Percy G. Matthews, filling the position of assistant postmaster at Evanston, was born at Newton Abbott, Devonshire, England, May 14, 1877, his parents being William Henry and Emeline (Tucker) Matthews, who were likewise natives of the Merrie Isle and in the fall of 1884 left England en route for America. They did not tarry on the Atlantic coast but made their way at once into the interior of the country, settling in Utah. The father had worked in the shops of the Great Western Railway in England, where he was employed for twenty-one years, and after reaching the new world he lived retired, enjoying in well earned rest the fruits of his former toil. He died in August, 1904, passing away in Taylorsville, Utah, when seventy-seven years of age. His wife also departed this life in Taylorsville in 1900, being then sixty-four years of age.
    Percy G. Matthews was the ninth of their family of fourteen children. He began his education in the schools of England and continued his studies in Taylorsville, Utah, where in time he became a high school pupil. In 1897 he removed from Taylorsville to Evanston and entered the employ of the Union Pacific Railway Company, with which he remained for five years. He was ambitious, however, to engage in business on his own account and during that period he carefully saved his earnings until his economy and industry had brought him a sum sufficient to enable him to embark in merchandising on his own account, in connection with the well known firm of Dawson & Burdett. He continued in business with the above firm for five years, after which, in 1908, he was appointed to the position of assistant postmaster of Evanston and has since served most efficiently in that position, discharging his duties with marked promptness, capability and thoroughness.
    On the 28^th of September, 1898, Mr. Matthews was united in marriage to Miss Lillian L. Burdett. of Evanston, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Burdett, representatives of a well known pioneer family. They are still residents of Evanston. Mr. and Mrs. Matthews have become the parents of nine children. James William, born in Evanston in 1901, passed away the same year. Gladys A., born in 1902. is a high school pupil. Sarah E., born in 1904, and Frances Lillian, born in 1906, are both in school. Percy L.. born in October. 1909. and Delia L.. born in 1911, are also in school. Burdett E. and Bernard G., twins, were born in Evanston, November 8, 1914. LaMar Clarence, was born on November 13. 1917.
    Mr. Matthews is very prominent in the Church of the Latter-Day Saints and was installed bishop at Evanston in 1913. He is therefore very active in the management of the affairs of the church in his town. He has also served on the board of trustees of School District, No. 1, and he is a director of the LaMar Mining Company at Morgan, Utah. His political allegiance is given to the republican party, for he is a firm believer in its principles as factors in good government. From the age of seven years he has depended entirely upon his own resources and whatever success he has achieved or enjoyed is attributable to his persistent labor, intelligently directed. He has won a place among the leading citizens of his section of the state and the course that he has followed commands for him the respect, confidence and goodwill of those with whom he has been associated.