Mather, William J. (D. D. S.)

MATHER, MOFFAT, GAYLOIRD

Posted By: Mary H. Cochrane, Volunteer
Date: 7/19/2019 at 08:20:06

Obituary ~ William J. Mather, D.D.S.
MApril 16, 1874 ~ October 01, 1944

History of Decatur County, Iowa and Its People.
Prof. J.M. Howell & Heman C. Smith. p. 58. S.J. Clarke Pub. Co. Chicago. 1915.

For about two decades Dr. William J. Mather has been engaged in the practice of dentistry at Lamoni and has built up one of the largest clienteles in this county. He was born in Ontario, Canada, on the 15th of April, 1874, a son of Ralph and Margaret (Moffat) Mather, of English and Scotch parentage respectively. The birth of the father occurred in England but the mother was born in Canada. Both have passed to their reward. All of their nine children are living, four residing in Canada and fie in this country. The subject of this review, however, is the only one in Decatur county. His uncle, Dr. J. W. Mather, who is residing at Lamoni, is a well known dentist of Decatur county, where he has practiced for about forty years.

Dr. William J. Mather received his general education in Canada and on deciding upon his life work entered the Western Dental College at Kansas City, where he remained until 1897. He then practiced in Iowa, having a state board license, and he proved an able and efficient dentist. In 1905, however, he returned to the Western Dental College and completed his course, receiving his professional degree in 1906. He then returned to Lamoni, where he is still practicing, and since 1899 he has maintained his offices in the same building, which is on the site of the old post office.

Dr. Mather was married at Lamoni to Miss Alta May Gaylord, who was born near Shenandoah, in Page county, Iowa, a daughter of E. B. and Mary Gaylord, who are now residents of Lamoni. For many years they lived in Page county and there their daughter, Alta May, was reared and educated. They have now retired from active life and are spending their remaining days in rest and leisure. To Dr. and Mrs. Mather have been born two daughters, Margaret and Maxine.

Dr. Mather is a republican and for four years was a member of the city council of Lamoni. He was one of the promoters and organizers of the Commercial club, of which he was president for two years, and for many years he served as a member of its executive board, doing much to aid in the work of that organization, which has been a forceful factor in the development of Lamoni. He is also secretary of the Lamoni Telephone Company and is recognized as an able business man. He owns one of the finest residences in Lamoni and has gained financial as well as professional success. Fraternally he is identified with the Masonic order, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Modern Woodmen of America, and his religious faith is that of the Latter Day Saints’ church. His life has been so worthily lived that he holds the complete confidence and food will of all who have been associated with him and he is a valued resident of his town.

NOTE: Dr. Mather died October 1, 1944 and was interred at Rose Hill Cemetery, Lamoni, Iowa.

Transcribed for IAGenWeb.org, Decatur County