1976 March 1st
Dear John,
Our chance meeting at the Archive was certainly exciting and I will be most anxious to
receive your Matlock data. I do wish that I had been able to extend a more lengthy tour
and bit of hospitality to you and John Hilton. Enclosed are a few extractions from some
Halifax and Henry Co Va. records. I searched these records word by word and have pulled
them now to send you as I was into them a few days ago for information on another line.
You'll notice that William Matlock's wife is Catherine and David's wife is Margaret.
There are all kinds of tidbits in the Order Books.I will go through all my data on the
Tennessee Matlocks and also check a hunch in northern Mississippi. I will look closely
for Moses. It would help to have your data so that I might identify him more readily.
Please also send me the information on who publishes the newsletter on Matlocks and any
address which will help. Oh and the man that gave me the Witt-Matlock information asked
if you have any information on the Nowland--Matlock intermarriages... Colleen Neal
1976 April 8
Dear John,
Thank-you very much for the Matlock information. I was delighted to get it and will
appreciate all else that you can send. I will check the 1812 file on Moses M. and
relay the information to you. Some of the files are stored at Suitland, MD, and take
about ten days to have pulled. I have recently pulled the following 1812 files but
they only contained pay vouchers and muster roll records.
1 David MATLOCK, Ensign in Capt John Kennedy's Co Col Edward Brady's Regiment of The
Tennessee Volunteer Militia, enlisted Oct 4 1813, released Dec 28 1813. ( Muster Roll
record only), 1st Regiment.
2 Valentine MATLOCK, Private( Same as above) Post: Creek Nation.
3 James MATLOCK, Private in Capt. Richard M Rotton?Co. Col Robert Steele's Regiment,
Tennessee Volunteer Militia, enlisted Jan 28 1814-released May 10 1814, on furlough
since April 20 1814. Served 3 months and 27 days, paid $8.00 per month etc.
(Muster Roll and pay voucher in file).
The following persons had inquired about the file of
David: Edgar L Matlock, Edward Lance, Clara B Eno
Valentine: Clara B Eno, Edward Lance and a Hastone.
I do selected research at a fee of $5 minimum and $5 per hour for census extraction,
military records, etc. I will be glad to do your work and always try to report within three
weeks.
Colleen Neal
1976 April 20
Dear Mr. Matlock,
Subject: Names associated with early vintage Matlocks. Notice some WITT-MATLOCK association
in Goochland/Henry Co., Va. and in White Co., Tenn. Enclosing a 1738 Goochland Co Va deed,
Grantor William & Kathrn Matlock... Grantee William Witt 1675-1754. This land (now in Fluvanna
Co Va.) stayed in the Witt family until 1772. Wondered about the linage of KATHRN, wife of
William Matlock, the possibility of Harbour of Witt?
In Brief this is the Early Witt Family & location.....
1 John Witt ca 1645-1715 m Ann Daux (daughter of Walter Daux whp d p 1658 in Charles City
Co. Va and was the son of Richard Daux of London.)
2 Sara Witt married Thomas Harbour ... land grants in Henrico/Hanover/Goochland/Albamarle/
Halifax Co. to include present Henry/Patrick Co (Bought land from William and Kathrn
Matlock in 1738)
2 William Witt 1675-1754......Land records in Charles City, Henrico, Goochland, and Albemarle
Co Where he died in 1754. (bought land from William and Kathrn Matlock in 1738).
2 John Witt (deed says brother of William) land records in Charles City, Henrico, Goochland
Levy free in 1742 Goochland.
3 John Witt b 170? d p 1783 ( Son of the above John Witt) recorded land in Goochland as John
Witt Jr. and in Henry Co Va.
4 Judith Witt (dau of the above John Witt) married John Matlock in Goochland Co on Nov 22
1756. They are later found in Henry Co Where John Matlock is recipient of Deed of Gift from
John Witt in 1777.
Note: John/David/James Matlock took oath of allegiance in Henry Co VA in 1777. The Harbours and Witt
Families migrated/neighbored together. May well have included the Matlocks.... at least know of Wm.
and Kathryn. and the Henry Co Group. Asking that you keep me in mind if you run into Matlock-Witt
Connection. Further, do you have any record of John and Judith Witt Matlock Family?
Sincerely yours.. Wayne Witt Bates
1976 June 25
Dear Mr. Matlock:
Thank-you for your letter of June 17, 1976, with all the wonderful MATLOCK information. It was very
generous of you and I appreciate it. I am still reading and re-reading, have not absorbed it all yet,
but will, in time. You and I think alike about census records. True, names can be misspelled, and
men and women both lie about their ages in the middle of their years, but census records still give
the best clues for place of birth and families around who intermarried , etc. etc. I believe you told
me you found James and wife MARY FLOYD MATLOCK in the 1850 census Phillips Co Ark. Did you read the
1860 one? That might be of help. Looks like your MATLOCKS migrated from Tenn. to Ark. and back to
Tenn, since J. D. M. b. 1853 Ark, and his John A b. 1876 Tenn? ? I assume you have corresponded with
Mrs. William Wood, she has done a great deal of research on MATLOCK. She comes from ISHAM MEDLOCK
(MATLOCK) b 1777 Va. m ca 1798 SUSANNAH WILLIAMS, etc. It might be good to also write Leonard R McGee.
He and I exchanged information in 1971 and he had 150 Matlock charts, he said. Mr Dan Rundle, a
college student who has been "bitten: by this fascinating hobby is looking for a ROSANNA MATLOCK born
ca 1851-3 Tazewell Co Ill. married WILLIAM STERLING in 1870 Logan Co Ill. And sometimes the young and
newer searchers find things we may not. You might want to write him. A year ago I wrote and received a
good letter from Mrs William B Matlock (Gloria) I owe her a letter. She seems knowledgeable and
mentioned the quarterly $ 6 a year put out by Mrs. Jess Armstrong I have not written her yet or seen
the quarterly. I dont have enough time for keeping up as I would like to on correspondence. She had a
James Ransom Matlock m Barbara Broad Hale. JAMES had brother ISHAM b 1783 Va. who m Nancy Hale sister
of Barbara. Will keep your line of MATLOCKS with mine and send you anything I find that seems pertinent.
I am employed and only get to our 3 wonderful genealogy libraries rarely, but will keep trying...
Good Hunting!
Mary C Sweetman
1976 June 25
Mrs. Jess Armstrong
&
Mrs. Wm. Wood
Dear People:
I have been wanting to write both of you for some time, but I have been covered up with correspondence
and other matters. Since what I have to write applies to both of you, I hope you will excuse me for
this combined letter. Yes, I did receive the bulletins and enjoyed them very much. They certainly verify
that a lot of work had been done. It is wonderful that they have organized and published. Also thank
you Mrs. Wood for advising me of their existence. I will attempt to answer some of your queries. Firstly;
the Thomas C Walker who died in 1857 Appanoose County, Iowa was not the Thomas Walker who married Elizabeth Matlock. Thomas C Walker who died in 1857 was my great grandfather, the oldest child of John S Walker and
Orpha (Jones) Walker. John S Walker was (?) son of Thomas and Elizabeth. Thomas C Walker always used his
initial, but I never knew that it stood for Carroll. and I have never heard of it from any of the Walkers
I know. Apparently someone knows something we don't and I would very much appreciate knowing who provided
this information. Also John S Walker almost always used his initial but I never whew what it stood for
either. I would also like to know who provided this information. Thomas Walker who married Elizabeth
Matlock did not use an initial. He was my great, great, great grandfather. He had a son named Thomas J
Walker, who was sometimes designated as Thomas J Walker, Jr. In the Census records it might appear that
the initial is a T and is generally interpreted that way. I have rechecked the film and I now feel that J
is correct and on deed recordings it is always a J. The elder Thomas, John S and Thomas J Walker are all
in the 1830 census of Hendricks County, Indiana (Separate sheet enclosed) The elder Thomas died either at
the end of 1830 or the very first days of January 1831. I am enclosing a copy of his will and a summary of
his children. I have no absolute proof that the elder Thomas Walker was the son of John and Margaret
Sullivan Walker but other members of the Walker family say so and at one time they had a list of all the
children taken from some history book in a library, but now seems to be lost. However there are many
indications that they are father and son. It is said that Margaret Sullivan had been kidnapped in Dublin
Ireland and was brought to America John Walker paid for her passage as he felt very sorry for her. She was
very young when they married. John Walker was a Revolutionary War Soldier, as was also his brother Samuel.
( See DAR Enclosure) They both had large families and it is difficult to put them in their correct place,
some first manes being the same, but there seemed to be only one Thomas. I have the pension papers of both
John and Samuel and from John's papers, I quote the following: "---John Walker died Feb 2 1830; Last payment
of pension Aug. 16 1830 to John M Walker Atty. for the heirs named below, ( this John Walker's, the soldiers
wife Margaret having died in Aug 1819) heirs and children, same Audley P Walker, Margaret Walker, Elizabeth
M Walker, Barbara Walker, Nancy Walker, Catherine Walker Galloway, Wife of James Galloway, all living in
Roane Co Tennessee in 1830, and John B Walker, then (1830 Resident of Morgan Co., Alabama" I am not so sure
about Audley P. (sometimes Edly P, but probably the same person) whether he was the son of Samuel or John.
Audley P was still in Roane Co. Tenn. in the 1830 census. Why thomas was not included, I don not know,
probably no contact since he went to Indiana. From the above it would indicate that most of the girls never married. I am not sure when Thomas Walker family came to Indiana. It is too bad that there was no 1820
Census in Roane Co. Tenn. However I think they came about 1823. John S Walker married to Orpha Jones Feb 23,
1823 in Morgan Co Ind. In a divorce petition of Margaret (Walker) Fowler, the daughter of Thomas and
Elizabeth dated April 15 1834, she states that she has been a resident of Indiana for 10 years. She was a
minor when she married in 1825 and it is not likely that she did not come with her parents. I think you are correct in saying that the Matlock came sometime between 1810 and 1812. I gather this from the 1850 Census
Records which gives place of births. Now as to the parents of Elizabeth (Matlock) Walker, I have no proof,
but certainly there are indications that her father would have been William Sr. Apparently William Matlock
and John Walker lived in the same area in Roane Co. John Walker bought some property from William. Mrs.
Wood, you say that William Sr. lived at Cave Creek in Roane Co. ( See DAR Material for burial places of
John Walker). In the Matlock History it is stated that you do not have much information on Nancy Matlock
married to William Kitchen. We went through a stack of papers at the Kingston, Tenn. Court house and came
across a number of court action papers where William and Nancy Kitchen were suing several Walkers. (See
enclosed copy) In the 1830 census Morgan Co Indiana, I found the Kitchens (see enclosed) I have not yet
had time to do the 1840 and 1850 census. You speak of the papers concerning the real estate settlement of
William Matlock Sr. Apparently they are the same ones I have. I had put the pieces together the much the
same as you have. I have not been able to determine the relationship of William C Cline and wife Ellen of
Morgan County who came in for a $300.00 share, and also Thomas Murphy and wife Phoebe of Hendricks County.
Their papers are filed on the same day as the others. A William Cline is on Page 240 Morgan Co Census.
Elizabeth Matlock Walker is not included as sharing in the estate, but neither is Nancy Matlock Kitchen,
nor David Matlock; certainly David was a son. Perhaps the two girls were no mentioned because they had
received their share earlier, or perhaps William Sr. disapproved of both of them, maybe because of the old lawsuit. The papers plainly infer that there was a will and it still might be found. I recall that at the courthouse we came across a stack of loose papers pertaining to the settlement of James Matlock's Estate
and determine that he had more debts that assets. Thomas Walker's will was found among some loose papers.
I really think William Matlock's will is filed away somewhere in a stack of papers, but should of course be recorded in a book also. We spent two weeks in May searching all these things, but still didn't complete all
the we should of. Now that I am more familiar with the situation I could probably do a more complete job.
The girls that made the copies of the William Matlock's estate said that a lady had been there about a week previously and copied the same pages. Quite interesting I thought. Do you have the book "History of Roane
County Tennessee"? It is by Emma Wells, published in 1927 and just lately been republished. Quite a lot in
it about the Matlock and Walkers. (enclosing account of Bethel Presbyterian Church) You ask if the Walkers
were in Burke County North Carolina and I do not know. I know that Samuel and John Walker served in the Revolutionary War from Botetourt Co. Va., and lived there at that time. I tried to find them in the 1790
Virginia census and the best possibility I found was in Pittsylvania Co., but I can't be sure. If indeed
they were it would be natural that they continued into North Carolina and then to Tenn. I have not
corresponded with Sarah Stacy Peterson, but I have had references to her from some of my other
correspondents. I must contact her as apparently she is working my branch. You state that Sally Walker who
was married to William Matlock Jr. was the daughter of George walker and Eleanor Hicks. I do no have
anything on a George Walker. Do you know where and how he comes in? Did William Matlock Sr's wife precede
him in death? I am sorry I cannot help you more with the earlier generations, but I think I have come along
way in the last couple of years, because a that time I really knew nothing about the Walkers beyond the name
of my grandfather Gideon Walker who deserted his family, and I did not even know there were Matlock, Joneses
and Wilsons in my ancestry. They are the only ones of my family that came up from the South. If John S Walker hadn't use his initial S I may never had found him. I have quite a lot of information on the Thomas and
Elizabeth family and on the John S Walker family, but you probably already have most of it. When I get a
little time, I will send you a family sheet on them. Yesterday I was pleasantly surprised to receive a letter
from Mr John Matlock. He included a copy of the will of John Matlock, the son of Wm. Sr. If any of you come traveling our way any time, we would be glad to have you stop and visit. All my letters get long, so that is
why I get behind, I guess. Thank you both for your letters. Sincerely Alice Winborn
To See more of this family Click on William Matlock
1976 Aug 7
Dear John,
Anyone who is eight months behind in correspondence is something of a curiosity, don't you think? I had
gotten so far behind last winter and new letters coming that I just feel frustrated! However, I did and
have kept your Matlocks in mind and if there had been any news I would have written! One thing we ordered
was "Ridge Runners"- all back issues. They have come and I've spent a day going through them. I found
several things which may be of interest to you thou not your direct line these queries will perhaps lead
you to something of help.
Matlock family of Crawford And Phelps Co Missouri complied by Mrs Wm. Wood.
Isham Easu Matlock The same Mrs. Wm Wood also has a query wants info about Moore Matlock b ca 1730 Va.,
married Jane Powell -from Va. to Tenn.Moore Matlock Query: Adair Funderburk, How is John L Matlock b
ca 1788 Tenn-to Parker Co TX related to the following:
John M Matlock b 1816 Tn. m Martha Lamira Walker a 1840 in Tenn
Mary Matlock b Tenn. m Michael Stoner-lived Tenn.
Minerva Matlock b 1835 Tenn. d 1915 m D. A. Young, lived Parker Co. Texas.
Absalom Matlock b 1825 Polk Co Tn. m Nancy Ann Dugan lived Bryson Tex.
James Matlock
Also wants to know who was William Tillman Matlock, wife Abby Hyatt born Calif. their son William Tillman
Matlock born Feb 16 1896 West Point Texas, died Sept 24 1957 San Angelo Texas.
Query: Elnora Williams-- William H Matlock b 1834 Mo Mm Mary Jane Loomis Stone Co MO, Boone Co AR.
Query: Mrs Virgil Hammons-- Magnus Matlock, son of Ike, m 1897 Sadie Woods.
Query: Mrs. Jack Powell -- Nicholas Matlock b ca 1720 Glasgow Scotland M Miss Terrell. Family in NC and Tenn.
These came from issues of "Ridge Runners' between May 1973 and June 1976- so are fairly recent. Possibly one
of these may have an "orphan" that belongs to you. I use that term for people who turn up not in my line that
I can identify. ... Helen Stoller
1976 Aug 16
Dear John,
Have been intending to write for a long time. Seems I just can't find the time to work on Gen. I still
haven't located anything definite on your Matlocks. I sent all my collection of notes to Mrs. Armstrong
so perhaps she will print what I have.. some of which is not proved.I did find this one notation.
Thought it might tie in somehow to your line. John Dee Matlock b 8-13-1822, d 9-13-1944 in Merselberg
Germ. Enlisted 1-19-1943 from XXV 45 Bio. Blackwell, Oklahoma. Since I see very few John Dee's decided
to pass this along. Could he be a recent descendant from the same line? Perhaps you of him already. I
checked a listing of Cemeteries in Okla but could not find any of your Matlocks. I also found this small
tidbit. Gasconade Co 1870 Mo. #1135 1110 Jakes Prairie Twnsp. B F Matlock 36 Mo, Lucy 22, Louise 22,
Franciska 11, John D 8, Adolphus 5, Mary W 3, Leonora 8/12 Also Susan Matlock 19 F Mo, in household of
William Brewer Blacksmith. Know these are probably not connected to you directly but thought the
occurrence of two names similar to yours might be some indication that they were related somehow.
I will note some other things that might give you a clue. A P Matlock and William Matlock fought at the
Battle of Pea Ridge, Ark. 1860 Phelps Co Mo J M, 34 M Tenn p 139a I keep finding a John in Caldwell Co
KY 1826 # 99 Crawford Co 1850 Census shows George Matlock 30 b Ky. , Martha b Tn # 111 George W Matlock
57 b Tenn. Nancy 46 Maine 1890 Mo Soundex shows James M Tenn West Plains Mo Howell Co Gazette Thurs Jan
7 1926 lists a P Matlock from Burlington Junction issued Marriage license, and thats all I have. If I
ever run across another John Dee, Ill remember him.
Sincerely,... Donna Atkinson.
1976 Aug 19
Dear Mr. Matlock,
Thank-you for your recent letter and it is nice to know another Matlock who is trying to learn more about
our ancestors. The Genealogical Helper kind of botched up my name. My connection with the Matlock family
is thru my husband, Howard whose grandfather was Preston Matlock. You were right in your letter as Howard's
great grandfather was James. It appears that James had possibly three wives as we have received many names
from different sources. Mary Ann Langley was his last wife and this marriage had the following children:
Hannah, Preston, Elmira and William C. Our big problem is James parents. You say James is the son of Jason
Jr. Matlock and Elizabeth Hicks Matlock. and we have got the information from others but don't see the
actual proof. If you do have proof of James' parents we sold certainly like to have you mail us a copy
because if his father is Jason Jr. we have the family traced back thru Jason Sr., Moore, William to John Sr.
who was born abt 1675. Howard will take over and finish this letter. I'm going thru your letter it appears
that you are not sure of your J M Matlock just as I'm not sure of Jason Jr. In going thru my data on the
Matlocks I found nothing that would match with your line. In an effort to help you I went to the LDS Library
and went thru the microfiche card of their computer Index file and came up with two James Matlocks that were married at about the right time to be parents of J D and P F. They are James Matlock married Antionette M
Nance Dec 21 1844 Davidson Co Tenn. and James M Matlock married Sarah Jones Aug 15 1849 in Washington Co
Tenn. These could be the same man and Sarah was a second wife. I know this is not much information but is
the best I can do at this time but will keep your letter and if anything comes up I'll drop yoa note... Happy Hunting Howard Ricketts. P. S. The Ray Matlock you mentioned in your letter was a son of William Calvin
Matlock, and a 1st cousin of My Mother Nora Matlock Rickets daughter of Preston. Ray passed away in Lufkin,
Tex last October. A lady from Diboll Texas, Mrs. Jess Armstrong sent
James Matlock son of Jason Matlock Jr.
1976 Oct 13
Dear John,
We had your letter today inquiring about the Matlock family. I will be happy to share with you the
information we have on the Matlock family. Edgar Lee Matlock, Fort Smith compiled the most of the
information I have Edgar Lee is a Lawyer and unmarried so has spent a lot of time on the study. I
have had no formal training in genealogy but will start taking the beginning Courses which is being
taught at the College of the Ozarks, our local college for the 60+ Citizens. I will have to do alot
of the copying by hand and have 14 pages on Valentine Matlock and the William Matlock are my husband's
ancestors. So we are from the same family. Just a word about us-My husband is David Miller Matlock
78 years old and I'm 72. He worked in the Coal mines many years and 22 years previous his retirement
at almost 75, he worked for Swift in the Chicken business. He was field Supervisor for most of the
time. At the present time he is in poor health-black lung, emphysema and all other ailments which go
with it. I began teaching in 1925 and taught to 1970, a period of 45 years. After having been in
school for more than 60 years as a student or teacher, I found retirement very boring and difficult.
For five years I took students for private tutoring. My last 21 years of teaching was in the field of
Senior High Mathematics so I had more calls than I cold possibly fill. We have no children, but two
God-daughters, who are as precious as our own. One of them has two little girls and he other one a
little boy. The mother is a teacher who got her masters degree this summer. We live in a large house
on a huge lot. The house was built 40 years ago and we try to keep it in good condition. We have lived
her for 31 years and are very comfortable but wonder if we shall have to go to something smaller in a
few years. Ill try to get all of the material I have in the mail next week. Its good to know we have
relatives-
Ruby Matlock.
Ancestors of David Matlock, Son of William and Catherine
