J. P. MATHIS, lumber and farming, P. O. Villa Ridge, was born in Johnson County, Ill., April 5, 1851, to William and Cynthia (Scott) Mathis. They were from Trigg County, Ky. Moved to Johnson County, Ill., in 1849, and settled on the farm where our subject was born and reared. He died December, 1860, at the age of forty-five. She is still living on the old homestead. Our subject received his education in Johnson County, first in the common schools, then in select schools of Vienna. When starting out for himself he began by teaching, and continued for eleven terms. He has since been engaged in farming, saw-milling, etc. At present he is in partnership with his brother-in-law, John H. Atherton. They have a sawmill near Vienna, which has a capacity of about 8,000 feet daily. They have a farm near Villa Ridge, of 240 acres, 120 of which are under cultivation, and it is here our subject resides. They are also engaged in dealing in agricultural implements, their headquarters for implements being at Vienna, where they carry all kinds of farm machinery. July 7, 1878, Mr. Mathis was married to Ellen E. Atherton. She was born at their present home, daughter of A. C. and Elizabeth J. Atherton. He was also born and reared on the same farm, but now resides at Hodge's Park, Alexander County, engaged in mercantile and saw-mill business. Mr. and Mrs. Mathis have two children — Alice Elizabeth and Earnest Coleman. He is member of Vienna Lodge, No. 150, A., F. & A. M., and Vienna Chapter, No. 67. In politics, he is Republican.
Extracted 02 Nov 2014 by Norma Hass from 1883 History of Alexander, Union and Pulaski Counties, Illinois, Part V - Biographical Sketches, page 292.
| Union | Johnson | |
| Alexander |
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Massac McCracken KY |
| Ballard KY |
