Joel Aldrich Matteson facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Joel Aldrich Matteson
10th Governor of Illinois
In office January 10, 1853 – January 12, 1857
Preceded by	Augustus C. French
Succeeded by	William Henry Bissell
Personal details
Born	(1808-08-08)August 8, 1808 Watertown, New York
Died	January 31, 1873(1873-01-31) (aged 64) Chicago, Illinois
Political party	Democratic
Spouse	Mary Fish
Profession	Politician

Joel Aldrich Matteson (August 8, 1808 – January 31, 1873) was the 10th Governor of Illinois, serving from 1853 to 1857. In 1855, he became the first governor to live in the Illinois Executive Mansion. After his term as governor ended he was for many years the president of the Chicago and Alton Railroad. The last years of his life were marred by charges of corruption in the Canal Scrip Fraud case. The village of Matteson, Illinois is named in his honor. Matteson was buried in Joliet, Illinois.

Matteson was born on August 8, 1808 in Watertown, New York. He was married to Mary Fish until his death in 1873. Matteson died on January 31, 1873 in Chicago, Illinois from pneumonia, aged 64.