Mather, Walter 1869-1938

MATHER, BELDON, WELLS, HINN

Posted By: Janet Schuldt, Volunteer (email)
Date: 3/4/2012 at 13:33:37

Laurens Sun, Laurens, Pocahontas, Iowa, USA December 15, 1938

Walt Mather, Pioneer Buried Last Sunday

The funeral of Walter Mather was held at the Methodist Church Sunday afternoon, December 11, Rev. H. O. Ward, the pastor, preaching the sermon. Burial was in the Laurens Cemetery. The services at the grave were in charge of the Masons, S. E. Swanson, acting as Master. The pallbearers were Geo. Hinn, J. A. Peterson, J. E. Clanton, A. D. Ryon of Humboldt, Will Gilchrist of Pocahontas, and Charles Miller of Marathon. Tutt & Emarine had charge of the arrangements.

Few people living have been in the community as long as had Mr. Mather. He came here with his parents long before there was any town or railroad. In his life time he had seen the prairie and sloughs turned into one of the garden spots of the world. He had seen the abundance of wild life practically disappear. He was here when the grasshoppers in the 70's destroyed the little that the early settlers had to live upon— in fact he was among the very few who told first hand of the experiences of the early settlers here. His life experiences were one of the few connecting links with the pioneer days and our present modern days. But these experiences are a rich heritage to this generation.

At the funeral the following obituary was read: "Walter Mason Mather was born near the country village of Ashbury, Dubuque County, Iowa, on January 18, 1869. In spite of all that medical aid and loving care could do, he quietly passed away in the early hours of the morning at his home in Laurens,
on December 7, aged 69 years, 10 months and 19 days.

"At the age of 3 he moved with his parents to the vicinity of where Laurens now stands. On December 11, 1890 he was united in marriage to Miss Pearl Ellis. To this union three children were born, all of whom survive. "With the exception of a few years he has spent his life and made his home in this community. He carried on his successful business off and on in the same building for 45 years; a
fact which he often mentioned and of which he was justly proud.

"Walt as he was known to his many friends, had two great interests in life, his family and his loved ones came before all else. Their interests, welfare and happiness were his. Even to the last his concern was that they get their rest. He was happiest when he had them all around him. Aside from his family, his other interest was his work. Just five weeks to the day that he walked home from the work that he loved so well, he passed into the world beyond.

"He leaves to mourn, and yet, to cherish his fond memories, his wife, Mrs. W. M. Mather and three daughters, Mrs. R. E. Beldon of Fort Dodge, Mrs. N. E. Wells of Albert City, Mrs. R. M. Hinn of Laurens, four grandchildren, Doctor W. R. Beldon of Corona, New Mexico, Lucille and Larry
Beldon of Fort Dodge, and Marian Hinn of Laurens."

Only a step, round the turn, round the bend,
Oh into happiness world without end,
Go our beloved, just through the gate
There in the sunlight, to smile and to
Doing the things that they so loved to do,
Seeking new treasures and beauties anew,
Finding old friends and their welcoming smile,
Working and playing and resting awhile;
Grieve not,
Lest our grieving should sadden them there,
And shadow their kingdom that must be 30 fair,
Still may we serve them if bravely we send
Smile in return for their love round the bend.

Among those from a distance who were here for the funeral were Mrs. Ellen Mather, Mr. and Mrs. Will Mather, Mr. and Mrs. Bob Mather, Mr. and Mrs. Hoag. Mr. and Mrs. Hamm, M r . and Mrs. Earl Johnson, all of Rolfe; Mr. and Mrs. Kelsey of Bradgate, Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Ellis of Emmetsburg; Mr. and Mrs. Rex Mather of Storm. Lake; Mr. and Mrs. A. A. Wells and Mr and Mrs. Jim Thomas of Marathon; C. W. Gilchrist .of Pocahontas; Mr. and Mrs. Art Peterson |and Mr and Mrs. Walt Kischer of Albert City. There were undoubtedly others from out of town in the large congregation that was present to pay their last respects to the deceased.