Encyclopedia Dubuque
"Encyclopedia Dubuque is the online authority for all things Dubuque, written by the people who know the city best.”
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Affiliated with the Local History Network of the State Historical Society of Iowa, and the Iowa Museum Association.
MATTHEWS, Matthew C.
MATTHEWS, Matthew C. (Dubuque, IA, Jan. 1, 1862--Dubuque, IA, Jan. 13, 1921). Attorney. Matthews began his study of law in the office of James H. SHIELDS and, after passing his bar examinations in 1884, returned to Dubuque to open his practice. He was elected county attorney in 1889 and in 1898 received a district judgeship that he began on January 1, 1899. Matthews remained a judge for twelve years before retiring to re-enter private practice. In 1911 he formed a partnership with John George CHALMERS.
Matthews served as a trustee of the public library and a member of the board of education. He was one of the organizers of the local council of the Knights of Columbus and served as its first Grand Knight. During World War I, Matthews was a member of the Council of Defense and was the food administrator for Dubuque County.