Canute R. Matson facts for kids
Canute R. Matson (born April 9, 1843 – died January 12, 1903) was an important public official. He became the Cook County Sheriff in Chicago after a big event called the Haymarket Square Riot in 1886.
Early Life and Education
Knut Rognald Matson was born on a farm in a place called Voss Parish in Hordaland, Norway. He was the youngest child in his family. When he was six years old, in 1849, he moved to the United States with his parents and brothers and sisters.
His family settled in Walworth County, Wisconsin. Canute went to school at Albion College. Later, he studied law at Milton College. This helped him prepare for his future career.
Serving in the Civil War
On October 7, 1861, Canute Matson joined the army. He became a soldier in the 13th Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry Regiment. This was during the American Civil War.
During the war, he showed great leadership. He was promoted to sergeant. By the end of the war, he was a first lieutenant. He was honorably discharged from the army in San Antonio, Texas.
A Career in Public Service
After the war, Matson became very active in politics. Starting in 1869, he was a leader in the Illinois Republican Party. He also worked for the state governor. He was promoted to major and then to colonel.
He served as a clerk for the Harrison Street Police Department. He also worked as a Justice of the Peace. This role helps solve small legal problems. In 1880, he was elected to be the Cook County Coroner. A coroner investigates deaths.
In May 1886, Canute Matson was the Deputy Sheriff of Cook County. At this time, the Haymarket Riot happened. This event caused a lot of trouble in Chicago. After this, Matson became the Sheriff of Cook County later in 1886.
He continued his political work. In 1888, he was a delegate from Illinois to the 1888 Republican National Convention. This is a big meeting where the Republican Party chooses its candidate for president.
In 1899, Matson was put in charge of the Lincoln Park postal station. When he passed away, Canute Matson was a senior member of a law firm in Chicago.
