Info until proved incorrect.
1921 census records John aged 39y 9m = c1882/3  born Takeley, Essex
1891 census 
James   Matthews   Head   Widower   45 Farm labourer b Hatfield Broad Oak, Essex
William   Matthews   Brother   Widower      43 Farm labourer b Hatfield Broad Oak, Essex
James   Matthews   Son   -   11   Scholar    b Takeley, Essex
John   Matthews   Son   -   8   Scholar    b Takeley, Essex
births
MATTHEWS, HENRY  JAMES     ROBINSON  
GRO Reference: 1880  J Quarter in DUNMOW UNION  Volume 04A  Page 503
MATTHEWS, WILLIAM  JOHN     ROBINSON  
GRO Reference: 1882  D Quarter in DUNMOW UNION  Volume 04A  Page 517
Deaths Mar 1884   
Matthews    Maria    aged 30    Dunmow    4a   297
Marriages Sep 1874   
Matthews    James        B. Stortford    3a   339     
ROBINSON    Maria        B. Stortford    3a   339
SS
added--in 1901 both James and John are " Horse" Hay Carters in Takeley.