...awarded a commemorative star...
Thomas Mathews was born July 19, 1856, in Oswego, New York. His father and brother were firemen in Oswego, and Thomas likely got his start there as well. He moved to Chicago around 1890 and joined the Chicago Fire Department, serving with them from 1891 until his retirement in 1925. Thomas' ceremonial retirement badge states that he was a stoker on the Chicago fireboat, the Michael W. Conway, Engine Company Number 58. Thomas died in Chicago on December 31, 1931.
At the time of the Eastland Disaster, Thomas was a stoker on the Graeme Stewart, part of Engine Company Number 37. The Graeme Stewart was dispatched to the scene of the tragedy, and as a result of his assistance with the rescue efforts, Thomas was awarded a commemorative star by Cook County Coroner Peter M. Hoffman.