Illinois:  History of Cass County, Illinois, ed. William Henry
Perrin. O. L. Baskin & Co. Historical Publishers, Chicago, 1882. 
Cass County.

T. L. MATTHEWS.  The subject of this brief sketch is a native of 
the Keystone State, and was born in the town of Florence, 
Washington County, Penn., March 1, 1849.  When quite young his 
parents moved to Kentucky, where the early years of his life were 
spent, with the exception of about three years spent in Rushville, 
Schuyler County, Ill.  When the war broke out the family returned 
to the East, and there remained until the spring of 1865, when Mr. 
Matthews again came West, stopping at Rushville a few months, and 
then located at Vermont, Fulton County, Ill.  He here started in 
as an apprentice and learned the trade of a carriage-builder, and 
became and expert workman.  In the spring of 1869 he removed to 
Beardstown, where he pursued his trade two years, and was promoted 
to the position of collector and salesman for the firm that 
employed him.  In the winter of 1872 he entered the New York 
Store, in that city, as a salesman.  In the spring of 1873 Mr. 
Mathews was appointed Deputy Sheriff of Cass County, by George 
Volkmar, then Sheriff and Collector, and was placed in charge of 
the revenue department of the office.  He served through Mr. 
Volkmar's term, and was re-appointed by Sheriff elect William 
Epler.  He served in this capacity about four years, with 
satisfaction to the citizens of Cass County, and credit to 
himself.  In 1876, Mr. Mathews was nominated by his party as their 
candidate for Circuit Clerk of Cass Co.; and though receiving more 
than his party vote, was swept aside by the Tilden and Reform 
tidal wave, and failed of an election.  In August, 1877, he, in 
company with William H. Thacker, purchased the Virginia Gazette.  
The following December Mr. Mathews bought Mr. Thacker's interest, 
and successfully continued the publication alone about one year.  
Jan. 1, 1879, he sold out to Mr. Cad. Allard, and returned to the 
service of his country, receiving the appointment of deputy, by 
James B. Black, County Clerk, and served four years in that 
office.  In 1882, Mr. Mathews was elected member of the Board of 
Education of Virginia City, and upon organization of the Board, 
became its Secretary.  At the date of writing, Mr. Mathews is the 
Republican candidate of the Thirty-fourth Senatorial District for 
Representative in the State Legislature, and as a minority 
candidate his election is certain.  Mr. Mathews was married at 
Beardstown, Sept. 26, 1872, to Miss Lou E. Thornbury, daughter of 
J. A. Thornbury, an early resident of Cass County.  They have two 
children:  Earl and Rose.  Florence died Aug. 17, 1880.

Matthews Volkmar Epler Thacker Allard Black Thornbury
=
Washington-PA Schuyler-IL KY Fulton-IL