8. | Fred De Loss Mateer was born 8 Sep 1876, Joliet, Will County, Illinois (son of Samuel Alexander Mateer and Mary Charlotte Butler); died 12 Dec 1971, Evanston, Cook County, Illinois; was buried Elmhurst Memorial Cemetery, Joliet, Will County, Illinois. Other Events:
- Census: 1880, Joliet, Will County, Illinois
- Census: 1910, 105 Whitney Avenue, Joliet, Will County, Illinois
- Census: 1920, 443 West Oakdale Avenue, Chicago, Cook County, Illinois
- Census: 1930, St. Louis, St. Louis County, Missouri
- Census: 1940, 820 North East Tower Court, Chicago, Cook County, Illinois
Notes:
There is speculation that his name is connected to Fred DeLoss, 17 year old step son of the family listed in the 1880 Will County, Illinois census next to his grandfather John Butler.
When Fred Mateer was young, he worked on a cattle ranch. The hard work and injuries he received he attributed to his arthritis in later life.
Fred Mateer found he had a knack for real estate speculation. He eventually developed three prominent hotels in Chicago, with Granada and Arlington Place being the most distinguished. However, all was lost soon after the great depression hit in late 1929.
While living in Park Ridge, Illinois, the Mateer apartment became known by the neighborhood children as a popular stop off spot. Any child visiting would receive their choice of candy. It was like Halloween year round.
When Fred Mateer would visit with one of his great grandchildren, he would dig deep into his pockets for change and press a coin in the palm of their hand. While still holding their hand and looking them straight in the eyes he would ask intently, "What are you going to do with this money?" If the answer was save it, he would shake his head approvingly and return a broad smile. Otherwise he would just listen.
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Reference:
Family tradition.
Fred married Blanche Ridenour 24 Sep 1902, Joliet, Will County, Illinois. Blanche (daughter of Daniel Webster Ridenour and Anna Olivia Sawyer) was born 13 May 1882, Clarinda, Page County, Iowa; died 18 Nov 1974, Evanston, Cook County, Illinois; was buried Elmhurst Memorial Cemetery, Joliet, Will County, Illinois. [Group Sheet]
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