Newberry Library - Biographical sketch of Hannah G. L. Mather

Title Biographical sketch of Hannah G. L. Mather

Date 1886

Place Santa Fe National Historic Trail, Southwestern States

Summary Consists of letters, two manuscript diaries (with transcriptions), an account book and a map which concern Mather's activities as one of three commissioners appointed to survey a route from Missouri to Santa Fe in 1825. The letters, and copies of official letters, relate to Mather's appointment as one of the commissioners of the Santa Fe Road Commission, and include communications to and from George C. Sibley and Benjamin H. Reeves (the other two commissioners) and other officials, plus two letters to his wife Hannah. Also, a memoir of Mrs. Hannah G. L. Mather and two newspaper clippings.

Biographical/Historical Note Illinois businessman and legislator. Thomas Mather was born in 1794 in Connecticut, but established himself in business in Illinois, where he married Hannah G. Lamb in 1825. Mather was not only a businessman but also served in both branches of the Illinois Legislature. As a member of the lower house, in the 1822-1823 session, he conspicuously opposed a resolution for a convention that would amend the constitution with the view of admitting slavery to the state. In 1825 Mather was appointed by the Department of War under President John Quincy Adams to be one of three commissioners to survey the route from Independence, Missouri to Santa Fe. The assignment of the commissioners--Thomas Mather, Benjamin H. Reeves and George C. Sibley--was to survey and map the route, negotiating agreements with Indian tribes to secure safe passage along the line. By the time the commissioners submitted their report in October, 1827, there was already constant traffic on the Santa Fe Road. In 1835 Mather, who held an honorary title of Colonel, moved to Springfield, where he organized and became president of the State Bank of Illinois. He also was connected with the organization of the Illinois Central and Galena Union Railroad Companies and several other Midwest railroads. He served a number of years as a Trustee of the Illinois College in Jacksonville, and contributed liberally to that and other institutions of learning. Hannah and Thomas Mather had no children, but adopted several, including R. Pennell Lamb and Susan R. Lamb. Mather died in 1853.

Extent 0.2 linear feet (20 items in 1 box)

Format Biographies

Archival Collection Title Thomas Mather papers

Link to Catalog View record

Call Number Vault folio Graff 2707

BibID 156029

Rights Status No Copyright - United States

Contributing Institution Newberry Library

Newberry Open Access Policy The Newberry makes its collections available for any lawful purpose, commercial or non-commercial, without licensing or permission fees to the library, subject to these terms and conditions.

IIIF Resource Type Canvas

Size 1980px × 2608px 14.80 MB

File Created 07/30/2012

Filename 156029_GR_2707_0038.tif

Unique Identifier NL1V6BS

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