He was born in Black River, Queens County, Prince Edward Island, the son of John Matheson, a Scottish immigrant. He was educated there and in Charlottetown. In 1881, he married Emily M. Clowser. Matheson was a justice of the peace and postmaster. His election in 1883 was declared invalid but he was reelected in the by-election held later that same year.

External links

• The Canadian parliamentary companion, 1891, JA Gemmill