MINTER, MATHEW, instructor in shoemaking at the Illinois Institution for the Deaf, at Jacksonville, Ill., was born in Wurtemburg, Germany, March 1, 1847, the son of Michael and Margaret (Heilman) Minter, natives of Germany. In the fatherland, Michael Minter was by occupation a stonecutter. In 1854 he came to the United States with his family, landing in New Orleans, where, three months after his arrival, he died of yellow fever. His widow, with her sons and daughters, then journeyed to Illinois, and settled in Jacksonville.

Mathew Minter received his education in the public schools of Jacksonville, and at the age of fifteen years, began learning the shoemaker's trade with Godfrey Tendick. He worked for that gentleman twelve years, after which, in 1876, he started in business for himself on North Main Street, Jacksonville. This enterprise continued until September, 1897, when he was appointed to his present position. For twenty years Mr. Minter was an honored member of the famous old Fifth Regiment Band, and is in possession of a badge which he wore in that body while attending the funeral of Abraham Lincoln. He was personally acquainted with Mr. Lincoln, and heard the celebrated Lincoln-Douglas debates. Mr. Minter is President of the German-American League of Morgan County.

On June 30, 1870, Mr. Minter was united in marriage with Eveline Tefft, of Jacksonville, a daughter of John and Rectina (Cobb) Tefft, who were among the earliest settlers of Morgan County. Politically, Mr. Minter is an earnest and active Republican, and from 1889 to 1891 served as a member of the City Council of Jacksonville. Fraternally, he has been affiliated with the Masonic order for thirty-three years, and for thirty-four years, with the Odd Fellows. He is Past Master of Harmony Lodge No. 3, A.F.&A.M., of which he was Master for six years. He is a member of Jacksonville Chapter No. 3, R.A.M., and Hospitaler Commandery No. 31. For thirty-four years he has belonged to Illini Lodge, No. 4, I.O.O.F., in which he is Past Grand, and was Treasurer for six years. He is Past Chief Patriarch of Ridgley Encampment, and was its Financial Secretary for nine years. He is Past Grand of the Rebecca Degree, I.O.O.F., and a member of Jacksonville No. 30, Court of Honor. Mr. Minter is a broad minded, well informed, public spirited citizen, and holds a high place in the esteem of the community in whose welfare he has felt a deep concern since he crossed the threshold of manhood.