Gilbert Mathewson

undated photograph of Gilbert Mathewson (source)

Gilbert Mathewson was born on the 12^th of January 1866  at Londonderry, Ireland.  He died on the 8^th of November 1933 of a coronary thrombosis in his staff home on the Essondale hospital grounds; his body was cremated. He was the Chief Male Attendant of the hospital
His parents: Hugh Mathewson, and Hully Matilda Mathewson (16 June 1830 – 1907 ) were married in 1865

The 1881census  finds the family living in West Montreal .
    His father Hugh Mathewson was 60 years of age, his mother Hully 40, and Gilbert was 15 years of age. 
[ There is some confusion over his fathers death since there is a Record of a Will for a Hugh Mathewson who drowned 5 July 1866, giving his effects to Hully Matilda Mathewson. Yet here we have a Hugh Mathewson listed in the Census ]
By the 1891 Census  Gilbert is on his own in the RNMP, and stationed at Regina, Saskatchewan.
Gilbert’s RNMP 1280  service file  tells some of his story: He joined the RNMP at Guelph, Ontario, after graduating from the Ontario Agricultural College. The RNMP had him serving the force at Killarney, Manitoba;  Wood Mountain, Saskatchewan; Regina, Saskatchewan, and Maple Creek, Saskatchewan. Saskatchewan was known as the North West Territories at the time.
     He was promoted to corporal in 1887 then sergeant in 1890, he retired from the force in 1897; and latter in 1931 he was given $300 in lieu of scrip for his service during the 1886 rebellion. Following his discharge he started work on the 1st of June 1897 at  the Provincial Mental Hospital, in New Westminster, and became the Chief Male Attendant in 1905 and when Essondale was completed in 1914 he moved there where he continued as Chief Male Attendant, and Librarian , he worked  36 years for the Provincial Hospitals.
The Hospital Annual Report in 1934 gives a better than normal obituary :

…He was one of the oldest employees on staff started 1 June 1897....he was a man of many attainments. He was an extensive reader, had more than usual knowledge of literature, and for many years was librarian at the institution, in addition to his other duties as chief supervisor of attendants. He worked very thoroughly and always did more than was actually required. From the experience gained in his life's service and his intensive reading in mental hygiene, he had few peers throughout the world; in fact, the Mental Hygiene Commission asked him to write a book on his work, but, unfortunately, during the latter years of his life he was very busy and was not able to commence the task, and this must always be a matter of deep regret, as the work would have been quite unique as well as intensely interesting and instructive.

---30---

Gilbert Mathewson, married on the 1st of November 1897 at New Westminster Margaret Ann Simpson

Margaret Anne Mathewson 1867 – 1954  (photo Source)

The 1901 Census and the 1911 Census captures the growing family, living in New Westminster.
Upon Gilbert's death Margaret  recived a pension of $81.95 per month from the Province.
  
The family at one time had a road named for them Mathewson Road, sadly changed in 1986 to Mariner Way. The family had a home and property at 2627 Mathewson Road for many years; it appears that the home may still exist at 308 Mariner Way, it is hidden from view along Mariner Way, but partially visible along a back road, and  it appears to be cared for.

Children:  Hugh Patrick Mathewson ( 1901 – 1956 ) he became an RCMP supt. (RCMP 8594), married to Wanda Brintnall
Philip "Pete" Lavens Mathewson ( 1907 –1998 ) 
Mary Gilberta Mathewson ( 1899 – 1987 )  who was married in 1919 to Richard Arthur K. James