Franklin McDonough Meader, son of Stephen Baggage Meader 1779-1855) [0132] and Mary Bailey (  –  ), was born in Wells River, VT April 3, 1815 and died December 12, 1891 in Atkinson, ME. In 1831, while cutting wood, he struck the blade of his axe across his right instep, which confined him to his home for several weeks. When able to walk with crutches, he attended school for several months, taught by F. W. Pearson of Meriden, NH. Those were his last school days.

When school closed, he with two others started for "Down East." After a hard journey they reached Bangor, ME, but as none had a trade they found it hard work to gain a living. The boys turned their faces homeward, and Franklin decided to visit some friends in Atkinson, ME, some thirty miles from Bangor. He was so well satisfied with the place that he determined to settle there. He worked at painting until it was too cold for the work. He then went to Groton, VT and worked at his trade for two years. When he returned to Atkinson he took with him as his wife Sarah Hill Frost, born November 17, 1805 and died in Dover, ME December 23, 1883, daughter of William and Lydia Frost. She was highly educated and had taught school for eight years. Both are buried in the Atkinson, Maine cemetery.

He traveled as agent for Hiram Hunt for the sale of clocks, and he became well known throughout the state of Maine. He moved to and kept a small hotel in Dover [now Dover-Foxcroft], Maine until the railroad changed the current of business and he retired to private life. After his wife’s death he divided his time among his four married daughters. His home was with his daughter Juliet, in Atkinson, where he died.

His wife was born of religious parents. Her mother was a Friend. At the age of five years she had deep religious impressions, and at 17 she made a public profession of faith and joined the Methodist Episcopal church in her native town [Groton, VT?].