Biography of Z. T. Matthews - Craighead Co, AR

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Submitted by: Unknown < >
        Date: 26 Sep 1998
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SOURCE: Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Northeast Arkansas.
Goodspeed Publishers, 1889.

page 345

Z. T. Matthews, of the firm of Matthews, Peterson & Pace, merchants of
Jonesboro, is a native of Paulding County, Ga. born February 2, 1848. His
parents, L. M. and Mary Ann Matthews, were natives of Virginia and Georgia,
respectively, and were the parents of ten children; Z. T. and a sister, [p.345]
Louisa, in Paulding County, Ga., being the only survivors. The mother died in
Georgia, and, by his second marriage, Mr. Matthews became the father of three
children, all deceased. He was by occupation an agriculturist, and in the winter
of 1857 came to what is now Craighead County, Ark., and located about one and
one-half miles from the present site of Jonesboro. When, two years later, the
town of Jonesboro was laid out, he was living on the present town site, and had
his field planted with cotton. Some years later he moved to Poinsett County,
where he died during the war. Z. T. Matthews was but eight years of age when he
came with his parents to Arkansas, and here grew to manhood, receiving such
education as the schools of that day afforded. He went to the first log
schoolhouse built in the town, attended private schools and also the old
academy. He was reared mainly on a farm, but, in 1868, began clerking at $12.50
per month, and retained that position for two years, and then entered into
partnership with W. J. Witt, continuing but a short time. He then entered into a
partnership with William Puryear. which lasted for about four years. Selling out
to Mr. Puryear, he formed a partnership with J. C. Knight, with whom he
continued eleven years, and then formed his present partnership. The firm has a
large stock of dry goods, clothing, gent's furnishing goods, boots and shoes,
etc., and, by strictly fair and honest business principles, have established a
splendid custom. Mr. Matthews is also a partner of Johnson. Berger & Co.,
dealers in groceries, furniture and hardware, owning both store buildings, which
are large two-story bricks. In 1864 he was married to Miss C. J. Witt, and of
this union four children have been the issue: Wanghlie, Gordon. Eva, and Willie.
who died when seven months old. Mr. and Mrs. Matthews are members of the Baptist
Church. Mr. Matthews' business career has been one of unusual success: starting
as a clerk on a small salary, he soon engaged in business for himself; was
during Grant's administration appointed postmaster of Jonesboro, which position
he held for about seven years. resigning in favor of J. D. C. Cobb. and now is a
leading and successful citizen.