LAWRENCE BURTON READER was the third son of John Reader and his wife Lillia. The family had lived in Camden in the 1870s before moving to Minden NE, where Lawrence Reader was born on February 16, 1886. The family returned to Camden in 1890. John Reader was appointed to the in 1898.

Lawrence Reader played baseball and studied law as a young man. In 1905 and 1906, and possibly in 1907 he was a member of the Orient team, one of the many local ball clubs in Camden and its environs. In that same year he became a notary public, working with another young lawyer, Ernest Bartelt. He married Bessie McLear in June 1907 at Atlantic City. New Jersey. In 1908 Lawrence Reader was admitted as attorney, with an office 207 Market Street, Camden

Lawrence Reader became involved in politics. He was elected to city council from Camden's 13th Ward six consecutive years, beginning in 1913.  During his years as a councilman he served on the Property, Ordinance, Finance, Electrical and Accounts committees. 

Lawrence Reader registered for the draft in Camden on September 12, 1918. He and wife Bessie were then living at 1362 Haddon Avenue. Sadly, Lawrence Reader died in Camden, a victim of the influenza epidemic, on October 10, 1918 and was buried at Harleigh Cemetery.

Lawrence Reader was survived by his wife Bessie and four children, his father, step-mother, and brothers Aaron and Dr. Addison B.G. Reader.