The Daily Gazette, Sterling, Illinois

June 18, 1928 - Monday
 
WILLIAM  MATHIS
 
Taps Sounded For Civil War Vet On Sunday
 
Wm. Mathis Answers Final Summons At Late Home In Prophetstown
 
Prophetstown: - June 18 - (Special) - The entire community mourns the death of William Mathis, aged 85 years, one of the city's most prominent and highly respected citizens, which occurred at 10 o'clock Sunday morning.  He had been in failing health since the first of the year, but not in a serious condition until the past several days, when he was stricken with heart disease which caused his death.
 
The funeral will be held Tuesday afternoon at 2 o'clock in the late home and 2:30 o'clock in the Methodist church. Rev. L. V. Sittler will officiate and the remains are to be interred in Riverside cemetery.
 
Mr. Mathis was born at Ondhamsen Dar Rine, Alsace, France, September 8, 1843.  He came to America with his parents, arriving at Hooppole in Henry county, June 10, 1849, where his family resided for a number of years.  Mr. Mathis was united in marriage to Marcelia Schuck on June 2, 1873 at Geneseo, Ill., who survives him. To them were born four children, R. H. and R. C. Mathis of Prophetstown, who also survive their father, and E. G. Mathis and Mrs. Daisy Mathis Vaughn, whose deaths occurred in 1917 and 1927.
 
The deceased was a member of the Methodist church since 1881. He was active in the work of the church and its various organizations.  He was a member of the Modern Woodman of America and a chaarter member of the G.A.R. post.  Mr. Mathis was in the grain business in Prophetstown for a number of years.  He served on the village board as trustee and president for twenty years or more, and as a member of the school board for forty years.  He had been justice of the peace continuously for 35 years up until the time of his death.
 
Mr. Mathis has four brothers who survive him, August and George of Hooppole, Albert and Edward of California, and one sister, Mrs. Jacob Leonard of Hooppole. Another brother, Samuel, died ten years ago.
 
The deceased had been in constant and faithful care of his wife who had been an invalid for four years.  He was a man of noble character, and throughout his lifetime was a Christian.