0591. Percy Davol Meader (1890 - 1926)
Born: 1890
Died: 1926
0591. Percy Davol Meader (1890 - 1926)
Percy Davol Meader, the son of Lewis Hamilton Meader (1851-1925) [0485] and Mary Gammell Davol (1858-1946), was born at 88 Andem St., Providence, on January 9, 1890. He graduated from the Academy Avenue Grammar School, where his father was principal. Classical High School, and the class of 1914 at Brown University, receiving working degrees of M.Sc. and Ph.D. at Brown in bacteriology. He became instructor, then assistant professor of bacteriology at the Public Health School of Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, spending about half his time in research, the balance in teaching. He published many pamphlets on his researches, principally on diphtheria, streptococcus and gonorrhea. He never married, but after his father died, his mother made a home for him at 2028 Mount Royal Terrace, Baltimore, where he died December 15, 1926 of acute dilation of the heart. When 7 years old he nearly died of infantile paralysis, which sadly crippled his body, but not his brain; his development became a testimony to his grit, to good medical advice and to the patience and sacrifice of his parents. He was a most lovable character, and had no enemies when he died. In spite of his handicap physically, he made a name in his profession, earned his way and saved money, and was welcome in every gathering for his personality, wit, and keen, original thinking. He was buried in Swan Point Cemetery, Providence. Funeral services in Baltimore were held in the new Auditorium of the Public Health School, Johns Hopkins. This was intended and accepted as a most unusual tribute to him.
According to the Brown Alumni Monthly, January, 1927:
"...During the World War he spent most of his time at the School of Hygiene and Public Health investigating problems in bacteriology for the Army Medical School, Washington. He was an assistant in the school at the time. In 1919 he became instructor in bacteriology and in 1924 assistant professor. He was a member of the Sigma Xi, the Society of American Bacteriologists and the American Public Health Association. His fraternity was Sigma Chi. His publications included studies of the hookworm in Rhode Island (with Dr. Alex M. Burgess '06) and of subjects having to do with diphtheria and other diseases. During his years in Baltimore he was an active leader in the Brown group there; in truth, his interest in Brown and in the class was always strong and eager. The class officers attended his funeral and also sent flowers in the name of the class."