Learn of Giles Mead’s Death

Blair relatives and friends received word, recently, of the death of Giles Mead, 62, former Washington County man.

Mr. Mead died on November 8 of injuries incurred several days earlier. The accident occurred at Hastings, Nebraska, where Mr. Mead was engaged in carpentry work; he was helping in the construction of a building when a strong wind blew the structure over onto him, injuring him fatally.

Burial was made in Wessington Springs, South Dakota, the body having been accompanied by Mr. Mead’s sister, Mrs. J. B. Stricklett of Omaha.

Survivors include two brothers, James and Ben Mead of Wessington Springs, South Dakota; three sisters, all of Omaha; two sons and a daughter. Mr. Mead was preceded in death by his wife.

Pilot 10 May 1900

Uncle Giles Mead of Herman, died last night at his home in Herman. For the past nine years he has been suffering from diabetes and about three weeks ago his condition became such that he was confined to his bed. His friends and family ministered to his wants but further than to make him comfortable they could do nothing for him. The funeral services will be held at the church in Herman at 10:00 tomorrow (Friday) morning under the auspices of the G.A.R. Post and interment will be made at the Blair cemetery. THE PILOT hasn’t, at hand, the family history but knows Mr. Mead to be a man who was highly respected by all who knew him. PILOT readers will remember that some two years ago Mr. and Mrs. Mead celebrated their Golden wedding and were remembered by a host of friends with many rich and valuable presents. THE PILOT joins with the many friends of the family in extending sympathy to those bereaved.

Pilot 14 May 1900

After a severe sickness of three weeks Uncle Giles Mead of Herman, passed away at 10 o’clock on last Wednesday night. He lacked only a few days of being 76 years of age, having been born in the town of Dryden, Tompkins County, New York, in 1824, came to Iowa in 1854 and in 1856 the family settled in the small town of Cuming City. He served as a member of the territorial and later of the state legislature from this county. He was a successful farmer and lived on the original home farm at Mead Station about forty years. Several years ago his health failed and the family moved to Herman Village. Deceased served in the Second Nebraska cavalry and was a member of the Herman G.A.R. He leaves a wife and seven children to mourn his decease, also an only brother, Mr. J. H. Mead of this city. The children are all married and Eugene and Albert reside in California, Thomas and Frank are residents of Blair, Mrs. Eli Sonder lives in Scotts Bluffs county, Nebraska, Mrs. Ben Bunn and John Mead reside in Cuming City. The community has sustained the loss of an upright, kind hearted good citizen, one who will be very much missed by all – more especially by the old pioneers of Washington county. – Republican.

The funeral took place from the M. E. church in Herman last Friday morning. Rev. McFarland officiating. The G.A.R. took charge of the remains after the service and laid all that was mortal of Giles Mead away to rest in the family lot in the Blair cemetery. The G.A.R. of this city joining the procession as it neared town. The bereaved family have the sympathy of many friends.

~~~ Obituary courtesy of the Washington County Genealogical Society. Newspaper clippings on file in the Blair Public Library at Blair, Nebraska.~~~