Frank A. Mead, a representative and successful agriculturist of Delaware county, was born on the 24th of June, 1863, in Delaware township, his parents being Chauncey W. and Ruth (Eaton) Mead. He augmented his early education by a course in Manchester Academy and attended Epworth Seminary and remained under the parental roof until twenty five years of age, when he was married and established a home of his own. He purchased the old homestead farm of one hundred and twenty acres on sections 15 and 16, Delaware township, and has been actively engaged in its operation to the present time. In connection with the production of cereals he makes a specialty of dairying, raising Holstein cattle and finding both branches of his business quite profitable.
     In 1888 Mr. Mead was united in marriage to Miss Lillie Skelley, who was born in Jones county, Iowa, on the 3d of August, 1866, her parents being John and Cornelia (Webster) Skelley, natives of New York and Indiana respectively. They came to Iowa in 1852, locating on a farm in Jones county, where Mr. Skelley continued to reside until his death in 1888, owning at that time about eight hundred acres of valuable land. To him and his wife, who survives, were born seven children, five of whom are yet living. Mr. and Mrs. Mead have three children, as follows: Ruth May, who was born on the 25th of November, 1898; and Harold E. and Harry A., twins, whose birth occurred March 25, 1900.
     Politically Mr. Mead is a stanch republican. He served as township trustee for nine years, also acted as a school director and is now serving his second term as county commissioner, making an excellent record in that connection. Fraternally he is identified with the Masons, belonging to Manchester Lodge No. 165 at Manchester, and he is likewise a member of the Modern Brotherhood of America. Both he and his wife attend the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Mead has spent his entire life in Delaware county and has long been numbered among its prosperous agriculturists and most desirable citizens.