Faces of the Past – Lt. Col. John S. Kidder and Harriet O. (Matteson) Kidder

The Linwood Dyer Collection, Part 082
By Don Taylor

From the Linwood D. Dyer Collection / Fredricks’ Knickerbocker Family Portrait Gallery

Introduction

The Linwood D. Dyer Collection reveals deeply moving portraits of individuals whose lives echo through our local history. Today, I present Lieutenant Colonel John S. Kidder, veteran of the 121st New York Volunteers, and his wife Harriet O. (Matteson) Kidder—both of Laurens, Otsego County, New York. Their photographs were taken at Fredricks’ Knickerbocker Family Portrait Gallery, 770 Broadway, New York, between c. 1876 and 1891.

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Lt. Col. John S. Kidder (1830–1905)

• Born: 20 February 1830, Kent, England; Died: 19 May 1905, Laurens, Otsego County, New York; Burial: Laurens Village Cemetery[i].
• Civil War Service: He served in the 121st New York Infantry Regiment, eventually attaining the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, and saw action in many key battles—from Antietam and Gettysburg to the Wilderness and Petersburg[ii]. Companies I and K of the 121st were largely drawn from towns including Laurens, which was part of his region.
  • Portrait: The cabinet card shows him in formal attire and is inscribed on the back with:
    “Yours Truly,
    John S. Kidder
    Lieut. Col. 121st N.Y.V.
    Laurens, Otsego Co., N.Y.”
    This personal inscription adds a treasured, tangible connection to his photo.

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Harriet O. (Matteson) Kidder (1836–1922)

• Born: 24 Jul 1836; Died: 2 Aug 1922.[iii]
• Harriet, née Matteson, was John’s devoted partner. The couple navigated the strains of wartime separation together—his letters home, referenced in historical accounts, depict the challenges of camp life and her steadfast role at home[iv].
  • Portrait: The cabinet card captures her earnest gaze and period dress. Inscribed on the back:
    “Mrs. J. S. Kidder,
    Laurens, Otsego Co., N.Y.”
    This pairing of likeness and locality grounds her presence in both image and inscription.

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Fredricks’ Knickerbocker Family Portrait Gallery

These cabinet cards were produced at Fredricks’ Knickerbocker Family Portrait Gallery, located at 770 Broadway, corner of 9th Street, New York, and were active between c. 1876 and 1891.

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Preserving Their Legacy

By presenting the two portraits, we honor a veteran and his wife whose lives were deeply impacted by the Civil War. Their handwritten notes and images offer moving portals to the past—reminding us of service, resilience, and familial ties that endured through war and peace. I have shared their photos on Find a Grave and on their FamilySearch profiles.

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Endnotes:

[i] Find-a-Grave – Memorial 13635283
[ii] Wikipedia – 121^st New York Infantry Regiment
[iii] Find a Grave – Harriet O. Matteson Kidder
[iv] Subdued by the Sword by James M. Greiner