My Genealogy Hound

Dr. William J. Mathis, of the firm of Mathis & Baker, physicians and surgeons at Cotton Plant, is a native of Paris, Tenn., and was born September 7, 1851, the son of Josiah and Angelina (Paynter) Mathis, who were Kentuckians by birth. Josiah Mathis dates his existence to the year 1816, his wife having been born in 1826, but when very young they moved to Henry County, Tenn., were there married, and spent the remainder of their life. Mr. Mathis was a member of the Baptist Church, and his wife of the Methodist. Their death occurred in 1863 and 1880, respectively. Josiah Mathis was the son of Jesse Mathis, and at the time of his death enjoyed the distinction of being a prosperous farmer. Jesse Mathis, who died in Henry County, Tenn., was born on the ocean; he died in 1875, having been in the War of 1812, and with Jackson at New Orleans. His father, William Mathis, came originally from France, and died in Kentucky. Grandfather William Paynter, of Irish descent, first saw the light in the Blue Grass State, and died in Henry County, Tenn. The father of our subject was twice married, his last wife being the mother of William J. He was the oldest of six children born to their union. Educated at Caledonia Academy, in Henry County, Tenn., at the age of nineteen he began the study of medicine, and took a course of lectures in 1872 and 1873 at Nashville University, graduating from that institution in 1879. After practicing in Henry County until 1881, he came to St. Francis County, and in 1887 located in Cotton Plant, where he has since resided, continuing his practice with marked success. In November, 1875, Dr. Mathis was united in marriage with Miss Emma W., daughter of Harry Wyms, of Houston County, Tenn. Six children have blessed this union, only two now living, a son and daughter. Dr. Mathis is conservative in politics, and voted for Tilden in 1876. He is a member of a Masonic Lodge in St. Francis County, and is Medical Examiner in the K. of H. and K. & L. of H.