This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Surnames: Downing, Matthews Classification: Query Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/AUT.2ACEB/1258 Message Board Post: I am curious if this couple may be related to Samuel D. Downing and his two wives...Margaret Matthews and Mary Matthews. Could Harriet be the sister of Samuel D. Downing, who died in Logan Co., Illinois? Could William Wesley Matthews be the brother of Margaret and Mary Matthews, who both were married to Samuel D. Downing? --------------------------------------------------------------------- Partial transcription from the book: Portrait & Biographical Album of Washington County, Iowa Published: 1887 - Acme Publishing - Chicago Pgs. 172-173 This is a large biographical write-up about J. L. MATTHEWS, which states in part: "He was born in Columbus, Bartholomew Co., Ind., Jan. 24, 1845, and is the son of William Wesley and Harriet L. (Downing) Matthews, the former a native of Tennessee and the latter of Kentucky. His mother died Feb. 9, 1845, when he was but sixteen days old. He was then taken by his grandmother Downing, with whom he remained until nine years of age, then finally moving in the meantime to Martinsville, Morgan Co., Ind. His grandmother dying, he made his home with a maiden aunt, Miss Judith R. Downing. While in Martinsville, Ind., he attended the common schools of that village, the only educational advantages that he ever received. In the spring of 1857, in company with this maiden aunt, and her brother, W. A. Downing, and his family, he removed to Washington County, Iowa, landing at Wassonville May 27, 1854." The article goes on to mention in great detail, the Civil War experience of J. L. Matthews, and lists his 2 marriages and children, and the dates for the marriages, death of wife, and childrens' births.