Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1884-05-06
Death Of Ex-Governor Henry Mason Math
avs

With No unfeigned sorrow we announce
the death of Il. NJ. Mathews, Ex-Governor
of West Virginia, which occurred at his
home in Lewisburg, w. Va, on last Mon
day night, at II o'clock, after an illness OF
three weeks from an attack of erysipelas,
terminating in blood poisoning. The de-
ceased was noble man, of high culture,
rare attainments, courteous and eourtly in
his bearing, Of commanding presence, and
with warm-heart that attracted to him all
with whom he came in contact. In his
death his State loses one of her brightest
ornaments and noblest sons, who was de-
voted to her interests and before whom
worthy ambition held forth her most tempt
ing offers. His devoted family lose a kind
husband loving father and an afectionate
brother, to whom in their bereavement the
hearts of thousands of his friends in both
Virginias go forth in sympathizing sorrow.
The Greenbrier Independent (Lewisburg
W. va.) says: Yesterday Wednesday,
morning, all that was mortal of our eminent
friend and generous fellow-citizen was con-
signed to the grave in the family burying-
ground of the deceased in the Lewisburg
Cemetery. The funeral sermon-a very
feeling and comforting address-was preach
ed by Rev. j. W. Rosebro, pastor of the
Lewisburg Presbyterian Church, to an i'm
mense audience, from The 18th chapter of
John, beginning with the LIST verse: s'Let
not your heart be troubled" etc. The pail
bearers on the occasion were-Judge Homer
A. Holt, Judge J. M. McWhorter, Col. Jas.
W. Davis, Majors John w. Harris, and II.
b. Harrison: Capt. r. F. Dennis, DR.. VIM.
P. Rucker, and Thos. q. Dennis, John W.
Arbuckle, John Withrow, John A. Preston,
John G. Cox, Jas. G. McPhersons, H. Clay
Cabell, John Lipps and w. e. Leonard,
Esqs.
The deceased was the eldest son Of the
late Mason Mathews, aud was born in Lew
isburg on March 2Sth, 1884. Received a
liberal education, graduating A. M, at the
University of Virginia with distinction in
1856. Afterwards studied law with Judge
peterborough at the Lexington (Va.)
Law School, Began the practice of his pro-
fession in his native town, and continued
the same until the beginning of the late war
between the States. Was appointed Lieu
tenant in the army by Gov John Letcher,
and was soon promoted to the position of
Captain Of Engineers, and afterwards made
Major of Artillery and Chief of Ordinance
in the Confederate service On Gen. Carter
L. Stevenson's staff Served throughout
the campaigns in the Southwest. At the
close of the war he resumed the practice OF
his profession Was elected to the West Vir.
ginia State Senate in 1865, but was not al
lowed to take his seat because he could not
take the iron-clad test oaths. In 1879 he
was elected to the State Constitutional
Convention from his Senatorial DISTRICT
Upon the adoption of the new Constitution,
in the same year, he was elected on the
State ticket as Attorney General, and in
1876 was elected Governor of the State. In
1881 and 1888 he was prominent candidate
for the position of U. S. Senator, and in the
latter year was defeated by the present
Senator, Hon. John E. Kenna, by a small
vote. He was a gentleman of fine natural
abilities, varied requirements, of excellent
address and commanding personal appear
ance, and was universally popular with tile
| people.