Matthias Ales 1826-1915

ALES, SPOO, FRANZWA, PINTER, MCMEEL

Posted By: Sharon Elijah (email)
Date: 5/23/2021 at 17:43:30

17 March 1915 - The Clinton Advertiser page 7

Lost Nation, Iowa, March 17--Matthias Ales was born in Belgium, Jan. 17th, 1826. His parents were Mary and Matthias Ales of German descent. At the age of six years, his parents moved to Prussia, where they lived until he was 18 years old. He then entered the Prussian army, where he served for five years. After leaving the army, he went to Southern Germany and was there for a short time. In 1851 he came to America, going to Canada working as a miller, which trade he had perfected in Germany. Two years later he came to New York, working on a farm, being married in 1854. Sept. 14th he was married to Miss Katherine Spoo. They then came to Iowa and he worked in the Toronto mill near here for two years. In 1856, they moved to the Ales farm, where they lived until 1882, when they retired and moved to Lost Nation, where they have lived ever since. He lost both parents within a week, in 1862. The following children were born to this union: four daughters, Mrs. Fred Franzwa of Carroll, Iowa; Mrs. Matt Pinter of Welton and Mrs. James McMeel of Cedar Rapids, and Elizabeth who died at the age of 16, in 1874; seven sons, Peter of Cedar Rapids and Nicholas, Anthony, Matthew, John, Simon and Joseph, all of Lost Nation. His wife died June 15, 1907.

About a year ago his health began to fail but he was not bedfast until about ten days ago when he failed rapidly, death making an end of his sufferings Thursday, March 11, at the age of 89 years, one month and 22 days.

There are 51 grandchildren and 27 great grandchildren. One brother, residing in New York also survives him. Mr. Ales was a most highly respected citizen, conscientious, industrious and public spirited. he was a good neighbor, a friend in time of need, a man in whom you could place confidence and not count on in vain. His life was one which leaves an impression for good in the lives of those among whom it was spent. The funeral services were held from the Sacred Heart church Monday morning, with requiem high mass, Rev. O. J. Small and Rev. McNamara of Toronto officiating. The choir sang the requiem mass and the hymns "Face to Face" and "Jesus, Be His Rest Eternal". The pall bearers were six oldest sons. Interment took place in the cemetery here. All the children attended the funeral.