Charles L. Matthies facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Charles Leopold Matthies
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| Born | May 31, 1824 Bromberg, Prussia |
| Died | October 16, 1868 (aged 44) Burlington, Iowa |
| Place of burial |
Aspen Grove Cemetery, Burlington, Iowa
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| Allegiance | Kingdom of Prussia United States of America Union |
| Service/ |
Prussian Army United States Army Union Army |
| Years of service | 1848-1849 1861-1864 |
| Rank |  Brigadier General |
| Commands held | 1st Iowa Volunteer Infantry 5th Iowa Volunteer Infantry |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
Charles Leopold Matthies was a brave soldier who lived from 1824 to 1868. He was born in Prussia, a country in Europe. Later, he moved to the United States. During the American Civil War, he became an important officer in the Union Army. He rose to the high rank of brigadier general.
Contents
Early Life and Military Beginnings
Charles Leopold Matthies was born on May 31, 1824. His birthplace was Bromberg, Prussia. Today, this city is called Bydgoszcz and is in Poland.
When he was young, Matthies worked as a farmer. He also served in the Prussian Army. This was during the Revolutions of 1848 in the German states. These were a series of protests and rebellions.
Moving to America
In 1849, Matthies moved to the United States. He settled in the state of Iowa. There, he became a successful businessman. He worked as a liquor merchant.
Service in the Civil War
When the American Civil War began, Matthies quickly joined the Union Army. The Union Army fought to keep the United States together.
Early Ranks and Battles
On May 14, 1861, Matthies became a captain. He joined the 1st Iowa Volunteer Infantry. A captain leads a company of soldiers.
Soon after, on July 23, 1861, he was promoted. He became a lieutenant colonel in the 5th Iowa Volunteer Infantry. A lieutenant colonel is a senior officer.
Matthies first saw combat at the Battle of Island Number Ten. This was an important battle on the Mississippi River.
On May 23, 1862, he was promoted again. He became a colonel. As a colonel, he led his regiment in battles. He fought at the Battle of Iuka and the Battle of Corinth.
During the winter of 1862-1863, he commanded a brigade. A brigade is a large group of soldiers. His brigade was part of the Army of the Tennessee.
Rising to Brigadier General
On April 4, 1864, Charles Matthies received a major promotion. He became a brigadier general. This is a very high rank in the army.
He was put in charge of the 3rd Brigade, 3rd Division. This unit was part of General William T. Sherman’s XV Corps.
Vicksburg Campaign
General Matthies led his brigade during the Vicksburg Campaign. This was a series of battles. The goal was to capture Vicksburg, Mississippi. Vicksburg was a very important city for the Confederacy.
He fought in the Battle of Jackson. He also took part in the attacks on Vicksburg. During the long siege, his brigade moved to a different corps. It became part of the XVII Corps.
Battle of Missionary Ridge
In September 1863, Matthies's brigade moved again. It became the 3rd Brigade, 2nd Division, XVII Corps. They were sent to help Union forces at Chattanooga. These forces were under siege.
Matthies participated in the Battle of Missionary Ridge. This was a key battle near Chattanooga. He was part of General Sherman's attack. During this attack, Matthies was wounded in the head. This injury forced him to leave the battlefield.
Later Service and Retirement
His head injury kept him from command for some time. He returned in March 1864. He again commanded his brigade. It was now the 3rd Brigade, 3rd Division, XV Corps.
However, his injury was severe. It forced him to resign from the army. He left the military on May 16, 1864.
Post-War Life
After leaving the army, Matthies returned to Iowa. He continued to serve the public. He was elected to the Iowa State Legislature. This meant he helped make laws for the state.
He passed away shortly after the war ended. Charles Leopold Matthies died on October 16, 1868. He was in Burlington, Iowa.
