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         WILLIAM B. MATTHEWS, one of the leading and representative farmers, residing on section 32, Elm Grove Township, was born in Gallia County, Ohio, June 3, 1843, and is a son of Harrison and Mary E. (Braughton) Matthews, the former a native of Virginia, and the latter of New York. They were the parents of ten children; four of that number are yet living: John, a resident farmer of Meigs, Ohio; Montgomery, who is living in Fulton County, Ill., Madison, a farmer of Henry County, Iowa; and William B. The mother died in Louisa County in 1876. Mr. Matthews is still living, and makes his home with our subject.

William was reared upon a farm in Henry County, Iowa, and remained under the parental roof until 1862, when he responded to the President’s call for volunteers, enlisting in Company H, 25th Iowa Infantry, for three years’ service. He participated in the battle of Arkansas Post, engaged in the entire siege of Vicksburg, and on the 19th of May, 1863, was wounded in the right hand, being struck with a piece of shell while in the act of taking a cap from his cap box. Not being able to use his hand, he was placed on detached duty, and served until May 30, 1865, when he was honorably discharged from the service. After being mustered out he returned to Wayland, Iowa, and during the winter of 1865-66 attended school at Mt. Pleasant.

Mr. Matthews was united in marriage with Miss Eliza Clifton, a native of Henry County, Iowa, and to them were born three children: Josie, who was born in Henry County, and is now attending school in Mt. Pleasant; Ella B. and Clyde C., who were born in Louisa County. In 1871 Mr. Matthews removed with his family to Louisa County, where, in company with his father, he purchased 280 acres of land on section 32, and fifty-five acres on section 31, Elm Grove Township, the former tract now being under a very fine state of cultivation. Everything about the place testifies to his thrift and enterprise, and his buildings are all in the best order. Mr. Matthews and his wife are both members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He has held various offices of public trust, and for the past twelve years has been Justice of the Peace of Elm Grove Township, discharging his duties with promptness and fidelity.

Socially, our subject is a member of Mort Hobart Post, G. A. R, of Winfield, Iowa, while politically, he is an ardent supporter of the principles of the Republican party. He takes great interest in political affairs, is prominent in the promotion of any enterprise for the welfare of the community, and is one of the representative and highly respected citizens of the county.