Background
Nead was born in Hagerstown, Maryland, and was raised as a Lutheran.
Nead was born in Hagerstown, Maryland, and was raised as a Lutheran.
His family wanted him to become a Lutheran preacher, but he instead chose to learn the trade of a tanner.
He resided at the Tunker House until 1839. He later relocated to Augusta County, Virginia, then Botetourt County, and finally settled in 1850 near Dayton, Ohio where remained until his death, preaching at the Lower Stillwater church. Nead was known as the "English preacher" because of his ability to preach in English.
But his greatest impact was in his writings.
He assisted in launching and was a frequent contributor to the church periodical The Vindicator, which was largely devoted to advocating against reformation of the church.