Matthias Hollenback

Matthias Hollenback (15 February 1752, Virginia - 18 February 1829) was an American Revolutionary War soldier, merchant in early Elmira, New York, and judge.

Matthias Hollenback was born in Virginia on 15 February, 1752. Attracted by stories of the Wyoming Valley, like many other young men of his time, he decided to make it his home. As early as 1771, when Hollenback was 18, he was one of the inhabitants of the at the point where Mill Creek unites with the Susquehanna River. Huts were erected around the inside against the upright timbers. One was possessed by Capt. Zebulon Butler; next in the row was the store, containing the belongings of Hollenback. A boarding hut, having two rooms, was the third in order, kept by Dr. Sprague; Nathan Denison, a young bachelor from Stonington, had the next hut.

On the enlistment of two independent companies being directed at Westmoreland, Congress appointed Hollenback as an ensign. When danger to Wyoming Valley became imminent, and Congress ignored pressing calls for protection, throwing up his commission, he returned to Wyoming to meet danger. The skill acquired by 18 months' service in camp, was imparted to the militia, and his undaunted and elastic spirit infused into all around him. When the invasion came by John Butler at the Battle of Wyoming, Hollenback was among the foremost who sprang to their arms, and prepared to meet the foe. This army was composed chiefly of aged, or very young men, hastily called together. Nearly all who were able to bear arms assembled; and Hollenback took his station in the midst of them. With hopeless odds facing them, Hollenback was among those who escaped to the river, swam to Monocacy Island, and then to the eastern shore. Foreseeing the necessity of instant aid from abroad, mounting his horse, he rode all night, gave information to Capt. Simon Spalding's company. Hollenback was actively engaged in collecting the remains of the slain, and giving them the most burial circumstances at that time permitted.

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