From History of Idaho, published 1920 sent by Mr. Claude A. Matlock of Pendleton, Oregon:
Clinton Matlock, a retired farmer residing near Meridian, was born near Hot Springs, Arkansas, October 10, 1856, and in the spring of 1863 (still shows in Arkansas 1870. JNA) went to the southeastern section of Missouri with his parents, Clinton Albert and Susan (Weaver) Matlock. The parents were natives of the state of Tennessee and were there reared and married.
After living for a number of years in Missouri, during which time he acquired his education in the public schools; Clinton Matlock came to Idaho in September, 1882, traveling by team across the plains to Boise. He was accompanied by his wife, who bore the maiden name of Mary Elizabeth Sexton and was a native of Wright Co., Missouri, and their little son, William Henry. They were upon the road for about six months and their train numbered at different periods from twelve to one hundred teams. There was much sickness among the party as they traveled westward. Mrs. Matlock's people were with the train and because of the illness of some of them they had to stop at Soda Springs, Idaho, until they were again able to travel.
After reaching his destination, Mr. Matlock engaged in working in the mines and also followed teaming and farming until June 1893, when he took up a homestead a mile west and two and a quarter miles north of Meridian, thus securing one hundred and sixty acres of land which was covered with a native growth of sagebrush, not a furrow having been turned nor an improvement made upon the place. He and his eldest son, William Henry then began clearing the property and brought it to a high state of cultivation, the family home being maintained thereon until 1918, when Mr. Matlock rented the farm to his son, James Clarence, and purchased a home in Meridian, where he and his wife now reside (this was written in 1920) surrounded by all the comforts and many of the luxuries which go to make life worth the living. As the years have passed he has become numbered among the successful farmers and stock raisers of his section, his business affairs being carefully, systematically and energetically conducted, so that most desirable results have accrued. Mr. Matlock has raised some of the finest percheron horses in the state and now has a three year old colt weighing more than a ton. He has never failed to win a prize on any horses that he has ever exhibited at the fairs held in Idaho. He has also engaged in raising fine hogs and the various branches of his business have brought to him very gratifying financial returns.
Mr. and Mrs. Matlock not only have reason to be proud of their success but have still greater reason to be proud of their family. Their sons, Henry and Dave, under the firm style of Matlock Brothers, are proprietors of the finest garage in Meridian, it being thoroughly up to date in every particular. The family also numbers twin daughters, Ada May and Ida Fay. The former is the wife of H.A. Bentley and they have five children, Lilly, Gladys, Clinton, Robert and Carrol. Ida Fay is the wife of Elmer Adams. James Clarence and Clara Elizabeth are also twins. The latter is the wife of Luther Jenkins. Cassie is the wife of Henry Bates and resides in the eastern part of Idaho. The eldest son, William Henry, wedded Georgia Hicks, a native of West Virginia, and they have three children, Eula Louise, Grace Marie and Claude. The son James Clarence married Maude Young and is the father of three children, Alta, Olin and Johnnie. The son Dave, mentioned before as a successful garage proprietor at Meridian, returned in 1919 from France, where he was a member of the Fortieth Division of the One Hundred and fifty-eighth Infantry. The armistice was signed before he entered the actual fighting. He served as a member of
President Wilson's bodyguard in Paris, being one of the two hundred and fifty picked men from the One Hundred and fifty-eighth Infantry who were selected for that duty. The father of this family, Clinton Matlock, deserves much credit for what he has accomplished. It was a resolute will, a stout heart and determined purpose that enabled him and his little family to come to Idaho thirty-eight years ago, braving the hardships of a long trip by team across the plains. In the years which have since come and gone Mr. Matlock has borne his part as a progressive farmer of Ada County and today is enjoying in well-earned rest the fruits of his former toil.
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