A.J. Mead
Nov. 27, 1833-Dec. 21, 1883
Niles Republican II, Thursday, December 27, 1883, page 5, col. 3, microfilm Niles District Library
Death of Dr. A.J. Mead
The news of the death of Dr. A.H. Mead on Friday morning last, was received in this city with universal expressions of sorrow. It was felt as a personal bereavement by many ; as a loss to the community by all. He died int eh prime of middle life, having just reached the age of fifty years. His life among us for the past 22 years was one of devoted service to his profession, of unremitting toil and self-sacrificing labor to relieve the sufferings of his fellow man.
He was born in Mayville, Chatauqua Co., N.Y., Nov. 27, 1833. His parents removed to Edwardsburg, in Cass county, in 1836. Here he grew up and commenced to study in the line of his future profession. In 1858 he received his diploma from the New York Medical school, after a thorough study and preparation for his life' work. During the same year he commenced the practice of his profession in Chicago with Dr. Reading. His health failing, he went to Colorado in 1860; where, after a year's sojourn he recovered his full strength and vigor. Returning to this State, he commenced practice in this city in 1861. In the same year he married Isabella V. Stites, who now survives him. From that time he was engaged continuously in the practice of his profession here, till he was incapacitated from further labor by the encroachment of the insiduous[sic] disease, which slowly by surely undermined his system and terminated in death.
He left, surviving him, his widow, Mrs. Isabella V. Mead, and two children, Frank and Clara.
The funeral services at the family residence on Sunday afternoon, were attended by a large concourse of sympathizing friends and mourners. His mother, now nearly ninety years of age, was able to present at the sad obsequies of her only son. Appropriate words of sympathy and instruction were spoken by his pastor, Rev. J.H. Dudley of the Baptist church, of which Dr. Mead had been a consistent member for many years.
As a physician, Dr. Mead was especially faithful and conscientious in his personal attention to the needs of the suffering. Devoted to his profession, he allowed nothing outside to divert him from what he regarded as the sacred duties of his calling. He patients readily understood that he was giving them the best services which he could render, and that such service was not merely the dictate of professional pride, but that of sympathetic kindliness of heart and an inherent sense of duty.
By study and perseverence[sic] he made himself a skillful physician, and many years before his death had acquired a large and commanding practice, which he continued to hold till disease disabled him from active service.
His character as a man was both exemplary and attractive. His inflexible integrity combined with native amiability of disposition and kindness of heart, made him one of native's noblemen. These two traits, transparent n his life and characterizing all he said or did, endeared him to all who knew him. The friendships he drew toward him were substantial and abiding, because they were attracted by traits of character no less substantial and abiding.
We shall miss his familiar, attractive presence. His form is gone. But the memory of his deeds of charity to the poor, to whose wants he was ever ready to respond; his personal devotedness to the sick; his manliness, his large heartedness, will remain with us. Here, engraven on the hearts of the many who loved him, will be found the true monument of one who in his life was a benefactor to his kind, and a noble example of right living.