Louisa Crane Meads

by


Spelled variously, Albany resident Louisa Crane was born about 1785. Subsequent information identifies her as the daughter of Elisha Crane and perhaps Ruth Phelps. Her father recently had re-located from New Jersey and Ruth may have been his second wife. These Cranes set up their home in the first ward where their household totalled nine members in 1790.

In April 1804, she married English-born newcomer "John Mead" at St. Peter's Episcopal Church. The marriage produced many children. A number of them became Albany residents. Ezra Ames produced paintings of the couple in 1816. Her portrait is part of the collection of Albany Institute of History and Art which also includes fine furnishings fashioned by her husband and later her brother.

The couple first raised their family in a landmark home on Market Street and later in the townhouse Meads had built on upper Columbia Street.

During the 1830s, the heirs of Elisha Crane began the process of applying for a pension for his service during the American Revolution. Louisa's name was prominent in the applications as she was the only heir still living by the end of the process.

Louisa Crane Meads died in late January 1854. The "wife of John Meads" was said to have been sixty-nine years of age. Meads lived five years longer.


biography in-progress


notes

the people of colonial Albany Sources: The life of Louisa Crane Meads has no CAP biography number. This sketch is derived chiefly from family and community-based resources.




first posted: 2/15/12