St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1891-02-19
COMRADE MATTHEWS.
A Veteran Who Has Seen Four
teen Years Actual Service.

A Veteran Who Has Seen Four
teen Years Actual Service.
1t was 2:30 in the afternoon when the
convention resumed business. A reso-
luton was presented condemning the
action of the trustees of the Minnesota
soldiers home, who require the inmates
to pay over to the treasurer of the insti-
tuition certain amount of the pensions
received. This called forth a deal OF
opposition and the resolution was de-
feated by an overwhelming vote.
A resolution was adopted that the q.
A. Il. pests in the state join with the
Sons of Veterans in celebrating annually
the 18th of February, Lincoln's BIRTH
day. 1t was also resolved to give the
sum OF $3.50 to d. j. Knox, Of Spring
Valley. who lost his sight by an acct
dent during the sham battle at the state
fair grounds in 1887 1t was decided by
a vote of all present to hold the encamp-
ment next year in Minneapolis.
Comrade Morey, the adjutant, an
nOunced that arrangements had been
made to run special cars over the Bur
lington and Minneapolis & st. Louis
roads to-day for the convenience OF
members of the e. A. R. who desired to
attend the funeral of Gen. Sherman.
A feature of the afternoon session
was the presentation to the encamp-
ment of Comrade George Mathews, who
has, perhaps, the most remarkable rec
ord of anv living veteran. He was
born in Stockton county, New
York, seventy-tWo years ago, and
in 1910 enlisted from Albany for
the Florida Seminole war. He served
to the close, and in 1916 came to Ft.
Smelling and was mustured out. During
the next few years he took part in many
Indian fights, and on one occasion, he,
with two others, escaped from band of
Sioux by swimming across the river be-
hind log. In 1916 he was married to
domestic in the service of Col.
Bruce. Indian agent at the fort,
at the time coming to st.
Paul. There were eight shanties
in the settlement, and the only white
man was Justice jackson, after whom
Jackson street is named. He married
Matthews and his bride, and the popu-
lation of Indians and half breeds
danced at the wedding. He went to
Hastings to live, and in 1S47 enlisted at
Prairie du Chen for the Mexican war.
He was present at all the important ell
gagementS, including the occupation Of
the City of Mexico. He remained in the
service four years and nine months, and
was mustered out at Prairie du Chen.
In 1861 he enlisted in the Union army,
under Capt. Fisk, Indiana Rangers, for
six months, serving in North Carolina.
In 1862 he came to Wisconsin and
in September enlisted for thirty days in
the Indian war. and on Oct. IL. 1862, re-
enlisted and served for one year in the
Indian war. and was discharged Nov. 9.
1868. On Dec 10, 1868, he again enlisted
in the Minnesota Mounted Rangers, and
served for three years, being discharged
at Fort Smelling Oct. %, 1866. He has
seen fourteen years active service, half
the time fighting Indians. He was sent
to the convention as delegate from D..
f. Markham Post No. of Marshall,
Mimi, and was given the post of honor.
The old soldiers listened to his record
With great attention, and at the close
rose in a body and gave the veteran
three hearty cheers.
The election Of officers was postponed
until this morning, when the session
will close.
Last evening a campfire was held at
the Newmarket, which was crowded by
| old soldiers and their friends. A pleas
| ing programme of literary and musical
numbers was rendered, and patriotic
| speeches made by number of the COM
radeS, including Past Commander Rea,
| Col. j. II. Davidson, Vice Commander
| Lang and Comrade MOrey.
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