HOMER A. MATTHEWS.

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         One of the agriculturists of Louisa county who went to the front in the Union cause in the ‘60s is Homer A. Matthews, who for many years has been a resident of Jefferson township. He was born in Louisa county on the 6th of April, 1844, and is a son of Solomon B. and Emily (Bras) Matthews, natives of Ohio, from which state they migrated to Iowa in 1837. The father, who was a miller, followed his trade until he passed away in July, 1852. The mother survived for thirty years thereafter, her demise occurring in October, 1882. They were the parents of two sons, H. N., who is a resident of this county; and Homer A., our subject.

         The education of Homer A. Matthews was pursued in the common schools of this county, following the completion of which he engaged in agricultural pursuits, remaining at home until the opening of the Civil war. Enlisting in September, 1862, in Company I, First Missouri Engineering Corps, he went to the front where he served for over two years, being mustered out at Chattanooga, Tennessee, November 10, 1864. He helped build the fortifications, etc., at nearly all the places where his command participated in a great battle. After receiving his discharge he returned home and again engaged in farming with which occupation he has ever since been identified.

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         On August 13, 1875, Mr. Matthews was united in marriage to Miss Caroline Kimble, a native of Catlin, New York, and a daughter of Nathaniel and Mary Ann (Bush) Kimble, also natives of the Empire state. They migrated from New York to Illinois, locating in Boone county in 1851, and in that state they resided for twenty-three years. In 1874 they removed to Iowa, settling in Louisa county, where the mother passed away on the 16th of August, 1874, and the father on the 9th of September, 1875. Three children were born unto them: Piney, the widow of J. W. Willard, who is residing in Crook, Colorado; Caroline, now Mrs. Matthews; and Ansel W., who is living on a farm in this county.

         Mr. and Mrs. Matthews had six children, the order of their births being as follows: Frank H., who was born on the 22d of September, 1876; Ella, who was born on the 12th of August, 1878, and is now the wife of M. Sillick, of this county; Lena E., who was born on the 3d of September, 1880, and is teaching school; Edgar A., born on the 1st of July, 1882; Emily M., who is also a school teacher, born on the 20th of February, 1884; and Hiram Leroy, who was born on the 1st of October, 1886.

         An ardent republican, Mr. Matthews always gives his political support to the men and measure of that body. He takes an active and helpful interest in township affairs and has served as school director as well as road supervisor. He is a man of unobtrusive character who discharges his duties as a citizen with the same loyalty and unity of purpose which marked his services as a soldier.