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George Mead Civil War Papers

MS M9

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Record Class: Textual, Photographs

Date: 1824-1968

Creator: George Mead

Provenance: Purchased in November 2015

Extent: .42 linear feet

Organization: Author

Language: English

Donor: Not applicable; acquired by purchase

Repository: Special Collections Department, Pickler Memorial Library, Truman State University

Access: Open

Processed by: April Kannady

Processing Information: Arrangement scheme for the collection was imposed during processing in the absence of a usable original order.

Abstract: This collection consists of 81 documents from the Mead/Chandler family. The majority of the documents are handwritten letters, but there are also postmarked envelopes, handwritten poetry, photographs, and newspaper clippings. The letters span from 1824-1871, involving the Chandler and Mead family, connected by the marriage of George Mead to Susan Chandler. Documents concerning the descendents of the Meads are also included, until the year 1968. Wisconsin and New York are the primary locations involved.

Keywords: Civil War, Mead, Chandler, New York, Wisconsin, Vermont, Missouri, Gold Rush, 19th Regiment Infantry, Union Forces, Camp Randall, Camp Utley

Historical Sketch: George Mead, the primary author of these letters, was born in Vermont in 1837, but spent most of his life in Reedsburg, Racine County, Wisconsin. George had a brother, Abram Mead, and a sister, Polly Mead. George married his wife, Susan Chandler Mead, on 20 November 1859 in Oak Grove, Wisconsin. Susan was born in New York in 1839. Susan had a brother, Charles Chandler. The Meads had three sons, Walter, Lester, and Fred and a daughter, Mary. Fred died in 1862 from pneumonia. George enlisted into the 19th Regiment Infantry, Company A, of the Union Forces on 13 January 1862 and was discharged from service on 7 September 1862 on account of a disability. Following his discharge, George traveled, ultimately settling in Weston, Platte County, Missouri.

Alonzo Chandler and his wife Joanna, maiden name of Pierce, were the parents of Susan Chandler, later Susan Mead. They spent most of their lives in various cities of New York, but later bought land in Texas. George appears to be the son of Alonzo and Joanna. Harriet Chamber and Sarah Ashworth appear to be the sisters of Joanna, and Charles appears to be the brother. Joseph, Richard, Melinda, Pliny, and Sukey all bear some relation to the Chandlers, but the extent of which is unknown.


 
SERIES 0: ADMINISTRATIVE/BIOGRAPHICAL
1:0 Census and Military Roster Records
1860 Excelsior, Wisconsin Census Records ■ 1879 Reedsburg, Wisconsin Census Records ■ Roster of Wisconsin Volunteers, War of the Rebellion, 1861-1865, Volume II ■ Reading Early American Handwriting by Kip Sperry ■ 116th/149th Field Artillery World War II


SERIES 1: AUTHORED BY ALONZO CHANDLER
Item 1
1:1 Correspondence between Alonzo Chandler and Joanna Pierce. 1 September 1824. East Poultney, New York.

Laments about his solitary accommodations ■ decides to leave current accommodations ■ expresses interest in marrying Joanna
Item 2
Correspondence between Alonzo Chandler and Joanna Chandler. 13 June 1828. Caldwell County, New York to Ticonderoga New York.
Writing after two months of absence ■ reflects on former happiness ■ arranges plans to meet Joanna at Upper Falls in the near future ■ sends his love to his son
Item 3
Correspondence between Alonzo Chandler and Joanna Chandler. 20 June 1829. Ticonderoga, New York.
Visits former dwelling ■ called on Captain Laraby in hope of a message from Joanna ■ Plin is in Johnsburg
Item 4
Correspondence between Alonzo Chandler and Joanna Chandler. 4 July 1829. Richville, New York to Chester, Warren County, New York.
Writing after two months of absence ■ health is good ■ feared that Joanna’s health was poor ■ gives history of his journey ■ detained at Minerva where he wrote courtesy of Mr. Cumberstock ■ lists the following places from his travels: Schroon, Keene along the Ausable River, Abrams plains along the Saranac River, Hopkinton ■ arrived at Mr. Bailey’s in Potsdam
Item 5
Correspondence between Alonzo Chandler and Joanna Chandler. 23 August 1829. Richville, New York to Chester, Warren County, New York.
Informs Joanna of the state of his health ■ was sick for two weeks but now in good health ■ received Joanna’s letter from the 29th which made his heart glad ■ has plans to set up clothing shop for the summer and into the fall ■ received a letter from Pamela and wrote one to Joseph ■ Plin is getting married
Item 6
Correspondence between Alonzo Chandler and Joanna Chandler. 14 December 1829. Potsdam, New York to Chester, Warren County, New York.
Seven months have passed since he was last with his family ■ thinks that it is fitting if Joanna goes to Ticonderoga for the winter ■ Mr. Groves or Mr. Palmer could assist Joanna ■ plans to work in the factory during winter, not lumbering ■ spent Thanksgiving with Aunt Suky ■ Pamela was married on 6 October to Mr. Samuel Carpenter ■ Darwin was there and brought news of Plin
Item 7
Correspondence between Alonzo Chandler and Joanna Chandler. 6 January 1830. Potsdam, New York to Chester, Warren County, New York.
Eight months have passed since he was last with his family ■ received Joanna’s letter of the 31st ■ health has not been good ■ caught typhus fever ■ recovered at Uncle Barley’s ■ plans to work in the factory during the summer ■ can have this place for thirty dollars a month ■ thinks Potsdam is a suitable place to live ■ Darwin wrote to Pamela offering to take the child that P. Potter had sworn onto Plin ■ smallpox is prevalent in the country
Item 8
Correspondence between Alonzo Chandler and Joanna Chandler. 15 March 1836. Mottville, New York to Yates, Orleans County, New York.
Received Joanna’s letter of the 8th ■ his carding machine will be done within the week ■ Mr. Herman follows his instructions ■ makes no delay in returning home ■ writes a few lines to Daniel which express that he keep the machine improvements a secret and to tell James to do the best that he can do ■ will write a letter to Edgar Clark so that Joanna does not lack anything
  SERIES 2: AUTHORED BY CHANDLER FAMILY
  Item 9
1:2 Correspondence between Harriet Chamber and Joanna Chandler. 6 December 1825. Pendleton, New York to Ticonderoga, New York.
Informs her sister of her poor health ■ regrets that she was not at Joanna’s wedding ■ wishes blessings upon Joanna ■ brother has been kind to her ■ sends respects to Uncle David, Cousin Susan, Cousin Plinny and Mrs. Catten
  Item 10
Correspondence. Sarah Pierce to Joanna Chandler. 16 July 1829. Yates, Orleans County, New York to Chester, Warren County, New York.
Received Joanna’s letter of the 13th ■ healthy and teaching at a school ■ health has been improving since the 25th ■ received a letter from Edgar ■ Sukey is not well ■ Aunt Sally Kingsley lives twenty miles from Potsdam and her health is poor ■ Plin is content, but Susan is not ■ gives a detailed account of her mother’s death
   
  SERIES 3: DOCUMENTS OF PAYMENTS AND INDENTURES
Item 11
1:3 Document of Payment. 1835.
Two dollars are involved in the payment ■ Orlando is mentioned ■ everything else is missing or illegible
Item 12
  Document of Payment. 13 March 1835.
Henry Sherman wishes to pay $2.00 to Mr. Anderson and to settle with Alonzo Chandler
Item 13
  Document of Payment. 25 January 1836. Eagle Harbor.
William Dinsmore wishes to pay Alonzo Chandler $4.74
Item 14
  Indenture of Agreement. 28 April 1836. Yates, Orleans County, New York.
Alonzo Chandler is in agreement with Stephen W. Mudgitt, Samuel Tappan, William Mudgitt, and Richard Barry of The Mill Company ■ Alonzo will build a dam according to the requirements given by the aforementioned men ■ the dam will be built across from Johnson’s Creek of the place where Chamberlain and Klock’s old dams were once ■ Alonzo will pay for the expense of the dam estimated at $600 ■ David Ford is to pay for the earth for the embankments
Item 15
  Document of Payment. 1 June 1837. Arba Chabut.
David Farnum owes Alonzo Chandler $374 to be paid to William Gibbs
Item 16
  Land Claim. 30 September 1837. Jasper County, Republic of Texas.
Alonzo Chandler reported as immigrant by Chief Justice Joseph Mott ■ Alonzo is permitted to claim a plot of land
  Item 17
  Indenture of Agreement. 28 December 1837. Claiborne Parish, Louisiana.
Agreement made between Charley [?] and Alonzo Chandler ■ Charley will sell land in Minden Parish to Alonzo ■ Alonzo is to pay $75 and erect a mechanic shop on the land
Item 18
  Document. 1 June 18[40].
Concerns Alonzo and Joanna Chandler
Item 19
  Catalogue of Goods. 20 May 1840. Washington Township. Scioto County.
J. S. Rose received an assortment of goods from Joanna Chandler ■ money will be delivered to Joanna upon the sale of the goods ■ Reuben Head owes Joanna $5.37, Smith B. Head owes $1, J. S. Rose owes $1.25
SERIES 4: AUTHORED BY GEORGE MEAD
Item 20
1:4 Correspondence between George Mead and Susan Mead.
George has gotten a ticket for Susan to travel from Kilbourn City, Wisconsin to Chicago, Illinois ■ plan to meet in Weston, Wisconsin
Item 21
  Correspondence between George Mead and Susan Chandler. 4 November 1858. Reedsburg, Wisconsin.
Received Susan’s letter of the 29th; glad to hear that Susan had a pleasant journey home ■ weather has been unpleasant ■ J. K. started for Milwaukee on Tuesday ■ speaks of his engagement to Susan ■ believes a shorter engagement better than a long one ■ hopes for an answer from Susan next time they meet
  Item 22
  Correspondence between George Mead and Susan Chandler. 25 September 1859. Excelsior, Wisconsin.
Writing on the Sabbath ■ received two letter from Susan ■ made it home safely from Kilbourn ■ folks are well ■ J. Kellogg is getting better ■ Y. Montgomery has hurt his foot ■ Ack has company now ■ has not been well since Susan left ■ took Frank to the fair ■ Uncle Richard, Albert Fisk, Mary B. Fisk, and H. Mead went out together ■ has not sold his oxen yet ■ does not know if Mother will go on her trip ■ thinks that he will start somewhere around the 15th or 20th of next month ■ plans to write to Susan every Sunday ■ Harriet has gone to Cranks
Item 23
  Correspondence between George Mead and Susan Chandler. 27 September 1859. Raymond, Wisconsin.
Arrived at Raymond, Wisconsin Tuesday afternoon ■ folks are all well ■ went to Watertown, Wisconsin ■ had good luck, but Frank went lame ■ Frank has been in the barn since Tuesday ■ does not have much time to write ■ times are hard ■ tells Susan to not answer his letter because he does not know where he will be next
Item 24
  Correspondence between George Mead and Susan Chandler. 2 October 1859. Excelsior, Wisconsin.
It has been a long time since he has heard from Susan ■ health is somewhat better than it was ■ folks are well ■ Mother is going to Vermont and wants to start a week from tomorrow ■ traded his oxen for a horse ■ bargained the horse for money from Uncle Richard ■ Aunt Lucretia is going with Mother ■ needs to go to Whitney this afternoon ■ Albert, Aunt Harriet Fisk, and Mary Caughson have just come ■ cannot think of anything else to write
Item 25
  Correspondence between George Mead and Susan Chandler. 12 October 1859. Excelsior, Wisconsin.
Received Susan’s letter of the 7th ■ glad to hear from Susan ■ Mother has gone to Vermont ■ wishes to marry when he comes back from Racine ■ Harriet has lost Norman after he married his cousin, Hannah Kelsey ■ Frank is not lame yet ■ got a new collar and harness for Frank ■ Amas Petter has run away
  Item 26
Correspondence between George Mead and Susan Chandler. 7 November 1859. Excelsior, Wisconsin.
Home safe and sound on Wednesday in the afternoon ■ folks are well ■ has not heard from Mother since she went to Vermont, but hopes she is well ■ John thinks he and Susan are already married and started for Racine ■ Cynthia says she is waiting for them to stand up with her ■ thinks he should be there the 18th, weather permitting
Item 27
Correspondence between George Mead and Susan Mead. 24 November 1861. Reedsburg, Wisconsin.
At Father’s today and doing well ■ has not gotten everything moved yet ■ Jane got home last Saturday ■ glad to hear of Susan’s letter ■ it is lonesome here ■ will send $3 in this letter ■ Jane said something about a farm ■ wants Susan to tell him when she plans to come so he can meet her in Kilbourn
Item 28
  Correspondence between George Mead and Susan Mead. 5 February 1862. Camp Utley, Racine, Wisconsin.
Arrived at Racine on Tuesday ■ arrived at Kilbourn afterward ■ sick with a headache but got better the next morning ■ arrived at Milwaukee that evening ■ seven boys are in the hospital ■ Russell Redfield is not getting better ■ Charley is well ■ sleeps warm with Harmanus Seaman ■ has enough to eat ■ Martin Seeley and Horace Ward are the cooks ■ four batteries of artillery are here ■ they took O. Winnie to the hospital ■ will keep Charley from running away for Hattie ■ has not forgotten Fred ■ will be home as soon as possible
Item 29
  Correspondence between George Mead and Susan Mead. 2 March 1862. Camp Utley, Racine, Wisconsin.
In camp since Saturday morning ■ journey took him from Maryland, to Georgia, to Delafield, and then to Uncle Joseph’s ■ colt started well but hurt his foot ■ expenses were $22.80 ■ measles in camp ■ George’s folk were all well ■ got to George’s and had a sermon preached to him by a man from Baboo ■ commence drilling tomorrow ■ regiment is good for three years but does not know when he can leave ■ will write again soon
Item 30
  Correspondence between George Mead and Susan Mead. 30 March 1862. Camp Utley, Racine, Wisconsin.
Got to camp ■ has three horses to take care of ■ has been too busy to write until now ■ roads are bad ■ cannot get to Uncle’s■ Charley is sick with the chill fever ■ will write again the next spare minute
Item 31
  Correspondence between George Mead and Susan Mead. 3 April 1862. Camp Utley, Racine, Wisconsin.
Going to Mr. Chipmond’s in the evening which is next to the colonel ■ uniforms have come ■ plans to go out to Uncle Joseph’s next Saturday if the roads are better ■ gets paid $25 per month ■ if he becomes train master like the man Roberts, he could have $60 per month ■ Charley is getting better ■ one soldier has died ■ has order from Racine to St. Louis and from St. Louis to New Mexico ■ has not written to Mother or Father
Item 32
  Correspondence between George Mead and Susan Mead. 7 April 1862. Camp Utley, Racine, Wisconsin.
Received Susan’s letter of the 27th on the 4th ■ went out to Uncle Joseph’s on Saturday ■ roads are very bad ■ has stormed all day ■ does not think that the army will move this week ■ if Susan comes down, she can board at Mr. Chipmond’s ■ wants Susan to take the five o’clock train so that he can meet her ■ Uncle’s folks want Susan to stay all summer ■ Charley is more well ■ has no more time to write
Item 33
  Correspondence between George Mead and Susan Mead. 4 May 1862. Camp Randall, Madison, Wisconsin.
Made it to Camp Randall safe and sound with the secessionists ■ health of the regiment is good ■ rebels are suffering and dying from dysentery, about 6 to 12 a day ■ takes care of the quarter master’s horse ■ wishes to be back at Camp Utley ■ gives his love to Uncle, Aunt, and Monroe ■ will send money soon
Item 34
  Correspondence between George Mead and Susan Mead. 8 May 1862. Camp Randall, Madison, Wisconsin.
Has not heard from Susan in a long time ■ in good health and so is the regiment ■ secessionists are not doing well, with 350 in the hospital and dying every day ■ has not gotten his pay yet ■ boys had a fight with a merchant ■ Charley is back to full health and got a letter from Hattie ■ folks are well and Father talks of coming down after planting season ■ Dwight Root and a man named Sage deserted on the 6th ■ there is a $5 reward if the deserters are caught ■ Susan is not in good health ■ encloses $1.00 in this letter ■ will try to get home in June


Item 35
  Correspondence between George Mead and Susan Mead. 12 May 1862. Camp Randall, Madison, Wisconsin.
Received Susan’s letter of the 9th ■ glad to hear Susan is getting along well ■ does not see any prospect of coming down ■ does not object that Susan go to Milwaukee ■ secessionists are dying off fast ■ wants to come homes in June or July ■ wants to know if Susan received the letter with $2.00 ■ secessionists got caught trying to escape
Item 36
  Correspondence between George Mead and Susan Mead. 20 October 1862. Raymond, Wisconsin.
Going to Uncle’s today ■ got to Uncle’s on Saturday morning ■ folks are all well ■ stayed at C. Peck’s Friday night ■ Robert McFerson is to work for Uncle ■ Uncle’s health is good and keeps Jim ■ Whitney lives here but his time is up this month ■ going to Racine ■ will be home this week
Item 37
Correspondence between George Mead and Susan Mead. 25 February 1869. Platte County, Missouri.
Has arrived in Platte County, Missouri and at Uncle’s ■ caught a bad cold on the train but should be all right ■ arrived on Wednesday at noon ■ folks are all well except the housekeeper for Uncle ■ 7th child in the family was born on Tuesday night ■ snow is on the ground ■ neighbors are friendly ■ visited a neighbor and received apples ■ good country for fruit trees ■ has not decided whether to live there or not ■ has seen a good place in Kansas City and Leavenworth ■ expenses were $35.78 ■ snow fell Monday night in Chicago
Item 38
Correspondence between George Mead and Susan Mead. 7 March 1869. Kansas City, Missouri.
Received Susan’s letter of the 1st yesterday ■ glad to hear of her health and is better himself ■ likes this city very much, but it is a hard place for business ■ property costs much ■ plans to go to Leavenworth and Weston next ■ will come home soon or send for everyone ■ tell Chandler this is a good place for teaming ■ land costs from $60 to $100 per acre ■ wants Sue to settle up her business through John Kellogg’s help
Item 39
Correspondence between George Mead and Susan Mead. 14 March 1869. Platte County, Missouri.
Has written three letter but still no reply from Susan ■ instructs Susan on what to keep or sell of their things ■ J. Kellogg will help Susan with selling items ■ will not be back until fall ■ tell Father that there are two small farms, one with 60 acres for $2,200 and another with 50 acres for $1,500 ■ thinks of Mary every day ■ asks if Mary would rather sign the contract with him or with Gene
Item 40
Correspondence between George Mead and Susan Mead. 23 March 1869. Platte County, Missouri.
Received Susan’s letter of the 11th ■ sorry to hear that Susan is not feeling well ■ his health is good ■ weather is pleasant ■ has made up his mind to stay in this country ■ Willard got homesick before he got to Kansas City ■ tells Sue not to fret over the business ■ J. Kellogg will help Susan ■ Susan should have $50 or $75 with her
Item 41
Correspondence between George Mead and Susan Mead. 28 March 1869. Platte County, Missouri.
Received Susan’s letters of the 19th and 21st on Friday ■ sorry to hear that Susan is unwell ■ hopes they can meet again soon ■ weather is good ■ thinks Susan can make a cash sale of the goods and renting the house for a year ■ wants $1,500 for the place or at least $1,200 ■ Susan can do business with James Lusk in regard to the land by Crank’s ■ instructs other matters of the sale of their land and goods ■ tells Susan to do what she wishes with the puppy ■ cannot advise Gene to come here ■ sends respects to all inquiring and love to Mary and Walter
  Item 42
Correspondence between George Mead and Susan Mead. 4 April 1869. Platte County, Missouri.
Received Susan’s letter of the 28th ■ sorry to hear that Susan is not feeling well ■ wants Susan to be more careful ■ instructs Susan on more of their goods ■ roads are bad ■ if Susan cannot get the goods to Kilbourn, sends them with J. Kellogg ■ will meet Susan in Weston ■ sends respects to Mother and Father
Item 43
Correspondence between George Mead and Susan Mead. 30 October 1869. Reedsburg, Wisconsin.
Has arrived at Reedsburg safely on Thursday at noon ■ had a layover in St. Louis ■ folks are well ■ George Chandler was here and said the folks were well in Beaver Dam except Hattie has been sick ■ weather is cold ■ has not seen Mary yet ■ Gene has not gone up there yet ■ there have been many deaths this season ■ Father is here ■ the Finch folks had a girl last night and H. Reed’s folks had a boy
Item 44
Correspondence between George Mead and Susan Mead. 18 March 1871. Weston, Platte County, Missouri.
Received Susan’s letter of the 13th ■ glad to hear that Susan is well ■ sorry to hear that Mother’s health is poor ■ old lady is well and makes 15 lbs. of butter a week ■ they only milk 3 cows and let the 8 calves have the rest ■ Mrs. Gabbart says she is going to write to Susan ■ Mrs. Hatcher’s daughter is here ■ the peach trees are blossoming ■ has sold Silva, but do not tell Walter ■ tell Walter to be a good boy
  SERIES 5: AUTHORED BY SUSAN MEAD
Item 45
1:5 Correspondence between Susan Mead and George Mead.
Highly damaged letter ■ has been a long time since Susan has seen George ■ mention of Grove ■ Susan expects to see someone soon (likely George)
Item 46
Suffrage Document. Susan Chandler. 30 March 1852. Oak Grove, Dodge County, Wisconsin.
Susan’s stance on women’s rights ■ asks to be on the same level as men, as an American citizen
Item 47
Correspondence between Susan Chandler and George Mead. 24 October 1858. Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Oak Grove, Dodge County, Wisconsin.
Writes at George’s request ■ asks George to overlook her imperfections ■ left Reedsburg the morning after she saw George ■ arrived at Kilbourn and then Beaver Dam ■ found Mother and both Brothers waiting for her ■ had a pleasant time but the weather was unpleasant ■ stayed at home for a week and then went to Oshkosh ■ ready to go to Reedsburg to teach  at a school ■ does not believe in long engagements ■ does not want to decide upon marriage until she meets George again ■ apologizes for the state of this letter
Item 48
Correspondence between Susan Chandler and George Mead. 18 September 1859. Oak Grove, Dodge County, Wisconsin.
Ashamed of previous letter to George and wishes him to burn it ■ it is the Sabbath and rainy ■ has been one week since they last saw each other ■ Brother George received a letter from Mother ■ will write to Jennie soon ■ lonesome without George ■ will write to Hattie soon ■ the national fair in Chicago was last week instead of the state fair ■ has found a piece of Mareno that she likes ■ does not need George to get an item at Baraboo
Item 49
Correspondence between Susan Chandler and George Mead. 7 October 1859. Oak Grove, Dodge County, Wisconsin.
Received George’s letter of the 2nd ■ hopes George will not do any more thrashing ■ glad to hear that Mother made up her mind to go to Vermont ■ scolds George for not writing a better letter ■ wants George to spend the Sabbath with her ■ Mother is home
Item 50
Correspondence between Susan Chandler and George Mead. 16 October 1859. Oak Grove, Wisconsin to Reedsburg, Wisconsin.
Received George’s letter last night ■ will be a short time before they meet again ■ Mother has gone to Vermont ■ Hattie is staying alone ■ Norman is married ■ Eliza can get married now ■ Brother’s wife is the same ■ it is agreeable to marry when George returns from Racine
Item 51
Correspondence between Susan Mead and George Mead. 4 March 1862. Reedsburg, Sauk County, Wisconsin.
Hastily writes because Fred became sick on Friday of last week ■ Mother thought Fred had a cold, but they had to send for a doctor ■ doctor came at 7 in the morning and stayed until 10 ■ Fred was pronounced to have pneumonia ■ Mr. Bates lost a child last night to pneumonia ■ Fred seems a little better at present ■ will write in a few days about Fred’s condition
Item 52
Telegraph. Susan Mead to George Mead. 5 March 1862. Reedsburg, Wisconsin to Company A, 19th Regiment.
Western Union Telegraph Company ■ Fred is very sick ■ come soon
Item 53
Correspondence between Susan Mead and George Mead. 6 April 1862. Oak Grove, Dodge County, Wisconsin.
Received George’s letter last night ■ misses Fred greatly ■ glad that George is boarding comfortably and that he will be going to Uncle’s ■ glad Charley is better ■ folks are well ■ has not received an answer from Father and Mother ■ hopes George does not leave the state ■ Norman printed the notice of Fred’s death
Item 54
Correspondence between Susan Mead and George Mead. 25 May 1862. Oak Grove, Dodge County, Wisconsin.
Received papers from George on Friday of last week ■ filled out the blank letter before hearing from George because she had to stay at Egbert Parmeley’s all night and he was the one to fill out all of the papers and paid the postage ■ has not heard from Father’s family ■ Uncle is anxious to have George home ■ received a letter from Jane Finch ■ wants to know how Charley and Dwight Root are ■ heard a good sermon at church
Item 55
Correspondence between Susan Mead and George Mead. 27 May 1862. Oak Grove, Dodge County, Wisconsin.
Has not received any letters from George since coming back to the Grove ■ received a letter from Charles saying that George is sick ■ Mr. Griffin says it is only 38 miles to Madison with a team and 70 or 80 on the train ■ wants to get G. W. to bring a team out there ■ Mother is the same as usual ■ the children are well ■ Charley says Hattie has been very sick ■ going to the post office this afternoon
Item 56
Correspondence between Susan Mead and George Mead. 4 April 1868. Reedsburg, Wisconsin.
Received George’s letter on Thursday ■ hopes that she will like the country ■ intends to start from Kilbourn a week from tomorrow, which is April 12th ■ the weather is terrible with lots of snow ■ Gene shoveled the snow ■ many are sick here ■ Gene plans to accompany Susan ■ J. Kellogg is sick ■ will see George in a few days
Item 57
Correspondence between Susan Mead and George Mead. 9 May 1868. Raymond, Wisconsin.
Still at Uncle’s ■ might go to Milwaukee instead of Racine next Friday so that she can take the train home ■ wants to see George before she leaves, though ■ mad at George for not telling her when he left Racine ■ if she goes to Milwaukee instead of Kenosha, she will not need any more money ■ wants to go to Reedsburg from Milwaukee to pay off their debts instead of Father ■ Northrop might take grain ■ has visited with Aunt Eliza ■ hopes she did not offend George by offering to take the money
Item 58
Correspondence between Susan Mead and George Mead. 1 March 1869. Reedsburg, Wisconsin.
Lonesome without George and hoping for a letter from him ■ Walter dreams of Pa (George) ■ Walter teases Mary about Gene ■ Gene has called twice since George left ■ there was a family gathering at Father Dwinell’s ■ Vila and the Doctor spent the evening with her
Item 59
Correspondence between Susan Mead and George Mead. 9 March 1869. Reedsburg, Wisconsin.
Received George’s long awaited letter ■ sent a letter to Uncle thinking George was sick ■ many came to see what George had written, and they laughed at what happened to Willard Roark ■ weather is now pleasant, but it was very cold for a while ■ would be contented living at a farm ■ Mary wants George to find her a husband since he has been promising for the last 5 years
Item 60
Correspondence between Susan Mead and George Mead. 14 March 1869. Reedsburg, Wisconsin.
Received George’s letter of the 11th and was sorry to hear about his headache ■ no debts have been paid ■ John Zewt starts for Chicago tomorrow ■ Vila has quit Mackie’s and gone to John Petty’s ■ Father and Mother are well ■ Richard almost broke leg ■ snowed on Saturday ■ Kin Priest was buried yesterday ■ Gene is waiting to hear from George ■ has a headache
Item 61
Correspondence between Susan Mead and George Mead. 21 March 1869. Reedsburg, Wisconsin.
Seems longer than 4 weeks since she last saw George ■ Walter is doing well but misses his Pa ■ weather has been cold ■ J. Kellogg will assist her in her matters ■ Gene wants to hear from George ■ Dr. Galard Earve Carver and some others have spoken for the house for rent ■ Harry Bishop has sold his place for $2000.00 and moved to Dwight Root’s old place ■ Den Bishop and Laura Buck married last week ■ spoke to Father about the farm ■ Mr. Miras is not expected to live ■ two of the girls have been very sick ■ Mary Barnheart’s Brother and Wife are now visiting ■ Mary came back last night and cannot sign the contract until she sees Gene again
Item 62
Correspondence between Susan Mead and George Mead. 13 March 1871. Reedsburg, Wisconsin.
Has not heard from George in a while ■ nobody likes Mrs. Chas ■ Ma is not well ■ Walter is with the folks ■ house has been full of company ■ weather is nice ■ Part Buck has a son ■ Emma Yatur died ■ wants to know how Uncle is ■ asked Barnheart how much the buggie is
  SERIES 6: AUTHORED BY MEAD FAMILY
Item 63
1:6 Poetry. Abram Mead. Date Unknown. Recipient Unknown.
“Den of Lions”
Item 64
Correspondence between Harriet and Raymond Fisk and Abram and Polly Mead. 3 February 1850. Brant, Erie County, New York to North Ferrisburgh, Addison County, Vermont.
Raymond: has been in good health ■ heard from Phineas a week ago ■ Prusha and her husband left here last Sunday, and they live about 1 ½ miles this way from Phineas’ ■ there is an abundance of land for sale, with prices varying from 5 to 50 dollars ■ a railroad was planned to connect Buffalo, New York with Erie, Pennsylvania and then Ohio to Michigan and then Michigan to Chicago, Illinois ■ Nelson talks of buying a place in Collins, Erie County, New York ■ this country is better than Vermont for farming ■ gives directions for getting to Nelson’s in Hamburg, New York ■ sorry to hear about the California Fever ■ includes newspaper article warning about the gold rush ■ teaching school this winter ■ Harriet has written to Sarah about Malcolm and his folks

Harriet: received Abram and Polly’s letter which brought her joy ■ sorry to hear about the California Fever ■ wants Abram and Polly to visit next spring and to bring Peter and Sarah ■ Nelson has been very kind to them ■ will write again in April; sends love to Mother and Father ■ Sarah’s letter will tell about Brother Malcolm and his family

Raymond: sends two of Malcolm’s copies as requested ■ Malcolm wrote the copies for Phoebe
Item 65
Correspondence between Abram and Polly Mead and Joseph and Eliza. 20 September 1852. Reedsburg, Wisconsin.
Abram: talks of his journey ■ arrived safe and sound ■ traveled 23 miles the day they left ■ stopped in Waterford, Wisconsin to fix the wagon wheel ■ the oxen became sore on the third day, so they had to rest for 3 or 4 days ■ Duke and Berry (oxen) were the lamest ■ was on the road 10 ½ days since leaving ■ a severe thunderstorm happened ■ some of their items spoiled because of the rain ■ their expenses were $3.05 ■ went through a Norwegian settlement where the people were dying of dysentery ■ they got a cow ■ gives prices of wheat, potatoes, corn, and grain ■ wants Joseph to tell Henry C. Harrington that there is a tax on the land that Abram bought for him and that there are opportunities for work ■ expects to have a house ready in about two weeks Polly ■ wishes she could see everyone ■ provisions spoiled from the rain ■ arrived at James’ on Thursday and stayed until Monday ■ moved into Henry’s school house and expects to stay there two weeks ■ Harriet wishes to see Monroe ■ found Monroe’s pin when unpacking the things for Mary and will send it ■ Mary is not very smart and has been unwell since coming from Vermont
Item 66
Correspondence between Charles Chandler and Susan Chandler. 24 May 1855. Sauerkraut Avenue, Clyman, Dodge County, Wisconsin.
After receiving Susan’s letter, he thought it best to return the greetings ■ is feeling well ■ went to G. W. C.’s yesterday, and they were well ■ helping Mr. N. ■ wants Susan to tell John that he tilled 2 ½ acres of corn before noon with a machine of his own making ■ it rains frequently ■ muses about his existence ■ they have a teacher finally, Mrs. Young
Item 67
Correspondence between Mary Mead [?] and Abram Mead. 12 April 1859. Esopus, Ulster County, New York to Collins, Erie County, New York.
Moved last fall six miles from where they had lived for the last 8 years ■ Father has had a hard time getting the money for it ■ Abram’s letter told of Grandfather’s death ■ has been sick with the bilious remittent fever for sick weeks ■ they are 60 miles south of Albany
Item 68
Correspondence between Albert Mead and Abram Mead. 22 May 1859. North Ferrisburgh, Addison County, Vermont.
Thankful for Abram’s help with Father’s sickness and burial ■ expects Mr. Angier to erect Father’s tombstone soon after he does Mrs. Martin’s ■ has sold his oxen for $160 and finished his spring’s work with his horse ■ L. B. Fuller has moved into the Harrington house and Mrs. S. Jane Fuller has moved in withe her mother-in-law and has heard from Isbon ■ Ann came down to see what the letter said and then Peter ■ Homer Partah bought a farm in northern Iowa ■ documents a business transaction between him and Abram
Item 69
Correspondence between Sarah Ashworth and Joanna Chandler. 20 March 1860. Addison County, Vermont.
Sends her sympathies on account of Joanna’s recent bereavement ■ prays that this unfortunate event is a blessing in disguise ■ her son’s disease is progressing ■ has a girl working with her three children for board ■ Mr. Ashworth sold their house a short time ago for $1,500 ■ they have to move sometime this year ■ wants Joanna to spend the summer with her ■ daughter Maria is sitting nearby
Item 70
Correspondence between Jane Finch and Susan Mead [?]. 31 December [?]. Fort Ann, New York.
Writes in reply to Susan’s letter ■ they are having good sleighing times ■ everyone is marrying, including: Jerry Finch to a lady from the Hill, William Smith to Helen Baker, Harry Rout to Jane Murrill, George Thorn to a lady in the western part of the state, Hiram Dewy to a lady out west, and Alanson Chase Hate [Hattie?] Whaley ■ is going to school this winter ■ Ma and Jane are well ■ Caleb Thompson Junior has come home ■ had a donation party at Mr. Carter’s on Thursday ■ there was a fire at Harvey’s mill
  SERIES 7: MISCELLANEOUS MEAD DOCUMENTS
Item 71
1:7 Wedding Certificate. George Mead and Susan Chandler. 20 November 1859. Oak Grove, Dodge County, Wisconsin.
Wedding certificate for George Mead of Excelsior, Sauk County, Wisconsin and Susan Chandler of Clyman, Dodge County, Wisconsin ■ in the presence of Joanna Chase, Mr. H. C. Griffin, and George Chandler ■ joined by H. M. Parmeley, Minister of the Gospel
Item 72
Envelope. To Mr. George Mead, Weston, Platte County, Missouri. Postmarked Reedsburg, Wisconsin.
Care of Joseph Palmer
Item 73
Envelope. To Mrs. George Mead, Reedsburg, Sauk County, Wisconsin. Postmarked St. Joseph, Missouri.
Item 74
Envelope. To Miss Susan Chandler, Beaver Dam, Dodge County, Wisconsin.
Item 75
Envelope. To Mrs. George Mead, Reedsburg, Sauk County, Wisconsin.
Fred is very sick ■ come home soon
Item 76
Envelope. To Mrs. George Mead, Oak Grove, Dodge County, Wisconsin.
Item 77
Envelope. To Mr. George Mead, Reedsburg, Sauk County, Wisconsin.
Joke about broken hearts
  SERIES 8: MISCELLANEOUS DOCUMENTS
Item 78
1:8 Correspondence between Sergeant Finnegan, Battery C. 149th Field Artillery. American X Forces and Harriet Mead.
Talks of the horrors of war [WWI] ■ wants cigarettes, coffee, and rum to be mailed to him ■ Barnum must be right ■ they have good times in spite of the struggles ■ Huns are the least of their worries because of the weather, cooties, hikes, lack of food, clothing, and sleep, rats, mice, and bugs ■ peace seems close at hand ■ wants Harriet to remind the Stevensons of him ■ wants Jim to join before the war ends ■ Germans just dropped a shell 200 meters away ■ sends his best to the folks back home and to Harriet in her new venture ■ hopes the next time that he needs first aid Michael Reese is near him
Item 79
Colored Photograph. 8 X 9.25.
An older woman and a young girl smile in matching outfits [one of them is possibly Harriet Mead]
Item 80
Newspaper. “State Legion Auxiliary Honors North Shore Women for Services.” Mrs. Harriet Mead Hass. 8 February 1968.
Item 81
Newspaper [second copy]. “State Legion Auxiliary Honors North Shore Women for Services.” Mrs. Harriet Mead Hass. 8 February 1968.
 
 
 

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