Henry Meader, son of William Meader (1750-1829) [0031] and his third wife, Widow Phebe Tripp (1763-1848), was born in New Bedford, MA on February 24, 1797 and died, apparently in Seattle, WA on May 20, 1855.

He married Eliza Taber, daughter of Catherine Coggeshall, who was sister of Major Coggeshall. Catherine Coggeshall was the daughter of Daniel Taber, uncle of William C. Taber of New Bedford. Daniel Taber was the first white child born in New Bedford.

Henry Meader was a bookkeeper for various firms in New Bedford until he was 30. Then ill health obliged him to try the sea, for which he prepared himself by learning the cooper’s trade. He was always successful in large voyages. In 1848, the year his wife died, he sailed in the Margaret Scott of Fairhaven, MA, Ezekiel Swain, Agent. The ship put into San Francisco to recruit. There the crew deserted to try their luck at mining. Only the captain, cooper, first mate and ship’s keeper remained. The ship and cargo were sold in San Francisco.

Henry Meader took passage for Oregon, and he settled on a farm at Seattle, Washington Territory. He passed through some sad phases of life and met with many disappointments, but he was naturally hopeful, energetic and generous. His family, supposing he remained in San Francisco, were surprised to learn that he had become a farmer. In this occupation he was successful, despite trouble with the Indians which caused many to flee for their lives and the women and children to take refuge in the garrison for safety.

He received a government grant of 100 acres and wrote to his friends in Massachusetts in glowing terms of his first farm and of the beautiful country. He hoped that some of them would be induced to join him. He lived one year after sending his first letter home.