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Civil War Soldiers - Matthies
| Matthies, Charles L.,
brigadier-general, U.S. Army, was born in Bromberg, Prussia, May 31,
1824. He was educated in the university at Halle, then worked on his
father's farm and afterwards served in the Prussian army. He came to
America in the spring of 1849 and located at Burlington, Ia., where he
engaged in mercantile pursuits. He was the first man in the United
States to offer a military company to the government, his tender being
made by letter, through Gov. Kirkwood, Jan. 9, 1861. He was mustered
into the service as captain in the 1st Iowa infantry, May 14, 1861,
and was promoted lieutenant-colonel of the 5th Iowa infantry July 23,
1861, colonel May 23, 1862, and brigadier-general of volunteers Nov.
29, 1862. Gen. Matthies' record throughout the war was most
creditable. He was present with his regiment during the Missouri
campaign, at Island No. 10, and during the siege of Corinth, and
especially distinguished himself at the battle of Iuka, where his
regiment lost, out of an aggregate strength of 482, 217 men in killed,
wounded and missing. After receiving his commission as
brigadier-general Gen. Matthies commanded the 3d brigade, 3d division,
15th army corps under Sherman, from Grand Gulf to Jackson and thence
to the rear of Vicksburg, and won commendation from Gen. Sherman for
his efficient service. He afterwards had charge of the Nashville &
Decatur railroad as far north as Lynnville, and the Memphis &
Charleston railroad as far east as Huntsville, and in May, 1864, he
fortified Decatur. He had been wounded at Chattanooga, and failing
health compelled him to resign, May 16, 1864. Gen. Matthies died Oct.
16, 1868.
Source: The Union Army: A History of Military Affairs in the Loyal
States 1861-1865, Volume 8 Biographical, 1908
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