M. W. Matthews was a pioneer physician and preacher born in Kentucky who served as an army surgeon in the Texas Revolution in 1836, treating Gen. Sam Houston at the Battle of San Jacinto. He served in the 1st and 7th Congresses of the Republic, took part in the Mexican War in 1846, and remained a firm Unionist during the Civil War from 1861 to 1865, once barely escaping hanging at the hands of Southern vigilantes. He also founded many churches across the state and was married twice, first to Sarah Gehagan and later to Margaret Spencer.