 1849 he married Harriot Howes at St Marylebone and on the 30th March 1851 they were residing at number 1 Alfred Place, Bexley aged 49 and 29 stating he was a Grocer.
A few months later C.J and Harriet boarded 'The Dominion" a 547 Ton ship on the 8th of May set for New Zealand. They slept in the steerage area. The Dominion docked at Lyttleton, Christchurch on the 30th August 1851. The ship was organized by the Canterbury Association with free passage for tradesman. He boarded as a carpenter, but once he arrived he joined the Mechanical institute of which he was a member of in London and Glasgow.
He eventually became the Head Librarian replacing Charles Ray who retired from old age.
Above Harriot Reader ( Nee Howes )
Mechanical Institute, Christchurch, New Zealand.
Descendants
Charles Born 21st December 1851
Emily Born 17th May 1854
Thomas Born 28th December 1857
William Henry Born 18th Nov 1856
C.J and Harriot moved into the upstairs quarters of the institute as seen on the left. He joined the Lyttelton Colonist Society, of which he was put forward for as a committe member, It was seconded and passed.
The commitee was put together to initiate a report on "The Provincial Constitution" proclaimed by his excellency the Governor General. ( To set up Law and order )
Charles John was present when the Mechanical Institute changed to "The Canterbury Library".
C.J and Harriot purchased four and a half acres of land in Fendalton at 100 pounds / acre which was later valued at 2325 pounds.
In 1876 C.J retired at the age of 73 from old age. He died on the 11th December 1885 and was buried at St Peters in Riccaton.
Harriot moved into her daughters Emily's home at 572 Gloucester Street in Linwood. The will was split up between all of the descendants. Emily was the trustee of the will.
Harriot died at the age of 75.
