Bennington MATTISON, Fred Leland & William P. Men of Vermont: Illustrated Biographical History of Vermonters & Sons of Vermont. Ullery. Brattleboro: Transcript Publishing Company, 1894, pp 260-262 (portrait of William p 261; portrait of Fred p 262) Biography of Fred Leland MATTISON - pp 261-262 (son of William P., whose biography follows that of Fred L.) Fred Leland MATTISON, of South Shaftsbury [Bennington County, Vermont], was born 20 April 1857 in Hillsdale [Washington County], New York, son of William P. and Sarah (STICKLE) MATTISON. Received his educational advantages in the public schools of Shaftsbury, graded schools North Bennington, and the Wilbraham (Massachusetts) Academy. Commenced active business life as a clerk in his father's store in South Shaftsbury, and afterwards became bookkeeper of the Eagle Square Company until 1884, when he was elected secretary and treasurer of that corporation, which position he still retains, and since the illness of his father he has had the chief control of the business. Is one of the stockholders in that company, which was founded by Silas HAWES in 1812. In 1878 Mr. [Fred L.] MATTISON purchased a third interest in the general store owned by W. P. Mattison & Company. Republican. Supports and attends the Methodist church. On 29 November 1881 he [Fred Leland MATTISON] married Jennie, daughter of Clark and Sarina BATES of South Shaftsbury [Bennington County, Vermont]. Four children have blessed this union: Raymond, Louis, Irwin, and Dorothy. Biography of William P. MATTISON - pp 260-261 (father of Fred L.) William P. MATTISON, of South Shaftsbury, was born 22 December 1828 in Shaftsbury [Bennington County, Vermont], son of Reuben and Eunice (SLYE) MATTISON. His great grandfather, Thomas MATTISON, came from Rhode Island in the latter part of the eighteenth century, was chosen the first town clerk in Shaftsbury, and the earliest deed on record in that town bears his signature. The opportunities for early education enjoyed by William P. were those afforded by the schools of his native town, supplemented by a short course at North Bennington Academy. For several succeeding winters he was employed in teaching in Bennington, and at Hillsdale [Washington County], New York. On his return to Shaftsbury, he gave his attention to the manufacture of squares for several years, still continuing at intervals to teach, and devoted all his spare time to the study of law, which he hoped to adopt as a profession. On 09 August 1853 Mr. [William P.] MATTISON married Sarah C., daughter of William P. and Catherine (SHARTS) STICKLE, of Hillsdale, New York. Five children were the fruit of this union: (1) Katherine A., Mrs. Charles F. CHAPIN, of Waterbury [New Haven County], Connecticut; (2) Frederick L.; (3) May V., Mrs. George A. BRUCE, of South Shaftsbury; (4) William R.; and (5) Clayton S. Some time after his marriage William P. MATTISON removed to Hillsdale [Washington County], New York, and during a period of about five years engaged in teaching and farming, and also became a partner in a general store. In 1861 he again returned to Shaftsbury, and entered the employment of the Eagle Square Company. He had always taken great interest in the affairs of this corporation, giving much time to the study of square-making and improved machinery therefor. In 1864 the Eagle Square Company, which until then had been organized as a partnership, was incorporated and three years later Mr. MATTISON was elected secretary and treasurer. In 1883 he was promoted to vice president, which office he holds at the present time. In 1880 the plant of the company, which had been repeatedly enlarged to accommodate the manufacture of bedsteads, sash and blinds, and boring machines, was destroyed by fire, with the exception of the square-finishing department, and it was principally owing to the active and intelligent efforts of Mr. MATTISON that the works were reconstructed. To him was entrusted the responsible task of erecting the necessary buildings and providing a new plant on a larger scale than the former, equipped with the most improved machinery. In this enterprise he was eminently successful, and the company is now more prosperous than ever before. His success as the chief acting executive officer of the Eagle Square Company for a long term of years stamps him as a representative member of that large and valued class of New England manufacturers who have done so much to win the high reputation that these states enjoy as industrial centers. Politically Mr. MATTISON has been a Republican since the inception of the party [1854]. His natural ability and energy have made him a fit candidate for many official positions in both Shaftsbury and Hillsdale. In 1872 he represented his town in the Legislature, serving as a member of the committee on land taxes and taking an active part in all matters affecting the manufacturing interests of the state. Six years subsequently he was chosen state senator from Bennington County, in which body he was a member of several highly important committees. Mr. MATTISON, by an accident received in 1858, had the misfortune to lose the sight of his right eye [accompanying portrait shows left profile], which disqualified him for service in the late war. In his religious preference he inclines to the Baptist faith. He has always taken a lively interest in the welfare of his native town to whose material welfare he has been so large a contributor. Submitted by Cathy Kubly