Stephen Mattoon

Stephen Mattoon (May 5, 1816 – 1889) was an American Presbyterian missionary who worked in Siam from 1847 to 1864. His works include the translation of the New Testament into the Thai language.

Stephen Mattoon
Missionary to Siam (Thailand)
Born(1816-05-05)May 5, 1816
Champion, New York
DiedAugust 15, 1889(1889-08-15) (aged 73)
America
NationalityAmerican
Years active1847 – 1885
OrganizationPresbyterian Church (U.S.A.)
Known for
  • Missionary to Siam
  • Translate the New Testament (Siamese language)
  • First U.S.A. Consul to Siam (appoints)
Spouse(s)Mary Lourie Mattoon, m. 1846
Children
  • son George Lourie MATTOON (1850 – 1851)
  • daughter Mary Lourie Mattoon (1854 – )
  • daughter Emma Williams Mattoon (1857 – 1931)
ParentMr. Gershom Mattoon & Mrs. Anna Nancy Sayre Mattoon[1]

Career

Mattoon served as translator for Townsend Harris in spring 1856. Harris stopped in Siam to update the treaty between the US and Siam. Harris then proceeded to Japan for his appointment as envoy to Japan. Mattoon was then appointed as the first consul from the United States in Siam.[2]

After returning to the U.S., Mattoon was appointed in 1870 as the first President of Johnson C. Smith University, which was known as the Biddle Memorial Institute in 1870 and then as Biddle University during his tenure as president, to 1884.[3] Mattoon's grandson Norman Thomas was the Socialist Party candidate for President six times.[4]

References
  1. Mattoon, Mary L. "Sketch of the life of Rev. Stephen Mattoon, D.D." Online Computer Library Center. Online Computer Library Center. Retrieved 14 April 2017.
  2. "History of Diplomatic relations between the Kingdom of Thailand (Siam) and the United States of America". Thai American Diplomacy History. Thailand-USA Portal and Hub. Archived from the original on February 12, 2010.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  3. "Presidents of Johnson C. Smith University". Johnson C. Smith University. Johnson C. Smith University. Retrieved 14 April 2017.
  4. Swanberg, W.A. (1976). Norman Thomas, The Last Idealist. New York: Charles Scribner's sons. p. 4.


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