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.