Published: July 01, 2008 12:09 pm            

Place in History

Samuel L. Clemens, better known as Mark Twain, wrote “his songs have lifted my spirit like a strong and helpful hand” about 19th century Mason native James Matthews.

“Such poets as Matthews are the world’s best benefactors,” wrote Clemens.

This accolade to Dr. James Newton Matthews is one of a laundry list of accomplishments the Mason native reached before his death in 1910.

In addition to his extensive literary accomplishments, Matthews was known as the first student of the University of Illinois, Urbana.

“When faculty gathered at the door to welcome new students on the first day of registration (March 2, 1868), Matthews was the first to appear,” wrote associate director of development at University Illinois Library Roxanne Frey in “Country Doctor” and “Poet of the Prairies.”

“The son of a country doctor in the small town of Mason in Effingham County, he was just 15 years old when he officially became a student at the new university organized under the Morrill Act of 1862, federal legislation that established land-grant institutions,” wrote Frey.

The college, known then as Illinois Industrial University, was a five-story building in the middle of a field. While Matthews flourished as a student, life as a college student had its challenges.

“In a March 1870 missive, Matthews declares he’s ready to leave school at the end of spring term and mentions the need for additional funds (having received $7 from his father of which $5 had been stolen),” wrote Frey.

Writing about the acceptance of women into the college in “Boys of the Spring of 1868,” Matthews notes he “delighteth in the society of the fair, and thinketh often of that good saying, ‘It is not good that man should be alone.’”

Other aspects of the U of I that hold Matthews’ initial influence, according to Frey, can still be found around campus. Matthews was an editor for The Student, a publication that eventually became The Daily Illini, and he was a charter member of the Beta Upsilon chapter of Delta Tau Delta fraternity.

Upon graduation, Matthews worked as an editor of the Champaign Gazette and a columnist for the Chicago Record before returning to school to become a doctor.

Following in his father’s footsteps, Matthews graduated top of his class at St. Louis Medical College.

Returning to Mason, Matthews became a traveling country doctor. This coupled with a continued dedication to literature, which garnered him noticeable national publication and fame. Matthews provided valuable additions to society on local and national levels.

Recognized by the University of Illinois with a degree of Master of Letters and a medical career heralded for diagnostic skills, Matthews died after traveling in a winter storm to minister to a patient.

In passing, Matthews left a legacy of impressive educational firsts, national literary achievements and a successful medical practice. His life has been remembered through literature and the college by the James Newton Matthews Scholars program, which recognizes high achieving incoming freshman.

“Those who sat on the initial selection committee in 1996 for the scholarships (which are awarded in a blind selection process based primarily on academic qualifications) were astonished to discover their first choice for the award was Adam Hooks, a native of Mason who was majoring in English,” wrote Frey of the ironic history.

Tony Huffman can be reached at 217-347-7151 ext. 135 or tony.huffman@effinghamdailynews.com.