"In command of pack train and involved in hilltop fighting at the Battle of the Little Big Horn. Born October 27, 1837, in France, he enlisted from Indiana as a Private, 17th Indiana Volunteer Infantry, in June 1861 and was promoted to Sergeant, Company C, to rank from May 31, 1861. Appointed Second Lieutenant in the same regiment effective May 1, 1862. On August 10, 1862, he resigned and was appointed a Second Lieutenant in the 81st Indiana Volunteer Infantry to rank from September 1, 1862. He fought with this regiment during the rest of Civil War and was engaged in the battle of Chickamauga. Promoted to First Lieutenant effective March 21, 1863, and to Captain on November 8, 1863. He participated in the demonstration before Rocky Faced Ridge, the battle of Resaca, the action near Kingston, the Battle of Kenesaw Mountain, the action at Marietta and the siege of Atlanta. He was engaged in the battle of Jonesborough, the action at Lovejoy Station, the battle at Franklin and the battle of Nashville. Promoted to Major effective September 12, 1864. Mustered out of the volunteer service June 13, 1865.

Appointed Second Lieutenant, 7th United States Cavalry, to rank from September 24, 1867, and promoted to First Lieutenant May 10, 1870. On May 17, 1876, he departed with 7th Cavalry to participate in the Sioux expedition. From June 22 he commanded the pack train accompanying the 7th Cavalry and on June 25-26 he was in the hilltop fight on the Little Big Horn River. He returned to Fort Lincoln September 26. Engaged in the 1877 campaign against Chief Joseph's band of Nez Perce. Promoted to Captain to rank from September 30, 1877, after the Snake Creed fight near the Bear Paw Mountains.

On December 11, 1896, he retired with the rank of Major for disability incurred in the line of duty and was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel, United States Army, retired, on April 23, 1904. Died July 17, 1915 at Mercy Hospital, Denver, Colorado, in his 78th year.

Interred in the National Cemetery at Arlington, Virginia, Section 3, Grave 2089. Survived by his invalid wife, Meda Jones, and his daughter, Julia P. Mathey."