MATTHEW DOPP, farmer, sec. 25, Wheatland Tp., was born July 12, 1840, in Lorain Co., Ohio, and is a son of John and Permelia (Reynolds) Dopp, who came to Michigan in 1843. He was cared for by his parents until he was nine years old, when he went to live with a neighbor. When 11 years old he began a life of labor, finding employment on farms as best he could. He was just entering manhood when the civil war broke out, and not long after he has passed his minority, he yielded to the influences which swayed the entire nation, and became a soldier, enlisting in the First Michigan Cavalry, Aug. 22, 1861, under Col. Broadhead. He saw much active service, being in action at Winchester and Cedar Mountain, as well as in numerous minor engagements. He ws discharged Dec. 18, 1863, and re-enlisted within the same month in the same regiment, with Col. Tower commanding. He was in the Army of the Potomac, and was in much hard service, receiving his final discharge March 22, 1866. He was wounded once, and taken prisoner, being sent to the famous "Libby" at Richmond, Va., but was exchanged after three months confinement.
After being mustered out he came to Cass Co., Mich., and July 31, 1866, was married to Hattie, daughter of Worden and Louisa (Spicer) Wells. After that event he located in Kalamazoo County, and a year later came to Mecosta County, where he has since been a resident. He is a farmer, on 40 acres of land in Wheatland Tp. Children: Laura J., born Sept 24, 1872; Mary A., May 5, 1878; John R., June 15, 1880; Hattie P., Aug. 17, 1882.
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