John was born in Llanwono, Glamorgan, Wales, 7 June 1847.

In 1851, he lived in Trehafod, Llanwonno Parish, Glamorgan. In September of that year he immigrated to America with his parents.

In 1860, he appears not with his parents but in two different households, that of Sidney Bushnell and Major E. Brooks.

In 1870, John was a carpenter and living at home in Spring Brook with his parents.

He married Letitia Richards on 17 September 1871, who was born on 8 January 1855 in Wales, and died in 1922 in Pennsylvania. She was a sister of Margaret, who married John's brother William.

In 1880, John and Letitia lived in Olyphant next to his parents, where he was a carpenter.

In 1900, 1910 and 1920, he lived in Blakely, but at different addresses.

John died in 1934, at Chapman Lake, Pennsylvania,
and is buried in Springbrook Cemetery, Spring Brook Township, Pennsylvania.

1. Hannah Matthews, b. 1873, PA., d. 1873, PA.
2. William W. Matthews, b. 1874, PA., d. 1927, PA.
3. Daniel R. Matthews, b. 1879, PA., d. 1970, PA.