Introduction

The Mathews Family is of Scotch-Irish origin. Alexander was born ca. 1708. He probably came as a child to America from Northern Ireland. We have no further information before Alexander and although not researched could have been a brother to the Baltimore branch of Mathews? It is believed he arrived at New Castle, Delaware, settled in Chester County, PA, 1737, before coming to Augusta Co.,VA, near Bentonville, VA, which later became Shenandoah Co., VA.

The county lines have changed and although the property didn't move the area is now in Warren Co.,VA. The Robert Israel and Clarinda Waters Homeplace at Thompson Hollow is now gone, but the cemetary still remains with stones. The cemetary was sold a few years ago when Mrs. Alton Mathews sold the 79 acres of the Original Land Grant (400 acres) bearing the Crown Seal of England that her deceased husband had in his possession before his death, dated 14 September 1749.

Prior to this Isreal Coleman Mathews had purchased the 79 acres of his father, Robert Israels' land and the Original Land Grant. Alexander Mathews (Mathes) died ca. 1788. His Will was probated 30 Oct 1788, Will Book B, p. 499, Shen. Co., VA. Alexander and Grizzel his wife had following children: James, Alexander, Jane, Nancy, George, Jeremiah, Benjamin and John. Benjamin born 1763, remained in VA when his brothers and sisters left for TN. Shenandoah Will Book p. 6, probated 11 April 1796. Benjamin sworn Lieutenant 2nd Regiment. Order book 2-B, page 21, Shenandoah Co.,VA. Established DAR & SAR members of Front Royal Virginia Chapter.