Joseph L. Mathias

The Mathias family lot lies in a

prominent spot, perhaps befitting someone who made his mark as a monument dealer

and as president of the Westminster Cemetery Company for many years.

Joseph Mathias began his career in the monument business as an apprentice to a firm

in Hanover, Pennsylvania, but in 1906 he acquired the monument dealership of John

Beaver III at 124-126 East Main Street in Westminster across from the Charles Carroll

Hotel. The business soon outgrew the site, and Joseph moved it further east to the

corner of South Court Street where a log home belonging to Thomas Adelsperger

once stood. By 1912 Joseph employed four workmen year-round making tombstones,

large monuments, and door and window sills – anything someone might desire out of

marble or other kinds of stone.

Eventually Mathias opened dealerships in Pikesville and in Hanover, Pennsylvania, and

his three sons, F. Kale, Joseph Jr., and William M., became involved in the family

business which operated under the name Joseph L. Mathias & Sons. It still carries that

name today although under different ownership.

Joseph Mathias served as Mayor of Westminster from 1942 until his death in 1963. He

was popular and well-known for making Saturday morning inspection trips with a city

worker to see first-hand what was going on. At Christmas he enjoyed handing out

treats to children. Residents remembered him riding at the head of many parades down

Main Street, “proud of the people and proud of his city. His was the lingering picture

of a small town mayor who really cared.” He was a formidable political opponent, but

he earned the respect of the voters as an effective leader.

During Mathias‟ tenure as mayor he reduced the tax rate significantly and enabled the

city to become debt-free during his last eight years in office. He claimed to operate the

city “like a thrifty, penny-wise housewife.” As busy as he was with his business and as

mayor, he also served as president of Westminster Trust Company. “He was so well

known in all aspects of his life that over 1,200 people attended his funeral.”