"An Illustrated History of Whitman County, state of Washington." San Francisco: W. H. Lever, 1901. p. 399. JOHN H. MATLOCK This prosperous farmer and stock-raiser of the vicinity of Thornton is an esteemed pioneer of the county, the date of his advent to the Palouse country being 1875. Since that early date he has been one of the active forces in the agricultural development of the section, and as such should be accorded recognition in our volume. A native of Missouri, born August 19, 1855, he passed there the years of his early life, acquiring his educational discipline in the public schools of the state. In 1875 he accompanied his parents, Preston H. and Kerlista A. Matlock, to Whitman county. The family located at what is now known as Matlock bridge, where the father homesteaded land and farmed until May 6, 1890, when death overtook him, his demise resulting from an injury received in a runaway. The mother had passed away on March 15, 1882, and both are buried in Bethel cemetery. In this connection we may say that the issue of their union was eleven children: John H., a farmer; Thomas B., also a farmer; Barbara J., wife of Ronald McCrea; James P.; Robert E.; Sarah, wife of John A. Smith, who resides near Colfax; Manly R.; Mary, wife of Coy Montgomery, a miner in British Columbia; William A.; George A.; and Margaret, wife of Fred Rogers, residing near Colfax. But to return to our subject, Mr. John H. Matlock, as soon as he became of age, took a homestead seven miles south of Thornton, filing on the land in the Walla Walla land office. He set vigorously about the task of establishing a home for himself, engaging earnestly in stock-raising and agriculture. As a result, the natural fertility of the soil of his home has long since been brought to its fullest development by judicious cultivation, and many fine improvements add beauty and value to the premises. He is one of the thrifty and successful farmers of his neighborhood. For four years he has been constable in his community. Fraternally he is affiliated with the Woodmen of the World and the United Artisans at Colfax. His marriage was solemnized in Missouri on March 1, 1889, when Nora E. Matlock, a native of that state, became his wife. They have two children, Jesse and Chalmer. During the Nez Perce Indian war Mr. Matlock's family suffered great inconveniences and hardships, all leaving their home except our subject. In those days Walla Walla was the nearest supply point and provisions had to be transported from that city. ******************* Submitted to the Washington Biographies Project in July 2009 by Diana Smith. Submitter has no additional information about the person(s) or family mentioned above.