John Matthews from Burgeo a Mi'kmaq? I read Speck's "Beothik and Micmacs…" in sections. Page 133 lists the sections of land allotted to hunters, and a John Mathews is listed there (one t). I don't see a year listed, or community of residence, etc. Howley reports hunting grounds in the 1880's and listed there is Noel, Michael and Martin Matthews. No clear connection is noted between these Mathews and the earlier (I assume) John Matthews.
I have been looking for the Matthews family of my line and while I am having no success, I will say in every Matthews family and in every generation, there is a John. So that doesn't make it any easier. The Matthews I am looking for would have a son George Matthews 1849-1926, born somewhere in Burin and died in Bay du Nord. He married Mary Ings (Inks) from Whale Cove, also died at Bay du Nord. Anybody able to help me with this?
In the meantime, somebody out there must have the data on Old Man (John) Matthews and can demonstrate his heritage. If people have had applications for status approved on his Mi'kmaq background, then somebody has it. Please share, I think there are many who would be interested.