After coming to Texas with his parents in 1840, John G. Matthews (1824-1903) joined a Ranger company and fought in the Mexican War (1846-48). He married Nancy Leanorah Carothers (1838-93) and in 1872 built this hand-hewn native limestone house, which his family occupied until about 1885. Matthews' son, Joseph Neely Matthews (1866-1944), a teacher and justice of the peace, later enlarged the pioneer-style dwelling, now (1976) owned by his daughter, Myreta Matthews. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1976