Roderick N. Matheson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Roderick N. Matheson
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1849 or 1850
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| Born | May 28, 1824 Inverness, Scotland |
| Died | September 14, 1862 |
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Union Army |
| Rank | colonel |
Roderick Nicol Matheson (born May 28, 1824 – died September 14, 1862) was an important officer in the Union Army during the American Civil War. He was known for leading his own group of soldiers and fighting in several major battles.
Contents
Early Life and Moving West
Roderick Matheson was born in Inverness, Scotland. When he was 15 years old, he moved with his family to New York City in the United States.
Later, during the exciting time of the California Gold Rush, he decided to move all the way to San Francisco. In 1856, he moved again to a town called Healdsburg, California. There, he became a well-known person in the community. He was a wealthy landowner and helped the city grow.
Joining the Civil War
In 1861, Roderick Matheson traveled to Washington, D.C.. He went to see Abraham Lincoln become president. He only planned to stay for a few weeks. However, the country was getting ready for a big war. This war would be known as the American Civil War. Matheson felt called to join the fight.
Leading Soldiers
Matheson became a colonel, which is a high-ranking officer. He was the leader of the 32nd Regiment of New York Volunteers. He actually started this group of soldiers himself in June 1861. He even called them the "1st California Regiment."
Important Battles
Colonel Matheson led his soldiers in several big battles during the war:
- The First Battle of Bull Run: This was one of the first major battles of the Civil War.
- The Peninsula Campaign: This was a large military plan by the Union Army to capture the Confederate capital.
- The Seven Days Battles: A series of battles that took place over a week.
His Final Battle and Legacy
Roderick Matheson was badly hurt during the Battle of South Mountain. This battle happened at a place called Crampton's Gap. Sadly, he died from his injuries on September 14, 1862.
Matheson is buried in Oak Mound Cemetery in Healdsburg, California. To remember him, a main street in the town is named after him.
