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Below is a family biography included in Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Lee County, Arkansas published by Goodspeed Publishing Company in 1890.  These biographies are valuable for genealogy research in discovering missing ancestors or filling in the details of a family tree. Family biographies often include far more information than can be found in a census record or obituary.  Details will vary with each biography but will often include the date and place of birth, parent names including mothers' maiden name, name of wife including maiden name, her parents' names, name of children (including spouses if married), former places of residence, occupation details, military service, church and social organization affiliations, and more.  There are often ancestry details included that cannot be found in any other type of genealogical record.

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George J. Mathews. Among the enterprising and prospering farmers and stock raisers of Lee County, none are more worthy of mention than George J. Mathews. He is a son of Burel and Piney (Whittaker) Mathews, and was born in Pitt County, N. C., December 24, 1820. Burel Mathews was a native of North Carolina, and followed the occupation of farming all his life. He was married in that State in 1818, to Miss Whittaker, and to their union six children were born, two now living: George J. and Roderick. Those deceased are: Richard F., William Miza A., Henry and one unnamed. Both Mr. Mathews and wife are dead. George J. Mathews first began to “paddle his own canoe” at the age of eighteen, accepting a position as overseer on a large plantation. He was married in 1841 to Miss Mary Crawford, of Martin County, N. C, who bore him four children, one living: George R. Mary A., P. A., and Elisha are deceased. Mrs. Mathews died in 1858, a member of many years standing in the Methodist Church. Mr. Mathews was married in 1862 to Mrs. Lydia Brooks, the widow of Amsley Brooks. She is a daughter of Franklin and Lydia Maye, of Tennessee, and was born in 1827. To the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Mathews four children have been given: Marietta (the wife of Allen Wall), Kelson O., Epson J. and William F. (deceased). Mr. Mathews immigrated to Arkansas from North Carolina in 1852, settling in St. Francis County. He now owns 160 acres of good land, with 115 improved, the principal crop being corn and cotton. He has acted as marshal of St. Francis County for the past twelve years and has served as justice of the peace for six years. He is a member of the Methodist Church, having joined that denomination over twenty years ago. Politically he is a Democrat. Mrs. Mathews is a Baptist in her religious belief, and belongs to that church.

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This family biography is one of 104 biographies included in Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Lee County, Arkansas published in 1890.  For the complete description, click here: Lee County, Arkansas History, Genealogy, and Maps

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