Matthew Sherman (October 31, 1827 – July 5, 1898) was a land developer and American Republican politician from California.

Finally, though, in 1885 the California Southern Railroad finished a line from San Bernardino to San Diego causing population and land sales to boom, earning much money for Sherman.

After the boom faded in the 1890s, Sherman became active in civic affairs, being elected to the city's Board of Trustees, and later the San Diego County Board of Supervisors.

When the Cabrillo party arrived, the crowd surged, pushing Mayor Sherman and other officials into the tidal mud.

Sherman was eulogized as a man of strong character, yet "gentle in manner and approachable.