MATTHEWS, IRA P. (1838 ~ 1918). Ira P. Matthews was born August 4, 1838 to Simon Matthews and Hanna Caroline Ellis in Mississippi. He moved to Texas as an infant. He would later enlist in the Confederate States Army on April 2, 1862 at Waco, Texas. Matthews served in Company H, 19th Texas Cavalry. He saw action in Texas, Arkansas, and Missouri.
Following the War, Ira Matthews lived in Aquilla, Hill County, Texas where he worked as a farmer. Matthews was married to Mary Matthews and Elvira B. Cauble. He had three children with Ms. Cauble: James A. Matthews born in 1864, Edwin Matthews born on August 25, 1867, and Jessie L. Matthews born September 1869. In 1906, he was no longer able to farm due to poor health. He later entered the Confederate Men's Home on August 12, 1913. Ira P. Matthews died on February 28, 1918. He was buried at the Texas State Cemetery on March 1, 1918.
Information provided by Martha Prince, Confederate Home Roster, Confederate Pension Application, and U. S. Census Records. |