John D. Matheson

 [Billings Gazette Editor]

Monday, May 28, 2012

 John Matheson was the editor of “The Gazette”, followed by a number of other professions. He came to Billings at the time it was platted (1882) by the Northern Pacific Railway, Co. He previously was mayor and newspaper owner-editor in Milton, Ontario, Canada before coming to Montana. He was born in Sincoe, Ontario, Canada, 7 March 1846, and was accepted to the bar at age 25 in Toronto, Canada. In 1881 he was mayor of Milton, Ontario. He earned the title of “judge” by serving as justice of the peace, and police magistrate. He was city clerk from 1901 to 1911, and then served as city attorney and U.S. Commissioner. He resided at 209 N 30^th Street, in Billings. He died April 7, 1916 at age 70 years & 1 month.

He lived in Billings for over 30 years, and had insurance and real estate offices in the Stapleton Building. He married Rebecca Panton in 1872. Rebecca was born in Watertown, Ontario, Canada. Together they had five children. Three are:

·         Edith M. married Dr. James Chapple

·         William Panton married Fannie Alice Dudley

·         Beatrice married James H. Johnston

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