John Mattes

Who is John Mattes?

John Mattes was a member of the Nebraska Legislature and brewer in Nebraska City, Nebraska, in the United States.

Born in Nendingen, Württemberg, Germany, he emigrated with his family from Burlington and Brookfield to Des Moines, Iowa, in 1876. There, his uncles Paul and John founded the "Mattes Brewery" where he became a partner in 1886.

Living in Nebraska City he was mayor, member of the House of Representatives and Senate of Nebraska for Otoe County. He fought strictly against female suffrage. Under President Cleveland, he was an agent of the Department of Agriculture.

In 1906, he renamed the brewery "Otoe Brewing Co." With Nebraska State prohibition, the brewery was closed in 1917.

From 1917 to 1918, he was President pro tem of the senate.