JOHN H. MATHERS
Page 513

JOHN H. MATHERS. The record of the life of this gentleman affords a striking illustration of the results of force and decision of purpose, as well as the power which an honorable and energetic character exercises upon the lives of others. Possessing versatile talents, he has been successful in every enterprise with which his name has been connected. For many years he carried on a large and valuable farm, but retiring from agricultural pursuits in 1893, he accepted the responsible position of President of the First National Bank of Mason City, which he still holds. Referring to the ancestry of our subject, we find that his grandfather, John Mathers, was born in Ireland, and emigrating from the Emerald Isle to America became a pioneer of Cincinnati, Ohio, where he followed his trade of a blacksmith. Near the city of Cincinnati, David, our subject's father, was born and reared. There he engaged in farming throughout his entire active life, meeting with fair success in his chosen occupation. While not a politician in the usual sense of the word, he was loyal to the Democratic party and always ready and able to give a reason for his preference to that organization. The marriage of David Mathers united him with Margaret Williams, a native of New York, who accompanied her parents to Ohio in girlhood. Her father, Miles Williams, who was born in New Jersey, was a man of patriotic impulses and served with valor in the War of the Revolution, being a soldier under General Washington. In political opinion he was a Jeffersonian Democrat and was a man of prominence in his community. David Mathers died in Ohio in 1848, in the prime of his useful and honorable life. His widow survived his demise for many years, and coming to Illinois, resided in Mason County until her death in 1875. In Miami County, Ohio, John H. Mathers was born April 23, 1827. In his youth he was the recipient of ordinary educational advantages, though his time was employed principally in aiding in the farm work. At the age of eighteen years he commenced to learn the trade of a blacksmith, but followed that occupation one year only, and was afterward engaged at different kinds of work. Believing that the great and growing west offered an opportunity for gaining independence which the east did not present, he came to Illinois in 1851, and in March, 1853, settled in Mason County. Here he purchased land upon which he engaged in the raising of stock and grain for many years. His property interests are still extensive and valuable, including considerable farming land as well as city real estate. In December, 1852, Mr. Mathers married Miss Elizabeth Caven, a native of Ohio. This lady died in 1865, after having become the mother of seven children. Five of the number are now living: Eugene, Artensa, John, Lucy and George. The present wife of Mr. Mathers, with whom he was united in 1866, bore the maiden name of Martha J. Sayers and was born in Ohio. The family of which she is a member has long resided in America, and during the War of the Revolution her grandfather, Thomas Sayers, was one of the gallant soldiers who fought untiringly and amidst the most trying and perilous surrounding for the freedom of the Colonies. The father of Mrs. Mathers was Samuel Sayers, who was born in Ohio, and there passed away May 29, 1877. He mother, Jane (Sims) Sayers, was born in the Old Dominion and died in Miami County, Ohio, in 1866. By his present wife Mr. Mathers has one child, Effle A., now the wife of Paul Enlow, of Mason City. As a citizen Mr. Mathers deserves the high esteem in which he is held. With sound understanding developed by intelligent reading and careful observation, a stable character and industrious habits, he is an influence for good in Mason City, with whose financial and business interests he is closely connected. He and his wife are members of the Presbyterian Church. A citizen of progressive and public spirit, he has always evinced a deep interest in the welfare of Mason City and County and has been connected, either directly or indirectly, with the foremost enterprises for the advancement of the material welfare of the community.

1894 Biography Index

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