During the war of the Revolution, James Matthews served as a cavalryman in the New Jersey volunteers. After the war he settled on Lyon’s Creek, in the Niagara District; but, in 1799, exchanged his government allotment there for lot 3 of the Gore of Woodhouse.

He was a member of the first court jury of London District, and a trustee of the original Woodhouse Methodist Church.

In the war of 1812, he again volunteered, and did faithful service for his country in the transportation corps. The old pioneer died in 1818, having lived a century all but four years.