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Surnames: Brett, Hayes,Cabel
Classification: Biography
Message Board URL:
http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/an/zh.2ADE/2456
Message Board Post:
Hon. Matthew L. Brett, born January 5, 1823, in South Carolina, is the eldest of seven
children born to Patrick M. and Mary Brett, who were born in the "Emerald
Isle",and came to this country immediately after marriage, about 1820, and lived in
south Carolina about ten years, and then came to daviess County, Indiana. the father was
a lawyer and a teacher and a very prominent man of the county, having held several very
important offices. His death occured in 1844 and the mother's in 1868. Matthew Brett
was reared on the farm where he now lives. His early education was very limited, as his
help was much needed at home. After his father's death he remained on the home farm
and has assisted his mother ever since. At the age of twenty-one he succeeded his father
in the auditor's office in 1844, and held the position fifteen years successivelly. He
also carried on farming, milling and merchandising to some extent. In 1860 he was elected
to the State Legislature, and served t!
he regular and special sessions. He served two years on a committee appointed by the
Legislature to audit the expenses incurred by the State on account of the war. In 1862 he
was elected treasurer of the State and held the position two years. In 1872 he was
elected from Daviess County to the Legislature and served two sessions. Shortly afterward
he unfortunately became a cripple, and has ever since given his time and attention to his
farm and has been very prosperous. He owns 250 acres of land, part near Washington and
part in Warren County. He was married June 1, 1858, to Miss Alice Hayes, of Vincennes.
To them were born two children, both of whom are now deceased: Anna (who lived to be the
wife of Austin F. Cabel, and the mother of one child, named Brett Cabel, the only
descendant of our subject), and William who died when young. The family are members of
the Catholic Church, and our subject has always been a Democrat, politically. The
different positions of honor a!
nd trust he has filled so efficiently and satisfactorily indicate the
high regard in which he is held by all.
History of Knox and Daviess County Indiana
Goodspeed Publishing; Chicago; 1886
Page 753-754