JOHN MATHIAS, farmer, P. O. Berwick, was born in Big Spring Township, this county, February 3, 1843, a son of Lewis and Clara Mathias, natives of Luxemburg, Germany, who immigrated to America in 1840, settling in Big Spring Township, this county, where they remained until their death. Our subject was united in marriage, August 2, 1865, with Rosie Guilliam, born in Big Spring Township, this county, December 25, 1848, daughter of John and Elizabeth Guilliam (both deceased). Mr. and Mrs. Mathias were the parents of twelve children, of whom Clara, Andrew, Nicholas, Lizzie, Joseph, Theresa, Martin, Fronia and Theodore are living, and Adam, Michael and Lizzie are deceased. Our subject is a blacksmith by trade, but for several years has engaged in farming and now owns 130 acres of good land in a state of cultivation. He filled the office of trustee of the township for four years, and was clerk of the school board nine years. He and his family are members of the Catholic Church at Saint Nicholas, of which he is trustee.


Trancribed by Bonnie Walsh.
WARNER, BEERS & CO., 1886
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES, Part IV, p.725-726
BIG SPRING TOWNSHIP