SANFORD MATLOCK - From Centennial History of Arkansas: Chicago, S.J. Clarker Pub. Co. 1922; pp 624

SANFORD MATLOCK was a representative citizen of Yellville and County Judge of Marion County, at the time of his death, which occured 8 Sept. 1921, He was born in Taney Co., Mo. on 9 Jan. 1855, a son of Smith and Letsie (Shelton) Matlock, both natives of Perry Co., Tn. The father died on 10 March 1906, at the age of 78 years, while his wife's demise occurred in 1862. In 1851 Smith Matlock removed from his native state to Missouri and buying land there was engaged in farming until the outbreak of the Civil War. Putting aside all personal interests he entered the service and was active for the greater part of the time under Shelby. He started out to take part in Price's Raid but was cut off. He did however participate in most of the important battles of that war and lacked by 18 days of serving the entire 4 years. In April of 1868 he came to Arkansas to Marion Co. and homesteaded 80 acres. He cleared the land him self and built a log house and some outbuildings.

Mr. Matlock was married three times. Sometime after the death of his first wife, the mother of our subject, he married Miss Emaline Jacob, whose demise occurred three years later. His third wife was Harriett Hand, who is also deceased,

Four children were born to the first union: Luke, Nancy and Mat, all deceased; Sanford being the only one living.

To the second union three children were born: Alfred, a successful farmer of Marion Co.; Letsie, a resident of Marion Co., and John whose death occurred in infancy.

To the third union seven children were born: Jess, Columbus, Mary, Martha, Frank and Leonard and one died in infancy. Throughout his life Mr. Matlock was a Democrat and his religious faith was Baptist. SANFORD MATLOCK attended the common schools of Marion Co. and remained under the parental roof until he was 21. At that time he engaged in farming for himself, homesteading 120 acres in Marion Co. on which he erected a log house. He always engaged in general farming and stock raising and owned 193 acres of valuable land. Not all of Mr. Matlock's time was devoted to his agricultural interests, however, for he held several offices of public trust. For 18 years he was justice of the peace of Yellville and served as constable six years. In 1917 he was elected county judge for one term and was re-elected for another term in 1921.

On 12 Dec. 1875 occurred the marriage of Mr. Matlock to Miss Marguerite Mooney, a native of Jackson, Ala., a daughter of John Mooney. Six children were born: William N., John L, Martha E., Covey, Mandy J., Laura and Virgie. Mrs. Matlock died 3 Aug. 1919.

Mr. Matlock was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, and a staunch Democrat. He was a Mason.

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