John Ready was born circa 1777. He had a varied career as an army officer, office holder, politician, and colonial administrator. He served as Lieutenant Governor for the colony of Prince Edward Island from 1824 to 1831. In 1832 he was appointed Lieutenant Governor of the Isle of Man, a post which he held until his death in 1845.

For a time before moving to Prince Edward Island Ready worked in various capacities for Charles Lennox, the 4th Duke of Richmond. His connection with the influential Richmonds continued throughout his life. The 5th Duke, a Conservative politician, lavish spender, and friend to Ready, used his position to assist Ready in his administrative career, advocating on Ready's behalf for the position as Lieutenant Governor for the Isle of Man.