[1] He attended Cleveland High School, and graduated from Dartmouth College in 1867.

For a time he worked and studied law in Cleveland, but did not practice, instead choosing scientific and literary pursuits.

In 1874, he became managing editor of the Times at Binghamton, New York, and in 1875 editor-in-chief of the Republican in the same city, but resigned the place in 1879.

He frequently contributed articles to periodicals, chiefly on historical, economic, and scientific subjects.

[citation needed] Mather died at his home in Stamford, Connecticut on August 31, 1925, aged 81.