Matthew History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

To escape the uncertainty of the political and religious uncertainty found in England, many English families boarded ships at great expense to sail for the colonies held by Britain. The passages were expensive, though, and the boats were unsafe, overcrowded, and ridden with disease. Those who were hardy and lucky enough to make the passage intact were rewarded with land, opportunity, and social environment less prone to religious and political persecution. Many of these families went on to be important contributors to the young nations of Canada and the United States where they settled. Matthews were some of the first of the immigrants to arrive in North America:

Matthew Settlers in United States in the 17th Century

• Thomas Matthew, who arrived in Maryland in 1637 2

Matthew Settlers in United States in the 18th Century

• Dietrick Matthew, who landed in Pennsylvania in 1765 2

Matthew Settlers in United States in the 19th Century

• William Matthew, who landed in Allegany (Allegheny) County, Pennsylvania in 1844 2
• Joseph Matthew, who arrived in Allegany (Allegheny) County, Pennsylvania in 1846 2
• Catherine Matthew, aged 18, who arrived in New York, NY in 1850 2

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

Matthew Settlers in Canada in the 18th Century

• John Matthew, who landed in Nova Scotia in 1749
• Morrice Matthew, who landed in Nova Scotia in 1749

Matthew Settlers in Canada in the 19th Century

• George Matthew, who settled in Saint John, New Brunswick between 1749 and 1800
• George Matthew, who arrived in Nova Scotia in 1813
• Thomas Matthew, aged 40, a labourer, who arrived in Saint John, New Brunswick aboard the ship "Cupid" in 1834

Matthew Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century

• Charles Matthew, a coach-maker, who arrived in Van Diemen’s Land (now Tasmania) sometime between 1825 and 1832
• Selina Matthew, who arrived in South Australia in 1849 aboard the ship "Rajah" 3
• Serina Matthew, who arrived in Adelaide, Australia aboard the ship "Rajah" in 1849 3
• Richard Matthew, who arrived in Adelaide, Australia aboard the ship "Sir Edward Parry" in 1849 4
• Miss Ann Matthew, (McLea) who was convicted in Perth, Scotland for 7 years, transported aboard the "Emma Eugenia" on 25th October 1850, arriving in Tasmania (Van Diemen's Land) 5
• ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Matthew Settlers in New Zealand in the 19th Century

• Daniel Matthew, aged 22, a farm labourer, who arrived in Nelson, New Zealand aboard the ship "Mary Ann" in 1842
• Hannah Matthew a servant, who arrived in Nelson, New Zealand aboard the ship "Eagle" in 1854 6
• Mrs. S. L. Matthew, British settler travelling from Plymouth aboard the ship "Joseph Fletcher" arriving in Auckland, New Zealand on 19th March 1858 7
• Mr. William Matthew, (b. 1833), aged 25, Scottish agricultural labourer from Forfarshire travelling from London aboard the ship "Strathallan" arriving in Lyttelton, Christchurch, South Island, New Zealand on 21st January 1859 8
• Miss Mary Ann Matthew, (b. 1813), aged 46, English housemaid from Somerset travelling from London aboard the ship "Zealandia" arriving in Lyttelton, Christchurch, South Island, New Zealand on 14th November 1859 8
• ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

• Arthur William Matthew, American actor, co-star of television's "The Honeymooners" in 1955-1956
• Brian Matthew (1928-2017), English broadcaster who worked for the BBC for 63 years (1954-2017)
• Sir Tobie Matthew (1577-1655), English MP, courtier, diplomat and writer
• Tobias Matthew (1546-1628), Archbishop of York, statesman and writer
• Ms. Laurie Anne Matthew O.B.E., British Founder for Eighteen and Under, was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire on 8th June 2018, for services to Young People and Survivors of Sexual Abuse 9
• CatrIona Matthew MBE (b. 1969), Scottish LPGA professional golfer
• Sir Robert Hogg Matthew OBE, FRIBA (1906-1975), Scottish architect
• Gordon Matthew Sumner CBE (b. 1951), English Rock musician, known by the nickname "Sting", recipient of sixteen Grammy Awards, and an Oscar nomination for best song
• John Matthew Stafford (b. 1988), American football quarterback for the Los Angeles Rams of the National Football League, winning quarterback of Super Bowl LVI in 2022
• James Matthew Lee PC (1937-2023), Canadian politician who was the 26th premier of Prince Edward Island from 1981 to 1986