Shaver, F. A., Arthur P. Rose, R. F. Steele, and A. E. Adams, compilers.  "An
Illustrated History of Central Oregon." ("Embracing Wasco, Sherman, Gilliam,
Wheeler, Crook, Lake, & Klamath Counties")  Spokane, WA: Western Historical
Publishing Co., 1905.  p. 598.
 
JOHN W. MATTHEWS

     is one of the industrious and substantial farmers of Gilliam county and
resides about seven miles west from Douglas on Eightmile creek. He was born in
Clay county, Missouri, on February 10, 1861. Thomas D. Matthews, his father,
came to central Oregon in 1882, then settled at Pendleton, being one of the
early settlers there. He devoted himself to farming there a while, then went to
Baker City, where he is interested in mining. He also owns a quarter section of
land near where our subject lives.  The mother of John W., Margaret J. (McAdams)
Matthews, was born in Missouri and died in this state in 1893. Her parents were
natives of North Carolina. In Clay county, Missouri, our subject received his
education and then came to Oregon with the balance of the family, which
consisted of his father, mother, four brothers, and three sisters. After coming
here he wrought on the O. R. & N. railroad for many years, and in fact, until
six years since. Then he settled on the farm where he now lives and has one-half
section of good wheat land. He devotes himself to farming and has his place well
improved.
     In 1898, Mr. Matthews married Mrs. Nancy M. Harshman, born February 10,
1869, the daughter of Hazel Dean, a well to do farmer of this county. She was
born in Chariton county, Missouri, and came to Oregon in 1881, with her parents.
     To Mr. and Mrs. Matthews, one child has been born, Ada; By her former
marriage Mrs. Matthews has three children. Harvey, Oliver, and Floyd.  It is
interesting to note that the property now possessed by Mr. Matthews has all been
earned by his own labors, as he started in life without means. He has a
comfortable home and he and his wife are among the substantial people of the
county.


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Submitted to the Oregon Bios. Project in November 2010 by Diana Smith.
Submitter has no additional information about the person(s) or family mentioned
above.