John G. Matthews
Liberty Hill, Williamson County, Texas
Marker Inscription
(March 3, 1874-November 4, 1903) Tennessee native John Giles Matthews came to Texas with his parents in 1839 and settled in the new town of Austin. A Ranger for the Republic of Texas, Matthews served in the Mexican War and the Civil War before moving to Williamson County in 1870. Here he was a farmer and was active in church, school and civic activities. The father of 9 children, he was first married to Sarah (Strong) (d. 1852). In 1855 he wed Leanorah (Carothers) (d. 1892).
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
John Giles Matthews came to the raw new town of Austin as a boy in 1839, when Texas was still an independent republic. He served as a Ranger, then fought in the war with Mexico and again in the Civil War, before settling into the quieter life of a Williamson County farmer and family man in 1870.
Why it matters
His life traces the arc of nineteenth-century Texas itself — from frontier republic through two wars to settled farm country — in a single ordinary yet remarkable citizen.
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