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Louis Matheau, retired butcher and farmer, of De Soto, was born in 
France in 1827, and is the third in the family of five children born
to August and Julian Matheau.  He was educated in his native country,
and in his youth learned to cook, which occupation he followed in
private families and hotels; he subsequently established a restaurant
in Orleans.  In 1849 he married Miss Annett Brierre, who was born in
France in 1827.  They are the parents of two children, viz.: Juliette
(wife of Andrew Frech) and Emma (wife of Amos Coleman).  In 1852 Mr.
Matheau immigrated to this country, and fist settled in Nauvoo, Ill.,
where he remained five years, and then removed to Adams County, Iowa,
where he resided five years.  In 1862 he moved to St. Louis, Mo., and
in 1866 located in Jefferson County, where he bought 160 acres of 
land three miles from De Soto, and engaged in agricultural pursuits.
Six years later he removed to De Soto and established a butcher shop,
which he successfully conducted until 1884, when he sold out.  He 
also sold his farm in 1884, and is now leading a quiet and retired
life, enjoying the fruits of his industry and economy.  In political
faith he is a Republican.