James Mather 1818-1903

MATHER, GRAY

Posted By: SGF (email)
Date: 8/7/2002 at 03:13:23

James Mather was born in Union Co., Pennsylvania, August 4, 1818, and died at the home of his son John W., near Rockwell, Iowa, May 12, 1903, in the 85th year of his life, death resulting after a few days illness from kidney trouble of which he had long been a sufferer. He was married to Margaret Gray, of Green Mound, Columbia Co., Penn., Feb. 20, 1849, who preceded him to the better world August 15, 1894. Three children were born to this union, of which but one, John, with his wife and three grandchildren are let to mourn the loss of an honest, christian father, whose wants they have faithfully ministered to in his declining years. James Mather came to Post township in 1850, where he has since resided until March first last, when he removed with his son to Rockwell. He was a follower of the Quaker church during his early life, but being unable to affiliate with the church of his choice he cast his lot with the M.E. church, of which he has long been a consistent member and supporter. He was a man of few words, taking a firm stand in favor of truth and right and was loved by all who knew him. As a memorial of the death of his wife he presented the church here with a beautiful Bible, with her name and the date of her death engraved on the cover. Of him can be most truthfully said, a good and honest man has gone to his reward. The funeral was held from the M.E. church in this city Wednesday afternoon at 2:30, Rev. H.O. Ross, of Castalia, officiating. Interment in the Postville cemetery.
- source: Postville Review 5/15/1903