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. 538.
 
FREDERIC W. MATTHIAS

     One of the most successful and prosperous farmers in Sherman county, lives
three miles southeast of Klondike.  he was born in Prussia, Germany, December
29, 1855.  His parents were Christ and Elizabeth (Peeper) Matthias.  The father
served in the Prussian army in the war of 1848, and died in Kansas in 1891.  At
present the mother lives with her son and the subject of this sketch.
     The latter came to the United States in May, 1884.  In October of the same
year he was followed by his parents, and the family settled in Kansas.  In 1890
our subject came to Sherman county with his family and mother.  He had, at this
time, no capital and worked out for wages among the neighboring farmers.  During
five years he herded sheep, the family at that period living at De Moss Springs.
Subsequently Mr. Matthias took a homestead and has purchased more land since
until he now owns one thousand seven hundred and fifty acres.  He also owns a
combined harvester and thresher.  In 1901 he built a two thousand five hundred
dollar house.  He has sixty-five head of cattle; eighty head of horses,
Clydesdale and Percherons, the cattle being in the main graded Short-horn stock.
     Mr. Matthias was married in Germany to Dora Hillem, a native of Germany, as
were her parents. Our subject has two brothers and three sisters; Christ, a
brick mason in Germany; William, in Kansas ; Dora, wife of Willie Gieg, of Iowa
; Minnie, wife of William - Schaeffer, of Oklahoma ; and Lizzie, wife of John
Gieg. Mrs. Matthias has one sister, Mary, wife of Thomas Colbert, of Cheney,
Washington. Mr. and Mrs. Matthias have four children, Fred, John, Alvina, wife
of George Robinson, and Amelia. Our subject is a member of the M. W. A., of
which he is venerable consul. Politically he is a Democrat, although not active.
By industry combined with excellent business sagacity Mr. Matthias has built up
a fine property and has, also, won the respect and esteem of the community in
which he resides.


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