Biographical Sketch of

William Matthews

Transcribed by Barbara Voss



Source: Portrait and Biographical Album of Green Lake, Marquette and Waushara Counties, Wisconsin, 
published 1890 by Acme Publishing Co., Chicago, Page 443 - 444

William Nicholas Matthews, who is now living a retired life in Markesan, Green Lake County, is one of the oldest 
settlers of the county. He was born in Cornwall County, England, on the 22nd of January 1807, and was one of eight 
children born of George and Ann (Morish) Matthews. His parents were married in Cornwall and of the six sons and two 
daughters born to them, all lived to maturity. John emigrated to Canada, where his death occurred in 1887; Grace 
became the wife of William White, and died in the parish where she was born; William N., of this sketch, is the third 
in order of birth; Thomas was a sailor in the Queen�s service, and died in the navy; Mary widow of a Mr. Janes, is 
living in Cornwall, England; George was married in England, and died in the county of his birth; Joseph, a farmer, died 
in the same country; Henry also entered her Majesty�s service and died in the war. Mr. and Mrs. Matthews were members 
of the Episcopal Church and died in full fellowship with that organization in Cornwall. Their families were of great 
respectability, and they held a high position in the social world.

Our subject passed the days of his boyhood and youth in his native country, making his home in England until about 
forty two years of age. He acquired a good education, and in London learned the trade of a carpenter and joiner with 
his uncle. He possessed a considerable talent as a mechanical genius, and it was not long before he thoroughly mastered 
the business in all its details and became an expert workman. For thirty two years he remained in London, working at 
the vocation which he had chosen, and was very successful in his undertaking. At length, however, he severed his 
connection with the old world, and in 1849 embarked for America, which he determined to make the scene of his future 
operations. In the fall of that year we find him in Milwaukee, where for six months he worked as a carpenter and 
builder, coming to Markesan in April, 1850. From that time until the present he has there continued to reside, being 
engaged at his trade for many years.

He built some of the most important buildings of the town and surrounding country, including two churches, a hotel and 
a mill, and his services gave the best satisfaction. He is conscientious in the discharge of every contract which he 
makes. Probably no one has done more for the advancement of Markesan than he. Not only in his business connection has 
he been identified with the up building of the community, but as a promoter of public enterprises he has taken an active 
part. In politics he has never identified himself with any party, preferring to cast his ballot for the best candidate, 
of whatever party he may be.

On the 2nd of January, 1831, a number of years previous to his emigration to America, Mr. Matthews was united in 
marriage with Miss Elizabeth Baker, who was born in Surrey, England, in January, 1813. A little incident connected 
with their marriage is worthy of note. The pastor, being in a hurry at the time, did not give them a certificate, and 
they never asked for one. After fifty four years had passed, Mr. Matthews returned to his native  land, where he met 
the minister who had performed the ceremony, and he spoke of the omission on the part of the reverend gentleman, and 
on his return home he received by mail the certificate of his marriage, performed more than a half century before. 

Two children have been born of their union who lived to mature years; William J., of Markesan, and Elizabeth, wife of 
John Cragie, of Markesan.

 Mr. and Mrs. Matthews have traveled life�s journey together for nearly fifty nine years and are probably the oldest couple in the county. Their lives have been checkered with joys and pleasures, sorrows and pain, but the years have been well spent, and they can look back over the past with no regret. They are now living a retired life, honored and respected by all who know them.







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