On January 18, 1857 Matilda married Joshua John Cretin at St. Augustine Catholic Church in St. Augustine. Joshua was born on February 8, 1825, the son of Joseph and Anna Magdelen (Adams) Cretin.  

 Matilda and Joshua were the parents of three children: Sarah Ann (Cretin) Roby, John Andrew Cretin, and Mary Elizabeth "Marie" (Cretin) Plunkett.

In 1861 Joshua enlisted to fight in the Civil War as a private in Company K, 125th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry. Tragically, Joshua died during the Battle of Antietam in Antietam, Maryland on September 17, 1862. His daughter Marie was not yet even born. A history book, published in 1898, recorded his exploits as such: Comrade Cretin underwent the hardships and privations of a soldier's life during the late war. . . . He took active part in all the engagements of his command including Antietam; at this famous battle he sacrificed his life on the altar of his country, having fallen for the glorious cause he had upheld. (1)

Matilda's brother Daniel and nephew William Ryan also died during the War, and her brother Henry died in 1867 from injuries or illness  attributed to his time as a soldier.

In 1880 Matilda resided with her three children in Clearfield Township.

Sarah Ann married Millard S. Roby in 1887. She gave birth to two sons: Francis Roby and John Roby. Sadly, Sarah died when her sons were very young. Francis was raised by her sister Marie, and John was raised by her brother John.

Marie married John Plunkett and resided in Altoona, Blair County, PA. They were the parents of four children: Matilda M. (Plunkett) Behe , Edna (Plunkett) St. Clair, Bernard J. Plunkett, and Pearl M. Baum.

John Andrew married Mary Annna Kessler. They were the parents of three children: Leo Walter Cretin, Lawrence Cretin, and Marie Matilda (Cretin) Plunkett.

In 1900 she resided with her son John and his family in Clearfield Township.

Matilda died on June 8, 1909 at home. She was 78.


Sources:
1.Presidents, Soldiers, Statesmen, New York: H. H. Hardestry, 1898).