Edith Marie DeFriece and Daniel Mathena

Daniel Mathenia (variously spelled Matteny, Mathena, or Methenia) arrived in Virginia’s Surrey or Isle of Wight County around 1663 with his brother Michael Mettaney/Matheny and shortly thereafter acquired “Portowne”, “Wentworth-Woodhouse”, and “Fernes” plantations sites before purchasing “Hope” in Stafford County in Virginia.

Early Life and Education

Daniel Mathena, also known by his alias Metteney or Metteneye, is widely considered the progenitor of our family line in America. He first immigrated from England with his brother Michael around 1660, first to Surrey County Virginia then Charles County Maryland before purchasing “Portowne”, “Wentworth-Woodhouse”, Fernes”, Mathena’s Folly” plantations properties (along with Cowland in Stafford County) before later purchasing Cowland in Stafford County along with Hope tract on Aquia Creek called Hope).

Mr. Tyrling inquired further, and Mr. Tylor found it all-but impossible for the Indian to deny what had been reported: that one of his servants told him an Indian had come into their house to swear that Lord Prop had sent letters to Senecas ordering them to come cut off Protestants from their land.

Achievement and Honors

Daniel Mathena was honored to be inducted into both the Texas State Teachers Association Hall of Fame last year, as well as Berthoud Sports Hall of Fame two years earlier. Beyond these accolades, Daniel is also an incredible husband and father – Tami Cross, Linda Adolfo, Brenda Wunder, Angel Smith, Danielle Mathena and DJ Mathena are his daughters, while Crystal, Dougie Brittany Heather Jeffrey Chasity Madison Andrew Moris Bryson Mariah all hail him as a grandparent!

Apart from his many achievements, he is an active member of Opera in the Heights (Oh!). He co-chaired Bravissimo!, a fundraising gala held at the Petroleum Club of Houston downtown Houston.

Personal Life

Edith Marie Fink DeFriece was born March 3 and passed away March 26 at Princeton Community Hospital after retiring as supervisor from Maidenform Corporation of Princeton. She leaves behind her husband Raymond DeFriece; daughter Cindy Dunn Campbell (Hugo Campbell of Princeton) as well as two grandsons and three great grandsons as well as her sister Lou Mourning of Virginia as well as many friends.

Daniel Mathenia, or Matheny as he was more commonly known, immigrated from England around 1660 and first settled in Surrey or Isle of Wight County, Virginia before later migrating to Charles County, Maryland where he owned various plantations including Portowne, Wentworth Woodhouse Woodhouse, Fernes Folly and Mathena’s Folly.

In 1681 he sold these properties and moved to Stafford County’s Aquia Creek where he established the “Hope” plantation.