In 1851, he lived in Trehafod, Llanwonno Parish, Glamorgan. In September of that year he immigrated to America with his parents.

In 1860 he was a day laborer in Dyberry Township, Wayne County, Pennsylvania, with the family of John Oliver and sister Elizabeth and brother William.

Daniel served in the Civil War in Company I, 194th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, and was discharged as sergeant. He also served September 1862 - May 1865 in the Engineer and Construction Corp.

He was married to Joanna Peters 12 July 1865, who was born 3 November 1848 in Minersville, Pennsylvania, and died in 1926 in Salida, Colorado.

In 1870 he was in Springbrook Township, then Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, next door to his sister Elizabeth and John Bedell.

In 1872 he and his family had settled in McKean County, Pennsylvania.

In 1880 they were in Renovo, Clinton County, Pennsylvania, where he was a fireman for the railroad.

By 1900 he and his family had moved to Parkdale, Fremont County, Colorado, where he worked for different railroads. However, son Walter remained in McKean County, Pennsylvania.

In 1910 he and his wife were in Salida, Chaffee County, Colorado.

Daniel died February 1919, in Salida, Chaffee County, Colorado.

1. William John Matthews, b. 1866, PA., d. 1931, CO.
2. Walter P. Matthews, b. 1867, PA.
3. Daniel R. Matthews Jr., b. 1869, PA., d. 1925, CO.
4. Frances J. Matthews, b. 1871, PA., d. 1858, CO.
5. Henry Edward Matthews, b. 1873, PA., d. 1944, CO.