Born and raised in Illinois, he practiced law in Champaign County before he was elected state's attorney.

Mathews was also an important figure in the Modern Woodmen of America, serving as their chairman of the board of directors, and owned the Champaign County Herald.

Mathews was named pro tempore President of the Illinois Senate during his second term.

He was successful in managing the paper and, in recognition, was twice named the president of the Illinois State Editorial Association.

Through his efforts to unite the group during a particularly difficult time, he was named its chairman of the board of directors.