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JOHN C. MATHIS, A.B. A prominent rank among the members of the bar in Springfield is held by the gentleman above-named, who in a few short years has worked up a good practice as attorney and counselor-at-law. At present he is Assistant United States District Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, to which office he was appointed July 5, 1889. In addition to his legal knowledge he possesses a fine classical education, while his manners are polished and courteous. He is a rising young man, from whom much may be expected in the future, and who has already borne an active part in various political and social movements.
Mr. Mathis was born on a farm near Virginia, Cass County, July 18, 1864, and grew to boyhood at the place of his birth. His father, Jennings C. Mathis, was a native of New Jersey, but had come to this State when but a boy. He died in Kansas in 1870 and the widow, Minerva E. (Matthews) Mathis, came with her family to Sangamon County in 1878.
On a farm here our subject passed his youth engaged in farm work and attending school, being graduated from the Springfield High School, in 1882. He then entered Princeton (N.J.) College, where he applied himself with assiduity to the curriculum until he was graduated with honor in 1886. During his vacation young Mathis had been reading law with Conkling & Grout, and on his return from college he entered their office and was admitted to the bar by examination in 1887.
Mr. Mathis opened an office and practiced alone until he received the appointment of Assistant Attorney, when he formed a law partnership with A. J. Lester, which still continues. He gives his particular attention to his legal practice, but without neglecting any of the duties which belong to his public position. He has been intimately connected with the workings of the Republican party in the county, as a young man having taken a prominent part as President of the league clubs in Sangamon County, and during the campaign of 1888 having acted as Secretary of the County Central Committee. vMr. Mathis belongs to the Knights of Pythias, the Masonic fraternity and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, having been identified with the last-named since the lodge was organized here. The intelligence, grace and fine character of Miss Marie Wyatt, of Lincoln, this State, won the deep regard of Mr. Mathis, and after a successful wooing the young couple were united in marriage June 28, 1886. Mrs. Mathis is a daughter of Col. W. D. Wyatt and his wife, formerly Miss Blackshire. She is a popular member of society and in her own home presides with dignity and surrounds herself with the evidences of cultured taste. The union has been blessed by the birth of one son, Robert J., who was born in June 1890.