 Meacham was born in Rutland, Vermont to Lewis and Naomi Eayres Meacham.He graduated from Middlebury College in 1832 and taught in the seminary at Castleton, Vermont, from 1832 until 1833.In addition, he attended the local academy at St. Albans, Vermont, and taught at St. Albans Academy from 1833 until 1834.