LORING GLAZIER MATHENY
Loring Glazier Matheny, oldest son of Isaac and Christia Ann (Harper) Matheny, was born 1 June 1840 in Tyler, Dover Township, Athens County. He was educated in the common schools, the Albany Manual Laboring Institue, and attended Ohio University. He began teaching school when he was eighteen. After his return from the war he worked briefly for the Hocking Valley Oil Company and then moved to Johnson County, Missouri in 1866 where he taught school for two years at Warrensburg. He returned to Athens County and taught once again until 1870 at which time he started farming. He was enumerated in the 1870 Athens County census as a school teacher. (Athens Tp.,p.62B). He moved, once again, to Scotland County, Missouri and farmed from 1877 until 1879 when he returned to Athens County. He then combined farming and teaching school until her was ordained as a minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church in 1886. His first charge was at Waterford, Ohio and in 1902 he directed the Athens Circuit. He retired as an active pastor in 1903. In 1904 he moved to Nelsonville and worked in the insurance business until 1923 when declining health forced him to retire.
On 17 November 1869 he married Hannah M. Martin, daughter of William and Mary Ann (Bodine) Martin of Athens Township (ACMR, Vol. 5, p.202) They had six children: Edward l., Gertrude M., Charles M., Luella, William M., and Mary E. In the 1880 census, the family included: Loring, age 39, farmer; Hannah, age 36; Edward, age 10; Gertrude, age 8; Charley, age 6; Luella, age 4; and William, age 2 (Athens Tp., p:43C).
He enlisted in Company A, 63rd Regiment Ohio Infantry on 20 October 1861 and was mustered into service as a Private in Chillicothe. He was appointed First Sergeant on 20 February 1862 and was commissioned Second Lieutenant of Company B on 27 Jun 1863. He participated in the battles of New Madrid, Island No. 10, Fort Pillow, Farmington, Tennessee, Iuka, Corinth, and Parkers Cross Roads, Tennessee. He was with Sherman from Chattanooga through the march across Georgia, and he was mustered out and discharged near Savannah on 21 Dec 1864 (HHV. P.361-1; ACRO).
He died of “senility on 9 March 1932 and was buried in Greenlawn Cemetery near Nelsonville, Athens County (ACRO). Hannah (1844- 9 March 1914) also was buried there (GCI). According to
his obituary, “He was widely interested in the affairs of the local M.E. Church, serving in the Bible School and occupying the pulpit on many occasions. Soon after taking up his residence here (Nelsonville) Mr. Matheny became affiliated with Phil Kearney Post, G.A.R., then a strong organization of 100 members. He filled many offices in the Post and at the death of L.L. Scott several years ago, he succeeded to the office of Post adjutant. Mr. Matheny’s death removes all but two of the members of the Phil Kearney Post.
“He leaves six children; Charles M., St. Louis, Mo; Harry R., Detroit, Mich.; Mrs. Gertrude Pride, Glouster, Ohio; Miss Lou Matheny and Mrs. Mary Creaser, Cleveland. The eldest son, Edward L. died Sept 5, 1892. He also leaves one brother, Lee Matheny, Nelsonville, and one sister, Mrs. Anna Cornell, Athens. For the last 17 years, Mr. and Mrs. Phillip Kalen have made their home with Mr. Matheny, caring for him during his illness” (AM, Wed. 9 March 1932)
