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Gaylord Kent Mead, the son of Harry Mead and Betsy Hunt and the brother of Harriet Blackburn and Malvina (Marietta?) Kittridge, was born in Lanesbow, Massachusetts on June 30, 1837. He was probably sent for by his sister Harriet and Judge Blackburn and arrived here in 1861. He enlisted in Co L of the 2nd California Cavalry on September 1861 and during the Civil War was to rise to the rank of Sergeant. He served in that unit until Oct 7, 1864 when he was mustered out with the company at Camp Douglas Utah.

Upon his return to Santa Cruz he married Lora Teed, the orphaned daughter of a Marysville physician who had made her home with the Leland family in Watsonville and later with the Kittridge family in Santa Cruz. To that union were born five children 4 of whom survived infancy.

In addition to being a teamster Gaylord Mead lived on and farmed the Blackburn Terrace near the Depot. He also became active in the local GAR unit. He later moved to the Blackburn residence at 122 Ocean View Ave. where he died on May 17, 1916 of athermoa of Coronary Artery/General Arterio sclerosis. Following his funeral his body was sent to Cypress Lawn in San Francisco for cremation and return for interrral in the Blackburn plot (#67) in Evergreen Cemetery

Santa Cruz Surf (May 17, 1916)

Died- Meade- In Santa Cruz May 17, 1916 Gaylord K Meade aged 78 years 11 months 17 days a native of Lanesbow, Mass.

Deceased enlisted in the Union army and served his country in the Civil War. He was a member of Wallace Reynolds Post GAR.

Death of Gaylord Mead
Passed Away Suddenly at the Family Residence

Gaylord K. Meade, for 55 years a highly respected citizen in the community, passed away suddenly this morning shortly after 8 o'clock at the family residence, 122 Ocean View avenue.

Mr. Meade has had heart trouble and two months ago Dr. E.B. Philbrook was called, when he had a very serious attack, and this morning when his wife went to his room she found he had quietly and apparently without a struggle passed away a few moments previous.

He was born at Lanesbow, Mass, and was of pure New England stock, and inherited many of the splendid New England characteristics. He came here 55 years ago, where there were a number of relatives and he lived for many years on Beach hill and later at the old Blackburn home on Cedar street. He was of quiet manner, a good citizen and devoted to his family. At the time of death he was 78 years of age and he leaves his wife, Mrs. Lora Meade, and four children- Harvey G. of San Francisco, Harry R, of Gallup, NM, Steve K of Suisun, and Mabel, wife of Prof. H.H. Glessner of Berkeley. He was a brother of Mrs. H.M. Blackburn of this city.

Like many from New England he was greatly interested in educational matters and two of his sons were graduates of the University of California and his daughter of Stanford University. He was affiliated with the Unitarian church under the pastorate of Rev. Edgar Leavitt, and has been an attendant at All Souls' Unitarian church for a number of years.

Santa Cruz Sentinel (May 20, 1916)

Sad Rites for Old Citizen

Rev. O.P. Shrout of San Jose, minister of All Souls church officiated yesterday afternoon at the funeral of the late Gaylord K Meade held from his home on Ocean View Ave. Mrs. Grace Williamson, and Mrs. J.H Willey sang hymns. Many were present to pay their last respects. The floral remembrances were most beautiful. Wessendorf and Staffler will today ship the body to Cypress Lawn cemetery where it will be cremated.

Date of Birth: 1837-06-30

Date of Death: 1916-17-05

County: Santa Cruz

Cemetery/City of Burial: Evergreen Cemetery

Mortuary: W&S

Cause of Death: Hrt/Related

Spouse: Teed_ Lora

Occupation: Farmer

Religion: Un

Height: 5'5

Complexion: Dk

Eye Color: Bl

Hair Color: Br

Local Address: Ocean View 122

Last City: Santa Cruz

Native of: MA

Father Native of: Henry (MA)

Mother Native of: Kent_ Betsy (MA)

Enlisted: 1861/09/13

Discharged: 1864/10/07

Military Unit: CA_ 2 Cav_ Co L

Rank: Sgt

Military Notes: E-S.Crz_ M/O-CmpDgls_UT

GAR#: W32

Available records used to obtain information:
Cemetery records
Santa Cruz County death records
Military records
Santa Cruz and Monterey newspapers
Voter Records

CW Reference: W&R 1896 Roster