Milton W. Mathews

 

SOURCE: "Portrait and Biographical Album of Champaign County, Illinois," Chapman Brothers, Chicago, 1887
SURNAMES: MATHEWS

MILTON W. MATHEWS made a fine record as a lawyer, a state legislator and an editor. While studying law at Champaign he taught school for a time, and in 1867 located in Urbana, where he continued his professional training and was admitted to the bar in August of that year. G. W. Gere was his preceptor, with whom he formed a partnership which lasted for two years. Thereafter Mr. Mathews practiced alone and became a leader of the central Illinois bar. Besides gaining distinction in his private work, he made a signal official record by his service of nine years as master in chancery of the Circuit Court and eight years as state's attorney of Champaign County. In 1888 he was elected a member of the state Senate, and during the session of 1891 was president pro tem. of that body. As a presiding officer and legislator he was vigorous, decisive and eloquent. During this period of his career Governor Fifer appointed him a member of his military staff, with the rank of colonel. In 1879, Colonel Mathews purchased the Champaign County Herald, of which he continued as owner and editor until his death May 10, 1892. He was twice president of the Illinois State Press Association, and for many years was a Republican leader. He was identified with the banking interests of Urbana, for many years was a leading fraternalist, and in every way an inspiring influence.