Family and Education
b. 1679, s. of Derick Decker of Amsterdam by his w. Katherina. educ. Amsterdam. m. bef. 1711, Henrietta, da. of Rev. Richard Watkins, D.D., rector of Whichford, Warws., 1s. 3da. cr. Bt. 20 July 1716.
Offices Held

Director, E.I. Co. 1713 – 43, dep. gov. 1720 – 21, 1729 – 30, gov. 1725 – 26, 1730 – 33, chairman 1725, 1730 – 32; gov. South Sea Co. 1711 – 12; assistant, R. African Co. 1720; sheriff, Surr. 1728–9.

Address
Main residence: Richmond, Surr.
biography text

Sir Matthew Decker, a wealthy banker of Dutch origin, came to England soon after 1700. Under Queen Anne he corresponded with Harley on Dutch affairs.1HMC Portland, iv. 655; v. 111 and passim. He owed his election at Bishop’s Castle to his client, the Duke of Chandos, with whom he had had dealings when Chandos was paymaster, buying pictures and tapestries for him in the Low Countries.2C. H. & C. Baker, James Brydges, 1st Duke of Chandos, 51n, 74, 92. In 1721 Chandos reported that Decker ‘hath had enough of it’,3To Maurice Pugh, 20 Dec. 1721, Chandos letter bks. i.e. of Parliament. He died 18 Mar. 1749, leaving the bulk of his fortune to his only surviving daughter, who had married the 6th Viscount Fitzwilliam.4Gent. Mag. 1749, p. 141; PCC 102 Lisle.

Author
J.B.L.
Volume
Commons 1715-1754
Notes
  • 1. HMC Portland, iv. 655; v. 111 and passim.
  • 2. C. H. & C. Baker, James Brydges, 1st Duke of Chandos, 51n, 74, 92.
  • 3. To Maurice Pugh, 20 Dec. 1721, Chandos letter bks.
  • 4. Gent. Mag. 1749, p. 141; PCC 102 Lisle.