In 1861, though he was less than seventeen years of age, he answered Lincoln's call and joined the Union Army. During his three years service with the New York Light Artillery he participated in twenty-two battles including Gettysburg and many other of the hardest battles of the Civil War, yet he came out without a scratch. 

In 1869 he came to Central City, Iowa, where he met Anna Heaton whom he later married. To this union were born nine children, four have preceded him to the Great Beyond. The strong pioneer spirit which has haracterized his whole life, led him to Kansas in 1873. He took a homestead in Crystal township of this county, living there more than thirty years, applying himself not only to his private affairs, but to public service as well. He was Justice of the Peace in that township for ten years, being a pioneer in the establishment of law and order, as well as in the settlement of new territory. He also served as Clerk of the Court and Deputy Sheriff in this county, as Adjutant of the Soldier's Home at Fort Dodge and Superintendent of the Soldier's, Widow's and Orphan's Home at Ellsworth. 

The homestead which was turned from prarrie to a productive farm by his hand now holds all that was mortal of him. By his request he was placed there near the loved ones who preceded him. Another of America's greatest group, the soldier pioneer, has reached the end of the trail! 

Card of thanks. We take this means of thanking those who so kindly gave us their assistance during our recent bereavement. Mrs. J. D. Matteson and family.

Two years after their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Matteson came to Kansas driving through with a team and wagon, Mr. Matteson walking behind the wagon and driving the cows. They arrived at a farm on West Cedar Creek, north of Gietna on September 1, 1873. They home- steaded this place in Crystal Township where they lived for many years. Nine children were born to them, four boys and five girls. One boy and one girl died in infancy. Another girl died at the age of 20 years. One son was drowned in the Phillipsburg Lake when he was 30 years of age. Mr. and Mrs. Matteson lived on their farm for some 45 years. Afterwards they moved to Phillipsburg for a few years where Mr. Matteson was a county officer. They also lived a few years later in Agra where they had bought a home.  Later, they purchased a home in Phillipsburg. 

They celebrated their golden wedding anniversary in June, 1921. Mr. Matteson died on June 22, 1925. Since then, Mrs. Matteson lived alone in Phillipsburg until the past two years when she has lived with her children. She was living with her daughter, Mrs. Elmer Whitney when she was taken ill last November. While she had failed in health the past year, she grew rapidly worse the last few weeks. The end came peacefully in the afternoon on January 8, 1940. She had lived 85 years, 8 months and 15 days. Mrs. Matteson was an active woman with firm and decisive convictions. Her great loyalty was to her Lord and His church. Her own mother had led her to the alter when she was 14 years of age. She became a member of the Methodist Church and was faithful and true to the end, a period of over 70 years. She was one of the organizers of the class at the Snow school house, which was then known as the Matteson charge. Her many friends as well as relatives can testify to her wonderfully strong and lovely character. 

She leaves to mourn her departure two sons, S. A. Matteson of Clifford, Michigan, and Edwin Matteson of Kingman, Kansas; three daughters, Mrs. Mary Whitney of Speed, Kansas; Mrs. Delia Cates of Oswego, New York; and Mrs Rachel Cates of Billings, Montana; also 21 grandchildren, and 19 great-grandchildren; a sister-in-law at Agra, Mrs. Olive Heaton; and many other relatives and friends. 

Funeral services were held on Thursday afternoon, first, brief services at the Whitney home conducted by Rev. Elmer Hall of Stockton, Kansas, then at the Methodist Church in Phillipsburg conducted by the pastor Rev. J. G. Roberts. The body was laid to rest beside her husband in the cemetery on the old homestead, 18 miles northeast of Phillipsburg.

The Cates lived in Minetto, New York for many years before moving to Everett, Washington in 1952. Mrs. Cates was a member of Minetto Community Methodist Church and a former member of the grange in Minetto. 

She is survived by a son, Dr. J. D. Cates of Allentown, Washington; two daughters, Mrs. Lorraine Manuel of California and Miss Gertrude Cates of Everett, Washington, and a daughter-in-law, Mrs. Beatrice Cates of Maryland. 

Services will be held Saturday at the Scoville Funeral Home at 10:30 a.m., conducted by Rev. Norman Douglas, pastor of Minetto Methodist Church. Spring burial will be in Minetto cemetery. Calling hours will be from 2 - 4 and 7 - 9 Friday.
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All were Contributed by Julie Robst, a descendant.