JAMES WILBUR MATHER, D. D. S.

Dr. James Wilbur Mather, who for about forty years has been actively engaged in the practice of dentistry in Decatur county, is one of the esteemed residents of Lamoni. He was born in Chateauguay county, province of Quebec, Canada, a son of Ralph and Ann (Silvy) Mather, of English and Scotch descent respectively and both natives of Northumberland, England. They were married in that shire but emigrated to Canada while still in their early manhood and womanhood and the father farmed in the Dominion until he passed away. To their union were born twelve children, of whom but three survive. The record of those who grew to maturity is as follows. Ralph conducted a grist and sawmill for many years and died in Ontario, Canada, when about seventy-seven years of age. He was the father of Dr. William J. Mather, a well known dentist of Lamoni, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this work. Thomas, who was a farmer, is now deceased. William removed to New Hampshire and was engaged in the wood business there at the time of his demise. Margaret was twice married, her first husband being William Gibson and her second a Mr. Prine. She died at Davis City, Iowa, a number of years ago. Mary, who became the wife Arthur McFadden, passed away in Ontario, Canada. Isabella married John Montgomery and died in the Dominion of Canada. Esther married John McDonald, who was engaged in mining in the United States, and both passed away in this country. Maria, who married a Mr. Davis, of Vermont is now residing at Brattleboro, that state, but her husband has passed away. Kate is the wife of S. J. Linn, a millwright, and they reside at Foster, Nebraska. Eliza, who became the wife of D. H. Rogers, passed away in a sanitarium at Chicago. Ann, who married John Finleyson, died at Detroit, Michigan. James Wilbur, of this review, is the youngest of the family.

The last named came to the United States when seventeen years of age, first locating in New Hampshire, but not long afterward removed westward, beginning his dental study at Sandwich, Illinois, under Dr. Pomeroy, who was engaged in the practice of dentistry at Plano, that state. For the first twelve years after beginning the practice of his profession Dr. Mather remained in Kane county, Illinois, but at the end of that time removed to Decatur county, Iowa. He has taken two post-graduate courses in dentistry at Kansas City, one in the Kansas City College and the other in the Great Western Dental College and has continually kept up his study and reading along the lines of investigation that are closely connected with the science and practice of dentistry. For fifty years he has engaged in the practice of his profession and for about forty years of that tie has been located in Decatur county, removing here in 1876. His work is thorough and gives satisfaction to his patients, many of whom have patronized him for years. He is still active in practice and holds the confidence of his colleagues as well as of the general public.

Dr. Mather has been twice married. He chose Miss Mary Doze as his second wife and their marriage was solemnized in Ringgold county, Iowa. The Doctor has supported the democratic party since age conferred upon him the right of franchise and he is not indifferent to anything relating to the public welfare. Fraternally he belongs to the Knights of Pythias lodge and he contributes to the support of the Latter Day Saints church, of which his wife is a member. During the many years that he has resided in Decatur county Dr. Mather has been held in high esteem by his fellow citizens, not only as an able representative of his profession, but also as a man of high standards of life.