Although living practically retired, Mathew D. Hutson still retains his residence on a farm of one hundred and forty acres in Delaware township, which has been in his possession for many years. He is a member of one of the oldest pioneer families of this section of Iowa, for his birth here occurred August 8, 1846, his parents being Robert B. and Nancy (Eliott) Hutson, representatives of old families of the south, for the father was born in South Carolina and the mother in Alabama. They came to Delaware county in 1838 and settled on land located in what is now Delaware township. There the father built a log cabin, which was covered with a clapboard roof and had a puncheon floor and the proverbial string latch, which was always open to neighbors and friends. There they lived in true pioneer style, enduring all the privations incident to establishing a home on the frontier. Their family numbered thirteen children but only four of the number are now living: Martha, the widow of George Hartley; Malinda, the widow of Theodore Holmes; Rhoda, the wife of Bradford Fenner, and a resident of Nebraska; and Mathew D., of this review.
     Mathew D. Hutson was reared on the old homestead farm, sharing with the other members of the family in the hardships that had to be borne. His educational advantages, too, were somewhat limited for the schools were far apart and the instruction was of the most primitive character. He was yet in his teens when the country became involved in the Civil war and he enlisted as a member of the Twelfth Iowa Infantry and owing to his youth his father came down to Dubuque and secured his release. On the following night young Hutson ran away and made his way to Missouri where he joined Company B of the Eleventh Missouri Cavalry, enlisting for a term of three years. He reenlisted in New Orleans in 1864 as a volunteer veteran. He participated in many of the hardest fought battles, participating in the engagement at Vicksburg and in many other notable conflicts. He was in Bank's expedition up the Red river and in the battle of Jackson, Mississippi, and many skirmishes and minor engagements. He still carries a bullet in his right arm, having been wounded while doing duty at the front. He was mustered out July 27, 1865, at New Orleans.
     Returning to the home of his parents in Delaware county, Mr. Hutson once more resumed the pursuits of the agriculturist, remaining with his parents until the time of their demise. He then married and began farming for himself on the old homestead. Subsequently he purchased the farm where he now resides, this tract comprising one hundred and forty acres, located on section 10, Delaware township. He has improved this property with substantial buildings and has made of it a valuable place. For many years he was actively engaged in tilling the soil but the competency he has acquired now enables him to live retired, although he prefers to retain his residence on the farm, where he can enjoy the quiet and comforts of a rural existence. He, however, merely looks after his farming interests, work being performed by younger and stronger hands.

     It was in October, 1869, that Mr. Hutson was united in marriage to Miss Addie J. Rowley, who was born in Dane county, Wisconsin, a daughter of Parker and Mary (Bacon) Rowley, both natives of Pennsylvania but who established their home in Wisconsin in an early day. Mr. and Mrs. Hutson have a son and daughter: Earl M., who is engaged in the real-estate business in Waterloo; and Bessie A., the wife of Charles Bunker, auditor of Delaware county.
     Mr. Hutson is a republican in his political views and is now serving as township trustee, while for a number of years he was a member of the school board. Both he and his wife attend the Methodist Episcopal church. His fraternal relations connect him with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He has ever been interested in the welfare and progress of his section of the county. His has been a well spent life, characterized by principles that command respect and in all his dealings he has shown a probity that reflects upon him the highest credit.