Mather, James Thomas 1851-1933

MATHER, LUDWIG, JARVILL

Posted By: Janet Schuldt, Volunteer (email)
Date: 3/4/2012 at 13:37:04

Laurens Sun, Laurens, Pocahontas, Iowa, USA January 26, 1933

J.T.Mather Dies At His Home Monday

Another old pioneer passed to his reward Monday when J. T. Mather died at his home in Laurens He was among the very first to settle in this community. His parents homesteaded the farm three miles east of Laurens in 1875 and Mr. Mather came with them. Soon after the town of Laurens was started, he engaged in the livery business with his brother, E. K. Mather and continued in this business until the automobiles put livery barns out of business. He still owned the buildings at the time of his death.

Of the original Mather family, three brothers remain, Frank of Sioux Rapids, and Will and Walter of Laurens.

The funeral was held yesterday afternoon from the Christian church. The services were in charge of the pastor, Rev. Wm. H. Knotts. Burial was in the Laurens cemetery. Had he lived until the 22nd of March he would have been 82 years old. At the funeral the following obituary was read: "James Thomas Mather was born in the state of Illinois March the 22nd, 1851. The family moved to Pocahontas county, Iowa in March 1875, almost 58 years ago. He had witnessed the development of this part of the state, and also made his own contribution, to the settlement and the building of homes in this county. He was married to Louise Ludwig, May 4, 1892. To them were born two children both of whom are now living; Mrs. Edith Jarvill, and Claron Mather. He is also survived by his wife, three brothers and two grandchildren, beside a large number of other relatives and friends."

Among those from out of town who were here to attend the funeral were: Mr. and Mrs. Frank Mather, Sioux Rapids, Mrs. Ellen Mather, Mr. and Mrs. Robt. Mather, Mr. and Mrs. Archie Mather and Mr. and Mrs. Ham of Rolfe, Will Mather, Swea City, Mr. and Mrs. J. C. Humphrey and Mr. and Mrs. Howard Humphrey, Spencer, Mrs. Ted Fern, Waterloo, Elmer Johnson of Emmetsburg, Mrs. Ray Belden, Mr. and Mrs. Ed. Ellis and Mrs. Henry Lindsey of Marathon and Mrs. Ned Wells of Albert City.