Friday, March 8, 2019

52 Ancestors 52 Weeks – Bachelor Uncle



Blogger Amy Johnson Crow has challenged us with writing about an Ancestor once a week for the year 2019.  She will give us prompts to get us started.  This week's prompt is Bachelor Uncle.



My only Bachelor Uncle was Thomas F. Mathews oldest brother of my father, James R. Mathews.




Thomas F. Mathews Age About 3



Thomas was born 16 October 1909.  He was the first child born to William Joseph Mathews and Mamie McGuigan Mathews.  They lived at 316 E. 73rd St. in New York City when he was born.  Thomas lived at that address until sometime between 1925 and 1930.  William Mathews’ brother-in-law, Patrick Morris died in 1925 and William with his family moved in with the Morris family to help. 


Thomas F. Mathews About 1930



Thomas lived in Queens, New York the rest of his life.  He lived with his parents until he entered the Army in 1942 during WW II. When he returned from the war, he worked with asbestos covering pipes.  He also worked at the New York Times Newspaper part time at night. He would get the newspaper from the printing press and prepare it for distribution.  He was following in a tradition that started with his father and continued with his brothers and nephew.
Thomas F. Mathews in the Army 1943


He was very close with his sister, Catherine Mathews Hurley (Kay).  I am sure he was a help to her after her husband died and she had 5 children to raise by herself.

In later years he went to live with his sister, and she took care of him when is was disabled due to diabetes. Thomas was a good friend to all and loved to get together with friends at the local pub.

Thomas died 13 August 1970 in Richmond Hill, Queens, New York.


Thomas F. Mathews with sister, Kay Mathews Hurley




No comments:

Post a Comment