William G. Mather contributed enormously, through strong innovative leadership, to the development of the Lake Superior iron ore mines and to the success of the Cleveland-Cliffs Iron Company. After graduating from college in 1878, he joined his father, Samuel L. Mather, at his firm, the Cleveland Iron Mining Co. By 1885 he was Vice President and, in 1891 when the Cleveland Iron Mining Co. and the Iron Cliffs Mining Co. were consolidated, he was named President. Forty-two years later, he became Chairman of the Board.
For over 50 years, Mather’s skillful leadership directed the progress of the company, and Cleveland-Cliffs led the industry in the use of power drills, pumps, hoisting and conveying devices, and ventilation equipment. In 1892, it introduced electric haulage equipment at its mines, thus pioneering in the application of electricity to mining. In addition, from 1910-16, Mather oversaw the development of five hydroelectric power stations on nearby rivers, with power being broadcast to the mines and the cities of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
Under his direction, Cleveland-Cliffs developed the first employee welfare programs, introduced the eight-hour work day, and provided a professionally designed town for employees. A Welfare Department was established, as well as a pension plan and the first employee safety program in the region. This was far ahead of its time in employee relations development in this country. When the depression hit Cleveland-Cliffs, leaving it with huge debt, Mather not only kept the firm running smoothly but pledged his personal securities to save it.
In addition to being one of the nation’s leading industrialists, William Mather contributed generously to philanthropic works, was a founder of The Cleveland Community Fund, today known worldwide as the United Way, and funded wildlife studies on Grand Island in Lake Superior. The company that so benefited from his leadership and wisdom—now known as Cleveland-Cliffs Inc.—is today the largest iron pellet producer in the world.
