Biographical Sketch of

Joseph Mathews

Transcribed by Suzanne Folk


Source: Portrait and Biographical Album of Green Lake, Marquette and Waushara Counties, Wisconsin, 
published 1890 by Acme Publishing Co., Chicago, Pages 413 - 415


Joseph Mathews, proprietor of the Lin Valley Stock Farm, resides on section 36, in the town of Leon. He was born in 
Trumbull County, Ohio, Sept. 18, 1832, and on the paternal side is of English descent, while on his mother's side he 
is of Scotch extraction. His grandfather Mathews was a native of Pennsylvania, as was also his father, Henry Mathews, 
whose birth occurred in 1782. When about twenty years of age, he removed to Trumbull County, Ohio, where he remained 
until about 1842, when he became a resident of Hancock County, that State, where in connection with his oldest son, 
James J., he purchased 160 acres of land which he cleared, developed and improved, residing thereon until his death 
in 1845. The family resided upon the farm for a few years and then separated, the mother living with her children 
until her death. Mr. Mathews had served in the war of 1812, under the immediate command of Gen. William Henry Harrison, 
for whom he cast his first Whig vote. At the battle of Tippecanoe, becoming exhausted he fell but by getting near a 
log and covering himself with leaves and snow saved his life although he was badly frozen. The government granted his 
widow a small pension until she too was called home. Her maiden name was Mary McIntyre and she was born in the north of 
Ireland in 1786, probably of Scotch parentage. She died Aug. 30, 1873, in full fellowship with the Congregational Church 
of which her husband was also a member. Their family numbered nine children-James j., William, John Kimball, Nathan 
Harnard, Joseph, Elizabeth, Mary Jane, Sarah Thorn and Maria. With the exception of James J. and Elizabeth all are 
still living.

Since the age of thirteen years our subject has been dependent upon his own resources and may truly be called a self-made 
man. He embarked upon his business career as a day laborer and at the age of fifteen worked for a Mr. Chambers of Gilboa, 
Ohio, for one year, receiving his board, clothing and three months' school. Going to West Liberty, Ohio, he served an 
apprenticeship of three years at the cabinet-makers' trade under Joseph Williamson and in return for his services received 
only his board, clothing and necessary expenses. In connection with his brother Nathan he then purchased the establishment 
of his employer but after six months they removed to Delphos, Allen County, where they carried on the same line of business
for a year. After selling out they returned to the old homestead but at length, in 1853, came to Wisconsin. In company with
Nathan he purchased 160 acres of timber land known as the Andrew Bedal claim, which he operated for nine years, clearing 
and improving fifty acres, upon which he built a small house and barn. He also spent five years in the employ of E. W. 
Daniels, of Auroraville as foreman, but afterwards became a partner in the business.

At the age of twenty-two Mr. Mathews was joined in wedlock with Martha Ann Cate, who was born in Maine. Their wedding was 
celebrated Dec. 17, 1854, but the loved wife was called home July 5, 1867.

Feeling that the country needed his services, Mr. Mathews enlisted August 15, 1862, as a member of Company H. 30th 
Wisconsin Infantry and was commissioned Second Lieutenant. After three months he was promoted to the rank of First 
Lieutenant. For a time the regiment was principally engaged in enforcing the enrollment and draft. It left Milwaukee, 
April 17, 1864, for Ft. Rice, Dakota, where Mr. Mathews was detailed to take charge of 300 men engaged in the construction 
of the fort. Later he was ordered to report to Sherman and was engaged in building flatboats. On the 28th of October, 
1864, he left Ft. Rice for Louisville, Ky., where he remained during four or five weeks. During the battle of Franklin he 
was ordered to report to Gen. Thomas whom he expected to meet at Nashville but was cut off by Gen. Hood. During the 
following winter he was detailed to bring rebel prisoners the northern forts and in the spring of 1845 was engaged on 
detached service. He was in Louisville, Ky., at the time of the hanging of some of the more notorious guerrilla chiefs 
and remained in that city until receiving his discharge, Sept. 20, 1865.

Returning to his home at the close of the war, Mr. Mathews and his wife together purchased 100 acres of land but since 
that time he has added to his original possessions until he now has a fine stock farm of 400 acres. His wife died about 
two years after his return and he afterwards married Lydia T. Cate, by whom he has four children-Earnest M., born Aug. 
18, 1869; Theodore F., born Sept. 1, 1872, died Aug. 31, 1873; Mary J., born Dec. 16, 1877, died Nov. 23, 1880; and 
Joseph H., born Oct. 15, 1881, completes the family.

Mr. Mathews received but one dollar from his father's estate but is now one of the substantial citizens of Waushara 
County. He is president of the Auroraville Cheese and Butter Company, which does a larger business than any other 
industry of the kind in the State and is its largest stockholder, holding fifteen of the thirty shares. The company was 
incorporated in 1884 with fourteen members. He owns thirty head of registered Holstein cattle, and sixty cows. Mr. 
Mathews also devotes some attention to the raising of fine hogs and owns one of the most complete stock farms in the 
State. It is furnished with five living springs and has every convenience and improvement necessary to his business. 
Politically he was a Republican, but is not a Prohibitionist. Both he and his wife are members of the Congregational 
Church, and he is a member of the G. A. R. of Wisconsin. He has been President of the Old Settlers' Society for about 
eight years, is a prominent temperance worker and aided in the organization of the first Good Templars lodge of Waushara 
County. Few men are more widely or more favorably known than Joseph Mathews.






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