Hiram Peter Mathias was born in Somerset County, and was the son of John Peter Matthias and Matilda Shoemaker.

William Welfley's Obituary Scrapbook, "Obituary of Hiram Peter Mathias," Vol. 7 pp. 75-76.
PETER MATHIAS The greatest shock that come to Berlin for some time was the death of Peter Mathias, which occurred while at his post of duty, when there seemed to be no visible sign of ill health.
He was for many years past employed as a section hand on the Berlin branch. About 4 o'clock Tuesday afternoon, while at work on the track a short distance below Raineytown, he fell over when he was in the act of reaching for a hammer to repair the track. Messrs. Simon and Herbert Nicholson and Benjamin Coleman saw him falling and hurried to the rescue. But Mr. Mathias was at that time beyond the aid of human help, and he expired in the arms of his three fellow workmen named above. The body was taken to the store room of the Black Diamond Supply Company at Raineytown and later taken to his late home at South Back Street, Berlin. His death is thought to have been caused by heart failure.
Peter Mathias was born in Northampton Township, this county. September 21, 1858. Twenty-nine years ago he was united in marriage with Miss Matilda Imhoff, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Imhoff. Six children were born to the union, five of whom survive, as follows: Mrs. C. J. Ream, of Greensburg, William, and Mrs. George B. Collins of Berlin, and Elmer and Jesse, at home. One son, Harvey, preceded him to the spirit world. He is also survived by his wife, six grandchildren, two brothers, John and George Mathias of Meyersdale, and one sister, Mrs. Theodore Knepp of Sutton, Md.
Mr. and Mrs. Mathias have lived in Berlin ever since their marriage. For the past twelve years, they resided on South Back Street, where the doors of their home was always open to their many friends. In April, 1907, Mr. Mathias united with Holy Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church of Berlin, maintaining his membership until his death.
Funeral services were conducted at the late home at 2 o'clock, Wednesday afternoon, obsequies being conducted by his pastor, the Rev. A. J. Rudisill, after which the remains were laid to rest in the Odd Fellows Cemetery, Berlin.