By Muriel Bristol | August 30, 2026
Ebenezer Jones Mathes was born in Milton, April 3, 1810, son of Robert and Sally (Jones) Mathes. He was a namesake for his maternal grandfather, Ebenezer Jones.
Mother Sally (Jones) Mathes died in Milton, August 22, 1822, aged forty-four years, one month, and nineteen days.
Ebenezer J. Matthews [Mathes] married (1st) in Boston, MA, August 16, 1835, Emily E. Shed. Rev. Joy H. Fairchild performed the ceremony. She was born in Hollis, NH, February 25, 1814, daughter of John and Lucy ((Farley) Jewett) Shed.
Ebenezer J. Matthews, formerly of Milton, N.H., married in South Boston, Sunday, Emily E. Shed, formerly of Hollis, N.H. (Columbian Centinel (Boston, MA), August 19, 1835).
Emily E. (Shed) Matthews [Mathes] died in Boston, MA, December 15, 1836, aged twenty-two years.
Ebenezer J. Matthews [Mathes] married (2nd) in South Boston, MA, April 29, 1838, Phidelia Davis. Rev. William Jackson performed the ceremony. She was born in Vermont, November 13, 1819.
Ebenezer J. Matthews married in South Boston, Fidelia Davis (Columbian Centinel (Boston, MA), May 2, 1838).
(The known children of Ebenezer J. and Phidelia (Davis) Mathes were: Emily Elizabeth Shed Mathes (1839-1839), Sarah French Mathes (1842-1873), Maria Louise Mathes (1845-1917), and Emma Jane Mathes (1847-1915)).
Daughter Emily Elizabeth Shed Matthews [Mathes] was born in Boston, MA, circa March 1839. She was a namesake for her father’s first wife. She died in South Boston, MA, October 7, 1839, aged seven months.
Emily Elizabeth Shedd Matthews, only child of Ebenezer J. and Fidelia Matthews, d. at So. Boston, Oct. 7th, aged 7 mos. (Columbia Centinel (Boston, MA), October 9, 1839).
Ebenezer J. Matthews [Mathes] appeared in the Boston, MA, directories of 1839 and 1840, as a housewright, boarding in the rear of 2nd Street, near F Street.
Father Robert Mathes died in Milton, March 13, 1840, aged sixty-eight years.
Died. In Milton, on the 13th inst., at the residence of his son, Elder Robert Mathes, aged 68 (Dover Enquirer, March 31, 1840).
Ebenr Matthews [Mathes] headed a Ward 12, Boston, MA, household at the time of the Sixth (1840) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 30-39 years [himself], one female aged 20-29 years [Phidelia (Davis) Mathes], and one female aged 30-39 years. One member of his household was engaged in Manufacture and Trade.
Ebenezer J. Matthews [Mathes] appeared in the Boston, MA, directory of 1842, as a housewright, boarding in the rear of 2nd Street, near E Street.
Daughter Sarah French Matthews [Mathes] was born in Boston, MA, in 1842.
The Democrat party of Boston, NH, nominated Ebenezer J. Matthews [Mathes] as a candidate for Ward 12 Inspector, in December 1842. (Ward 12 comprised “all S. Boston”).
WARD TWELVE. For Warden – William P. Loring. Clerk – John F. Abbot. Common Council – Eben Jackson, Solon Jenkins, Romanus Emerson, Charles Mead. School Committee – Charles C. Shackford, William Butters. Overseer of the Poor – James D. Blacker. Inspectors-Daniel B. Haynes, Thomas J. Bryant, George B. Bradford, Ebenezer J. Matthews, Jasper H. Eaton (Boston Post, December 12, 1842).
Daughter Maria Louisa Mathes was born in Rochester, NH, July 29 1845. Daughter Emma Jane Mathes was born in Rochester, NH, November 27, 1847.
Eben J. Mathes, a merchant, aged forty years (b. NH), headed a Rochester, NH, household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Fidelia [(Davis)] Mathes, aged thirty years (b. VT), Sarah F.W. Mathes, aged eight years (b. MA), Maria Louisia Mathes, aged five years (b. NH), and Emma Jane Mathes, aged two years (b. NH). Eben J. Mathes had real estate valued at $2,000. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of John Parsons, a manufacturer, aged forty-six years (b. NH), and Stephen M. Mathes, a merchant, aged fifty-three years (b. NH).
Ebenezer J. Mathes received an initial appointment as a Rochester, NH, justice-of-the-peace, July 13, 1855.
Brother Stephen M. Mathes died in Rochester, NH, May 13, 1857, aged sixty years.
Foreclosure of Mortgage. BE it known, – that on the thirty-first day of July A.D. 1857, I, as surviving Partner of the late firm of S.M. Mathes & Co., of Rochester in the County of Strafford and State of New Hampshire, and for myself, made a peaceable entry upon and took possession of a tract of land situated in said Rochester and bounded Easterly by land of Charity Jenness, Westerly by land of Seth Jenness, Northerly by land of William Danforth, and Southerly by the highway, conveyed to me, the said Ebenezer J. Mathes and one Stephen M. Mathes, late of said Rochester now deceased, and late partners doing business at said Rochester under the firm name of S.M. Mathes & Co., in mortgage by George W. Hurd and Susan K. Hurd, wife of said George W Hurd, formerly of said Rochester, now of Milton in said County, by their deed, dated the twenty-eighth day of September, A.D. 1855, recorded in Strafford County Records, Book 218, page 122, for condition broken and for the purpose of foreclosing the right in equity of said George W. Hurd and Susan K. Hurd, to redeem the same an the same time publicly declared the purpose and object of said entry and of the possession so taken. EBENEZER J. MATHES. Rochester, August 10, 1857. 16 (Dover Enquirer, September 10, 1857).
Ebenezer J. Mathes, aged fifty years (b. NH), headed a Rochester (“Farmington P..O.”), NH, household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Phidelia [(Davis)] Mathes, aged forty years (b. VT), Sarah F. Mathes, a common s. [school] teacher, aged eighteen years (b. MA), Maria L. Mathes, aged fifteen years (b. NH), and Emma J. Mathes, aged twelve years (b. NH). Ebenezer J. Mathes had real estate valued at $1,000 and personal estate valued at $13,000. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Betsey Lyman, aged seventy-seven years (b. NH), and Josiah B. Kimball, a shoe manufacturer, aged twenty-six years (b. MA). The household of widowed sister-in-law Louisa F. [((Meserve) Davis)] Mathes, aged forty-two years (b. NH), lay just below that of Josiah B. Kimball in the enumeration.
Ebenezer J. Mathes received a ten-year reappointment as a Rochester, NH, justice-of-the-peace, June 19, 1860.
Ebenezer J. Mathes appeared in the Rochester, NH, directory of 1867, as a Rochester justice-of-the-peace
ROCHESTER. Incorporated May 10, 1722, included the territory of the towns of Farmington and Milton. Population – 1775, 1548; 1790, 2857; 1820, 2471; 1850, 3006; 1860, 3384. … Justices – Daniel J. Parsons, Cyrus K. Sanborn, Charles S. Whitehouse, William Rand, Jacob H. Ela, Joseph H. Worcester, Nicholas V. Whitehouse, John Legro, State; James H. Edgerly, Quorum; James Tebbetts, John P. Trickey Silas Hussey, jr., Ebenezer J. Mathes, Enoch Whitehouse, Simon Wentworth, Jeremiah D. Evans, Ira Doe, Henry Nye, Wm. K. Kimball, Charles Brown, James Farrington, Alvah M. Kimball, Charles Dennett, Reuben Tilton, George F. Guppy, Noah Tebbetts, Henry W. Locke.
Daughter Sarah F. Mathes married in Somerville, MA, April 14, 1870, George W. Carr, she of Rochester, NH, and he of Somerville, MA. He was a carpenter, aged twenty-seven years, and she was aged twenty-seven years. He was born in Chester, NH, circa 1842, son of John and Rebecca Carr. Rev. A.F. Marsh performed the ceremony.
Ebenezer J. Mathes received a five-year reappointment as a Rochester, NH, justice-of-the-peace, June 16, 1870.
Eben J. Mathes, agent, life insurance co., aged sixty years (b. NH), headed a Rochester, NH, household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. His household included Phidelia [(Davis)] Mathes, keeping house, aged fifty years (b. VT), Maria L. Mathes, aged twenty-five years (b. NH), and Emma J. Mathes, aged twenty-three years (b. NH). Their household appeared in the enumeration just before that of his son-in-law, George W. Carr, a carpenter, aged twenty-eight years (b. NH).
George W. Carr, a carpenter, aged twenty-eight years (b. NH), headed a Rochester, NH, household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. His household included Sarah F. [(Mathes)] Carr, keeping house, aged twenty-eight years (b. MA). Their household appeared in the enumeration just after that of her father, Eben J. Mathes, agent, life insurance co., aged sixty years (b. NH).
Daughter Emma J. Mathes married in Rochester, NH, August 11, 1870, Isaac A. Varney, both of Rochester, NH. He was a shoemaker, aged twenty-two years, and she was aged twenty-two years. He was born in Lebanon, ME, October 15, 1848, son of Moses E. and Sarah Ann (Blaisdell) Varney. Rev. A.F. Marsh performed the ceremony.
MARRIED. In Rochester, Aug. 11, Mr. Isaac Varney and Miss Emma J. Mathes, both of Rochester (Dover Enquirer, August 25, 1870).
Daughter Sarah F. (Mathes) Carr died in Rochester, NH, June 11, 1873, aged thirty years.
DEATHS. In Rochester, 11th inst., Sarah F., wife of Geo. W. Carr, and daughter of E. Mathes, Esq., aged 30 yrs, 11 mos. (Dover Enquirer, June 19, 1873).
Ebenezer J. Mathes was elected President of the N.P. [Norway Plains] Savings Bank, in December 1873.
PERSONAL. E.J. Mathes is elected President of the N.P. Savings Bank of Rochester, N.H., in place of John McDuffe, resigned (Boston Globe, December 5, 1873).
NORWAY PLAINS SAVINGS BANK – ROCHESTER. Incorporated 1851. Charter perpetual. President – EBENEZER J. MATHES. Treasurer – FRANKLIN MCDUFFEE. Salary, $1,500. Bond $50,000, a copy of which is on file in office of secretary of state. Date of bond, August 4, 1869. Bond deposited with president for safe keeping. Clerk – George McDuffee. Trustees – Ebenezer J. Mathes, Stephen D. Wentworth, John McDuffee, John Legro, Thomas C. Davis, Charles Greenfield, Enoch Whitehouse. Examination, January 30, 1874 (Bank Commissioners’ Report, 1874).
Phidelia (Davis) Mathes died in Rochester, NH, November 17, 1874, aged fifty-five years, four months.
DEATHS. In Rochester, Nov. 17, Phidelia, wife of Ebenezer J. Mathes, Esq., aged 55 years, 4 days (Dover Enquirer, November 19, 1874).
Ebenezer J. Mathes received a ten-year reappointment as a Rochester, NH, justice-of-the-peace, May 12, 1875.
Eben J. Mathes married (3rd) in Rochester, NH, December 1, 1875, Martha A. Edgerley. She was born in Somersworth, NH, in 1828, daughter of Thomas T. [Tash] and Sally (Roberts) Edgerley. He was aged sixty-five years and she was aged forty-seven years.
MARRIAGES. In Rochester, Dec. 1, by Rev. A.J. Quick, Eben J. Mathes and Miss Martha A. Edgerly, both of Rochester (Dover Enquirer, December 9, 1875).
Son-in-law George W. Carr died in Rochester, NH, February 16, 1879, aged thirty-four years.
Martha A. (Edgerley) Mathes died of a supposed cancer of stomach in Rochester, NH, May 5, 1880, aged fifty-one years, ten months. She was a married housekeeper. Horace L. Worcester signed the death certificate.
DEATHS. In Rochester, May 3, Martha A., wife of [E.] J. Mathes, Esq., aged 51 years (Dover Enquirer, May 13, 1880).
Eben J. Mathes, an insurance agent, aged seventy years (b. NH), headed a Rochester, NH, household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census. His household included his daughter, Marie L. Mathes, aged thirty-four years, and his granddaughter, Louise R. Carr, aged seven years (b. NH). They shared a two-family residence with the household of Isaac A. Varney, a house carpenter, aged thirty-one years (b. ME). His household included his wife, Emma J. [(Mathes)] Varney, keeping house, aged thirty-two years (b. NH), his daughters, Edith P. Varney, aged eight years (b. NH), and Grace C. Varney, aged seven years (b. NH), and his boarder, Wilber Cole, a house carpenter, aged forty-seven years (b. ME). They resided on Wakefield Street.
Ebenezer Jones Mathes married (4th) in Rochester, NH, September 22, 1881, Betsey Moody ((Horn) Howard. She was born in Lebanon, ME, November 23, 1829, daughter of Capt. Richard and Narissa Clara (Jones) Horne. She was the widow of John O. Howard.
Ebenezer J. Mathes received his final reappointment as a Rochester, NH, justice-of-the-peace, May 26, 1885.
Brother Robert Mathes died of valvular heart disease in Milton, July 31, 1894, aged eighty-two years, one months, and sixteen days. William F. Wallace, M.D., signed the death certificate.
HERE AND THERE. Mr. Robert Mathes of Milton died on Tuesday evening at the age of eighty-two years. He was a notable figure of Milton and was one of the best-informed men in the county, concerning local history. He had a quick and correct memory, and was an extensive reader of the best authors of the past and present, enjoying also the conversation of bright people. He had been out of health a long time and suffered intensely at times. He was of colonial family and had may interesting recollections of former days at his tongue’s end, and possessed some prized relics of a time long past. Mr. Mathes leaves a widow, a daughter, Mrs. Amos M. Roberts, two sons, Albert O. Mathes of the Strafford bank at Dover, and Dana Mathes of Oakland, California, and two grand-daughters Miss Lura Mathes of Dover, and Miss Molly Mathes of California, besides a brother, Mr. Eben Mathes of Rochester, and hosts of friends (Farmington News, August 3, 1894).
Ebenezer J. Mathes died of chronic bronchitis in Rochester, NH, October 16, 1894, aged eighty-four years, six months, and thirteen days. He was a married retiree. R.T. Burleigh reported the death.
Betsey M. [((Horn) Howard] Mathes, a widow, aged seventy years (b. ME), headed a Rochester, NH, household at the time of the Twelfth (1900) Federal Census. Her household included her daughter, Josephine Howard, asst. librarian (city), aged twenty-seven years (b. NH), and her lodger, Frances Hussey, a dressmaker, aged thirty-seven years (b. NH). Betsey M. Mathes was the mother of one child of whom one was still living. (See Rochester Social Library – 1792).
Isaac Varney, a janitor (school), aged fifty-one years (b. ME), headed a Rochester, NH, household at the time of the Twelfth (1900) Federal Census. His household included his wife, Emma J. [(Mathes)] Varney, aged fifty-two years (b. NH), his daughter, Edith [(Varney)] Jacobs, a bookkeeper, aged twenty-seven years (b. NH), his son-in-law, William Jacobs, a clerk (drug), aged twenty-nine years (b. NH), and his daughters, Martha E. Jacobs, aged seventeen years (b. NH), Edna D. Jacobs, at school, aged twelve years (b. NH), and Sarah F. Jacobs, at school, aged nine years (b. NH). Isaac A. Varney owned their house at 41 Wakefield Street, free-and-clear.
Louisa Mathes, aged fifty-four years (b. NH), headed a Rochester, NH, household at the time of the Twelfth (1900) Federal Census. She owned her house at 43 Wakefield Street, free-and-clear.
Son-in-law Isaac A. Varney died of pneumonia at 41 Wakefield Street in Rochester, NH, February 29, 1904, aged fifty-five years. He was a married janitor. Charles Blazo, M.D., signed the death certificate.
Death of Two Very Esteemed Citizens. … Isaac A. Varney, a much respected citizen, died at his home on Wakefield street, corner of Summer, yesterday afternoon after a week’s illness of pneumonia. He will be missed greatly. Mr. Varney was born in Lebanon, Me., and was the son of Moses E. and Sarah A. (Blaisdell) Varney, and he attended school at that place. After becoming of age he moved to this city and learned the carpenter trade which he followed for several years. About ten years ago he accepted a position as janitor of the high school building which he has held ever since. During the construction of the new building on Wakefield street he helped arrange the same. He has been truant officer. In 1891 he was elected councilman from Ward 5 and served his city well. He had married to his last wife 34 years. He was a member of Humane Lodge, No. 21, A.F. & A.M, Temple R.A. Chapter and Palestine Commandery. He leaves a wife and five children, two sisters and one brother. The funeral will be held on Thursday afternoon at the late home, and the Knights Templar will do escort duty and perform their ceremonies. Rev. Henry A. Blake, pastor of the Baptist church, will officiate. The remains will be placed in the tomb at the Rochester cemetery. His age was 55 years (Foster’s Daily Democrat (Dover, NH), March 1, 1904).
Betsey [((Horn) Howard)] Mathes, aged eighty years (b. ME), headed a Rochester, NH, household at the time of the Thirteenth (1910) Federal Census. Her household included her daughter, Josephine Howard, a bookkeeper (grocery), aged thirty-seven years (b. NH). They rented their portion of a two-family house at 11 Chestnut Street.
Emma J. [(Mathes)] Varney, a widow, aged sixty-two years (b. NH), headed a Rochester, NH, household at the time of the Thirteenth (1910) Federal Census. Her household included her daughters, Edith P. [(Varney)] Jacobs, a cashier (clothing store), aged thirty-seven years (b. NH), Mattie E. [(Varney)] Wood, a bookkeeper (telephone co.), aged twenty-six years (b. NH), Sarah F. [(Varney)] Clark, aged nineteen years (b. NH), and her sons-in-law, William Jacobs, a clerk (bank), aged thirty-eight years (b. NH), Charles M. Wood, a bookkeeper (foundry), aged twenty-seven years (b. NH), and William D. Clark, a manager (rendering co.), aged twenty-one years (b. NH). Emma J. Varney owned their house at 41 Wakefield Street, free-and-clear.
M. Louise Mathes, own income, aged sixty-four years (b. NH), headed a Rochester, NH, household at the time of the Thirteenth (1910) Federal Census. She owned her house at 41 Wakefield Street, free-and-clear.
Daughter Emma J. (Mathes) Varney died of an intestinal obstruction at 41 Wakefield Street in Rochester, NH, May 12, 1915, aged sixty-seven years, five months, and fifteen days. She was a widowed housewife.
Death Of Mrs. Emma J. Varney. Rochester, May 12. Mrs. Emma J. Varney, aged 67 years, widow of the late Isaac Varney, died at her home on Wakefield street this morning after a week illness due to a complication of diseases. Up to one week ago, Mrs. Varney was about the house enjoying the best of health and attending to her household duties. The deceased was the daughter of Eben J., and Phidelia Davis Mathes and was born and reared in this city. Rochester has been her home for many years and she has lived to see the city grow to its present size and business activity Many years ago she was united in marriage to the late Isaac Varney, who for years was employed at the Allen school building as janitor. Mrs. Varney was a lady of a naturally quiet and unassuming disposition and she possessed an excellent character, very affable attainments of culture and refinement and a firm Christian character that she greatly endeared herself to a wide circle of relatives and friends Many years ago she identified herself with the First Congregational church in this city and has tried in her every day life to live the life of a Christian in every sense. She is survived by a sister, Miss Emma [Maria] L. Mathes of this city and five daughters, Mrs. William E. Jacobs of this city, Mrs. W.A. Rogers of Allston, Mass., Mrs. C.M. Wood of this city, Miss Edna D. Varney of Allston and Mrs. William D. Clark of Manchester (Foster’s Weekly Democrat, May 14, 1915).
Daughter-in-law Betsy M. “Bessie” ((Horn) Howard) Mathes died of senility and arterio-sclerosis on Chestnut Street in Rochester, NH, July 14, 1916, aged eighty-six years, seven months, and twenty-one days. She was the widow of Eben J. Mathes. Louis L. Gilman reported the death.
Death of Mrs. Betsey M. Mathes. Rochester, July 15. Mrs. Betsey M. Mathes, aged 86 years, widow of the late Ebenezer Mathes, died at her home, 10 Chestnut street, yesterday afternoon after a long illness. The deceased was born in Center Lebanon, Me., in 1829 and was the daughter of Richard and Melissa (Hill) Horne. Forty-six years she has been a resident of this city. She was a member of the First Methodist church of this city and is survived by a daughter, Josephine Howard, with whom she resided. The funeral services will be held at her late home tomorrow afternoon, Rev. Joseph Simpson, pastor of the First Methodist church officiating. Undertaker R.M. Edgerly is in charge of the funeral arrangements (Foster’s Daily Democrat (Dover, NH), July 15, 1916).
Daughter M. [Maria] Louise Mathes died of influenza at 41 Wakefield Street in Rochester, NH, October 3, 1917, aged seventy-two years, three months, and four days. Charles Blazo, M.D., signed the death certificate.
Death of Miss Louise Mathes. Miss Louise Mathes, aged 72 years, died at her residence on Wakefield street yesterday afternoon after more than a week’s illness. The deceased was a native of this city, the daughter of Ebenezer J. and Phidelia Davis Mathes and had resided here all of her life. For years she has been a member of the First Congregational church and was a constant attendant there as long as her health permitted. Her nearest surviving relatives are six nieces, Mrs. Stanley Wesley of Wrentham, Mass., Mrs. Warren Rogers of Allston, Mrs. William E. Jacobs of this city, Miss Edna D. Varney of Allston, Mrs. Charles M. Wood of this city and Mrs. William D. Clerk of Manchester. The date of the funeral has not been decided upon (Foster’s Daily Democrat (Dover, NH), October 4, 1917).
References:
Find a Grave. (2017, February 13). Sarah F. Mathes Carr. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/176304774/sarah-f.-carr
Find a Grave. (2015, July 15). Betsey Moody “Bessie” Horn Mathes. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/149312387/betsey_moody-mathes
Find a Grave. (2015, July 15). Ebenezer Jones Mathes. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/149312469/ebenezer-jones-mathes
Find a Grave. (2017, February 13). Emily E. Shed Mathes. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/176303299/emily_e-mathes
Find a Grave. (2017, February 13). Emily E.S. Mathes. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/176305617/emily-e._s.-mathes
Find a Grave. (2015, July 15). Maria Louise Mathes. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/149316438/maria_louise-mathes
Find a Grave. (2017, February 13). Martha A. Edgerly Mathes. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/176304278/martha_a-mathes
Find a Grave. (2017, February 13). Phidelia A. Davis Mathes. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/176303800/phidelia_a-mathes
Find a Grave. (2015, July 15). Emma Jane Mathes Varney. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/149314721/emma_jane-varney
Milton Observer 