Matheson was born in
Inverness, Scotland, in 1824. At the age of 15, he emigrated with his parents to
New York City. He later moved to California during the
Gold Rush and settled in
Healdsburg, California in 1856. There, he became a well-known landowner and benefactor. In 1861, Matheson traveled to
Washington, D.C. to witness the first inauguration of
Abraham Lincoln. Though intending to stay briefly, he became caught up in the events surrounding the start of the Civil War. He went on to organize and lead the 32nd New York Infantry, sometimes referred to as the "1st California Regiment." Matheson fought in several major battles, including: •
First Battle of Bull Run •
Peninsula Campaign •
Seven Days Battles He was mortally wounded at
Crampton's Gap during the
Battle of South Mountain on September 14, 1862. He is buried in Oak Mound Cemetery in Healdsburg, California. A major street in Healdsburg is named in his honor. == References ==