PETER MATTHEWS

Plaque in Brougham, on the northwest corner of Highway 7 and Brougham Road, one block east of Brock Road, City of Pickering

Peter Matthews (c. 1789 – 1838) farmed in the lands immediately northeast of the plaque site in the early nineteenth century. He was the son of United Empire Loyalist Thomas Matthews. Peter, his brothers Daniel and Thomas, and father Thomas had all fought as volunteers with Isaac Brock in the War of 1812. Brothers Daniel and Thomas died in the war. Peter became a prosperous farmer who was well-respected and considered a leader in the community. He supported the reform movement and in 1837 joined in the Rebellion. Matthews and other local supporters marched on Toronto and after arriving at Montgomery’s Tavern they were assigned to conduct a diversionary military operation at the Don Bridge. Matthews was captured after the defeat of the rebel forces, and along with Samuel Lount he was hanged for treason in Toronto on 12 April 1838.