G. W. Matteson was born in Albany, N.Y. September 4, 1828 and departed this life February 9, 1907, being 78 years 5 months and 5 days old. He moved with his parents to George County, Ohio while quite young. Deceased was married to Esther A. Bail of Portage County, Ohio on the 3rd day of October, 1850. To this union was born 10 children, 6 boys, 4 girls, Oscar Matteson, C.M. Matteson Deceased, Mrs. F.C. Murphy, Alonzo Matteson, Albert Matteson, Mrs. L.G. Henderson, Mrs. Mary N. Roe, Cora Matteson Deceased, Elmer Matteson. Besides these, he leaves 34 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren and a host friends and relatives to mourn his death. His wife preceded him to the better land nine years ago. Deceased came to Greenup, Ill. With his brother Justice in the year 1852 and established the first steam saw mill ever used in this county. At this mill was sawed the lumber to erect the first building built in Mattoon having served as an apprentice he sold his mill to Henry Stump in 1857 and then built the first cabinet shop for the village of Greenup. Some time after this he built the M.E. Church of Greenup and several other buildings in the surrounding country which stand to this day as a monument to his industry. After leaving Greenup he continued saw milling and carpenter work until his health would not permit such hard labor. He then purchased a farm southeast of Greenup where he spent the remainder of his days in peace and quiet. About 1860 in the M.E. Church at Greenup, he was converted, with one hundred and nine others, of which he was the last survivor. Being always ready with time and money to assist those who needed his assistance, he remained active in church work, being a member of the U.B. Church at the time of his death.
"1929" written in pencil on this clipping