Gaston, Joseph. "Portland, Oregon Its History and Builders." Vol. 3. Chicago and Portland, S. J. Clarke Publishing Co., 1911. p. 87. JOHN MATTHIESEN John Matthiesen, proprietor of the Hotel Matthiesen at the corner of Madison and Front streets in Portland, has been conducting this hotel since 1905, but long prior to that date became a factor in the hotel life of the city, having previously been proprietor of the Hotel Zur Rheinpfaltz at the southwest corner of Front and Madison streets. As the name indicates, he is of German lineage. He was born in the northern part of Germany February 3d, 1857, and was there reared to the age of sixteen years when he came to America, settling first in Clinton, Iowa, where he took up farming. He made the journey to the new world with his brother Thomas, who remained a resident of Iowa, but in 1878 John Matthiesen continued his westward journey to San Francisco. There having become a cook, he followed this work continuously until he arrived in Oregon, where he took up a homestead on the Tualitin river, eighteen miles from Portland. He devoted the succeeding two years to farming when his funds became exhausted, and writing to his brother Thomas, the latter came from Iowa and purchased the claim. John Matthiesen then removed to Portland and worked in different hotels until 1887, when he established the old Hotel Rheinpfaltz at the corner of Front and Main streets. This was a little two story brick structure, adequate however, to the demands of a city which in size and population bore little resemblance to the Portland of today. In 1890 he removed to the northwest comer of Front and Madison streets and in 1895 established the Hotel Matthiesen. He also owns the Harrison Hotel at the comer of Front and Harrison, which he leases. Success has attended his efforts during his residence in Portland, and has resulted from his dose application, his unfaltering energy and his determination. As the years have passed he has steadily progressed toward the goal of prosperity. In 1891 he returned to the fatherland for a visit, accompanied by his family, and spent five months in Europe, not only visiting his birthplace and the scenes of his youth, but also many points of interest in the old world. Mr. Matthiesen was married in Portland in 1883 to Miss Albina Hoehler,and unto them were bom two children, Edward and William. The wife and mother died in 1895, and in 1898 Mr. Matthiesen married Miss Meta Winters. They have one son, Walter. Mr. and Mrs. Matthiesen and his son Edward have recently returned from a motor trip in Europe. Mr. Matthiesen is an enthusiast on the subject of motoring, and is the owner of three high grade cars. He and his wife and son William are all members of the Portland Automobile Club and Mr. Matthiesen also belongs to the Arion Singing Society, to the German Aid Society and the Knights of Pythias fraternity associations which indicate much of the nature of his interests. He is never neglectful of the duties of citizenship and cooperates heartily in the movements of the Chamber of Commerce for the benefit and upbuilding of Portland. His political allegiance is given to the republican party. He has been honored with offices in several of the societies to which he belongs and is a citizen of whom Portland is proud because of what he has accomplished. His life has been characterized by steady advancement. His youth was passed amid most unfavorable circumstances. The financial conditions at home were those of poverty and at the age of nine years he faced the necessity of providing for his own support. His educational opportunities were limited to one or two months' attendance at the district schools during the winter seasons, but after he was nine or ten years of age this privilege was denied him, owing to the necessities of the case. He worked upon farms in the neighborhood of his home and the last year of his service in Germany brought him only six dollars and a suit of clothes. It is no wonder then that he desired the opportunities of the new world and was buoyed up with the hope that he might find better conditions in this country. While success is not to be had for the asking in America, he early learned that "labor is king" in this country, and closely applying himself to whatever task came to his hand he has gradually climbed the ladder of success until he now stands among Portland's men of affluence. ******************* Submitted to the Oregon Bios. Project in March 2008 by Diana Smith. Submitter has no additional information about the person(s) or family mentioned above.