Businessman/Retired Elementary School Principal

Residing in Bowman, R-1

Born April 21, 1940 in Bowman

Son of the late John Wesley, Sr. and the late Victoria (Williams) Matthews

Graduate of South Carolina State College

Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College, 1970-71

Lincoln Elec. Institute, Cleveland, Ohio, 1972

Honorary Ph.D., College of Charleston

Honorary Ph.D., South Carolina State University

February 5, 1961 married Geraldine Hillard, 5 children, Cynthia John, Michael Andre, Stephanie Renata, John Wesley III, and Brian DeReef

Member, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity

Former Chairman, South Carolina Legislative Black Caucus

Chairman, Orangeburg County Legislative Delegation

Southern Regional Education Board

Governor's Middle Grades Task Force

Distinguished Alumni Award, South Carolina State University

Orangeburg County Democrat of the Year

Minority Business Advocate of the Year, United States Small Business Administration

Induction in the South Carolina Black Hall of Fame

South Carolina Primary Health Care Legislator of the Year

Member, Pineville United Methodist Church