Welcome to our news and history blog!

Welcome to our news and history blog!

Thursday, February 27, 2020

THE UNKNOWN DONOR PROVES TO BE N. B. MEAD (1920)


Source:

The handsome bronze memorial war tablet presented to Second Congregational Church by an anonymous donor was dedicated last Sunday morning at the church, and the name of the giver was discovered to be Nelson B. Mead. he gave it away in his own speech of presentation. The gift was received by Dr. Huckel on behalf of the congregation. 

The former pastor, Rev. Charles F. Taylor, who had two sons in the war, one of whom died in service, made the address; and Dr. Huckel read an original poem for Armistice Day. The choir rendered special music, among the selections being an ode with words by Brian Hooker and music by Horatio Parker of Yale.

The tablet is placed on the walls of the spire vestibule. It was made by the Gotham Company of New York, and contains 84 names of those of this congregation who answered the call of their country in the great war. 

Seth Mead Stops Second Runaway (1920)



Source:

Seth Mead, Greenwich's most enthusiastic sporting fan and incidentally a young man of true courage, is in line for a Carnegie Medal for bravery. It was not so many months ago that he halted a runaway team, and he repeated the feat again on Thursday.

"Seth" was standing on the sidewalk near the Thayer taxi stand on Greenwich Avenue. A driver of a team from Semloh Farm, the H.T. Holmes estate, pulled up in front of the Boles store and left the horses untied.

A passing trolley car started the excitement. The team, perhaps impatient from the snappy cold air or frightened by the noise of the trolley, started on a mad dash up Greenwich Avenue. "Seth" saw the horses start, realized the situation instantly, gladly and without thought of self, yielded to the impulse suggesting action on his part.

He ran into the street, grasped the reins of the near horse, leaped about in front of the two galloping animals, got a good hold on the bridal of the far horse and held on grimly. The team failed in its attempt to shake him loose and finally halted.

"Seth" was congratulated by spectators and thanked warmly by the driver. His quick work possibly prevented all kinds of damage being done. The boys at Whalen's, 'tis said, are preparing a petition to be forwarded to the Carnegie Bravery Medal Commission. 


Wednesday, February 26, 2020

Soldiers Monument Project (1884)

Source: Greenwich Graphic. Saturday, June 28, 1884.




The general committee having charge of the project of securing a Soldier's Monument in Greenwich, met Wednesday evening, in Col. Hoyt's office. The committee on design reported progress.

The finance committee reported that the following auxiliaries had been selected: 

Meeting House District, Louisa S. Ritch; Cos Cob, Amelia Mead; Sound Beach, A.A. Marks; Mianus, Lorenzo Finney; North Cos Cob, Elkanah Mead; South Stanwich, Erastus Burns; Banksville, William S. Finch; Round Hill, Amy M. Close; Quaker Ridge, E. Cornelia Mead; North Street, Cornelius Mead; Clapboard Ridge, S. Elbert Mills; Pecks' Land, Paul B. Ferris; Riversville, Susan C. Wilcot; Glenville, Webster Haight; King Street, Sarah Lyon; East Portchester, Jessie S. Wessels; Pemberwick, Joseph H. Marshall.

It was voted that Messrs. Harry Peck, J.E. Russell and Col. H.W.R. Hoyt, to be appointed a committee to prepare an address for publications and distribution, stating the objects and purposes of the committee, and soliciting the aid and co-operation of the public in carrying its purposes into effect.

The next meeting will be held Thursday, evening, July 10th, at 7:30 o'clock. 



Saturday, February 8, 2020

Obituary: Cornelius Mead (1913)


Source: Greenwich Graphic. March 7, 1913. Page 4, Column 4.

Hon. Cornelius Mead died at his home on Thursday. He had been in failing health upwards of two years, and was a constant care to his family for the greater part of that period.

For many years he was one of the leading men of Greenwich, and his genial disposition made him popular in whatever circle of society of politics he happened to be.

His father, who was Drake Mead, married when about 32 years of age, Miss Julia A. Knapp, and he was the eldest of the family of three children, William J., who died only a few years ago, and Julia A., who died in infancy.

The family is one of the oldest and most conspicuous in Greenwich, and the farm on which the deceased was born and lived during his life, has been in their possession upwards of two hundred years.

While never an active politician, his father was what was known as a Jacksonian Democrat. He served one term as a  selectman. He was a devout Christian, a strict observer of the Sabbath and a leading member of Christ Episcopal Church. He was a most liberal contributor to the church edifice which was removed to make place for the church building recently completed, and served some years as a senior warden. 

The subject of this sketch was born in June, 1829, and was in his 84th year at this time. His education was begun in the little North Street School, and he later attended the Greenwich Academy, then conducted by prof. Philander Button, reputed to be one of the most capable teachers ever located in Greenwich. He spent one year also in a New York grammar school. Returning home he began the active work of assisting in the management of the large farm, which has always been one of the most successful in every way among those which made Greenwich famous in former years as an agricultural community.

At the age of 31 years he was married to Miss Frances Cheeseman, a native of New York, daughter of Joseph Cheeseman. She passed away only a few months ago. They began housekeeping in a building on the farm, after a few years removing to the homestead, where they resided continuously since. There are three children who survive, Walter C., of Denver; Edgar T., who has remained at home, and Mary G., wife of William Richmond Talbot. 

Mr. Mead always was a staunch Democrat, and his ability and public spirit were so greatly recognized that he was frequently called upon to serve in official capacity. He was a member of the Legislature for several sessions, and also served on the board of Assessors and board of relief.

He was one of the oldest members of Acacia Masonic Lodge. 

*Source: Greenwich Graphic. March 14, 1913. 
The funeral services of Cornelius Mead were held from Christ Church, last Saturday afternoon, Rev. Mr. Thompson, the rector, officiating. Burial was in the church cemetery.