Originally published Spring/Summer 2001 by Jeffrey Bingham Mead
If there is any place where time stands still, and where history lies unruffled by the passage of time, it's in a burying ground or cemetery. Calmness, stillness, placidity, and serenity characterize these hallowed settings.
History stands poised by changing trends; the weather-worn stones stand in defiant indifference. Strolling among the graves of our Mead ancestors is a fascinating experience. That's especially true for those seeking to unlock the dim mysteries of our heritage.
Many Mead ancestors are buried in other cemeteries in the Town of Greenwich, Connecticut. A number of these stones are carved with epitaphs. They tell us many things, ranging from particulars about faith in God, tributes to departed loved ones, records of military valor, and much, much more. These have been transcribed from the tombstones, and a few are reproduced here for the enrichment of our family descendants and friends. The name, date of death, and burial site is listed.
Whether the intent is to reinforce moral standards, or record achievements and legacies, epitaphs continue to elicit curiosity. The most expressive and informative inscriptions on Greenwich gravestones voice lament, outline lifetime achievements, teach lessons to the living reader, and offer timely and bewitching warnings from times past.
Lucy, wife of Titus Mead
died April 11, 1804
aged 78 years.
New Burial Grounds Association Cemetery, next to the Second Congregational Church
Here lies a mother kind
A wife most dear;
In her manners mild
Friendship sincere.
Catherine, wife of Jonathan Mead
died May 1, 1841
aged 55 years & 15 days.
Round Hill Cemetery
Dearest Mother thou hast left us
And thy loss we deeply feel
But tis God that hath bereft us
He can all our sorrows heal.
Lewis Mead
died May 7, 1830
aged 30 years, 9 months & 25 days
The Old Burying Ground at North Greenwich
The scene was tranquil and serene
No pain in his look was seen
The Savior smil'd and dispel'd the gloom
And sooth'd his paings to the tomb.
Charity Mead, wife of Joshua Knapp
died November 16, 1842
Knapp Burying Ground, Round Hill
By her integrity, disinterested benevolence, faith and charity, she exemplified the Christian Religion. The death came suddenly she was entirely resigned. Her mind clear and serene, filled with the presence of God, she anticipated meeting her departed friends to enjoy with them the presence of God.
Devoid of envy, selfishness and guile
Resting on Christ with every calm delight
Thro' death's dark vale she passed
without a tear
And faith & hope exchanged for
blissful sight.
Hannah, wife of Darius Mead
died May 5, 1836
aged 65 years, 10 months & 28 days
The North Greenwich Congregational Church Cemetery
Blessed are the dead which die in
the Lord from henceforth.
Be ye also ready for in such an hour
we think not, they Son of man cometh.
Deliverance Mead
died May 3, 1785
67 years
Putnam Cemetery, Greenwich
Oh death! how sudden was thy wait paid
No time allow'd to take a last adieu
This hour in health the next a corpse
was torn from this world his friends
no more to view.
Mead Burying Ground, North Greenwich
Died January 29, 1795,aged 29 years.
The body must ascend to earth above
it came by the spirit to God who gave it.
Jared Mead
who perished on the Hudson River
in the sinking of his Schooner the JONATHAN BORAM
by the steamer FRANCIS R. SKIDDY.
Died October 14, 1852, aged 36 years & 3 months
New Burial Grounds Association Cemetery, next to the Second Congregational Church
Husband thou art gone to rest
Thy toils and cares are o'er
And sorrow pain and suffering now
Shall ne'er distress thee more.
Mrs. Keziah Mead, wife of Deacon Abraham Mead
Died April 12, 1826
New Burial Grounds Association Cemetery next to the Second Congregational Church
Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord
From henceforth yea saith the Spirit
That they may rest from their labors
And their works do follow them.
Two infant sons of Daniel S. & Huldah Mead
One born April 29, 1838 and died April 30, 1838
The other born January 6, 1842 and died January 9, 1842
New Burial Grounds Association Cemetery next to the Second Congregational Church
Suffer little children to come
Unto me for of such is the
Kingdom of Heaven.
Son of Sanford & Cynthia F. Mead
A member of CO. 1 10th Regt. C.V.,
Having passed through the Battles of Roanoke & New Bern, N.C.
Died of Typhoid Fever at New Bern, N.C. on
Aged 21 years, 5 months, 3 days.
New Burial Grounds Association Cemetery next to the Second Congregational Church
God smiles on valiant soldiers
Alice, wife of Amos Mead
Died February 17, 1815
Aged 29 years, 11 months, and 7 days
Union Cemetery of the Second Congregational Church
The kindness of her disposition
Endeared her to all her acquaintances
She filled up her life with usefulness and
Duty. Supported her last sickness
With Christian fortitude and had left
In her friends a well grounded hope.
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