Representative Francis Dana Mead View All Years

HONORABLE F. D. MEAD

MR. SPEAKER: Your committee, appointed to prepare resolutions in commemoration of the life, character and services of the Honorable F. D. Mead, former member of the House of Representatives from Howard county, Iowa, beg leave to submit the following memorial:

Francis Dana Mead was born at Cresco, Howard county, Iowa, on August 8, 1870, and departed this life in Cresco, Wednesday afternoon, November 16, 1932, at the age of 62 years, 3 months and 8 days. He was the eldest son of Francis J. and Cynthia B. Mead, and his entire life was spent in Howard county.

His early education was obtained in the Cresco public school, he graduating with honors at the age of 16 years, as a member of the class of 1886.

After his graduation from high school he spent a short time as a clerk in the drug store owned by Dr. H. C. Price. Following this he began the work which became his life vocation, actively assisting in the various details pertaining to the publishing of a country newspaper and in this way acquiring the knowledge and building the foundation which enabled him upon the death of his uncle, W. R. Mead, to successfully become the co-partner with his father in the editing and publishing of the Cresco Plain Dealer. With the exception of eight years spent as postmaster he continued with this work until the time of his death. Since the establishment of the Plain Dealer in 1859, now in its seventy-fifth volume, it has been continuously in the possession of the Mead family, and a complete file of all issues has been kept. It has now fallen to the lot of his two sons who have been associated with their father to carry on.

On November 12, 1895, he was united in marriage with Alice M. Frost of Cresco, who passed away in March, 1900. He was united in marriage with Pearl Buchanan on May 2, 1901, and to this union two sons, Donald and George, were born.

Mr. Mead, always interested in community affairs, was an active participant until the day of his death. On January 8, 1925, he was elected secretary of the Howard County Agricultural Association and during the seven years of his guidance the fair has become one of the outstanding organizations of the state. In recognition of his ability along this line he was chosen treasurer of the Iowa State Fair Managers’ Association, which position he held until his death. He served as president of the Cresco Community Club, was a charter member of the Kiwanis, and a valued member of the Board of Education of the Independent School District of Cresco. His religious affiliation was with the Grace Episcopal Church, he contributing unstintingly of his time, counsel and musical talent. For many years he was also a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church choir.

In 1930 he was elected state representative from Howard county and the able manner in which he represented his constituents is attested by his re-election on November 8, 1932.

In closing we can do no better than to again quote the words of Mr. Mead, who on a similar occasion wrote: “He had nearly 46 years of country newspaper life. What a rich life of experiences and intimacies with his neighbors. But now the Grand Foreman has called ‘Thirty’ on Dad’s work, has ‘closed the forms’ on the last printed page of his open book of life; his work is finished and printed clear, without a blur and fair to read.”

Therefore, Be It Resolved by the House of Representatives of Forty-fifth General Assembly, That we extend our sympathies to the family and express our appreciation of the life and character and public services of the Honorable F. D. Mead.

Be It Further Resolved, That these resolutions be spread upon the Journal of the House and the Chief Clerk be directed to send an enrolled copy to the family.

JOSEPH D. BOUSKA,

WM. KOCH,

T. F. SCHMITZ,

Committee.

Unanimously adopted April 11, 1933.