0109. Ezra Meader (1787 – 1861)

Ezra Meader, son of Joseph Meader (1753-1820) [0042] and Elizabeth Gould (1756-1814), was born February 1, 1787, probably in Rochester, NH, and died March 22, 1861, in his 75th year. March 7, 1810 he married Martha Hoag, daughter of Joseph Hoag and Huldah Case of Charlotte, Vermont, born December 24, 1787 and died October 31, 1865. He became Clerk of the North Sandwich Meeting House around 1830 and at one time was also Clerk of the Dover Quarterly Meeting. He probably moved to Sandwich with his father in 1807.

In early life he manifested a desire to be found working in the path of self-denial, evincing a quality of spirit which marked his course through life. His father had become a member of the Society of Friends in 1789. Ezra Meader’s faith was strong in the promise of the Redeemer. During several years’ illness, he was led to administer counsel and encouragement to those who visited with him, urging the young to give themselves to the service of the Lord. He often said he should rejoice to know when the time of his release had come. When his wife spoke of his sufferings he replied, "I cannot expect much but suffering in this life. The Master will keep His promise: ‘I will be with thee to the end, and give thee an inheritance among the blessed.’"

The children of Ezra Meader and Martha Hoag were:
1532 i. Huldah Hoag Meader, born April 20, 1811 and died October 23, 1858.
1533 ii. Elizabeth M. Meader, born February 1, 1815 and died September 20, 1847.
iii. Martha E. Meader, twin to Elizabeth, born February 1, 1815 and died the same day
iv. Joseph E. Meader, born August 28, 1819 and died the same day.
0215 v. Elvira Meader, born April 4, 1821 and died January 21, 1867.