Submitted by Descendant: Dennis F. TARATUS
Matthew H. Taratus was born 1 September 1843 in Middleburg (then Duval, now Clay Co.) Florida. He was one of two sons of William Taratus and Hester Ridaught.
During the Civil War he served in the Marion Light Artillery, was wounded in the Battle of Atlanta. Later released he served until the end of the war, being discharged at Meridian, Mississippi.
After the war he returned to Middleburg, married Emily B. Prevatt and they had 10 children, two of whom died in childhood. He was a farmer and lived his entire life (except for military service) in Middleburg. His obituary states that he “died within three miles of his birthplace”.
Matthew H. Taratus was first established as a Florida Pioneer in 2003