(Source for the following information: Linda L. Mathews in "A Line of Descent from Elkanah Johnson of Coventry . . ." in RI Roots Magazine, Vol. 29, No. 3, p. 124)
"Thomas moved to Shaftsbury, VT, in 1766, probably leading a significant line of the Johnson family there. In 1780 the Second Baptist Church, of which he was a deacon, was established at Maple Hill in the northern part of the town, with the first meeting taking place at Thomas's home. This congregation was called the "Rhode Island Church" because so many former Rhode Islanders belonged. He is also said to have served as town clerk of Shaftsbury for forty years. His beautiful marble gravestone contains the information that Deacon Thomas Matteson was fourth in his line 'from the Danish nation' and that he was 'twice born as Jesus said,' a reference to his spiritual condition."