American Revolution and Caire Family Ties
- Sharon Spell
- Jul 4
- 2 min read
Mathias Haydel: A German Coast Patriot of the American Revolution
Revolutionary War Patriot Ancestors
My membership in the Daughters of the American Revolution, German Coast Chapter allows me to learn about and honor this important history of my family.
When we think of the American Revolution, images often come to mind of Boston, Philadelphia, or Valley Forge. Yet the struggle for independence reached far beyond the original thirteen colonies. Along the banks of the Mississippi River near Edgard, many German Coast families played their part in securing America’s freedom. One such patriot was Mathias Haydel, a resident of the German Coast and a name that continues to live on through his descendants and local history.
From the German Coast to Revolution
Mathias Haydel (originally Heidel) was a member of the early German families who settled Louisiana’s fertile river lands in the 18th century. These pioneers, sometimes referred to as the “German Coast settlers,” endured hardship to establish farms and communities west of the Mississippi. By the late 1700s, families like the Haydels were an important part of the colony’s strength.
When Spain entered the war against Britain in 1779, Louisiana’s Spanish governor,
Bernardo de Gálvez, called upon the people of the region to aid in campaigns against the British strongholds.
Service Under Governor Gálvez
Haydel is recognized as having provided service as a volunteer soldier in the Louisiana militia during these campaigns. While not fighting at Lexington or Yorktown, his contributions were no less significant. Under Gálvez, local men helped capture British posts at Baton Rouge, Natchez, Mobile, and Pensacola. These victories ensured that the Mississippi River and Gulf Coast would not fall into British hands, cutting off vital supplies to the American colonies.
Mathias Haydel’s name appears in the records of Patriots acknowledged by organizations such as the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), affirming his role in the cause of independence.
Mathias Haydel played an important role in the fight for our nation's independence.
Remembering Our Local Patriots
Today, the Haydel name remains deeply tied to Edgard and the broader River Parishes. For the people of St. John the Baptist Parish, Mathias Haydel represents more than just one man’s contribution—he is a symbol of how the German Coast stood with others to ensure our new nation.
As we reflect on the 250th year of our Nation's birth, it is important to recognize that victory was not achieved by the actions of a few, but by the sacrifices of many across distant and diverse places. From Boston to Edgard, from the icy winters of the Northeast to the subtropical fields of Louisiana, patriots like Mathias Haydel carried the torch of freedom.
Further Resources:
To learn more about Daughters of the American Revolution visit:
To learn more about Sons of the American Revolution visit:
Learn about German Coast Patriots buried in St. John the Baptist Parish Cemetery in Edgard, Louisiana here: A Sacred Resting Place for Patriots
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