The Gazette from Cedar Rapids, Iowa • 8

THE CEDAR RAPIDS SUNDAY GAZETTE AND REPUBLICAN Mystery Of Picturesque Matsell Home, Established Near Viola 72 Years Ago By New York Police Chief, Still Unsolved Jack Says: Every winter garment requires more cleaning attention because of the heavier fabric which holds more dust and dirt. Be sure that yours wear the longest possible time by having them dry cleaned regularly. Schultz CleanersPhone: 555 cation devoted to the improvement of police methods rather to the glorification of scantily clad girls, required some attention. appeal which Iowa had for gave way to the stronger in 1873. William Havere-elected and at appointed his old friend superintendent of police.

In the following year Mr. Matsell was appointed police commissioner and elected president of the board. He served until 1875. A law practice, and his philanthropies his attention until he died July 25, 1877 at No. 230 East Fifty-eighth street.

He was 71 years old. COL. ROBBINS PLANS TO IMPROVE PLACE. One by one the members of the family lived their span of years and followed him to the grave. Mrs.

Matsell followed him in death June 12, 1897, at Matsellton, the name of their Iowa home. Harry was Susan, tine daughter, died in Anafirst of the children to die. in 1915. Her brother George accompanied her body to New York City, and caught cold on the journey. He died in the following year, leaving only Uncle Gus to carry on for the family.

None of the children married. With Uncle Gus' passing will go the last connecting link with those of the present generation who seek to know the reason for the sojourn of the Matsell family in the wilds of Iowa, far from the attractions of comfortable New York City. The answer may be found in the relics and curios he leaves behind him. Or in the Matsell mansion itself. Assistant Secretary of War Robbins plans improvements there.

Already a passable road is being built to it. The future may find there a magnificent country estate, developed from the beginnings left by the Matsells. And from the easterners who may green slopes, perhaps the to the question may be learned. Cuba Spends 2 Billion In U. S.

In 25 Years HAVANA, Sept. official report issued by the state department says that Cuba, during the last quarter of a century, has spent $2,000,000,000 in the United States for merchandise. In the same period, says the report, $3,000,000,000 has been spent in all other countries combined. Personal Health Service Came To Iowa 1856; Had An Extensive Establishment; Many Relics. BY ROBERT BELL.

DOES Iowa have a mysterious appeal? There is no mystery, you may answer, in the hogs and corn, the bumper crops, the well filled silos, the green covered and the treeless farm Then there must be an appeal which you can't see, a lure which is not visible to the eye just as the beauty of the sunset is hidden to the farmer who sees it every evening over the back pasture, and the office building holds no wonder for the city dweller. But for George Washington Matsell, one time famous police commissioner of New York City and a friend and confidant of many of the headline personages of his day, there was a beckoning light in the sunny felds of Iowa which took him away from the bustle of the city he loved, away frome the stirring political action forming of the present Tammany, away from the association of such men as Horatio Seymour, Samuel J. Tilden, Martin Van Buren, Daniel Webster, Commodore Perry, Hugh Gardner, Jacob Westervelt, Jacob Vanderpool Thurlow Weed -names that represent brilliant chapters in the history of that era- away from all these things for a life on a farm in Iowa only a few miles from here. Proof that this strange move was not a sudden whim of a great man may be seen in the old Matsell farm near Viola, now owned by Assistant Secretary of War C. B.

Robbins, situated on a wooded hill overlooking a twist of the winding Wapsipinicon river. HOUSE CONTAINED RARE MUSEUM PIECES. In the when the exodus of the farm the eastern metrodays, polis was beginning-1856 to be exact--this famous New Yorker, organizer of the first city police system in the United States, felt the call of Iowa. While was journeying east to become famous. he brought his fame to Iowa.

And he brought other things too--things would be considered rare museum pieces were they brought to the attention -of the professional collectors. The Sunday tourist on an aimless drive, through the picturesque back along Wapsie river might discover these things. His curiosity might be aroused by the sight of a large iron head of Goddess, Minerva farm guarding building. the door He would be even more surprised were he told that the head once guarded the entrance to the famous Astor or Place theater in New York City which was the scene of the bloody riots resulting from the stage feud of Edwin Forrest, greatest of early American tragedians, and one of the powerful and brilliant actors most, early English stage. "GUS" MATSELL IS LAST DESCENDANT.

This head and many other strange relics, some of them of untold value. are among the surprises which the tourist would encounter if he were to call on Augustus M. Matsell, the last descendant of the Matsell family, and living proof of the call which Iowa had for his father, Chief Matsell. "Uncle Gus" as he is called, is spending his last days with his second cousin, George E. Finn, prominent Mason and farmer, on a farm near Viola, twenty-two miles northeast of Cedar Rapids and only 8 few miles from the old Matsell farm.

With his passing will go the last of the family which brightened early Iowa its metropolitan on the Finn farm are the relics of the Matsells' life in Iowathe envy of even sophisticated New York. Among them are two perfectly preserved chairs which once graced the New York home of George Washington. They were brought to this country from England by the parents of the first President of the United States. They were gift of Col. Talmedge who served under Washington in the the, Revolutionary war.

FLAG FROM BATTLE OF NEW ORLEANS. In a little box tucked away in a dark closet is a stone worth its weight in gold. It is one of two pieces chipped from the brown stone slab on which Washington stood when he took the oath of office as President of the United States on April 30, 1789. A broom of queer ordental design, two Japanese vases, beautifully inlaid, were gifts to the old chief from his friend, Commodore Perry, who brought them back with him after signing the first Japanese treaty in 1854. Letters from Washington Irving, a blood-stained and tattered flag from the battle of New Orleans, a drum used in the early police parades in New York City, a leather pouch and double barreled shot gun owned once by Daniel Webster, who called the gun "Old and carried it on his duck, hunting trips along the bayous Long Island, tickets to the openings of Brooklyn bridge on May and the first concert of Jenny Lind's in this countryare further proofs that the Matsells, were not the average covered wagon COAL AND COKE Summer Prices Now In Effect.

Call 2473 before placing your order. S. Goldberg Co. "Gus" Matsell Last Of Family; Col. Robbins Owns Farm Now.

of the first department of police in New York City and in the United States, he found adventure aplenty. Prowling about the midnight streets for information of crime, which he could not trust his subordinates to get for him, brought him into many strange and exotic experiences. His stand beside Mayor Fernando Wood in the Metropolitan police act controversy the year after he first came to Iowa- stand that caused his dismissal as chief of police- -furnished enough excitement the most insistent thrill seeker. No, it couldn't have been his love for adventure that brought him to Iowa. Perhaps it was the desire inherited from his English ancestors for 8 country home.

His wife, who was Elizabeth Barrett, daughter of George M. Barrett, who was among the minute men who faced the British on the village green at Lexington, perhaps influenced him. come to Iowa when there were sO many places nearer New York for early American nobility, to tablish pretentious residences? The question is yet unanswered, his motives are still obscure. INDIANS TAKE TO ROOF OF HOTEL. On a hot stuffy night in the sumof 1853, the chief sat at his desk in office near the central police station.

A commotion outside aroused him. The door burst open, and before him stood the proprietor of one of the large hotels in the city, breathless and plainly angry. "I demand the help of the police department," he commenced. "A band of Indians from Iowa, on their way to Washington, registered at my hotel tonight. They refuse, however, to stay in their rooms, and have taken my blankets and gone to the roof to spend the night.

They are disturbing my guests, and refuse to leave. I want them arrested for disturbing the peace." Chief Matsell shifted his ponderous bulk--he weighed 350 poundsand stood up. After quietly asking for more details, accompanied the irate proprietor back to the hotel. There he questioned the chief of the Indians and learned the true story. The Indians, used to the fresh air life on the plains of Iowa, had tried to sleep in the hotel rooms.

But the stuffy heat oppressed them. They could not sleep. They could not they had repaired to roof, the breathe. So taking thiele blankets only place they could find in that stone-covered city where they could see the stars as they dozed off to sleep. REDSKINS INVITE MATSELL TO IOWA.

Chief Matsell immediately dismissed all charges against the Indians, and took them as his guests for a tour around the city the next day. Grateful, they invited him to their guest their Iowa home where the air was cool and refreshing. Venison, hominy, corn on the cob, a delicacy unknown to the New Yorker, were promised him. And 1 he accepted. In the spring, three years later, he came to Iowa accompanied by his nephew, Mathew D.

Finn, a carpenter and the father of George E. Finn. He was greeted by the Indians in the Sweet Water spring district, and immediately began the construction of the home which still stands as a reminder of the heyday of his life. Overcoming the obstacles thrust in his path by the frontier conditions, Chief Matsell obtained furnishings and material enough to form an independent little colony, which later was to become the recreation place for many famous persons. Besides the house for the employes, the cow barns, horse barns, corn cribs, ice house, and office building, a theater was constructed called Oak Hill theater, where number of plays were produced by actors of who were spending their vacations on the estate.

small printing office built and a newspaper called "the Wapsie Ranger was published and circulated among friends. A large cellar stored with vintages of all ages was made of native stone. A boat house was also erected by the river, and boating was one of the joys of the summer months. FURNISHED GAY CHAPTER IN IOWA. The life of the chief and his family on this country estate is a gay chapter in the history of Iowa as well as in the life of the old chief himself.

He still had his interest in New York and once, in July, 1862, a special train was sent out here to carry him back to the city to help quell the draft riots. His editorship of the Police Gazette, then a publi- (Continued from Page 4.) est medical service, personal service: doubtless the improvement is reflected in the "clinics." But I dare say, and I do say, that in my judgment this "clinic" scheme is in actual practice 8 detriment to medical service. It stifles the individuality of the younger members they get into the machine habit of merely running every patient through the mill, through a tedious and naturally expensive routine, passing him about from one expert, technician, specialist or department to the other, with the ambitious idea of obtaining a complete protocol, from which big noise of the crew will draw clusions and construct a verdict. All this is very well if you have lots of time to spare and plenty of money to make yourself good with the clinic cashier. isn't medicine, by 8 long shot." And I am convinced it isn't experience for the young cubs who happen to have a connection if not a regular membership in the clinic.

It enables the clinic boys to tog out in natty clothes and run nifty chariots, to be sure. But it isn't medicine, Not the kind I'd want if I were patient. Shucks, the "Passing of the Old Time Family Doctor" is a perennial subject for pathos, reminiscence, after dinner chatter and address. of retiring president. I've published one or two pieces on this theme myself, quite emotional in spots.

The doc, however, seems to be terribly slow about his retiring or passing. He began passing some 60 years ago, according to the records, and here he is, still with us, and giving the machinery chaps a brisk run. The law in some states, specifically provides that corporations, firms, or other organized bodies may not practice medicine. Only an dividual may practice legally, under his own name. no more conthan I have in the reverence of the fidence in the majesty off the law medical profession for the spirit of medical ethics, but I venture to prophesy that the family physician -or at least the general practitioner, if there are no more familieswill be a mightier figure than ever in the next generation and the scheme will peter out SO far AS its exploitation by medical men of standing is concerned.

(Convricht 1928.1 Buy CLEANER Zeigler (COAL HOTTER The Fuel Without a Fault Sold Exclusively by Winne Coal Co. Phone 621 1. The old Matsell home, now owned by Assistant Secretary of War C. B. Robbins, showing the structure as it looks out over the picturesque Wapsipinicon river.

2. George Washington Matsell, chief of police New York City, who brought his family to the country estate in 1856. 3. The Minerva figurehead on the garage door at the George E. Finn farm.

This iron ornament was formerly on the Astor Place theater in New York City, and was brought to this state by Chief Matsell. 4. Rear view of Matsellton showing the servant quarters. 5. Mr.

and Mrs. George E. Finn in whose home "Uncle Gus" Matsell now lives. Mr. and Mrs.

Finn are prominent in Masonic and Eastern Star ACtivities in Anamosa, and Mr. Finn is active in Buffalo township politics. 6. A scene taken during the heyday the Matsells showing a party of visitors driving up to the front entrance of the home. 7.

A few of the curios of which there are many in the Finn home. On the table are two inlaid vases presented to Chief Matsell by Commodore Perry and the piece of stone chipped from the block on which George Washington stood when he took the oath of office as President of the United States. The broom, also the gift of the naval commander, and Daniel Webster's hunting bag and gun are at the right. 8. The two valuable chairs which once were part of the furnishings of George Washington's New York home.

The chair on the right is the oldest and was brought by the Washington family from England. 9. This is a view of the Wapsie river as seen from front porch of Matsellton. travelers, seeking their fortune in a new country. The list is endless.

A browse through the relics would require days of time. In a box in the rear of the house is a white dress shirt once worn by President Pierce. On the opening night of the Crystal palace in New York, he was caught in the rain while traveling in an open barouche. He stopped at the home of his friend, Chief Matsell, for a change of linen, and the shirt has been kept by the family. RELICS TELL OF N.

Y. POLICE DAYS. There are relics of Chief Matsell's active days on the New York police force cat-of-nine-tails, shackles, I handcuffs, the summons bell which TRU ART -Tru-Art cur GUS MATSELL. The surviving member of the illustrious Matsell family, Augustus M. Matsell, is spending his last days in the George E.

Finn farm home a few miles from Matsellton. He has been ill since spring. sat on Chief Matsell's desk when he was judge in the Tombs, the chief's silver badges of authority, the dinner bell in the yard presented to the chief by the captains of his force on the occasion of his moving to Iowa, the notes on the acceptance speech with which he received the bell from his subordinates, a brass dog collar of the huge mastiff which the chief owned during years of his public life bearing the inscription, "Whose I am you plainly see, a frolic free. had leave abroad to roam. So let me run and I'll go home." Then there is a white high hat worn by the Grover Cleveland supporters, the silver services and marvelous old furniture, paintings and tapestries from the Matsell home, record books, histories, letters and documents testimonials to the part But there is abundant proof of the high character of the old chief and one must search deeper than gossip for the answer to the question of why the Matsells left the city to live in Iowa.

Love of adventure. This might be the answer. In Chief Matsell's veins raced the blood of his father, an English radical who made himself obnoxious to the British government by his bold advocacy of iberal sentiments, and who removed -this country to give vent to his vigorous tendencies which would have been suppressed within the confines of staid old England. which the Matsells played in the life of New York City. But not a word of why they came.

Or why they stayed. MANY CONFLICTING STORIES ARE TOLD. Rumor, history and talk with Uncle will send the inquirer down many strange and conflicting roads. "Father called us boys to him one day," Augustus said, "and told us that he had bought a farm out in Iowa. 'I'm going to put you boys on he said, 'and see what you can make out of And then the speaker switched to talk of the city of his it's a wonderful place, New York is.

It's the grandest city in the world. You must go there he said. His pale thin hands is on the coverlet of the bed lay ured and his eyes shone he spoke quietly, but his face was, transfigof his boyhood, playing in the same ward with the Roosevelts, his youth -some of it spent in the New York militia which stood guard over the body of Abraham Lincoln in the New York city hall--his manhoodmost of it spent in Iowa with frequent trips back to the metropolis of his birth where he joined James Havemyer, the son of the mayor, in a round of theaters his declining years, marked on a recent trip by the signal honor paid him and Mr. Finn by Governor Al Smith, Augustus has been ill since last spring. His 87 years have weighed heavily, and physicians hold little hope for the recovery of this last member of the illustrious family, yet, even in these last days he is torn between the fascination of Iowa and New York City.

RUMOR OF ESCAPE FROM PROSECUTION. of course there are rumors, the malicious yarns spun about a person misunderstood by his neighbors. Some said the old chief came to Iowa to escape prosecution for graft during his reign in public office; that the house was built to command a view from two directions so that the approach of feared visitors could be met by the bark of guns. WENT TO SEA WHEN 11 YEARS OLD. Many times this inherited desire for action showed itself in the son.

As a boy on the streets of New York he was a leader in the desperate feuds existing between rival factions of juveniles. When he was 11 years old commenced an apprenticeship as a seaman on the brig Catherine Rodgers, bound for Mobile and Blakely, Ala. Fifteen days out the vessel wa's wrecked but the young sailor escaped. Months of wanderlust followed, including a trip to the Orient. In the hard life of a sailor he learned valuable lesson of discipline.

But in his official capacity as chief Suedes Velvets Reptiles STUNNING "RAMONA" STYLES THAT BLACK LIZZARD CAPTIVATE Black French Kid THE Quarter and Heels TION OF ALL BLUE VELVET WHO SEE THEM BLACK SUEDE BLACK SATIN BROWN SUEDE PATENT Order by NEW "Miss Campus" Mail Service TAN CALF Prompt Grey Reptile Tongue Arriving Tan OXFORDS Reptile PATENT Tongue 6 PANORS Grace-Arch Shoes South 2nd St. Turner FOR BETTER Ambulance LUGGAGE PHONE, Enzlers 197 A LUGGAGE SHOE 227 Second Ave..