The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-08-26
SKETCH OF THE STRICKEN MAN.
A Farmer Who Served His State In
Three Important Positions.

Three Important Positions.
Claude Matthews was born in Bath coun-
ty, Kentucky, Dec. IA. 1S45. All his life he
has been one of the people of his State,
farmer not only in theory, but in practice.
lie comes of good stock. He is related
through his mother to some of the best
families of Virginia and Kentucky. He is
son of Thomas A. Matthews and Eliza A.
Fletcher. His maternal great-grandfather,
General Thomas Jefferson Fletcher, was an
officer in the United States army in the war
of 1872. General Fletcher emigrated from
Virginia to Kentucky and settled in Fleming
county. He served a term in Congress from
the Ashland district and at the time of his
death was prominent candidate for United
States senator. with every prospect for cleo
ton. His son, Jefferson Fletcher, who was
Governor Matthews's grandfather, was
prominent farmer and slave owner. Mat
thews's paternal ancestors were of Scotch
Irish stock, and they settled originally in
Pennsylvania. His grandfather Captain
George Matthews, commanded body of
troops at the battle of the Thames. Cap
tain Matthews emigrated into Kentucky. To-
eating in Bath county. Thomas A. Mat
thews, father of Governor Matthews. en-
gagged In farming for a number of years
ana later in life moved to Maysville, KY.
on the Ohio river, just above Cincinnati
wnere he embarked in the wholesale gro
cery and commission business.
Claude Matthews spent his boyhood on
the farm, and at eighteen years of age en-
tered Center College, at Danvlle KY
whence he was graduated in June, 1867 On
Jan. ], 1868, he married Martha r. Whit
comb, daughter Of the late James Whit
comb, who was Governor of Indiana from
30
States senator. Governor Matthews first
met his wife while he was college stu
dent She was visiting relatives in Ohio
and he was at home in Maysvile on a va
cation. 1t was during the war. and John
Morgan's raiders were making a tour
through northern Kentucky. The Gov
ernor's father owned a number of fine
horses. and to keep these out of Morgans
clutches they were sent across the river
into Ohio. Young Matthews went along
with the stock and it was on this trip that
he first made the acquaintance of Miss
Whitcomb. She afterward attended a fe-
male college in Danville, KY, graduating
about the same time that he did. They
were married in January after their gradu-
alton from college. and began their married
life in Vermillion county, Indiana, where
they have since resided Mr. Matthews be-
came largely interested in live stock, more
especially shorthorn and Jersey cattle, and
was the moving spirit in the very success
ful organizations which have grown up in
the past few years in the United States and
Canada for the Improvement of cattle
Claude Matthews entered politics in 1876
when he was elected to the Legislature In
1880 he was. elected secretary of state, and
two years later he was chosen to lead the
Democratic state ticket and won the gov
ernorship. AS Governor Mr. Matthews
made many friends. At the close of his
term he retired to his farm in Vermillion
county. His name has been prominently
mentioned in connection with the Demo-
cratic nomination for United States senator
to succeed Senator Turpie.