Dr. William R. Mattox was born on 11 April 1855. He was the son of
William Mattox and
Sara (Sarah, Sallie) Trinkle. Dr. William R. Mattox married
Zora V. Stewart on 10 September 1879 in Orange Co, IN. Dr. William R. Mattox died on 2 August 1913 in 1621 S. Sixth Street, Terre Haute, Vigo Co., IN, at age 58; Dr. W. R. Mattox Dies Of Bright's Disease
Was Former Coroner of Vigo County, and a Well Known Practitioner for Many Years
Dr. William R. Mattox, for twenty-three years prominent in the medical profession in Terre Haute, died at his residence, 1621 South Sixth street, last night, of Bright's Disease, after an illness of about two months. The end came at 9:45 o'clock, after a period of unconsciousness extending over five hours.
Dr. Mattox was formerly coroner of Vigo county, and for the last thirty-one years had practiced his profession in Vigo county. He had one of the largest general practices in the city, and was well known in Terre Haute.
He had been in failing health for about a year and a half, but his condition did not become serious until last May, when he was forced to discontinue his practice. Believing that he was afflicted with cancer, local physicians advised Dr. Mattox to go to Rochester, Minn., in the hope that an operation could save his life. Dr. Charles Mayo, the famous cancer specialist of Rochester, examined the doctor and decided that he did not have cancer. He advised the family to return to Terre Haute. Since then he has been bed-ridden practically all the time.
Was 58 Years Old
Dr. Mattox was born in Orange county, Indiana, 45 years ago next September 10 (sic), He attended the common schools in that county, and later taught for a number of years to earn money with which to gain a medical education. He entered Kentucky School of Medicine at Louisville and was graduated there in 1882. He then went back to teaching and earned money with which to enter Rush Medical College in Chicago, where he was graduated in 1888.
He began his practice in Prairieton, Ind., this county, but soon removed to Youngstown, seven miles south of Terre Haute. While there he met with the usual hardships of the young country doctor, and finally was forced to
Page 2
resume teaching school to earn money to provide for his family.
He announced his candidacy for coroner of Vigo county on the democratic ticket while practically unknown, but was elected by a good majority in 1890 and re-elected for a second two-year term two years later.
Soon after his first race Dr. Mattox came to Terre Haute and lived for a time in the old frame structure at the southwest corner of Ohio and Seventh streets. The building now is torn down. Later Dr. Mattox built a home at 1235 South Fifth street and five years ago he achieved a long felt ambition when he moved into a new residence on Strawberry hill, near the foot of South Sixth street.
Dr. Mattox always was connected with politics in a quiet way. Four years ago he was urged to run for mayor on an independent ticket, but declined. He was president of the Union hospital staff for three years and for 12 years had been connected with the staff in a professional way. He also was president of the Vigo County Medical society for one year. His principal lodge affiliation was with the Knights of Pythias, but he was a member of several other fraternal organizations.
Dr. Mattox is survived by his widow, Mrs. Zora V. Mattox, and three children, Dr. Ernest L. Mattox of West Terre Haute; Mrs. Charles N. Combs, of Terre Haute, and William Courtney Mattox, of Indianapolis. The latter was called to his father's bedside yesterday evening and arrived an hour before Dr. Mattox died.
Helped Establish Church
Three brothers and four sisters also survive. They are McDonald Mattox, of Terre Haute; George of Terre Haute; John of Hardinsburg, Ind; Mrs. Emma Wible, of Prairieton; Mrs. Elma Simoke, of Marion, Ind; Mrs Louisa Smelser, of Indianapolis; and Mrs. Margaret Bogie of Fredericksburg, Ind. Six grandchildren also survive.
Dr. Mattox was a life-long member of the Primitive Baptist church and was largely instrumental in establishing the church of that faith on South Center street. He was the author of numerous works on religious subjects.
The funeral will be held at 2 o'clock tomorrow afternoon at the residence, with burial at Highland Lawn cemetery. Detailed arrangements for the funeral have not been completed as yet.
Terre Haute Tribune, Sunday, Aug 3, pages 1 & 2.
Dr. William R. Mattox appeared on the census of 1 June 1860 in Stampers Creek Twp., Orange Co., IN; age 4. He appeared on the census of 1 June 1870 in Stampers Creek Twp., Orange Co., IN; age 15. He appeared on the census of 1 June 1880 in Stampers Creek Twp., Orange Co., IN; age 24, farmer. He appeared on the census of 1 June 1900 in 1235 Fifth St., Harrison Twp., Vigo Co., IN; age 45.