Beckham County, OK - Obits: William H. Matherly, 1929 22 July 2008 Submitted by: delma25@pldi.net (Delma Tindell) ********************************************************************* USGENWEB NOTICE Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm ********************************************************************* MATHERLY, WILLIAM H. (14 Nov 1929, Thursday, Erick Democrat, Erick, Beckham Co, OK): W. H. Matherly prominent citizen and retired farmer for thirty years a resident of the Dabney community six miles southwest of this city died in the Erick hospital early last Sunday afternoon, November 10th, following an illness of several weeks of stomach trouble. William Hawkins Matherly was born in Vigo County, near Terre Haute, Indiana, July 16th, 1854, where he lived with his parents until early manhood following which he moved with his family to Gainsville, Texas, in 1882. In November 1899 he moved to Greer County and filed on his 160 acre farm on which the present family home is located. Mr. Matherly with the aid of his estimable wife following many hardships incident to setting up a home in a new and unsettled country such as this was at that time had progressed until a few years ago he was able to retire from active service and since has been enjoying the fruits of his labors by indulging in much travel into various parts of the county and spending many happy days visiting among his children and other relatives. He was a man of sterling qualities, possessed of a happy jovial disposition and counted his friends by his acquaintances. Besides his good wife deceased is survived by four sons and two daughters as follows: Guy, of Elk City; Horace and Joe of Los Angeles, California and Clyde of Houston, Texas and Mrs. Lucy Young of Los Angeles and Mrs. Dixie Davis of Oklahoma City. One sister Mrs. Alice Pounds and two brothers Ed. and Tom Matherly all of Indiana and five Grandsons. Funeral services were held Wednesday afternoon at the family home "West Lawn Farm", conducted by Rev. S. N. Wilson of Erick, assisted by Rev. J. F. Elder of Mangum, Oklahoma, friends of the deceased of long years standing, followed by interment in the Erick cemetery, G. D. Fatheree, Funeral Director in charge. Active Pallbearers were: Guy, Horace and Clyde Matherly, Harry Davis, sons. Carson and Maurice Matherly, Grandsons. Honorary Pallbearers. All of the friends of Mr. Matherly. Out of town relatives and friends who were here Wednesday to attend the funeral of the late W. H. Matherly, were Horace Matherly of Los Angeles, California; Clyde Matherly of Houston, Texas; Mr. and Mrs. Guy Matherly and son, Maurice, of Elk City. Mr. and Mrs. Harry Davis, and son Billie of Oklahoma City; and Mrs. A. G. Boling of Cushing, Oklahoma. (24 Nov 1929, Elk City Newspaper, Elk City, Beckham Co, OK): ERICK - (Special) - Funeral services for W. H. Matherly, 75, Beckham county pioneer, who succumbed early Monday after an illness of several weeks in a local hospital, were held in the family home northeast of here Wednesday afternoon. Rev. J. F. Elder officiated at the services. Interment was made in the Erick cemetery. The aged pioneer enjoyed good health until a few months ago when he began suffering lightly with stomach ailments. His condition grew worse gradually and death came after cancer of the stomach had developed into an acute stage. Mr. Matherly was born in Terre Haute, Ind. He was married to Tacy N. Kildow of Sullivan, Indiana, later coming to Beckham county, Oklahoma, to join the early day pioneers of this state. He homesteaded the farm on which he lived until the time of his death, just thirty years ago. Known to his many friends as being always on the alert, Mr. Matherly was for many years identified as one of the leaders of the Republican party in Beckham county. He also, holds the distinction of being the first county farm agent; in the early day before automobile transportation became common. In late years Mr. Matherly was less active, but always intensely interested in public affairs. Besides a host of friends everywhere who join in bereavement, a wife, four sons and two daughters are survivors. The sons, assisted by friends, served a pall bearers in interment services. --------------------------------------------------- Return to Beckham County Archives: http://www.usgwarchives.net/ok/beckham/beckham.html