Date Original
1857-1924
Description
This collection contains papers belonging to Samuel James Matthews and his wife, Anna, including deeds, receipts, promissory notes, bonds, insurance policies, land patents, and letters.
Biographical/Historical Note
Samuel James Matthews was born in Marshall County, Mississippi, in 1833. In 1845, his father moved the family to a farm northeast of Monticello in Drew County, Arkansas. Samuel began studying law at an early age and served as Drew County Clerk from 1856-1860 and 1886-1888, and County Judge from 1882-1884. He represented Drew County in the Constitutional Convention of 1868. After the Civil War, Samuel began a nursery and fruit business and raised blooded stock. He also practiced law in Monticello with Z.T. Wood and James R. Cotham. In 1903, due to failing health, Samuel moved to San Diego, where he died December 29, 1903. He is buried at Monticello. Samuel was married to Anna M. Wilson, and they had three sons and six daughters. One of their sons, Justin Matthews, Sr., was instrumental in bringing about major improvements in North Little Rock in the early 1900s, including street pavement, sewer and drainage improvements, and construction of two new bridges over the Arkansas River. Justin also developed the Park Hill District in North Little Rock as well.
Physical Description
Document, 8.5" x 11"
Geographical Area
Arkansas
Language
English
Identifier
MS.000692
Resource Type
Text
Collection
Samuel James Matthews papers, MS.000692
Publisher
Arkansas State Archives
Contributing Entity
Arkansas State Archives
Recommended Citation
Samuel James Matthews papers, Arkansas State Archives, Little Rock, Arkansas.
Rights
Use and reproduction of images held by the Arkansas State Archives without prior written permission is prohibited. For information on reproducing images held by the Arkansas State Archives, please call 501-682-6900 or email at state.archives@arkansas.gov.
Disciplines
United States History
