May 26, 1914
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Anderson County
Regimental Commander Who Was Shot Through
(From Anderson Intelligencer at time of his death.)
Col. Chas. S. Mattison died at his residence seven miles South of Anderson on last Friday morning, in the fifty-first year of his age, after a protracted illness from Bright’s disease of the kidneys. He had been suffering from this disease for some four years or more, and during this period received all of the help which could be rendered him by the ablest physicians, and through his condition at times slightly improved, there was very little permanent change until last winter, during the Atlanta exposition, he was taken ill and would not recover from the attack, which finally terminated his life.
Col. Mattison was one of the most useful and popular citizens of our county. He was a man of large means and was always liberal in conferring benefits and favors upon those around him who might from any cause stand deserving of assistance. A more generous and noble-hearted citizen could not be found, and those who knew him were his warm and devoted friends, willing to go any length to serve or show their appreciation of him. This rendered him always strong before the people, and although he was frequently a candidate in politics and in the military he was never defeated. In the old militia service he was colonel of the Fourth Regiment, and when the volunteer troops were raised for service he went into the war as a lieutenant colonel of the famous Fourth Regiment and served in that capacity until the time of service of that regiment expired when he was elected colonel of the Fourth Battalion in the reorganization which followed. He served in this position until the battle of Seven Pines, at which he was shot through the chest and permanently disabled. He was a brave soldier and an efficient officer thoroughly conscientious in the discharge of his duty, and in full and active sympathy with the cause of his country. He was three times elected to the legislature from this county, first in 1858, then in 1866 and last in 1878, and after each of these terms of service, although very popular, he declined re-election. In addition to this Col. Mattison was frequently elected as a delegate to the state congressional convention of the democratic party. He was a man of very fine practical judgment and in every way worthy of the high confidence which was reposed in him.
In his death our county has lost a valuable citizen, his community a kind, generous and excellent neighbor. In domestic relation, Col. Mattison was as affectionate and gentile as a woman. His was a social nature, which enjoyed company. Just and upright himself he had no suspicion of other people. His sympathy for all persons, however humble or from whatever cause they might be unfortunate, made him the friend of those in every station of life and no person that ever went to him for assistance departed empty-handed. His deed of benevolence were many and extensive. He gave liberally wherever the wants of his fellow men were brought to his attention.
On Saturday morning after appropriate services at his residence by Rev. G. V. Barnes, his remains were placed to rest in the family burial ground with Masonic rites in the presence of a large number of the neighbors and friends of the deceased gathered to witness the last rites of one they loved and admired in life. In death his memory lingers to be cherished by all who knew him and censured by none. No higher tribute could be paid to any man.