WILLIAM J. MATHEWS, for many years a leading merchant of Washington, was born in Washington county, Penn., November 10, 1817. His early home was in the country a few miles from Noblestown, in this State. Here he spent the first twenty years of his life, gathering what education he could at the school in the neighborhood, and at the same time forming habits of industry by assisting his father and only brother in a flouring mill. The death of his mother broke up the home. His brother John was married and became a farmer in Noblestown, taking the father with him. William J. Mathews, the subject of this sketch came to Washington and entered the dry- goods store of C. M. Reed, Sr., who was then in business on the corner of Main and Wheeling streets, where the Pittsburgh store is now. Here he served several years as a clerk, and, when Mr. Reed sold his interest in the house, the firm became known as that of Chambers & Mathews. This partnership continued a harmonious and successful one for twenty-five years, when failing health decided both members to retire. The transfer of the business was just about to be made when death called Mr. Mathews from his earthly labors. He died suddenly of pneumonia, November 30, 1874, aged fifty-seven years and twenty days. He was married in 1860 to Frances S. Pelletreau, of Southampton, N. Y., who graduated from the Washington Seminary in 1849. She, her three sons and one daughter, survive him. While Mr. Mathews' life may in some ways be called uneventful, his was one of those sterling characters which are ever to be held in high esteem. Beginning life a poor boy with few opportunities for mental improvement, he became, because of hard work, scrupulous honesty and strict integrity, a prosperous man. At the same time, as well as being "diligent in business," he found time to cultivate the higher interests of his being. He joined the Presbyterian Church early in the pastorate of Rev. J. I. Brownson, D. D., and became by a consistent daily life a witness for Christ. He was a trustee in the church, and at a meeting held December 4, 1874, the following action was taken in relation to his death: William J. Mathews, whose death we are called upon to record, died November 30, 1874. He had been a trustee for four years, the confidence of the congregation being manifested by his election annually from 1870 to 1874. In the discharge of the duties of the office he was conscientious and faithful, taking a deep interest in all matters pertaining to the business of the congregation and advocating liberal measures for the promotion of the welfare of pastor and people. During a residence in the community for a period of thirty years he maintained the character of an upright, honest citizen. The trustees bear cheerful testimony to his uniform courtesy and kindness in his intercourse with them and to his consistent character as a member of the church. They direct a copy of this minute to be furnished to his widow with the assurance of their sympathy in her bereavement. (Signed by) M. H. Ewing, C. M. Reed, A. S. Baird, Alex Wilson.

Text taken from page 1196 of: Beers, J. H. and Co., Commemorative Biographical Record of Washington County, Pennsylvania (Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co., 1893). Transcribed February 1997 by Neil and Marilyn Morton of Oswego, IL as part of the Beers Project. Published March 1997 on the Washington County, PA USGenWeb pages at http://www.chartiers.com/.

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