Will County IL Archives Biographies.....Matteson, Hon Joel A 
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File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by:
Deb Haines ddhaines@gmail.com September 3, 2007, 1:01 am

Author: Genealogical/Biographical Publishing Co

HON. JOEL A. MATTESON, governor of Illinois 1853-56, was born in Jefferson 
County, N. Y., August 8, 1808. When a boy he was employed in Prescott, 
Canada. His later years were filled with varied employments, teaching school, 
improving a farm, working on railroads in the south, visiting the gold 
diggings of northern Georgia, etc. In 1833, with his wife and one child, he 
came to Illinois and entered a claim in what is now Kendall County. At that 
time there were only three or four houses between his place and Chicago. In 
1835 he bought largely at the government land sales, but the following year 
sold his land and settled in Joliet. In 1838 he became a heavy contractor on 
the Illinois and Michigan canal, which contract he completed in 1841. One of 
his next ventures was the establishment of a woolen mill in Joliet, which, 
with subsequent enlargements, became an enormous factory.

His connection with public and political affairs began in 1842, when he was 
elected to the state senate. His service was so satisfactory that he was twice 
re-elected, and during the entire time held the position of chairman of the 
committee on finance. At the same time he superintended his woolen mill and 
also again became a heavy contractor on the canal. At the Democratic state 
convention, April 20, 1852, he was nominated for governor. At the election he 
received a good majority. During his term of office the most exciting 
occurrence was the repeal of the Missouri compromise by congress, under the 
leadership of Stephen A. Douglas, in 1854, when the bill was passed organizing 
the territory of Kansas and Nebraska. Before his term expired the Republicans 
were fully organized as a party and in 1856 put into the field a ticket, which 
carried the state, but not the nation. The legislature of 1855 passed two 
important bills, the present free-school system and the submission of the 
Maine liquor law to the vote of the people. The latter was defeated by a small 
majority of the popular vote. During his term the taxable wealth of the state 
was trebled; the public debt reduced; taxation reduced; railroads increased in 
mileage from less than 400 to more than 3,000; and the commerce of Chicago 
quadrupled. Upon his retirement from office Governor Matteson resumed the 
management of his extensive business interests in Joliet. He did much toward 
the up-building of this city and gave employment to many workmen. Toward those 
in need he was always generous, and many a poor man has reason to remember him 
with deepest gratitude. Toward the close of his life he relinquished, to some 
extent, the management of his extensive interests, but he continued to be, in 
old age, as in early life, a very active, busy man. He died in Chicago during 
the winter of 1872-73.

Additional Comments:
Genealogical and Biographical Record of Will County Illinois Containing 
Biographies of Well Known Citizens of the Past and Present

Biographical Publishing Company; Chicago 1900

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