Jacob Read (1752 – July 17, 1816) was an American lawyer and politician from Charleston, South Carolina.

Read was born at "Hobcaw" plantation in Christ Church Parish, near Charleston, South Carolina, in 1752.

When Read returned to the United States, he served South Carolina in various military and civil capacities during the Revolutionary War.

[3] He served as President pro tempore of the Senate during the Fifth Congress for about a month, but was an unsuccessful candidate for reelection.

Read died in Charleston, South Carolina, on July 17, 1816 (age about 64 years).