MATTESON, Tompkins Harrison, artist, born in Peterborough, New York, 9 May, 1818; died in Sherbourne, New York, 2 February, 1884. He was an enthusiastic student of art from his boyhood, followed his profession under many difficulties, and learned its rudiments from an Indian, who was famous for his carvings and drawings. He began to paint portraits with some success in 1889, and was brought into favorable notice by his " Spirit of '76," which the American art union purchased. He then removed to New York city and studied in the National academy, of which he became an associate in 1847. From 1851 until his death he resided in Sherbourne. He was president of the Chenango agricultural society in 1855, and a member of the legislature. His works include "The First Sabbath of the Pilgrims," " Examination of a Witch," " Perils of the Early Colonists," " Eliot preaching to the Indians," "First Prayer in Congress," and "Rip Van Winkle's Return from the Mountains." He exhibited "At the Stile" and "Foddering Cattle" at the National academy of design in 1869.