1884 Auction: 'The Great Oak Tree Place' (Port Chester Journal, September 4, 1884, Page 2)

 

Summer is Here! Update on the Mead Cemetery at the Cos Cob Mill Pond

 

Now that the 4th of July Independence Day holiday has passed, summer is now in full swing in Greenwich. The transformation of the family cemetery property off Relay Place in Cos Cob continues! 

There is much to celebrate -and more to come. 

The images below were captured on Friday, July 8, 2022. The new perennial flower beds have blossomed into an attractive border between the cemetery access way and the neighboring residences. 

We have witnessed the proliferation of black-eyed susans, asters, lavender, Queen Anne's Lace, cone flowers and more. We expect this to continue. 

Caroline Mills Smith Mead, died 1910, was Greenwich's first
female real estate developer. The perennial gardens that now
constitute the access way to the cemetery where
she is interred will be dedicated to her legacy. 

The entrance at the terminus of Relay Place, Cos Cob. Tree work is being planned
remove intruding tree branches in the upper-left of the image, as well as cleaning up and
widening the entrance way. 

Upon entering, a grass pathway divides the perennial flowering beds from
each other. The beds on the right have been planted with a variety of mostly summer 
perennials. Mulch provided by Mike Helupka's tree service continue to hold weed's down.
The black walnut tree on the embankment -originally scheduled to be removed- will be pruned up and retained. In the future, the grass and lawn mowing will be eliminated,
with mulch and fieldstone path stones in place.  

Just beyond the black walnut tree are these pollinator gardens. The Cos Cob Mill Pond
is to the left side of the image. In the distance are residences located off
Strickland Road and Loughlin Avenue. 

Black-eyed susans, cone flowers and other perennials are flourishing. All of the
perennials were raised from seeds and roots. They were chosen based
on their ability to withstand hot, direct sun conditions. 

This is a look-back from the halfway point of the access way towards
the black walnut tree (center) and the entrance at the terminus of
Relay Place, Cos Cob. The Mill Pond is on the right side. 

A view looking south at the Cos Cob Mill Pond. 

Another view looking south at the Cos Cob Mill Pond from the access way,
with yuca plants flowering and in full bloom.

The wall of the cemetery is seen in the distance. The grass path leads visitors to the
graves. The Mill Pond is on the left side of the pathway and pollinators. An
apple tree will be pruned back. A large, dead sumac tree will be cut down and 
removed in the coming months. 

The Mead Family Cemetery is covered with mulch. Most of the small and medium-sized
trees will be removed. The two large oak trees will be pruned. Based on feedback
from Peter F. Alexander of Site Design Associates, a concerted effort will be made to
plant ground covers, such as periwinkle, rather than grass. Indeed, 
eventually all grass will be permanently removed. 

1908: Lamp Presented to Capt. Seaman M. Mead

 

Source: Greenwich News. March 13, 1908. Page 5. 

Captain H. D. Remsem, First Lieutenant J. Randolph Reynolds and Second Lieutenant Charles Marshall, of the harry Howard Hook and Ladder company of Port Chester came to Greenwich last Tuesday evening and presented Captain Seaman M. Mead, of the Twelfth Company Coast Artillery with a beautiful antique bronze electric desk lamp. The gift was a token of the appreciation of the company for Captain Mead's services in drilling them for the big Port Chester fire parade. 

Gravestone Vandalism Reported: Laura Davis Mead (Feb. 9, 1791-Nov. 23, 1853)

 

This is in the cemetery next to the Second Congregational Church in Greenwich, Connecticut known as the New Burial Grounds Association.

Some time between February 5 and February 24 the marble gravestone on the left (second image) was vandalized. It is in three pieces, and found it lying flat on the ground. The inscribed side was facing down.

The gravestone marks the burial place of Laura Davis Mead (Feb. 9, 1791-Nov. 23, 1853). 

Her 'Davis' family was long associated with the Davis Mill that once stood on the mill pond in today's Bruce Park.

The gravestone on the right had been vandalized years ago. It marks the burial place of her husband, Jabez Mead (Nov. 7, 1785-Dec. 4, 1871).

Vandalizing a cemetery -including its gravestones- is a Class C Felony punishable by possibly one year in prison.

If anyone has information about who perpetrated this crime please contact the Association at meadburyinggrounds@gmail.com. 

Thank you.

Obituary: Deacon Silas Hervey Mead (1879)

 

 

Source: Greenwich Observer. January 2, 1879. Page 3.

Deacon Silas Hervey Mead died at North Greenwich, Conn., on the evening of Dec. 14th, 1878, aged 82 years and two days. He was buried on the following Wednesday from the church, and his funeral was attended by a large concourse of friends and acquaintances of early days. Few men have lived who did more faithfully the work given for them to do than did he. He united with the Congregational church at Horseneack (as Second church in Greenwich was the called) when about 26 years of age, and from that time till his death he was always busy doing good. 

In 1827, the Congregational church at North Greenwich was organized with 18 members, of which Silas H. Mead was one, and the same day, Dec. 25th, he was chosen deacon, which office he held at the time of his death, the time being 11 days less than 51 years. During all these years he was absent from only one Communion. From the time of accepting the diaconate of the church, the welfare of the church was the object of his chief thought and care, and no effort on his part was neglected that its numbers might be increased and the orderly walk of its members secured. 

In the prime of his life he went far and near to hold meetings, that sinners might be saved, and in his latter days, was uniformly at the church before the Sunday and mid-week meetings that he might have personal conversation with such as might come early, or with those with whom he had made arrangements to be present. He kept a record of all the members of the church, and knew their place of residence when they moved away; and once, to the knowledge of the writer, went to New York city to look up an absent brother, and once, when journeying West, left the train and walked six miles to see another, who had left without a letter and persuaded him to change his relation. He kept also a record of the attendance of the Communion seasons of the church, and at its annual meetings reported the names of those who had been present or absent during the year. 

From 1850, when he became convinced that unfermented wine only should be used at the Lord's Supper, he made the wine himself, that he might be sure of what he had, and used his influence among the churches to have them follow in his paths. His temperance principles he carried to such lengths that he would not use alcoholic stimulants as a medicine.

In "anti-slavery times" he was a radical on the question of human rights as on that of alcoholic drinks, and all in these parts who knew an Abolitionist, knew Deacon Silas H. Mead, of Quaker Ridge. But special among all the reforms which he sought to advance was that of practical honesty, which came in as an item in almost all his public addresses, and which in his life was a prominent as in his speech. Having such a man and example before them, and such doctrine to feed upon, it is no wonder that the church should be singular. Before the church was organized, they who were to be organized, and some others who sympathized, had built at their own expense a commodious church building and parsonage, and on the organization of the church, assumed the support of the pastor, and for 51 years have sought no help of others, while they have given from year to year something to spread the Gospel into the regions beyond. 

The church, now numbers about 170 members, and its contributions to benevolent objects the past year is one of the best monuments of his wisdom and zeal of any that can be addressed. Though not all of him, he was in it all. His activity continued nearly to the last. He was confined to bed but three days, and most of that time partly unconscious, so that his desire not to be a trouble to anybody was granted. A life of service for Christ is the best evidence we have that he died the Christian's death. 

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. 

UPDATE: Caroline Mills Smith Mead Memorial Garden/Mead Cemetery, Cos Cob Mill Pond

 

We are delighted to provide the following update. It concerns the creation of the Caroline Mills Smith Mead Memorial Garden at the Mead Cemetery located on the banks of the Cos Cob Mill Pond in Greenwich. 

Please click this link to our original announcement. 

Over the last seven months a number of improvements were initiated and completed. 

Parallel flower beds were laid out with a grassy path retained between them from the entrance of the access way to the cemetery and back. Sod was hand-cleared and fresh mulch deposited and spread.

At various places perennial pollinating plants transplanted from elsewhere along the Mill Pond embankment or grown from seeds were planted. 

Two white, wooden posts have been erected at the entrance with a black wire connecting them.

All sod from the upper tier of the cemetery was removed. The ground was regraded and a depression in the northwestern corner eliminated. A path has been laid out. 

Mulch and pachysandra ground-covering plants have been planted on the graves, along with ferns and perennial flowers. Eventually, additional pachysandra will cover the upper tier of the cemetery and the areas of the lower, ground-level section of the cemetery will also be covered.

We are making arrangements for shrubs and perennials to be planted in front of the neighboring property owner's white fence and gate to screen these off from view. 

While this is a major milestone in the development and re-landscaping of the cemetery site, there is much more to be done. 

Additional perennial flowers will be planted throughout the flower beds. Perhaps most importantly -and challenging, tree trimming work will be performed. Most of the smaller trees in and around the cemetery will be removed, excepting the two large oak trees. Trees along and in the access way will be trimmed or removed. 

One of the final tasks will be the installation of an arbor gate at the entrance, supplemented with small, flowering shrubs and plantings with proper signage. 

Though we had hoped to re-dedicate the site this past Spring, 2021, we have decided to embrace patience, finish the work started and postpone our celebration until Spring, 2022. 

We again remind all that the memorial garden and cemetery are not open to public visitation except by appointment and escorted. We also remind visitors to not disturb our neighbors -who we have fond relations and who wish their privacy to be respected. Thank you. 

Requests are taken at meadburyinggrounds@gmail.com. 

The following photos were captured yesterday, Saturday, July 24, 2021.