The daily Gate City. [volume] (Keokuk, Iowa) 1855-1916, 1916-01-18
WAS BORN HERE IN 1853
Entered EmpIoys Of Huiskamp Bros.
Co., When But Young Man and
Has Built up Large
Business.

\ y
anaemia. Mr.. MatleEc was born in
keokuk, received his education here,
and helped to establish large busi-
ness interest in this community. He
entered the employee Of the Huiskamp
Brothers Co., about 1876, and at the
time OF his death was vice president
and treasurer Of the business. Mr..
Matless was wonderful man in many
ways. Everyone spoke Of him as a
friend, and young men who were just
leaving school to take up their work,
often talked to him egarding their
future. He seemed never too busy to
offer them good advice. Mr.. Matless
was charitable, far beyond what any
one gave him credit for. He did
much OF his giving anonymously, and
none knew Just how much or for what
causes he was giving.
Wherever the announcement Of the
news OF his death was spoken Of this
morning, there was perceptible
pause and silence and then some one
in the group invariably said, "He was
a fine man." Tributes Of this sort
from ones friends are more lasting
and permanent than monuments OF
marble or granite. Mr.. Matless was
thoroughgoing in his work, and paid
much attention to every detail OF it.
He was just as painstaking and care.
full about other peoples work as he
was about his own, and that was what
made ALI Matless' word as good as his
bond, and why his advice was followed
when 1t was once given.
Born In keokuk In 1858.
Alfred e. Matless was born in Keo-
kuk on May "a, 1855 He was the son
of Leonard and Matilda Goebe1 Mat
less, who were among the earliest
residents of Keokuk, coming here in
1853 from England. Mr.. Matless re-
ceived his education in the schools
OF Keokuk. In 1875 he entered the
employe Of Huiskamp Bros. Co., and
had been active in the business since
that time. When he died he was Vice
president and treasurer Of the firm,
and It was largely through his execu-
tive ability that the firm has the
high standing that it has today.
A mans interests and his connec-
tions with different public organiza-
tons are an index to the esteem in
which he IL held in the community in
which he lives. Mr.. Matless was
identified with all that meant for up
lift and betterment, and he found
time to be identified with fraternal
IN fact the Masonic
Temple which stands at Seventh and
Blondeau streets. may well be said to
be a monument to him. It was
his willingness to help in a financial
&ha% %t4 h,,s1Iipo &c
standing there today. He was identi-
He'd with the work Of the Y. NJ. C. A.
and with the advisory board Of the Y.
w. C. A.
Member Of Many Boards.
Mr.. Matless was n member Of the
committee which planned and built
he Y. NJ. C. A. building at Fifth and
Blondeau streets. He worked hard in
he accomplishment of this fact, be-
ieving that the young men Of the city
must have some place to go. Mr..
Matless was ever interested in the
Welfare OF the young man, and never
90 busy to plan for his comforts and
better environment. He was also a
Of the advisory board OF the
Young Women's Christian Association.
lie was a valuable member Of this
,oard. When the Masonic Temple
burned. and new one was to be
erected, his associates turned to him
or assistance and advice. He saw
he possibilities and the need for just
uch a lodge home, and he worked
md gave both Of his strength and his
inances that the building might be
,rected.
Mr.. Matless was a member of the |
,oard Of the Y. NJ. c. A. directors for
many years. He was a vice presi- |
lent and director Of the Keokuk Ma |
ional bank. He was the past eminent
Of Damascus Command
Try, also. He was a member Of the
first Westminster Presbyterian
hurch, and interested in its welfare
nd its work.
Married In 1881.
On October &c, 1881, A. e. Matless
md Margaret Hagens were married |
Besides his widow, who has been ill !,
md who has leaned so heavily on
Ter husband, now taken from her, he
8 survived by three children, Mrs.
Lees Ballinger Of Lansing, Mich. A. |
J. Matless Of Boston. and James Mat
ess OF Keokuk. There are three |
Ellen and Margaret |
3allinger and Alfred George Matless, |
II. Leonard Matless Is a brother. and
here are two sisters, Miss Kate Mat |
ess and Mrs. H. A. knights.
Mr. Matless' life might we'll be an |
to the young man of to-
lay. He began in small way, at a |
OBJ which was not perhaps the most !
pleasant In the world, working under |
conditions which in early days it was |
to work under. But by |
Mr.. Matless rose in the |