Pg 455

         H. N. MATTHEWS, Esq., a farmer residing in Jefferson Township, was born in Louisa County, Aug. 17, 1842, and is a son of Solomon B. and Emily (Brass) Matthews, who were natives of Ohio. The father was a carpenter and millwright by trade, and followed that occupation through life. The paternal grandfather was Daniel Matthews, who was of German descent, and a pioneer of Geauga County, Ohio, where Solomon helped to develop a farm. In 1836, when a young man, he emigrated to Louisa County, settling in Port Louisa Township, where he purchased land, and then bought a sawmill at Harrison, which he operated for a number of years. He later moved to Toolsboro, where he built a saw and grist mill, continuing its operation until 1849. At that time, equipped with an ox-team, he made an overland journey across the plains to California, where he remained until 1852, engaged in mining, and was reasonably successful. In that year he returned to Iowa by way of the Isthmus of Panama, and again operated the mill at Toolsboro until his death, which occurred in the fall of 1852, at the age of thirty-three years. His widow survived him many years, her death occurring in 1884, when sixty years of age. Mr. Matthews was an honorable, upright citizen, resolute in his undertakings and strong in his convictions. Mr. and Mrs. Matthews were the parents of two children, both of whom are living: Hiram N., the subject of this sketch; and Homer A., who is now residing in the village of Toolsboro.

Our subject was reared upon his father’s farm, and received his education in the common schools. He remained at home with his mother until he was about twenty years of age, but in November, 1862, enlisted in the late war as a member of Company C, 1st Missouri Engineers, and was attached to the 17th Army Corps, serving two years. He participated in the siege of Vicksburg, where he assisted in constructing canals and dams, and also at the siege of Atlanta. He received his discharge in the fall of 1864, after which he returned home and again engaged in farming.

In February, 1870, Mr. Matthews was united in marriage with Mary E. Brown, a native of Ohio, and a daughter of John Brown, who was also born in that State. By this marriage four children have been born: Emily died in infancy; the living are Solomon B., Charles F. and Fannie E. Mr. Matthews has held various township offices, and is at present serving his second term as Justice of the Peace. He takes an active interest in public affairs, and costs his vote with the Republican party. He is a strong advocate of temperance, and believes in the strict enforcement of the prohibitory law. He is the owner of forty acres of land, and a member of A. M. Taylor Post, G. A. R. He is well known throughout the county, where his entire life has been spent.