Genealogy Data Page 519 (Notes Pages)

History of Lycoming County Pennsylvania
edited by John F. Meginness; Š1892

MATTHEW JAMISON was a native of County Tyrone, Ireland, born January 1, 1792. He was a son of Orrin and Mary Jamison, both of whom died when our subject was quite young. He was reared by his maternal uncle, Moses McElwee, and his early life was spent upon a farm. In 1811 he immigrated to Pennsylvania, and took up his residence in Old Lycoming township, Lycoming county, where he found employment among the pioneer farmers. He afterward was engaged to take charge of a still, and subsequently operated the still on his own account. About 1828 he rented the Dr. Wood farm, where he remained two years, and then leased and operated for two years what is now known as the Good grist mill. He next found employment on the West Branch canal, as a superintendent of construction. In 1833 he purchased the Rody tract, containing 317 acres, which is now in the possession of his son Edward. Here he resided until his death, which occurred September 9, 1879. When he bought his farm very little of it was cleared of the original forest, and there were no buildings upon it. Through the passing years he gradually cleared it up and erected the buildings now upon it. He took an active interest in educational matters, and served for many years as a director of the district school. Mr. Jamison was a member of the Presbyterian church, and one of the organizers of that church in Newberry, but during the latter years of his life he attended Lycoming Centre Presbyterian church. When the Northern Central railroad was built he was one of the superintendents of construction. He accumulated quite a large estate, which his family inherited at his death. In early life he affiliated with the Whig party, but on the organization of the Republican party he united with that organization, and remained Steadfast in his political faith up to his death. Mr. Jamison married Mary Rose, a daughter of Edward Wilkerson. The latter was a pioneer of Williamsport, and owned the land upon which the now postoffice building stands. Six children were born of this union, three of whom grew to maturity: Edward; Andrew J., and James, the two last mentioned of whom are dead. Mrs. Jamison survived her husband two years, and died at the old homestead, March 16, 1879.