George Meade was born on February 27, 1741 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He was the son of Robert and Mary (Stretch) Meade. His father, who was probably born in Ireland, went to Philadelphia about 1732 from Barbados and was a shipping and commission merchant with extensive interests in the West Indies.
Meade was educated under the supervision of his uncle, George Stretch, in Barbados, and at an early age was captain of a vessel trading between the island and Philadelphia.
Meade established a firm with his brother in Philadelphia under the name of Garrett and George Meade, engaging in importing, freighting, and shipping. They built up an extensive business, became prominent merchants of Philadelphia, and were among the signers of the Non-Importation Resolutions of 1765. Upon the retirement of Garrett Meade the firm became George Meade & Company, with Thomas FitzSimons, Meade's brother-in-law, as a partner. This connection lasted for some years until FitzSimons' public duties forced his retirement. Meade was an ardent patriot and contributed large sums from his private fortune toward the cause of the colonies. During the Revolution he was a member of the 3rd Philadelphia Battalion (1775 - 76) but did not take part in any military engagements. He served, however, on various relief, correspondence, and other committees and was a member of the Public Defence Association. In 1780 his firm subscribed a large sum toward organizing the Pennsylvania Bank, which was to supply Washington's army with food and clothing. Meade was a prominent citizen though he was not drawn to public office. He was, however, a member of the common council of Philadelphia in the years 1789-91 and in 1792 was chairman of the board of management of Philadelphia prisons. About 1795 he invested largely in undeveloped land in various parts of the country, but he failed in the financial crisis of 1796. He continued to manage his affairs until he was forced in 1801, because of his increasing age and declining health, to go into bankruptcy. His son Richard Worsam Meade, 1778-1828, was appointed as his assignee. He died on November 9, 1808 in Philadelphia.
Meade was a stanch Roman Catholic and was instrumental in the building of Saint Mary's Church, one of the oldest Catholic churches in Philadelphia. He was also one of the original members of the Society of the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick, established about 1771, and one of the incorporators of the Hibernian Society in 1792.
member of the Society of the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick, member of the Hibernian society
Meade was a generous, hospitable, and charitable. He was known for his strict integrity, and held holding several positions of trust and honor.
Meade had married Henrietta Constantia Worsam, the daughter of Richard Worsam of His Majesty's council, Barbados, on May 5, 1768, and they had ten children.
August 1772 - 27 June 1801
Died on 17 Jul 1799.
26 August 1774 - 29 August 1774
23 June 1778 - 25 June 1828
1771 - 26 April 1773
20 September 1775 - 5 May 1796
