MEAD Family - Bringing people together across the generations

	Isaac Mead published his memoirs in 1923 under the title The Life Story of an Essex Lad. In the preface Edward Gepp describes Isaac's family as "upright, sturdy, genuine Essex folk" and the slim volume goes on to paint a picture of rural life in the county during the latter part of the nineteenth century. Isaac describes his schooldays and early working life as an agricultural labourer earning 1 shilling and sixpence per week when beginning work in 1870. By 1873 he was earning seven shillings and went to work at Green's Farm where he learnt new skills. At harvest time the following year he was using a scythe to cut the corn by hand. Isaac Mead became a miller and then a poultry farmer. By 1913 he was breeding horses.	A break for refreshment during harvest time at Waples Mill. Isaac is centre of the photograph.