Silas E. Mead Died at His Home Wednesday Last (1916)

Source: Greenwich News and Graphic, Tuesday, August 25, 1916. Page 1

End Came After Extended Illness in His 73rd Year -A Prominent Citizen

A complication of diseases, the result of old age, caused the death on Wednesday afternoon of Silas E. Mead at his home, 124 Putnam avenue, in the 73rd year of his age. The death of Mr. Mead removes from the community one of its best known and most prominent citizens, one who was born and lived here for practically his entire life and a man who has held many positions of public trust. 

While those intimate with Mr. Mead have realized for some time that his health was such that recovery was unlikely, the news of his death came as a shock to his many acquaintances. Mr. Mead had a wide acquaintance in Greenwich and he was loved and respected for his upright and honorable administration of affairs, both in his private life sand while a servant of the public in positions of trust which he held during his long and useful career. he knew Greenwich as few men have known it, and when he became reminiscent many interesting bits of early local history were enjoyed by those who were fortunate in hearing him.

He is survived by a widow, and a brother, Ezekiel Mead of Greenwich, and one daughter, Mrs. George Feltus, of Elmwood, L.I. 

Silas E. Mead was born on March 15, 1844, in the old Clapboard Ridge school district and he received a common school education during the early years of his life here. A son of Silas D. Mead and Althea Close he was a descendant of one of the oldest families in the country, the Mead's having been among the original colonists. Later, Mr. Mead received a course of training at North Greenwich Academy after which he lived as a farmer until August 14, 1862, when he enlisted in the First Connecticut regiment, 10th Co. C. V. I. in the Civil War.

He served with honor and credit throughout the war and saw much active service during the campaigns of that struggle. He was honorably discharged at Richmond, Va., on June 20, 1865, and returned to his home in Greenwich. He married Miss Cornelia Wilcox on September 12, 1867, and lived on Round Hill at his father's estate for many years. 

He was a deacon in the North Greenwich Congregational church and an active member all his life. He served on the Greenwich school committee for years and also the board of assessors and board of burgesses. 

The funeral will be held from his late home Saturday at 3 P.M. and Rev. Levi Rogers will officiate. Interment will be at Putnam cemetery.