JOHN M. MATTOX. The work of such men as he whose name heads this sketch is a stimulus and tonic to any one who desires perfection or to emulate perfection in any branch whatever. His farm, located on section 13, of Sullivan Township, Moultrie County, is a model of neatness, productiveness and scientific cultivation. Its owner here settled in 1865, and since that time he has devoted his attention and his personal efforts to bringing it up to its present high standing agriculturally.

Although he is the owner of but eighty-four and a half acres, this he has tilled to such a good purpose that it yields as much as does twice that much to many a farmer who fails to bring the intelligent oversight to bear upon his possessions.

He of whom we write was born in Clermont County, Ohio, October 19, 1839. His parents, Jason and Maria (Meeker) Mattox, were natives of Kentucky and New Jersey respectively. The mother was born in 1807, and was about four years old when her family removed to Ohio and settled on the Miami River near the present site of the city of Cincinnati. They were very early settlers there, and the growth of the city was made under their observation. Our subject's father was probably born in Kentucky although it may have been that his birthplace was in Clermont County, Ohio; at least he was very young when his family settled in the Buckeye State. Our subject's parents were married and lived on a farm, where the father's decease took place, in Clermout County, Ohio. He left eight children -- William P., Miles A., A. J., Levi L., Mary J., Elizabeth, John N. and Thomas G. Miles A. died in Vigo County, Ind.; he had never been married. A. J. resides in Coffey County, Kan.; Levi L. lives in his native county in Ohio; Mary J. is the wife of Abram Dunnham and lives in Missouri; Elizabeth married Thomas Powell and lives in Nashville, Tenn.; Thomas G. died in this county, leaving a widow and two children.

The original of our sketch was reared on the home farm, and like the majority of Ohio boys, he received very good common school advantages, and being bright and assimilative, with a large amount of vital force, both mentally and physically, he was early equipped for the practical duties of life. December 1, 1859, he was united in marriage with Rebecca Beck, a daughter of Jeremiah and Elizabeth Beck. She was a native of the same State and county as her husband.

At the breaking out of the War of the Rebellion Mr. Mattox enlisted and was mustered into service in Company A, Fifth Ohio Cavalry, serving in that capacity for over three years. He was with the regiment all the time, and usually drove the ambulance wagon. His war experience is chiefly noted for his faithfulness and constant readiness for duty. After the war he returned to Ohio, and the following spring came to this State and county, where for several years he was engaged in cultivating land which he rented. He has a comfortable and well-built house upon his place and an orchard that he may well be proud of. He devotes much of his time to the cultivation of small fruits, and in the fruit season his place is a small Eden that would tempt any Eve to eat, whether the fruit was forbidden or not.

Mr. and Mrs. Mattox are the parents of seven children. One daughter died in infancy. Those living are: Miles A., Benjamin H., Elizabeth M., Flora E., John R., Estella M. and Edith D. Elizabeth is the wife of Oscar Mizenheimer; Flora E. died in infancy. Like so many of his fellow-husbandmen, our subject is a Democrat, that party receiving the weight of his vote and influence. He is a member of the School Board of his district. Religiously he and his family, are members of the Christian Church and are kind-hearted, Christian people.

Portrait and Biographical Record of Shelby and Moultrie Counties, 1891 - p. 513/514

Transcription copyright 2003/2007, Moultrie County ILGenWeb/USGenWeb