Friday, September 1, 2023

 52 Ancestors 52 Weeks - Tradesman


My Great Grandfather, William John Mathers, was a boot maker by trade.



William John Mathers 1839-1902

(Only photo and best copy of William John Mathers)


William Mathers came from County Tyrone, Ireland in 1868. I have not found a ship’s passenger list indicating a particular date but his first son, James, was born in New York, 31 July 1868.


Every census from 1870 to his death in 1902 has him listed as a boot maker or shoe maker.  The New York City Directory lists him being a shoe maker.  The family lived on W. 28th Street in New York City for many years. In 1902 when William died he lived on E 28th Street in New York City. Relatives have said they lived either behind the shop or above the shop. He and his wife, Mary McCrudden Mathers, had nine children living in the small apartment by the shop. 


I once watched a movie called Hobson’s Choice made in 1954 with Charles Laughton  playing the shoemaker.  It was a wonderful look at the workings of a shoemaker and his shop back in the late Victorian era in England (1875-1901).


I believe that my grandfather’s shop was probably pretty much like that shown in the movie.  The shoes that were popular during his time were like boots.  Attached are some samples of the boots and shoes of that era.


Women’s Shoes c. 1880


Men’s Shoes c. 1880


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