Felton Mathew

Felton Mathew (1801 – 26 November 1847) was New Zealand's first Surveyor General. Central Auckland was laid out by him. Felton Mathew Avenue is named after him.

Early life Mathew was born at Goswell Street in London in 1801 to Felton Mathew (1757–1818) and Jane Carter (1763–1830). Nothing is known about his upbringing or education. In 1829, he became engaged to his cousin Sarah Mathew, the sister of George Felton Mathew; George was a close friend to the poet John Keats. The cousins would marry in Sydney on 21 January 1832. They had no children but Sarah gave birth to several still-born. From soon after their wedding, they lived at Windsor on the Hawkesbury River.

Later life and death The Mathews visited England in 1845 to clarify the status of his appointment. They returned in March 1847 and faced difficulties with Governor George Grey. They sold their house and possessions and in September 1847 left for England. He fell ill on the journey and died in Lima, Peru, where he on account of his health had to leave the ship.