From their beginnings in the Massachusetts Bay Colony, their lives have been intertwined with American history. Known facts about this 18th century family are listed at http: //www.tranamathews.com/the-mathews-family/.As a young child, Increase Mathews witnesses the birth of the United States. Along with his mother and siblings, he remains on the farm while their older male relatives join the ranks of the Continental Army. After the Revolutionary War ends, social and political unrest continues throughout central Massachusetts during the period known as Shays's Rebellion and a battle takes place inside New Braintree. The brother of Increase's brother-in-law has been termed the brains behind the Regulators and an instigator of this rebellion.Brigadier-General Rufus Putnam (Increase's uncle) submitted the Newburgh Petition to the Confederated Congress asking that military land warrants be issued to veterans of the war. He organized and sold shares in the Ohio Company of Associates to veterans to settle land in the Northwest Territory. Increase's uncle, brother-in-law Captain Jonathan Stone, and older brother John Mathews are among the "First 48" settlers to Ohio in 1788. The peace of their settlement is soon shattered. Trying to divest the land of these new Americans, Indians attack and massacre many pioneers. The British also prove problematic. Conflict continues in the Ohio Country for almost ten years.This early American historical novel includes transcripts of actual letters written between family members and Mathews/Matthews genealogical records.
