Roderick Nicol Matheson

March 28, 1824 (age 38)

Inverness, Scotland

During the California Gold Rush he moved to San Francisco. In 1856 he moved to Healdsburg, California, becoming a prominent city benefactor and wealthy landowner. He traveled to Washington, District of Columbia, for Abraham Lincoln"s inauguration in 1861, intending to stay only a few weeks, but found himself swept up in the fever of approaching war. Matheson was the colonel and commander of the 32nd Regiment of New York Volunteers, which he founded in June of 1861 and which he referred to as the 1st California Regiment. He fought in the First Battle of Bulletin Run, the Peninsula Campaign, and the Seven Days Battles. He was mortally wounded at Crampton"s Gap during the Battle of South Mountain. Matheson is buried in Oak Mound Cemetery in Healdsburg. A major street in the town is named after him.

Edit Profile

Background

Matheson was born in Inverness, Scotland, and emigrated to New York City with his parents at the age of 15.

Career

During the California Gold Rush he moved to San Francisco. In 1856 he moved to Healdsburg, California, becoming a prominent city benefactor and wealthy landowner. He traveled to Washington, District of Columbia, for Abraham Lincoln"s inauguration in 1861, intending to stay only a few weeks, but found himself swept up in the fever of approaching war.

Matheson was the colonel and commander of the 32nd Regiment of New York Volunteers, which he founded in June of 1861 and which he referred to as the 1st California Regiment.

He fought in the First Battle of Bulletin Run, the Peninsula Campaign, and the Seven Days Battles. He was mortally wounded at Crampton"s Gap during the Battle of South Mountain.

Matheson is buried in Oak Mound Cemetery in Healdsburg. A major street in the town is named after him.

Main Photo