Parsons, Col. William and Shiach, W. S. "An Illustrated History of Umatilla County and of Morrow County." Spokane, WA: W. H. Lever, 1902. p. 502. J. W. MATLOCK Among the substantial and prominent citizens of Morrow county mention must be made of the man whose name heads this article, and whose sterling qualities and commendable demeanor have made him well and favorably known throughout this entire section, and in whom the people have repeatedly shown their confidence by asking him to assume the responsibilities and discharge the duties connected with the most important public trusts of the county. J. W. Matlock was born on June 20, 1842, in Dade county, Missouri, where he spent the first ten years of this life, then crossed the plains with his parents to Oregon. They were in the train known as the "lost emigrant train," the entire train being lost in the mountains for two months. The parents located near Eugene, where our subject grew to manhood, acquiring, meanwhile a good education in the public schools. His father was government wagon master during the Rogue River Indian war, from 1855-6, and one of his brothers fought in the same war, and the other was teamster. After arriving at his majority the subject of this sketch engaged in farming for fifteen years and then entered the commercial world, operating as a merchant for a number of years at Goshen, Oregon. At this place he was depot and express agent and postmaster. In 1889 he came to Heppner and opened a mercantile establishment and in the following year was elected county treasurer, in which capacity he was known as a faithful and efficient incumbent. In 1896 he was appointed deputy sheriff under his brother, E. L. Matlock, and in 1900 was elected to the office of sheriff of Morrow county, and to the discharge of the duties of that office he is now diligently devoting his attention. The marriage of Mr. Matlock and Miss Anna I. Cooper, a native of Missouri, occurred in this state on February 22, 1863, and to them have been born five children: W. L., of Goshen, Oregon; James L., deputy sheriff; Mary B., wife of Frank Bowman, of Colfax, Washington; Leathe A., wife of A. E. Patterson, of Baker City, Oregon; Effie O. Mr. Matlock affiliates with the A. O. U. W., and is very popular among his fellows, both because of his bright geniality and commendable demeanor, coupled with integrity and faithfulness. Transcriber's additional notes: CENSUS 1850 - Oct. 26; Dade Co, MO; Dist. 25, page 306 Edward L. Matlock, 33, TN, farmer Susan, 34, TN Caswell, 13, TN Joseph, 11, TN James, 8, MO Edward, 6, MO William, 3, MO Thomas, 1, MO one unamed, 2/12, male, MO 1860 - July 11; Lane Co, OR; Coast Fork Pct, page 243, Cottage Grove P.O. E. L. Matlock, 43, TN, farmer, 3000 / 3314 Susanna, 45, TN, housewife Caswell J, 23, TN, farmer Joseph, 21, TN, att. school James, 18, MO, farmer, att. school Edward, 15, MO, att. school Wm, 12, MO, att. school Thomas, 11, MO, att. school Benjamin, 10, MO, att. school Frank M, 7, MO, att. school 1870 - June 16; Lane Co, OR; Eugene Pct, page 474 James Matlock, 26, MO, farmer, $4000 / $500 Anna J, 22, MO, keeping house Westly L, 6, OR James L, 3, OR Mary B, 1, OR 1880 - June 8; Lane Co, OR; South Eugene Pct, page 239 J. W. Matlock, 36, MO, TN, TN, dry goods merchant A. I., wife, 31, MO, IL, --, keeping house W. L., 16, son, OR, MO, MO, att. school J. L., 13, son, OR, MO, MO, att. school M. B., 11, dau, OR, MO, MO, att. school L. A., dau, 9, OR, MO, MO, att. school J. O., dau, 7, OR, MO, MO, att. school 1900 - June 9; Morrow Co, OR; Heppner, page 285 James Matlock, 57, MO, TN, TN, mar 37 yrs, county sheriff Anna, wife, 52, IL, IL, IL, mar 37 yrs, 5 children-5 living ******************* Submitted to the Oregon Bios. Project in August 2005 by Diana Smith. Submitter has no additional information about the person(s) or family mentioned above.