Biography - William Matney
William D. MATNEY, M. D., Harvel, was born in Shelby County, Ill., January 26, 1840. His early life was spent in assisting upon the homestead farm in the summer, and in winter attending the common schools of the county, where he received the foundation of his subsequent learning. He remained at home until twenty-one years of age, when he entered the service at the commencement of the rebellion, in Company K, Fifty-fourth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, with Capt. T. C. RODRIG; regiment commanded by Col. HARRIS. He remained in the service until the close of the war, when he again took upon himself the duties of a farm life, following in that occupation about two year, when he began the study of medicine, and shortly after entered a drug store at Oconee, Shelby County, where, in addition to the duties of the store, he continued the study of his profession. He remained in the drug business about five years, practicing a portion of the time. In August, 1875, he located at Harvel, Montgomery County; went before the State Board of Health, where he successfully passed examination and received a license. Owing to his perfect knowledge of and the thorough manner in which he attended to his calling, he has been very successful and built up a large practice, the duties of which would fall heavily upon the shoulders of a man many years his senior. He has been twice married. The first marriage occurred in 1867, in Shelby County, to Sarah E. LOWE, who was born in Johnson County, Ind., January 28, 1840. Her death occurred October 16, 1876, at Harvel. She was the mother of six children, all deceased except the oldest child, viz., Mary Ellen, born August 2, 1867. The Doctor was again married September 30, 1878, to Miss Drucilla C. SCOTT, who was born at Portsmouth, Ohio, April 23, 1854, to Jeremiah and Sarah (DAVIS) SCOTT, he deceased, she still living. The father of William D., our subject, Leonard MATNEY, was a native of Tennessee, born in 1811, a farmer by occupation, and was in the Mexican war. He died in September, 1847. His wife, Mary BURRIS, was a native of Kentucky, born in March, 1821, and still living, and is the mother of six children, of whom William D. was the second and the oldest living. He has held the office of Postmaster at Oconee for five years, and is the present Clerk of Harvel. Politically, his sympathies are with the Republican party; has been an active member of the Masonic order at Oconee for a number of years. The Doctor has also become a successful inventor, and at present holds a patent upon a burglar alarm, which is operated by means of electricity.
Extracted 20 Nov 2016 by Norma Hass from 1882 History of Bond and Montgomery Counties, Illinois, Part 2 Biographical Department, pages 247-248.
