My Genealogy Hound

Willis B. Matthews, of the firm of Weir & Matthews, is another representative of that class of men, who, by their energy and pluck, have won the esteem of their fellow-citizens. He was born in Lawrence County, Ark., on the 1st day of November, 1857, and is a son of William J. Matthews, a native of Tennessee, whose father, John L. Matthews, was one of the pioneers of Arkansas. His father, W. J. Matthews, married Miss Eliza J. McGhehey, of Lawrence County, a daughter of George McGhehey, one of the early settlers of this State, and his interest in the State of Arkansas is thus doubly strengthened by the fact of both parents being born on the same soil. His father turned his attention to farming until 1885, and then moved to Black Rock, to engage in mercantile pursuits. Mr. Matthews remained with him until he attained his majority, educating himself in the meantime, and then taught school for a period of twelve months. He gave up this occupation to accept a position at Powhatan, where he became thoroughly versed in mercantile affairs, and received excellent business training. He then returned to farming again, and continued in that business until October, 1883, when he re-entered into mercantile life at Black Rock. He established himself in the grocery and drug business at that point, and, in 1885, his father was brought into partnership, and remained with him until the time of his death, in 1887. In the spring of 1889, the present firm of Weir & Matthews was established. They carry a large stock of general merchandise, dry goods, groceries, clothing, drugs, hardware, etc., and by their fair dealing and integrity, have earned a reputation second to none in the county. Mr. Matthews has served on the town board, and is a Master Mason. He is treasurer of Black Rock Lodge.