Biography of Ozias Mather of Alpena, Alpena County, Michigan

Copyright (c) 1998 by Jill Olmack. This copy contributed for use in the USGenWeb 
Archives.

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Biography of Ozias Mather - extracted from The History of the Lake Huron Shore- 
Illustrated 1883


Ozias MATHER, a prominent citizen of Alpena, is one of, if not the oldest lumber 
inspector in the four counties included in this work. He was born and brought up in 
Monroe County, New York, about ten miles from the city of Rochester.  In 1845 he began 
lumber inspecting at Buffalo, New York, and continued in business there until 1850, 
when he removed to Toledo, where he was extensively engaged in handling and inspecting 
lumber for fourteen years.  In 1864 he removed to Alpena, where he has since resided. 
At the time Mr. Mather arrived here with his family, dwelling houses were few in number
and new colliers were obliged to adapt themselves to such conveniences as the place 
afforded.  Mr. Mather found two or three small rooms, which his family occupied, after 
distributing their surplus furniture among their friends. In 1866 he built the 
residence he now occupies on Washington Avenue. He still handles lumber, but not as 
extensively as in former years. His family consists of three sons and one daughter, 
his wife having died in October, 1879.  One son is at Manistique, one at Harrisville
and one at Alpena.  Mr. Mather is the founder of Trinity Episcopal Church in Alpena.  
The first services were held at his house, and the interests of the parish were 
fostered by him until a church edifice could be erected.  He is still a leading and
active member, and his name is inseparably connected with its history.