May 20, 1895 (Greens Farms, Westport, CT) – April 11, 1918 (France); 22 years old
Unmarried
Lived on Greens Farms Road in Westport prior to the service
Enlisted on September 7, 1917
Assigned to Company H, 304th Infantry, until September 18, 1917
Assigned to Company E, 102nd Infantry Regiment, 26th Infantry Division, until his death
Promoted to Private First Class on February 1, 1918
Service number 64592
Fought at Chavignon and Seicheprey, France
Died in Sebastopol, France, from wounds received.
The namesake of American Legion Post 63 in Westport, Connecticut
Born to William J.F. Sr. (1844-1925) and Lena Summ Matthias (1866-1935), both born in Germany. One brother, Frederick W. (1893-1930). Two sisters, Caroline L. Matthias West (1898-1928) and Lena B. Matthias Allcorn-Meehl (1900-1968).
On his Military Census Form from March 2, 1916, he lists his occupation as “Packer” and other trade as “Farmer.” He listed his height and weight as 5’8″ and 165 lbs. He said he could ride a horse, handle a team of horses, drive an automobile and was a fair swimmer.
From The Norwalk Hour July 28, 1921
The body of August Matthias, after whom the local Legion post has been named, has arrived at Hoboken, New Jersey, according to the official notification received yesterday by his mother, Mrs. William J.F. Matthias, at her home in Greens Farms. There are now two bodies of Westport boys at the Hoboken depot since the remains of Frank R. Hanson arrived there last week. The latter body will probably arrive in Westport in a short time.
From The Norwalk Hour August 10, 1921
WAR HERO’S BODY AT HOBOKEN, N.J.
Remains of First Class Private Charles A. Matthias Reach Debarkation Camp
BURIAL IN WESTPORT WITH MILITARY HONORS
American Legion Post Named After the Deceased
The body of First Class Private Charles August Matthias, who was one of Westport’s popular martyrs in the recent war, has been received at Fable’s mortuary parlors from the debarkation camp at Hoboken, New Jersey. The hero was a member of Company E, One Hundred Second Infantry, and was one of the first of Westport’s boys to be killed on the field. Private Matthias received his death on April 11, 1918. He has many relatives and friends locally, being one of the well-known men in the younger set of Greens Farms. The local American Legion post is named after the deceased, and it is therefore probable that the boys will endeavor to make the last ceremonies, which will be of a military nature, as impressive as possible. The funeral services will probably take place on Sunday morning. The local posts of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and Red Cross will also send delegations to the final ceremonies. Interment will take place in the Lower Greens Farms Cemetery.
From The Norwalk Hour August 18, 1921
The most impressive services ever witnessed in Westport marked the burial of Corporal Charles August Matthias, the first Westport boy to give his life for the cause of humanity in the Great War. A large attendance was present in the Greens Farms Congregational Church when the Reverend George B. Hatch delivered the final rites over the body. Delegations were present in uniform from the Yankee Division associations of Bridgeport, New Haven, and neighboring cities, the Veterans of Foreign Wars post of Westport, the local order of the American Red Cross, and the Westport and Norwalk posts of the American Legion. The body was then conveyed to the lower Greeens Farms Cemetery for interment by Undertaker Charles Fable. Full military honors were accorded the hero. A firing Squad composed of the former comrades of the dead martyr gave a last salute to the remains. Chaplains of the various military organizations officiated at the grave.
Buried in Upper Greens Farms Cemetery, 73 Greens Farms Road, Westport, Connecticut. Photos from FindAGrave.com.
END
Honor Norwalk CT veterans 
LikeLike