I live in SC between Chester and Columbia. I am planning a trip to the SC Archives soon. I believe they have copies of all the SC county records. Most of the old records have been microfilmed and the microfilm is at the archives. I have not been to the Chester courthouse for research, but if it is like Fairfield County, the employees don't even know where the old records are, and most are no longer at the courthouse. If you will email me at Nachalink@yahoo.com, and tell me what you need, I will try to get it when I go. The SC Archives has scanned will transcripts from 1782-1855 on the website, but I do not find a William Mead. There still may be a probate record, though.