He attended Jefferson Military Academy, Washington, MS. Joint owner and

Manager of cotton plantation with his brother, John L. Matthews. Board of

Directors, Winnsboro State Bank. Boards of Stewards & Trustees, Boeuf

Prarie Methodist Church.

The following was printed in the New Orleans Christian Advocate,

October 28, 1937:

In Memoriam… THOMAS JAMES MATTHEWS T. J. Matthews was born to Thomas

J. Matthews and Sarah G. Pearce on May 5, 1865, in Extension, La. He

passed from this life on August 31, 1937.

He was a merchant and a planter all the years of his adult life. At the

death o his mother he succeeded her as postmaster of the Extension post

office and served in that capacity for thirty-eight years. He was trustee

in the Winnsboro Bank & Trust Co. In all of his business relations he

was greatly esteemed and respected. As a citizen, he always stood for

things that were honest and right. He made no compromise. He was

interested in and concerned about all civic affairs and put himself

wholeheartedly into the things that were for the promotion of the welfare

of the community and the parish.

Mr. Matthews lost his father when a child and was reared by a Christian

mother. The influence of that early training was shown throughout his

life. He united with the Boeuf Prarie Church in August, 1893, under the

pastorate of Brother C.F. Staples, and remained a consistent member to

the same church until his death. He was loyal and devoted to the church

and all of its interests, and for a number of years served as steward and

trustee. Mr. Matthews had very definite religious convictions and he

stood by them regardless of the consequences. Straightforwardness

characterized his true Christian life.

He was a kind and loving husband and father. The home life was ever

radiant with a wonderful Christian spirit. Many experiences of sickness

and sorrow in the home only brought the members of the family closer to

one another and their Master.

It was always a great joy and privilege for Mr. Matthews to have the

preachers in his home, and it was also a rare privilege and pleasure for

the preachers to abide there.

A noble man of God has gone from us, but he has left us an inspiration

and a challenge to continue in the fulfillment of his dreams and the

realization of his labors.

Mr. Matthews was married to Miss Belle Blanks in 1889, who, with four

children- Mrs.Edna M. Clinton, Mrs. Madge Waldroup, Thomas James

Matthews, and Mrs. Zelia Clinton, survive him. -Ira W. Flowers