Mather, William Robert 1860-1936

MATHER, BOHN, DONAHUE, APLAND

Posted By: Janet Schuldt, Volunteer (email)
Date: 4/18/2013 at 14:32:45

Laurens Sun, Laurens, Pocahontas, Iowa, USA Thursday, May 28, 1936

Will Mather Dies in a Fort Dodge Hospital

William Robert Mather, the son of Benjamin and Mary Mather, was born January 31, 1860, at Asbury, Dubuque county, Iowa, in a family of thirteen children, seven of whom grew to maturity. His father was fifteen years old when he came from England to the States, nd his mother was ten years of age when she also came from England. They met after coming to America and were married, and settled on the old Mather farm four miles east of Laurens in the year 1874.

William was fourteen years old when the family took Up its residence on this farm. He lived all the rest of his life in Pocahontas county, a period of sixty-two years. He was thus one of the pioneers of this county. Mr. Mather was united in marriage to Emma Ella Bohn on the 25th of November, 1886, and the newly wedded couple took up housekeeping on Mr. Mather's farm, two miles east of Laurens. Here their four children were born: three sons and a daughter. These were William Ray, Benjamin Ira, Glenn Robert, and Elva May. Glenn Robert, died January 28, 1913, aged six years, and Benjamin Ira passed away May 15th, 1936.

It has already been said that Mr. Mather was a pioneer of Pocahontas county. In an early day the family knew what it was to twist prairie hay for, use as fuel. Mr. Mather broke up the virgin prairie in the development of his farm, it never having been worked until he began to cultivate it.
In those days Swan Lake was a fine fishing place, and the lake boasted a steamer on its sparkling waters. The season, that the Northwestern railroad was built was preceded by a very severe winter, and in the spring several deer were found dead on the farm now occupied by L. J. Hubbard, overcome by cold and hunger. Prairie fires were a danger that had to be guarded against. Pioneer ? prevailed on every hand, and Mr. Mather and family lived in the midst
of them.

Mr. Mather and his wife left the farm in the fall of 1913 and moved into Laurens. On the 25th of December, 1921, his wife died. September 4th, 1924 he was united in marriage to Mrs. Lillian Apland.

On the 15th of May Mr, Mather was taken seriously ill and was hurriedly transferred to a hospital in Ft. Dodge, where everything was done for him to restore his health and continue his life. But a week later, May 22, he passed away at the age of 76 years, four months, and 21 days.

He is survived by his wife, his son Ray, and his daughter, Mrs. Elva Donahue, his brother Walt, the last of his father's family, and six grandchildren.

Mr. Mather was a member of the Methodist church in Laurens, having been received into membership by the Rev. Robert H. Reidy March 29, 1905.

"Friend after friend departs;
Who hath not lost a friend -
There is no union here of hearts
,
That finds not here an end:
Were this frail world our final rest,
Living or dying, none were blest,
"There is a world above, .
Where parting in unknown,
A long eternity of love,
Formed for the good alone;
And faith beholds the dying here
Translated to that happier sphere,
James Montgomery,

Funeral services were, held at the Methodist church Sunday afternoon conducted by the pastor, the Rev. Chas. H. Seward. Interment was in the Laurens cemetery.