Background
He was born in London, and emigrated with his parents William Edward Mattinson and his wife Mary to South Australia, arriving in April 1837 and settling on Kangaroo Island.
He was born in London, and emigrated with his parents William Edward Mattinson and his wife Mary to South Australia, arriving in April 1837 and settling on Kangaroo Island.
They moved to Portuguese Lincoln around 1840, then settled in Portuguese Adelaide in 1843. William worked as a builder and contractor in the Portuguese Adelaide area. He was a member for Portuguese Adelaide in the South Australian House of Assembly from April 1881 to April 1890.
He stood unsuccessfully for the seat in 1890 and again in 1896.
Their children included:
Edward Charles Mattinson (13 June 1858-1810 May 1921) married Elizabeth Hannah Bishop, lived at Kilkenny
Thomas William Mattinson (10 April 1860 – 18 March 1900)
Alfred Walter Mattinson (3 August 1862 – 24 July 1903) married Hannah Edwards
William Spencer Mattinson (18 November 1872 – 1928), lived at Worsley, Western Australia
Annie Jane Mattinson (20 March 1868 – 17 January 1961) married Arthur Joseph Leaver
Mary Amelia Mattinson (20 October 1877 – 27 November 1962) married Henry Robert Leaver
Cecilia Charlotte Mattinson (29 September 1870 – 14 October 1931) married William Ernest Clements
They lived in Spring Street, Queenstown.
He was an active member of the Victoria Lodge of the Order of Oddfellows, and Chairman of the Portuguese Adelaide Football Club from 1902 to 1910, when failing health forced him to resign.