MATHEWS, Robert Nelson

MATHEWS, HORR, LUMLEY, JOHNSON, LYON

Posted By: Chantel Schmitt (email)
Date: 5/6/2012 at 14:11:48

Robert Nelson Mathews (1809-1877)

Mr. Mathews was born in Clinton County, New York, May 5, 1809, the son of John Mathews originally from England. In 1834 he married Caroline Horr in Aurora, Illinois, where he built the first frame house in that city. He farmed there until 1846 when he opened a law office and entered the Illinois State Legislature in 1853. That year, on August 29, his wife died.

While in the legislature he became interested in Iowa lands, purchasing large tracts around Rockford in 1854 and moving there January 1, 1857. His third born, Ralph C., preceded him the year before. Robert N. had two other children - Annie, who died in infancy, and Oscar, who died at the age of ten.

His son, Ralph, born December 13, 1836, farmed until 1860, when he married Jennie E. Lumley on February 5. He opened a general merchandise firm with Dwight E. Johnson that year, building what is now the present Register building. In 1869 he entered the banking business in the store building with his father until the latter died May 31, 1877. Ralph continued in the bank with Orlo H. Lyon and in 1883 became vice president of the newly-formed First National Bank. He continued in that position and as president (1901-1904) until his retirement. He died August 29, 1907.

Vala, Michael F. The Story of Rockford, 308. M.F. Vala Publishing, Dubuque, IA. 1970.

ORIGINAL CITATION:
History of Floyd County, 1882, 393-395; Iowa Biographical Dictionary (1878), 260-263; obit.