B. F. Matthews
B. F. Matthews, a well- known architect of Lima, whose fine professional work may be seen on many of the city's busy streets and attractive avenues, is a native of Ohio, having been born in Perry County.
From childhood until he was 14 years of age Mr. Matthews lived upon his father's farm in Athens County, and then went to Nelsonville, where he completed his high school course and resided until he was 30 years old. After leaving school he learned the carpenter's trade and was employed for a prolonged period in a planning mill and in various building operations, thus becoming interested in mechanical drawing and designing and discovering that he possessed considerable talent in this direction. In 1891determined to give serious attention to these professional lines and went to Columbus, where he engaged as draughtsman and superintendent with John Flynn, a well-known architect of that city. He remained with that gentleman for three years, and during that period of study assisted in making designs for a number of important structures of that city, including six fire department buildings and St. Mary's Academy.
When prepared to enter the field as a competent architect, he formed a partnership with H. C. Jones, as association which continued in force for one year. From 1895 until 1898, Mr. Matthews pursued his professional work alone at Columbus, where he had many commissions, both in the city and in the surrounding towns. In 1899 he opened an office in the Cincinnati Block in Lima, and for the past six years has given his best efforts to the people of this city.He employs two draughtsmen, and he is kept busy designing and superintending the construction of buildings. In a long list of substantial business and public buildings and elegant, tasteful homes credited to Mr. Matthews, may be mentioned the following: City Market House; the grand stand at the Lima Driving Park; the pavilion at McCullough Lake; the Adgate Building; Dr. Johnson's fine residence apartments and the handsome homes of W. S. East, A. L. White, Dr. W. B. Van Note, W T. Agerter, E. M. Gooding, R. T. Gregg, O. W. Bell and George Mehaffey.
Mr. Matthews was married in 1886 to Lizzie Powell, of Nelsonville, Ohio, and they have three sons, H. Orville, Lewis Powell and Burl Burnham.
Mr. Matthews is a member of the Knights of Pythias at Nelsonville, and is the designer and superintendent of the $20,000 building now being erected by the order at that place.