For other politicians of this name, see John Matthews (disambiguation)
John Matthews (unknown – 20 August 1832) was born in England, the date of birth being unknown. He had a long career in the military with the Royal Artillery.
John Matthews was probably born in England, and his birthdate is unknown. He claimed to have studied in Paris at an English college. At some point after 1779 he attended Royal Military Academy, Woolwich. He served with the Royal Artillery, achieving the rank of captain. He quit the artillery during the Napoleonic Wars to become a farmer, but returned to the artillery after the post-Napoleonic depression caused an agricultural crisis. He retired when the Royal Artillery was disbanded and emigrated to Canada.[1]
After retirement at the rank of captain, Matthews is known to have arrived in Canada in 1819 and to have settled in Upper Canada with the aid of Sir Peregrine Maitland lieutenant governor of Upper Canada.
Matthews, along with John Rolph, was elected to represent Middlesex County in the 9th Parliament of Upper Canada. He was re-elected to the 10th Parliament.