Born in Niles, Barren County, Michigan. A resident of Monmouth, Warren County, Illinois when he enlisted in the 17th Illinois Infantry for three years at Peoria, Peoria County, Illinois. Mustered in as a Private in Company F the same day he enlisted. Discharged at Bolivar, Tennessee. A resident of Niles, Michigan when he enlisted in the 7th Michigan Cavalry for three years at Milton, Michigan on 25 Dec 1862. Mustered in as a Private in Company A on 26 Dec 1862. Mustered out at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas on 15 Dec 1865. A member of Custer Post No. 6 of Tacoma, Pierce County, Washington. Died in Chehalis, Lewis County, Washington. His military records spell his last name as "Matchett".