William Thomas Mathews (1827 - 1900)

MATHEWS, LOGAN, MEACHUM, SNIDER, RITTER, KYTE

Posted By: Karen Brewer (email)
Date: 2/19/2020 at 15:11:38

The Osceola Democrat, Osceola, Iowa
January 04, 1900, Page 4

Death of Lieut. W. T. Mathews.

Clarke county loses one of the best citizens in the death of Lieut. W. T. Mathews, which occurred at his late residence in Osceola, Iowa, at 2 o'clock A. M. Tuesday January 2, 1900.

Lieut. Mathews was born in Murray county, Tennessee, July 18, 1827. During infancy his parents removed to Washington county, Illinois, where he was reared, his youth being passed in assistance on the farm and attending common schools. In July 1847, he enlisted in the Mexican war, in Company II, Second Illinois Infantry, and after serving one year was honorably discharged. On the thirteenth day of December 1849, he was married to Catherine Logan of Washington county, Illinois. In 1851, Lieut. Mathews came to Iowa and located in Poweshiek county, where he remained about four years, and in 1855 he came with his family to Clarke county and purchased a farm in Green Bay township, near Hebron. Lieut. Mathews enlisted in the civil war August 13, 1862, in Company D, Thirty-ninth Iowa Infantry, and participated in the engagements at Parker's Cross Roads, Snake Creek Gap, Little Ogeeche River, Columbia, Bentonville, near Goldsborough, besides a number of other engagements. After enlisting, he was commissioned First Lieutenant, and served as such with his company till his discharge at Clinton, Iowa, June 5, 1865, having had at all times the utmost respect and confidence of his comrades. He then returned to Clarke county and settled on his farm on Green Bay Township, where his wife died, October 8, 1869. On June 23, 1874, he was again united in marriage to Mrs. Catherine Meachum. Lieut Mathews was devoted to the best interests of his county, and was elected county spervisor in 1876 and served three years, discharging his duties in a calm, wise and conservative manner. He took an active part in the advancement of good schools, serving as director, and doing all in his power for the promotion of a liberal education. He also took an active part in the management of the business of his township, filling the office of clerk and trustee with tact and good judgement. He was a successful farmer and stock raiser and a good business man.

Lieut. Mathews leaves to mourn his loss, besides a host of friends, his faithful and loving wife and seven children; Hiram W. and George M. Mathews, of San Francisco, California; Mrs. Hattie E. Snider, of Weldon, Iowa; Lewis E. Mathews, of Annis, Idaho; Mrs. C. C. Ritter, of Seldon, Kansas; Mrs. Frances B. Kyte, of Arapahoe, Oklahoma, and Miss Minnie L. Mathews, who is with the widowed mother at their home in Osceola, Iowa.

Lieut. Mathews was distinguished throughout his entire life by a calm, dignified and liberal judgment; wherever he went his counsel was sought. He was a Conscientous man-honest to the core. He was for many years a faithful member of the Methodist Episcopal church, giving liberally to its support, assisting in the management of the business affairs of the church and acting as class leader and supintendent of its Sunday schools, and died as he had lived, a devout Christian. Lieut. Mathews was a brave soldier, and loved by his comrades, he was a member of the G. A. R. Post at Osceola, Iowa, and also a member of the U. V. U. He was a Mason, belonging to Osceola Lodge No. 77, to which he was engaged he was active and earnest; kind to the poor, faithful to a friend generous to a fault; a kind and loving husband and an indulgent father. And through all his life, "Those who knew him best loved him best."

The funeral services will be held this Thursday at 10:30 A. M. in the M. E. church, conducted by the pastor, Rev. Wright. The Osceola G. A. R. Post and Masonic lodge attending in body. The interment will be made in the Hebron Cemetery by the G. A. R. Posts of Osceola and Weldon.
L. E. Christ.