My Genealogy Hound

FRANK MATNEY. As a representative of the progressive and successful farmers and stock-raisers of Randolph County, especial mention belongs to the subject of this sketch, who conducts general agricultural operations on section 25, township 6, range 7. Through the exercise of careful management in the conduct of his business affairs, he has become the owner of one hundred and twenty acres, which he has placed under excellent cultivation.

The father and mother of our subject bore the names of Sylvester and Rhoda (Hill) Matney, and were natives of North Carolina, whence they removed to this state, and spent their last days in Marion County. There was born to them a family of two children, of whom our subject was the elder, the date of his birth being August 6, 1846. Losing his parents when quite young, our subject came to this county when twelve years old, and lived with Charles Sanders, near Chester. He received his education in the common schools in the neighborhood, and worked on the farm for Mr. Sanders for his board and clothing.

When seventeen years old, in 1863, young Matney enlisted in the Union army, in Company I, Tenth Illinois Infantry, and proved a gallant soldier, remaining in the service until the close of hostilities. He was a participant in twenty-seven battles, among which were some of the most famous of the war. May 30, 1865, he was mustered out, and was honorably discharged at McDougal Hospital, near New York City. He was wounded at Bentonville, N. C., and remained in the hospital a short time.

After leaving the army, Mr. Matney purchased a farm, and has since actively engaged in his chosen vocation, raising the various kinds of grain and blooded stock. He is very popular wherever known, and makes a friend of every man he meets. One of his most prominent qualities is his sterling business character. In his work he is methodical, and his sagacity in business matters has won him the admiration of all with whom he has dealings.

March 11, 1869, Mr. Matney married Miss Felicity Montroy, and by their union four children were born. Two of these died in infancy, and the remaining two, who reside with their parents, bear the names of Caroline and Mary Jane. Mrs. Matney is a daughter of B. and Julia Montroy, and is of French descent. Our subject is a member of Adair Post, G. A. R., at New Palestine. In politics a Republican, he is interested in county, state and national issues. He is a liberal-spirited man, and is ever ready to aid in all matters of local enterprise, although not an aspirant to public office.