Judge Edward W. Mathews, Sr. was a distinguished figure in Guernsey County, Ohio, who gained recognition through his successful career in public and private life. Born in 1832, he immigrated to America with his mother at a young age and grew up in Cambridge, Ohio. After a successful career in gold mining in California, he returned to Cambridge and pursued law, later becoming a prominent attorney in southern Ohio. He also served as mayor of Cambridge, was appointed as a judge by the Governor of Ohio, and played a key role in promoting and building the Cleveland & Marietta railroad. Judge Mathews was also involved in extensive real estate interests and was a member of the board of directors of Central National Bank. He led a busy life but remained a devoted husband, indulgent father, and an active member of the Presbyterian Church.
Since that time, he has been a member of the bar of Guernsey County and southern Ohio. For some years, he was associated with Hon. J. W. White, who, during this association, was elected to Congress. Later he was associated with W. S. Heade in the practice of law, the partnership of Mathews & Heade continuing for about a quarter of a century; and in 1898, his son, Edward W. Mathews, Jr., became a member of the firm, the firm name then being Mathews, Heade & Mathews. In 1894, Mr. Heade retired from the firm, and since that time, father and son have continued in the practice of law, the firm name being Mathews & Mathews. Judge Mathews has engaged in a large practice in all the county and state courts and is an attorney of Mathews & Heade continuing for about a quarter of a century; and in 1898, his son, Edward W. Mathews, Jr., became a member of the firm, the firm name then being Mathews, Heade & Mathews. In 1894, Mr. Heade retired from the firm, and since that time, father and son have continued in the practice of law, the firm name being Mathews & Mathews. Judge Mathews has engaged in a large practice in all the county and state courts and is an attorney of recognized ability.
In 1884, Mr. Mathews was appointed by Governor Hoadley of Ohio to fill the unexpired term of Judge Frazier of the Common Pleas Court. He was recognized as a judge of marked ability. However, being a Democrat in politics and in a judicial district of four thousand Republicans, Judge Mathews was defeated in an election following this term, although by a greatly reduced Republican majority. He is a Democrat of the old school and always loyal as a party supporter. He has served as mayor of Cambridge and also as a member of the school board for two terms. He was a delegate to the Democratic National Convention, which met in St. Louis and nominated Grover Cleveland for President in 1888, and has been prominent in the party councils of the state.
Judge Mathews has been very active in public affairs. He was active with Gen. A. J. Warner in promoting, building, and operating the Cleveland & Marietta railroad. From the organization of the company, he was its attorney and continued in this capacity with the original company and its successors until 1909, when he severed his connection.
He has also had extensive real estate interests and has been enterprising and active in the improvement of the city of Cambridge, in erecting substantial business blocks and residence properties. At the organization of the Central National Bank, some years ago, he became a member of the board of directors, and upon the death of Mr. Hutchinson, he succeeded to the presidency of the bank, which position he still holds.
Judge Mathews has been twice married. First in May 1862, to Amelia Haynes, daughter of Dr. Vincent and Sarah Haynes. To this union, two children were born, Edward W. Mathews Jr., an attorney of Cambridge, associated in the practice with his father, and Minnie L., who died in infancy. Mrs. Mathews died in 1877. His second marriage was solemnized on January 30, 1879, to Anna Means, daughter of Benjamin and Margaret (Ackelson) Means, of Washington County, Pennsylvania. To this union, were born Margaret Amelia, now Mrs. Verne D. Benedict, of Massillon, Ohio, and Gertrude B., at home.
The Mathews home, at the southeast corner of Wheeling Avenue and Ninth Street, is located near the central portion of the business section of the city and is a refined, cultured home where good cheer and genuine hospitality are supreme.
Judge Mathews and his family are members of the Presbyterian Church, and he served as trustee for eighteen years. He and his family have always been active in church and Sunday school work. Mr. Mathews was made a Mason in 1853, advanced to the thirty-third degree, an honor and distinction reached by but few men. He has led a busy life but always has time to be agreeable with all with whom he comes in contact. A large, robust man, always full of energy and good cheer; a splendid man, a splendid citizen, a lover of home life, a devoted husband, and an indulgent father. As an attorney, he ranks second to none in this section of the state and has been very successful. He is earnest, painstaking, and persistent in his methods of procedure, a forceful, eloquent speaker, and a man who is profoundly versed in all matters of jurisprudence.