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, Alphons
MATTHEWS, Alphons. (Dubuque, IA, 1856--Dubuque, IA, July 15, 1909). Attorney. Considered one of the most able attorneys of his day, Matthews was appointed county attorney in 1883 and held the office until 1887 when the legislature made the position elective. Matthews then was elected to the position for two consecutive terms.
In 1886 Matthews was elected a member of the board of regents of the State University of Iowa. He served on the board's executive committee including terms as chairperson of the committee on the law department and was a member of the building, hospital, and medical committees.
Locally Matthews served on the Dubuque board of education including service as its president. His election to the board in 1884 marked the first time a native Dubuque resident had served in this position.
Matthews was a founder of the Dubuque Fire and Marine Insurance Company and the GERMAN TRUST AND SAVINGS BANK.