James Mateer

b 10 Oct 1841, , Ripley, Indiana
d 05 Jan 1940, Oskaloosa, , Iowa
bur Oskaloosa, , Iowa

	\|
John Mateer
\|b 13 Mar 1797	\|
\|d 13 May 1897
\|
James Mateer
\|Mary Eola Sawyer-2 +
\|m 02 Nov 1865	John Roberts
\|, Mahaska, Iowa	\|
Susan Roberts
b 1820	\|
bur 08 May 1906	Nancy Lyon

Notes

James enlisted in the Civil War in Co. C 40th Ioway Infantry, in Adams Township, Mahaska County, Iowa on August 21, 1862, was 20 years of age. Michael M Rice was Captain of the Company. Col John A. Garrett, their Commander, was a West Point graduate. He had the 40th so well drilled it was called the Band Box regiment and is so referred to this day by old soldiers of that division. They were selected as guard for many celebrities on account of their fine appearance, and thus escaped much slavish work. They were in Rices Brigade in the desperate Battle of Jenkins Ferry April 30, 1863. Col Mackey of the 33rd was wounded and taken from the field as the 40th were charging for the front, they met the 33rd retreating without their leader, Col Garrett shouted 'Boys will you follow me and my 40th?' They gave him three cheers and he led them back to firing line.

They were in the Siege of Vicksburg, were at Haines Bluff nine miles north of Vicksburg 42 days where fortifications were erected. On one occasion they marched 40 miles in the most terrible summer heat, without halting. When one remembers that their knapsacks, canteens, guns, etc. weighed 50 pounds, they can consider what such a march meant. C. C. Mateer, James brother, was in the same Company, only twelve men of Co. C. went in with 'the Colors' foot-sore and weary at the end of that 40 mile heated march. C. C. and James were two of the twelve.

They were never in a hospital and always on duty. The 40th and 33rd were in a battle at Moro Creek in April, 1864, and at Prairie De Ann. They were with General Steele Dept of Arkansas. Much of their time was spent pursuing Forest, the rebel General. They left Geners Steele at Little Rock, and went to Fort Gibson (then) Cherokee Nation where they were given honorable discharge papers and mustered out of service August 2nd, 1865.

Buried with military honors.

Source: Anna O Sawyer notes, March 1916, p 4-5.

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