Born in Butler County, Ohio in 1809. In 1834 he married Eliza Snodgrass, in Sangamon County, Ill., she was born in 1815. Matthew Moorhead learned the cabinet trade in Scipio, Ohio, and after coming to Illinois engaged in that business until his emigration to this Iowa. Matthew Moorhead, wife and two small children, headed a train of ox-teams which conveyed their goods from Illinois to Washington County. He came to the county when the State was yet a Territory, and purchased a claim from Adam Ritchie, who had preceded them the location of Mr. and Mrs. Moorhead was made on their present farm, July 27, 1837. Mr. Moorhead was the second Territorial Justice in this county. After he received his commission he achieved quite a well-earned reputation as Justice, and his acknowledged ability made him the choice of the Republican party, and in 1859 he was elected as the representative of that party to the State Legislature, in which body he both made himself felt and heard, and as a member, when the extra session was called in 1861 by Gov. Kirkwood, to make provisions for raising both troops and money to assist in putting down the rebellion. One of the early landmarks in this county was the swinging sign, "Traveler's Inn," standing in front of Matthew Moorhead's house, which was a well-known hostelry and a favorite lodging place for the hungry and tired traveler. Matthew was an entertaining host and his young wife was an excellent cook. All the goods for Washington and the settlers along the English River were carted from Burlington, and the teamsters as well as the parties looking for lands, were made welcome. The first Methodist Episcopal class in the county was organized at their house in 1838. Their house was for many years used by the Methodist Episcopal members for public worship, and from the society a large membership has grown. After a long lifetime characterized by thrift and industry, Matthew Moorhead was gathered to his fathers, his death occurring December 4, 1873. He was the father of ten children.