Representative from Howard county, was born at Cresco, Iowa, August 8th, 1870. He attended the Cresco public schools, graduating in 1886. He is editor and publisher of the Cresco Plain Dealer, established in 1859 by his father and uncle at New Oregon, a village abandoned when the railroad reached Cresco, two miles distant, in 1866. Since the establishment of the Plain Dealer, now in its seventy-second volume, it has been continuously in the possession of the Mead family, and a complete file of all issues has been kept. Postmaster at Cresco from 1915 to 1923, is now member of the school board and is past president of Community Club. Secretary of Howard county fair since 1925 and is also treasurer of Iowa fair managers association. Married in 1902 to Pearl Buchanan and has two sons both associated with him in the publishing business. Is a member of the Episcopal church, Masonic Blue Lodge and Chapter, all branches of Odd Fellowship, Woodmen of the World and A.O.U.W. Democrat.