Kenneth Arthur Matson was born in Canton, South Dakota, a son of Andrew and Andrine Matson. He came to Valley City at the age of three and later attended the local schools. He received a degree in journalism from the University of North Dakota.
In 1949 he married Joanne Olson, daughter of Melvin and Dena Olson. Kenneth, after working for a photographer in Valley City, decided to go into business for himself and in 1953 a studio was built next to the cafe owned by Melvin Olson.
Jeffrey, the first son was born in 1952. Kristi Jean arrived in 1955, followed by Mark Andrew in 1960, Monte Dane in 1963 and Steve Eric in 1969.
Joanne served as organist at Our Savior's Lutheran Church, taught piano lessons and did the accounting and bookkeeping for the Matson Studio. All the children are in school; Jeffrey and Kristi in College, Mark and Monte in high school and Steve in kindergarten.
Source: Barnes County History 1976 Page 154