An Illustrated History of the State of Washington, by Rev. H.K. Hines, D.D., The Lewis Publishing Co., Chicago, IL., 1893, page 361
HOMER L. MEAD, a citizen of Centralia prominently identified with her government, growth and prosperity, has been a resident of the State of Washington since 1889. He is a native of Ohio, born near Clyde, April 18, 1848, and a son of Robert B. and Laura M. (Alexander) Mead. The mother is now deceased; the parents were both natives of New York State, and were descended from ancestors who emigrated to New England during the latter half of the seventeenth century. Homer L. is the third of a family of five children. He acquired his education in the public schools of his native State, and at the age of twenty years embarked in mercantile enterprises, which he conducted successfully at Woodhull, Illinois, for a period of two years. He returned at the end of this period to Ohio and was engaged in business until 1878, when he went to Michigan; there he remained until 1889, and then pushed his way to the Pacific coast. For a few months he was in Tacoma, but before the end of the year he purchased the drug business of C.W. Johnson, of Centralia.
In 1892 he was elected Justice of the Peace, an office he had filled acceptably for a few months by appointment. Possessed of excellent judgment, he is able to make decisions apart from any personal preference, and his rulings have given universal satisfaction. In addition to his official interests Judge Mead cultivates a small prune orchard; he has five acres planted in this fruit exclusively and takes a just pride in its flourishing condition. He is manager of the Centralia Undertaking Company, and in this capacity exhibits the same judgment and tact that characterize all his movements.
Realizing the importance that intellectual attainment must have upon the future of the nation, Judge Mead has taken a deep interest in the prosperity of the public-school system, and has lost no opportunity to add to its permanence as one of the institutions of this country. He has been a member of the School Board for three terms, and in this position has given emphasis to his sentiments upon this question. He is a stanch advocate of Republican principles, and has been prominent in the affairs of the municipal government. He is a member of the I.O.O.F., and has passed all the chairs of the lodge.
An important event of his life was consummated in his marriage to Miss Emma Holbrook, in December, 1876. Mrs. Mead is a native of Ohio. They have a family of three children: Florence, Edith and Leroy. They are all consistent members of the Baptist Church of Centralia.
Submitted to the WA. Bios Project in September 2003 by Jeffrey L. Elmer. This biography was transcribed for the Washington Biographies Project. Unless otherwise stated, no further information is available on the individual featured in the biographies.
Editor's Note: is connected to Homer L. Mead's family through Homer's daughter, Florence (Mead) Poncin. Please see Mead family page for more information.