MATHENY, NOAH W., eldest son of Charles R. Matheny, was born in St. Clair County, Ill., July 31, 1815, and succeeding his father as Clerk of the Sangamon County Court, by successive re-elections remained in office for thirty-four years, retiring in 1873. He was a man of great popularity and executive ability. His methods in the filing and preservation of papers and records have been largely followed to the present day. He acquired great familiarity with the matter of probate law and the settlement of estates, and this, with his sound judgment and strength of character, made him for a generation the arbiter of family disputes, and adviser of the public and often of the Bar, in the matter of probate law and practice.

He accepted many trusts of much importance and executed them with fidelity and success. He was a Director of the First National Bank of Springfield for many years, and soon after his retirement from office in 1873 became its President. From this time during the remainder of his life he devoted his time and efforts closely to the business of the bank and contributed largely to its progress and success.

Like his father, Noah W. Matheny was active in religious and educational affairs. For some years he was an earnest member of the City Board of Education. He was also active in the work of the First Methodist Church, of Springfield, in its old building at fifth and Monroe Streets. When the need of a Methodist Church in the north part of the city became felt, he took an active part in the organization of the Second Methodist Church (now the Kumler Methodist Church). He transferred his membership and support to the new and feeble organization and was a regular attendant during the remainder of his life.

He was married to Miss Elizabeth Stamper, daughter of the Rev. Jonathan Stamper, of Decatur. He died at his home in Springfield on the 30th day of April, 1877. His widow, a daughter, and two grandsons still reside at the family home.

In recognition of his services to the First National Bank the Board of Directors have quite recently placed his portrait in the Director's Room. An upright and model citizen, he enjoyed the respect of the entire community.