Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1837-12-22
From the Hampstead Il. ~ Enquirer.
THOMAS Matters.

This individual was well known, some
years since. at Newton in this county, where
his wealth and prodigaliiy made him con-
spicuous. His history is somewhat remark
able II seems that he was born in Liver
pool, England, and served long time in
the merchant navy. during which he form
ed an intimacy with young man about his
own age; and they mutually agreed that the
one who should die first should leave his
property TO the survivor Tired Of the SER
vice in which he was engaged. Mr. Matters
left il and went TO Canada. and subsequently,
settled on the Island of South Hero. in Lake
Champlain. where he lived in great obscu-
r,y. AT this time the friend above mention
ed died. and bequeaihed to Mr. Matters the
whole Of his immense property. Search
was made for Matters. by the late Peter
Remsen OF New York, the American agent,
and he was found at the place above stated.
He then removed to Newton. where he.buit
fine house. The possession OF so much
wealth deprived him Of repose and peace Of
mind.-and being beset with various churit-
able and religious Institutions; he squander-
Ted his wealth according TO his whims. rath-
er than the exercise of any good judgment.
He became weary and Disguised !; and
without taking leave Of his friends. sudden
ly embarked for Europe. His intention was
TO find out some solitary abode, where he
might conceal himself and his riches from
mankind, for he had become complete mis-
anihrope. He avoided going to England,
and sought refuge first in France. and af.
forwards in Switzerland. He lived a long
time retired near Yverdon. and then remov-
ed to Goldenburgh. remote country seat
OF the district of Andelfngen, in Zurich,
where he at last found and enjoyed the soi-
tude he had been so long in quest of. Ma
tiers, although man hater was, nevertheless,
charitable to prodigality. He lavished his
fortune indiscriminately on every body a.
round him, and his munificence was attend,
ed with such deplorable consequences, that
the authorities of Zurich were at last obliged
to require him to confne his benevoience
within limits which would render il truly
beneficial. Matters acceded to their invita-
ton. aud from that day he placed yearly a,
the disposal Of Government, considerable
sum, to be divided, in proportion to their
wants. among the public establishments OF
Zurich, such as the libraries, the deaf and
dumb and blind institutions, &c. On arriv-
ing in the Canton OF Zurich, in 1923, he
dropped the name Of Matters and took that OF
Van Mater In return for his unbounded
charity the government conferred on him the
right OF naturalization, with all the privile.
ges and immuniiies arising from IT, He
quilted his country seat at Godenburgh but
once, and then for journey to Havre.
The tidings OF his death have lately been
received in this country. This is another
instance of the singular freaks Of fortune
His will was found concealed in port
manteau, locked up in a closet next to his
bedroom, into which he allowed no one to
enter. 1t was read on the 28th Oct, 1886,
before twelve witnesses, and it was discover
ed that he had constituted as his universal
legatee, Mr. William Malher, of Newcastle
upon-Tyne-a distant relative Of the friend
whose wealth Mr. Matters had inherited
II seems that some differences have aris-
en- between the British minister and the gov
eminent Of Zurich, respecting the claims 10
the property Of Mr. Matters.
Abundance Of Doctors, 1t is stated in the
Boston Medical & Surgical Journal, that
there are one hundred and tioeire practilion-
ers OF medicine in Boston, belonging TO the
Medica! Association-be the irregular
pretenders to physic and surgery,
Women 60 farther 10 love than men, but
men outstrip them in friendship