Biographical Sketch of

Hon. Samuel W. Mather

Transcribed by Barbara Voss



Source: Portrait and Biographical Album of Green Lake, Marquette and Waushara Counties, Wisconsin, 
published 1890 by Acme Publishing Co., Chicago, Pages 436 - 437

Hon. Samuel W. Mather, deceased. It is the intention of the historian to represent in this volume by written records, 
all who have been connected with the history of the county and are numbered among its honored pioneers or prominent 
citizens. With this end in view, in justice to his many friends and relatives, we could not omit the sketch of Mr. 
Mather. Indeed, it gives us great pleasure to record it, for the example furnished by such a life of uprightness 
may inspire others to an ambition to become like him.

Our subject was born on the 25th of May, 1819, in the town of Claremont, Sullivan Co., N. H. The name of Mather is 
familiar to every student of history in our land. Our subject was a descendant of Cotton Mather, and a grandson of 
Richard Mather, an English Non Conformist minister, who removed to New England in 1636.The race, is characterized by 
its great intellectuality, vigor and courage, which traits were predominant in him of whom we write. Many noted 
physicians and surgeons were members of the family and in other professions the Mather’s were men of note. 

In the common schools of his native State, Samuel Mather acquired his education, but on leaving the schoolroom he 
did not lay aside his studies, but by reading and observation added to his store of knowledge year by year. He 
could converse well on almost any subject, and was well versed on all the current topics of the day. He grew to 
manhood in his native county, and after attaining his majority was united in the holy bonds of matrimony with Miss 
Fannie Jones, on the 5th of February, 1850. Five years previous he had come to the Territory of Wisconsin and located 
land in what is now the town of Manchester, Green Lake County. For a few years he engaged in its cultivation, making 
preparations for a home, and then returned to the East for his bride, who for thirty five years shed sunshine around 
his path and was his counselor in matters which engaged his serious reflection. Five children graced their union, 
three sons and two daughters, who are left to mourn the loss of a beloved father. Albert D., the eldest, is now a 
prominent farmer of Douglas County, S.D.; Fannie and Edward J. are living with their mother in Brown County, S.D.; 
Alonzo R. is a prominent citizen and cashier of the bank in Groton, Brown County; and Mary is the wife of William W. 
Green of Waupun, Wis.

Mr. Mather labored hard in the years that succeeded his removal to this county, for it was no easy task to transform 
the raw land into a farm. The income from which would enable him to support his family with any degree of comfort, 
so he labored diligently in their behalf until his efforts were rewarded with prosperity. As before stated, he first 
came to the county in 1845, bringing with him his father, mother and sister, who is now Mrs. Holbrook, that they might 
care for his home while he provided for their support and attended to his duties as a farmer. After his marriage, his 
wife proved a true helpmate to him, and by their joint efforts they acquired a competency, which enabled them to live 
in comfort without worry for the morrow, knowing that they had laid aside enough to keep them through old age. Mr. 
Mather was a man of marked characteristics; he was scrupulously upright in his dealing with his fellow men and his 
inborn honesty would not permit him to wrong a neighbor out if a penny. Such great confidence was placed in his 
integrity that his word was as willingly received as his bond. Neither fear of punishment nor desire for popularity 
could make him for one instant waver in his allegiance to the cause of truth; He did not practice such honesty because 
it was “the best policy,” but because it was right. He loved the whole human family, was ready to forgive and forget, 
nor was he ever known to speak ill of any one without great provocation. He portrayed in his life and character the 
distinguished peculiarities of a consistent and dignified manhood. His kind and genial nature diffused cheerfulness 
and sunshine wherever he went, and the grasp of his friendly hand encouraged and sustained many in their hours of 
darkness and need. His generosity always prompted him to acknowledge and reciprocate any favor bestowed upon him. 
When specially pleased, he would make it known by a peculiar expression wholly his own. No matter what the occasion, 
he would say, “It fills the bill.” The poor and needy found in him a true friend. He did not express his sympathy 
with them in word alone, but more substantial aid was given, and it is no wonder that they felt their loss to be 
irreparable when he passed away.

In political sentiment Mr. Mather was a strong advocate of Democracy, of the Jackson type, and although his county 
and district were strongly Republican, he was many times elected to positions of honor and trust in both county and 
state. He held many local offices, and several times represented his district in the General Assembly. When first 
acting as a member of that august body, he had been elected by the people of Marquette County, which then comprised 
Green Lake County, but during its term it was separated, and he had the honor of naming the new county.

In religious matters he was a firm believer in immortality and the future life of the soul; a Christian more than a 
sectarian, showing forth the blessing of a moral and temperate life both by precept and example, and by exercising 
a spirit of benevolence toward all. The prosperity which attended methodical business habits and energy of purpose 
attended Mr. Mather and his family without interruption after the first privations of pioneer life had been overcome. 
By virtue of a strong mind and thorough training in early life, he became, and was early recognized, as an accurate 
business man, and in complicated matters his advice and counsel were often sought. For forty years he resided in 
Green Lake County, and in whatever pertained to its improvement, advancement and up building, he manifested great 
interest. He retained his mental faculties until the last, and on his death bed made a disposition of his property, 
arranged for the funeral and chose the minister whom he wished to take charge of the services. He was a great admirer 
of flowers and trees and loved to transform the bare and naked prairies by planting orchards and gardens, and 
beautified the home with blossoming plants. As he lay on his death bed, he looked from the window and saw the trees, 
resplendent in their autumn dress, and said: “Oh how beautiful, it takes a life to grow them, but how soon they fade 
and die.” Like the trees he so loved was Mr. Mather, his character growing lovelier every day, but the frosts of old 
age at length withered its beauty, day by day he grew weaker until at last his spirit returned to Him who gave it, and 
his body was consigned to the cold grave.


Transcribed by Barbara Voss






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