Biographical Sketch of William M. Matney, Jackson Township, Buchanan 
County, MO

>From "History of Buchanan County, Missouri, Published 1881, St. Joseph
Steam Printing Company, Printers, Binders, Etc., St. Joseph, Missouri.
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William M. Matney, farmer and miller, section 26, postoffice Platte
River, one of the most successful business men, farmers and millers of
Buchanan County, was born May 21, 1824, in Hart County, Kentucky.  He
left Kentucky October 1, 1845 and landed in Buchanan County, Missouri
on October 20, 1845, with twenty dollars and twelve cents.  He had re-
sided in Buchanan County ever since except six months that he lived in
Clinton County.  He worked for John Patee in St. Joseph at ten dollars
per month.  Then worked in Mexico and on the road at twenty dollars per
month.  He worked for John Bretz until May, 1849, then took a trip to
California, returning in 1852.  Engaged in general merchandise August,
1852, continued until May, 1854, when he sold his store and purchased
an undivided half of the Bretz Mill.  He married Catherine A. Bretz,
a native of Pennsylvania, April 27, 1853.  She was born August 23, 
1832.  by this union they have had seven children: Albert E., James B.,
Elizabeth, John W., Lydia, Edward R., Rebecca E., all alive except for
John and Lydia, and doing well.  By his own exertions he has accumulat-
ed 589 acres of land, all under good state of cultivation, with large
and commodious house, good barn, orchard, etc.  He has been postmaster
and school trustee, and is a member of the Grange.  During the late
war he experienced considerable inconvenience, and sustained loss. His
beloved wife died March 7, 1879, from congestion of the lungs.  In all
public enterprises he has lent a helping hand, and has ever been the 
poor man's friend.

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