The record made by Dr. Carl A. Matthey well illustrates what may be achieved by one who, endowed with superior talents, bends his energies toward the accomplishment of a high and worthy purpose. His success in the profession to which he has devoted himself, and for which his native endowments and his attainments so eminently fit him, is well-nigh phenomenal, and though but in the prime and vigor of life he has attained a prominence and position in his profession that are most gratifying. He is a native of Berlberg, Westphalia, Germany, and was born October 20, 1852, to Henry and Emilie (Kunz) Matthey, both natives of Germany. His parents, thrifty and well-to-do, married in their native land, and besides Carl, had four children, viz: Henry, who afterward fitted himself for the medical profession at Leipsic and Würzburg, Germany; Emma, Anna and Rudolph, with whom they immigrated to America in 1873. They first settled in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, whence they removed in 1875 to Davenport, Iowa.
From early life Carl's tastes inclined him to the medical profession and toward it his studies and education were early directed in the German gymnasia and universities. Besides other schools he attended three years at Marburg, one year at Munich, one year at Zurich and six months in Berlin. He was always an apt scholar, and with eagerness availed himself of his excellent opportunities, seeking to make the most and best of them and his splendid talents. His purpose was to remain in Europe, although his family had immigrated to America; and accordingly upon his graduation from the university he established himself at Frauenfeld, Switzerland, in the general practice of medicine. His success soon brought him into unusual prominence and within a short time after opening his office he was made first assistant to Dr. Albrecht, a division surgeon in the army, and for a considerable time had full charge of one part of the division, where he enjoyed unusual opportunities and acquired a wide range of practical experience that has proved invaluable in his subsequent professional work. Desiring a wider field for the exercise and growth of his talents, Dr. Matthey resigned his position in the army at the end of two years and came to the United States, being further influenced to this course by the fact that all of his immediate family had preceded him thither. That was in 1880. Settling in Davenport he at once opened an office and rapidly rose to prominence among the best class of medical practitioners there. His practice, which is general, has gradually grown and extended from year to year, until at the present time (1895) it is all that he and his brother Henry, who is associated with him, can attend to. Not only in his profession, but also in business and social circles, Dr. Matthey is prominent and influential. In all his varied relations his conduct and bearing are those of a refined and cultured and high minded gentleman. He maintains a character above reproach and enjoys universal confidence and esteem. He is prominently connected with the Turner Society and the Ancient Order United Workmen of Davenport ; but he has never sought or cared for political preferment; and although often solicited by his friends to accept office, he has uniformly declined to do so, except as a member of the city school board, to which he was elected in 1893. In political sentiment he has always been a staunch and uncompromising Democrat. Dr. Matthey is a man of pleasing address, courteous and affable and of dignified and commanding presence.
On June 6, 1882, he married Miss Meta Steffen, a daughter of Mr. August Steffen, one of Davenport's wealthy and influential merchants. Of four children born to them, three, viz: Walter, Irma and Henry, are living. Carl died at the age of six years.
BIOGRAPHIES