ALVIN H. MEAD (1844 - 1867)

The gravestone (in Mound Cemetery) of Alvin H. Mead is an express trunk, "all packed and ready for shipment." Young Mead was an express messenger when he died at the age of only 23 years and 25 days. He undoubtedly worked for Benjamin Hall, who was, in 1867, the agent in Racine for both American Express and United State Express at the only express office in the city, on Main Street. Mead was living with his parents on the west side of Chippewa Street (now Park Avenue) between Ninth and Tenth Streets when he died on March 28, 1867, but how he died is not known. His parents must have chosen the unique and appropriate marker for his grave.

—Submitted by Deborah Crowell