Early origins: 1825 - 1899
The Matheson story begins with Richard Alexander Walker and Matthew Anderson who were working independently as solicitors in Dublin in 1825.
Their lives and work laid the foundations of what would, ultimately, become Matheson. In the 1820s, Ireland was part of the United Kingdom, governed by the parliament in Westminster through a local administration in Dublin Castle. The legal industry was still very much in the early stages of its development, and it was a time of small firms and sole traders. Towards the end of this period, Joseph Henry Montgomery (1868 - 1941) was also working as a solicitor in Dublin. His firm and his family would become an integral part of Matheson in later years.
Walker and Anderson
Richard Alexander Walker (1803 - 1881)
Richard Alexander Walker (1803-1881) was a solicitor at the Court of Exchequer in 1825.
The firm he founded evolved into S & R C Walker & Son, one of Ireland’s foremost specialists in the sale of the estates of the landed gentry. Based at 86 Merrion Square, Dublin from 1889, the firm was also closely entwined with the Irish Civil Service Building Society.
S & R C Walker amalgamated with Matheson Ormsby and Prentice in 1969.
Schedule of Deeds from Anderson & Bland
Matthew Anderson (1803-1888) started as a proctor at the Admiralty Court before becoming one of Ireland’s leading solicitors, at a time when Ireland was part of the United Kingdom.
From 1859 until 1884, he served as Crown Solicitor, the government’s principal representative in all legal proceedings.
The incorporation of Lee, Findlater and Bland
Over the course of his career, Matthew Anderson formed partnerships with Robert Campbell Lee, Sir William Findlater and Francis Earle Bland, each of whom brought their own stamp to what became Anderson & Bland, a firm that was ultimately absorbed into Matheson Ormsby and Prentice in 1954.
Matheson family tree
The Matheson family tree traces the firm’s origins from Richard A Walker and Matthew Anderson in 1825 to the beginning of Joseph Henry Montgomery’s practice in 1893 and that of Robert Nathaniel (“Bob”) Matheson (see next section). A series of amalgamations and developments would lead to the Matheson of today.
Timeline 1825 - 1899
1825
Richard A Walker, solicitor, attached to the Court of Exchequer.
1827
Matthew Anderson admitted to practice as a solicitor.
1859
Matthew Anderson appointed Crown Solicitor for the county and city of Dublin.
1863
Anderson & Lee helps to create the Pembroke Township in Ballsbridge, Dublin.
1881
Formation of Anderson & Bland, combining Anderson & Lee with FC Earle Bland.
1893
J H Montgomery begins trading as a solicitor.
