John Archibald Matheson

MATHESON, JOHN ARCHIBALD, merchant, farmer, and officeholder; b. 3 September 1844 in Black River, son of John and Ann Matheson; m. 30 July 1881 Emily Clowser of London, England, in Boston, and there were no children; Presbyterian; d. 20 March 1919 in Revelstoke, BC. Matheson, a Liberal, was first elected to the House of Assembly in the general election of 1882 for 1st Prince. After his opponents protested that he was employed by the Post Office, and hence receiving a salary from the federal government, his election was declared void. Matheson was re-elected in a by-election held 17 April 1883, and in the general elections of 1886, and 1890. He was defeated in the general election of 1893. Matheson received his early education in Brackley Point, and then attended Prince of Wales College in Charlottetown. In 1863 he moved to Alberton, where he was employed by George Howlan in his general mercantile business. He then established his own fishing and general mercantile business, with stores in Minnnegash and Campbellton. On 30 September 1880, Matheson retired from his post as Inspector of Fisheries so that he could enter politics. He continued his mercantile career until 1897. At various times in his career, Matheson held the positions of Justice of the Peace and postmaster. John Matheson died 20 March 1919. Emily Matheson was born in 1848 and died 23 October 1914.