He was an unsuccessful candidate for railroad commissioner in 1878.

During July 1891, the "state board of railroad commissioners" approved an increase in the capital from $40,000 to $150,000.

He served as member of the State board of railroad commissioners in 1893 and 1894.

He later served as a Nebraska state legislator and railroad commissioner.

He served various positions for Castro's government after the revolution, including railroad commissioner and trial judge.

As railroad commissioner, Matthews supported more exploration for natural gas to meet future electricity needs.

The state established an office of railroad commissioner and imposed maximum charges for shipping.

On March 26, 1878, he was appointed as a railroad commissioner of Iowa.

Michigan's railroad commissioner assessed the company's situation thus in 1887:

He was appointed one of the railroad commissioners of Tennessee.