The Republican journal., 1897-07-22
Sanford Hills Mathews.

A shock of painful surprise extended
throughout the entire community last FRI
day night, July 10th, when the tidings were
spread abroad that Mr.. Mathews earthly
life was ended. On the preceding Friday,
he returned from business trip to Bar Har-
Dor, somewhat affected by the excessive
heat, coupled with fatigue, but Monday
morning found him at his accustomed place
in his large sash and blind factory, the old
est manufacturing plant in the city. He
was soon compelled, however, to withdraw
to his comfortable home on High street,
where after brave battle OF five days with
disease, he peacefully passed away.
Mr.. Mathews was born in Searsmont,
Me, May 6, 1882 and was the last surviving
son in family of seven boys and one girl.
The one sister, Miss Avis, outlives the
large household of brothers. When lad
of four his parents removed to Liberty
and there he grew up on farm, develop
ing the sturdy, noble traits of character
which have ever been the glory of New
England's sons of toll. His native in
telligence was broadened by course of
study at Corinth Academy, and all his life
he was adding to his stock of knowledge by
varied and judcious reading. At nineteen
he started out for himself, going first to Ban
gor to learn the joiner's trade, and working
the first year as an apprentice for the NUM-
tceut sum of fifty dollars and his board
Linked with his frugal, Industrious and ao-
stemious habits-for be never used tobacco
or liquor in any form-was manly recog-
milton of Chrst's claim upon his service and
he promptly united with the Second Bap-
tist church in Bangor, removing his rela-
tion to the church in Belfast soon after TAX
ing residence here in the spring of 1854. 1t
is rather curious and interesting fact
that his first work in this city was upon a
new house being erected on the lot now oc-
cupied by his sons handsome dwelling on
High street, nearly opposite the fathers
home.
For six years Mr.. Mathews worked steadi-
ly at his trade in summer and taught school
in winter. Meanwhile, on May %, 1853, he
was united in marriage to Clarrie S. Nc
DoweH of Washington. Three children,
mother, remain to mourn their loss. Addie,
wife of Frank B., also mourns the loss as of
an own father.
The history of the firm of Mathews
Brothers is so unusual in these days of fail
ures and fluctuations in business as to justi-
fy special mention. The firm was organized
in 1854 under the name of N. NJ. and S. w.
Al i, i
entering into partnership in 1860. The name
was then changed to Mathews & Co., and
the three brothers were associated together
until the death of Noah IN 1881. Again, in
the fall of 1889, death suddenly invaded
their ranks taking away the older brother.
In 1890 Frank entered into partnership with
his father, thus making the remarkable re-
cord of business being kept continuously
in one family for a period of more than forty
years. No less remarkat,e has been its re-
cord for honorable and upright dealing. A
strong proof of this lies in the fact that sew
era' of their employees, who are workmen OF
a high grade, have remained with Mr..
Mathews from twenty to thirty years, and
We're deeply attached to him. The interest
was reciprocal He manifested kind con-
sideration for their welfare, and his genial
manner, together with a happy way of
smoothing over difficulties, quick Y won their
esteem. This regard was not confined to
local circles, but was shared by all the man.
ufacturers and others with whom he had di-
rect dealings. A notable instance of the
confidence which the firm enjoys among
business men was seen at the time of the
great fire in Belfast in 1873. Their entire
plant was then destroyed, lumber, machin-
cry and buildings, and the blow was more
severe as they We're just erecting new
factory. But while the embers were still
glowing came encouraging letters from
prominent business concerns in Boston, urg
ing them to go on and promising the same
prices and discounts as before with any
ing into the new factory the present irm
name of Mathews Bros. was assumed.
Mr.. Mathews took justitiable pride in his
business, working early and late, and never
taking a vacation until his son graduated
from the University of Rochester in 1885
Then he was away from home nearly two
weeks, extending the trip to Niagara and
the White Mountains. On one occasion he
went to South Carolina, at the solicitation of
friends to examine lot of lumber for them
an indication of how much others relied
upon his judgment.
But business did not wholly engross his
attention. He was a model citizen, holding,
it is true, no municipal office yet active in
other ways in behalf of good government.
He was a staunch Republican, was often
called into the party councils and one was
always sure that his vote would be cast on
the side of sound morals and temperance.
He was also interested in educational move
ments and lent his aid in maintaining the
highest possible standard in the public
schools. He was a member and Past Mas
ter of the Phoenix Lodge of Masons, and a
member of the Corinthian Royal Arch
Chapter. He served as a director from
the time it was organized in the Belfast
Loan and Building Association, and on the
death of his brother Adelphus succeeded
him as director in the Masonic Temple As
sociation.
Mr.. Mathews was always devoted to his
oburoh For vaara he was Su no ri nta If