William H. Matter, one of the self-made men of Buckeye Township, retains as a silent witness of his industry a valuable homestead on section 18, which includes 221 acres of highly cultivated land, with convenient and substantial farm buildings. Upon this land our subject has effected great improvements since taking possession, it being then not far removed from its orginal condition. The humble farm shanties which then served as a shelter for man and beast, bore little comparison with the present fine dwelling (see lithographic view on another page), the ample and shapely barn, and all the other appliances for the storing of grain, the shelter of stock and the proper carrying on a modern country estate. The transformation seems all the more wonderful and pleasurable when we reflect that it has been brought about by a man who commenced life practically at the foot of the ladder, dependent upon his own resources.

Mr. Matter first drew breath in Jefferson County, PA, March 20, 1836, and is the 3rd son of Issac & Hannah (LENKER) Matter, who carried on farming in a modest way, and possessed but a limited income. When our subject was 9 years old his parents gathered together their household effects and started for the Prairie State. He remembers well many incidents of the long journey, and how when reaching this section deer and wolves roamed over the prairies now dotted with beautiful farms and valuable homesteads. The parents located on a tract of land in Buckeye Township, and Isaac Matter proceeded as best he could to the cultivation of the soil. The farm implements of that time were rude in construction, and of a character which at this day would seem totally unfitted for the task required of them. The pioneers, however, were fertile in expedient, and found a way out of every difficulty. The father of our subject succeeded in making a comfortable living for his family, and after a life of long and faithful labor, folded his hands for his final rest July 23, 1866. The mother departed this life June 8, 1884. Our subject spent his childhoood and youth after the manner of most of the sons of pioneers, receiving a meager education, and as soon as old enough his labors being utilized on the farm. He was taught frugality, industry, honesty, obedience and deference to the opinions of those older and wiser than himself. He remained a member of the parental household long after reaching his majority, and after his marriage operated on a portion of the land included in the parental homestead. In 1864 he purchased 45 acres on section 18, and subsequently purchased a part of his fathers' farm, the whole comprising the valuable and desirable estate which the passing traveler now views with an admiring eye. Mr. Matter, in additon to general farming, keeps excellent grades of live-stock, including sheep, cattle, hogs and horses, all sleek looking and well cared for, and adding to the already general air of comfort and plenty that pervades the premises. The marriage of William H. Matter and Miss Hannah Meyer took place at the home of the bride in Freeport, July 3, 1862. Mrs. M., like her husband, is a native of PA, and the daughter of Peter Meyer, who came to this State in 1854, and took up his residence in Ogle County. He there engaged in farming, and with the mother spent the remainder of his life. Mr. & Mrs. Matter are the parents of 5 children, namely: Ada L., Emma I., Cora A., Estell H. and Issac N. The latter child, their only son, died when 12 years of age. He was a bright and intelligent lad, and his death was a severe blow to the stricken parents. They are members of the Evangelical Association Church, and our subject politically, is a decided Republican.
Portraits & Biographical 1888

WILLIAM H. Matter, a prominent citizen of Freeport, was born in Jefferson county, Pennsylvania, March 20, 1836. He is the son of Isaac and Hannah (Lenker) Matter, both of Dauphin county, Pennsylvania.

The family originated in Germany. John Matter, grandfather of our subject, was a native of Pennsylvania, He had the following children: Crystal, John, Peter, Isaac, Phillip, William, Sisan, Margaret and Julia.

Isaac Matter was twice married: first to Miss Anna Mary Ohmhultz of Pennsylvania, who bore him three children, namely: Johnathan, now a retired farmer and tanner living in Davis, Stephenson county; Moses, who died in the fall of 1898 at Freeport; Sarah, deceased, was the wife of John Folgate. The second wife, Hannah (Lenker), was the mother of twelve children: Mary, now deceased, wife of James Folgate; Joseph, whose sketch appears elsewhere in this work; Catherine, deceased, wife of P.W. Rockey; Aaron, who died at the age of 22 years; William H., the subject of this sketch; Susan, wife of Chas. Plowman, a farmer living near Jewell City, Kansas; Lydia, wife of W.H. Cameron; Elizabeth, wife of S.R. Worick, resides near Jewell City; David, Justice of the Peace, and a farmer of Jewell City; and three who died in infancy. All who reached maturity were educated in the common schools, finishing later at some of the best schools.

In 1845, Isaac Matter started from Jefferson county, Pennsylvania, with his family, for Illinois, making the journey by boat through the Ohio and Mississippi rivers. After three weeks and three days of travel they located in Buckeye township, Stephenson county, where Mr. and Mrs. Matter died at the ages of seventy two and eighty seven years respectively.

William H. Matter was nine years of age when he came with his father to Stephenson county, where he completed his education and then began working on his father's farm. July 3, 1862, he was united in marriage to Miss Hannah Myers, a native of Dauphin county, Pennsylvania, born January 28, 1841. Her father, Peter Myers, came from Pennsylvania. Peter Myers was married in Dauphin county, Pennsylvania, to Catherine Enterline. Both died in Ogle county.

Mr. and Mrs. Matter have five children: Addie L., is the wife of Charles Bollinger, a farmer of Buckeye township; Emma I., married John Francks, a farmer, and lives in Buckeye township; Isaac, died at the age of twelve years; Cora Ann and Estella are at home.

Mr. Matter remained on his farm in Buckeye township, until 1884, when he retired from active labor, removed to Freeport, and bought property on Harlem Ave., all the improvements on which he has made himself. He still owns three hundred and thirty three acres of fine farming land in Buckeye township. Although not an office seeker, Mr. Matter has been street commissioner, and school director for his township. He has always been a republican.

Mr. Matter's family are all members of the First Methodist Episcopal Church of Freeport, and take active interest in church work.

Contributed by Roger Cramer / In the Footprints of the Pioneers