Father Mathew
From Salem Links and Lore
- Rev. Theobold Mathew, or Father Mathew (1790-1856), was an Irish temperance reformer who founded a mission in Cork, Ireland. The Father Mathew Total Abstinence Society, almost exclusively made up of Irish, was to encourage males to abjure alcohol. He encouraged wholesome social activities, including picnics, dances and sporting events. Within 9 months, no less than 150,000 people had enrolled and took his abstinence pledge. His movement was also successful in Liverpool, Manchester and London.
- Despite ill health, Father Mathew, known as the "apostle of temperance" lead a successful campaign across the United States. For two years he made his way across the U.S., visiting President Taylor in the White House and making a visit to Salem in Sept. of 1849.
Salem Connection:
- The Salem chapter of Father Mathew Catholic Total Abstinence Society was organized in 1875, and a statue was erected in 1887 Salem in his honor. In 1916, the statue was moved from Central and Charter Street to its present location, the corner of Derby and Hawthorne Boulevard (also known as Bertram Park.) There are other statues of this charismatic figure, in the cities of Dublin, Cork, and Philadelphia.
