Silas D. Mead Killed by a Bull (1896)

 

Source: The Greenwich Graphic. August 29, 1896, Page 1.

Mr. Silas D. Mead, a well known resident of our town, died Tuesday night from injuries caused by a bull. Aged 77 years.

Mr. Mead's farm is in North Greenwich. Among his heard of cattle was a bull, which had been raised on the promises and had always been docile, and was looked upon as being not particularly dangerous, although precautions had been taken in case he showed a fiery nature to properly control him, by placing a ring in his nose. He had an inclination to jump fences, which propensity for wandering had been checked by a rope tied around the beats's foreleg.

Mr. Mead had been in the habit of going into the lot where the bull was, faring no harm. he drove all the cows out of the pasture but one, when the bull without warning turned upon him, and Mr. Mead was thrown to the ground, and the animal, wild with rage, proceeded to gore his victim with his horns.

The hired man heard the cries of Mr. Mead, and saw with horror what was going on. He seized a club and ran to his employer's assistance, and the bull trend upon him. Flight he thought was his only safety from such a wild animal, and he ran for the barn yard, reaching it just in the nick of time, for the bull was at his heels as he jumped the fence and gained the enclosure. Seizing a pitchfork he went back and brought Mr. Mead from the field, keeping the animal at bay with the fork, and the maddened beast was secured. Mr. Mead was taken into the house and physicians were sent for. It was found that Mr. Mead had been terribly injured, and the doctors thought he could not survive.

The entire community was shocked and saddened when the catastrophe and news of his death were learned. 

Silas D. Mead was born at North Greenwich January 31, 1819, and was the only son of Silas H. Mead, who was an influential farmer and a leading man in the community at the beginning of this century. Mr. Silas D. Mead occupied the home farm, which had been in the family since October, 1660.

He received a common school and academic education, and on September 22, 1840, married Emily L., daughter of Ezekiel Close.

Their children were Myrtilla, Silas E., Emily Cornelia, Sarah C. (deceased), Horatio B., Harriet A, and Ezekiel C.

Myrtilla married Livingston Disbrow, a farmer of New Rochelle.

Mr. Mead was one of the most progressive farmers in town. Nothing that looked to the advancement of the farming interest was ignored by him. He was a man of ripe judgment, whose counsels were often sough by his neighbors and friends. 

In 1838he united with the Congregational church at North Greenwich, and has always been one of the most liberal supporters and best workers. For more than forty years he had the charge of the singing, and was always found at his post of duty.

In March, 1879, he was chosen deacon to take the place so long and faithfully filled by his honored father. He was always interested in the Sunday school and for many years a teacher.

He was a thorough temperance man and never indulged in the use of liquor or tobacco.

In matters pertaining to religious and educational affairs he has always been very liberal, and while the people of the church will mourn his loss, they will consolidate themselves with the thought that his children will have inherited the attributes and characteristics of their father and grandfather.

While Mr. Mead was an ardent Republican he would never accept any public office, but he was invariably present at town meetings, and never failed to cast his vote.

The funeral will take place to-day at 2 o'clock, from his late residence, Rev. Levi Rogers officiating.