Matilda Lowery (maiden name: Richmond) was born around 1825 in Ireland to Andrew and Elizabeth Richmond. The family immigrated to America sometime before 1832 and settled in Tecumseh, Michigan. Her father worked as a farmer, and by 1850, he owned $1,200 of real estate. She married Joseph Lowery, and they had at least three children: James, born around 1854; Joseph, born around 1858; and Mary, born around 1868. By 1860, they were living in Bridgewater, Michigan, and her husband worked as a farmer. By 1860, they owned $9,000 of real estate and $1,500 of personal property. Her husband died in 1892, and Matilda passed away in Bridgewater on January 26, 1895.