The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1891-10-30
DEATH OF o. &. MATHER.

Death has removed an energetic
and in some respects remarkable
man, in the person Of OLIVER b. Math-
er, who departed this life Thursday
night, at st. Cloud hospital.
The deceased was born at Windsor
Locks, Conn, and is about three
score years Old Back in the Dos he
babe goodbye to New England and
the scenes of his boyhood days TO Try
his fortunes in the Northwest, and
after spending few years in Wiscon-
sin, came TO this state and located on
farm at Pleasant Mound. Being an
ambitious man, and one of large ideas,
he moved to Mankato about 1869, and
obtained position with the Mankato
Brick company. In 1871 he was honor
ed with the position Of superintendent
and ten years later became the
sole proprietor of the entire plant.
During his business career he erected
many buildings in this city and else
Fellows, Young Mems Investment,
NJ. E. church Of this city and the Re-
form school at BED Wing. as well as
the state institutions at ST. Peter,
Rochester and Fergus Falls. Four
years ago last spring he went to Peli-
can Rapids TO reside. A few weeks
ago he went on visit TO Iowa and
while there was suddenly taken i'll.
Always having desire to be at home
while sick, he started TO make the
Journey, but became completely eX-
hausted when he reached St. Cloud.
The next morning after his arrival,
he was taken TO the hospital where
he died last night.
In his death the community loses
valuable, enteTprising and self-sacrif1-
cling man, one who was always ready
and willing to assist in any cause he
believed TO be just one. He gave
employment TO great number Of peo-
pie in his lifetime, and those who sur
yiye him counted him an honest-heart-
ed, upright and whole-souled en-
plOyer. The deceased leaves a widow
and three daughters.
His estate consists mostly of realty
in this state, and also in Dakota,
Wisconsin and Iowa.
dust TO dust, ashes TO ashes, = said
the clergyman solemnly, and hand
ful of soil fell with an omnibus sound
upon the casket containing al that
was mortal of o. R. Mather.
Sunday afternoon at , o'clock the
remains Of the deceased were carried
into the NJ E. church. followed by
the bereaved family. The friends of
the departed had gathered in great
numbers to listen to the last sad rites
over one whom they had learned TO
love in life Men who had worked by
his side Tor years, and who earned
their daily bread by the sweat Of their
brow, touched elbows with those in
authority and others who walk in
high places. All were present TO pay
their respects to the memory Of
man they believed acted honestly and
faithful in life
Rev. F. NJ. Rule, selected these
words as worthy Of consideration: To
me TO live is Christ, and TO die is
gain" In a solemn, and feeling man
ner, he brought to The minds Of those
present, the idea of life, and the hap
py results that are portion to those
who live Christ-like lives.
As he referred to the deceased and
his work, both in business and church
circles there were many yisibly affect
ed. He spoke touchingly of the last
days Of the departed soul, and he said
as Mr.. Mather lay dying, he lifted up
his hands in supplication, and in a
moment his soul had taken its fight.
We'll might we say: HOh, Death.
where is thy sting! Oh, Gravel Where
is thy victory"
The interment took place in Glen
wood cemetery.