John's family came to Bossier Parish, Louisiana in 1849. He resided most of his life near Red Land.
On 29 August 1869, he married Parthenia Susan "Thenie" Rodgers in Lafayette county, Arkansas. He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles Edward & Margaret Elvira (Holloway) Matlock; two brothers, Strother M. and Joseph Samuel; four sisters, Mary Jane, Elizabeth Elvira, Amanda and Georgia.
Survivors include his widow; five sons, Charles, John Jr., Grover, Straud, and Robert; four daughters, Margaret, Ida, Arminta and Alice; 40 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; three brothers, Hartwell Marion, Asa Hoxey and Charles M.; three sisters, Martha, Callie and Laura; a number of other relatives and a host of friends.
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Written by: Lillie Roberson Matlock June 2, 1917~Red Land

(**Note from -Kay McMahan Noska [1999]): Lillie was wife of Robert Emmitt Matlock and daughter-in-law of John Roger Matlock. John Roger Matlock's widow was Parthenia Susan "Thenie" Rodgers Matlock. John Roger Matlock was a brother to my GG-Grandfather, Hartwell Marion Matlock.

The following was written by Lillie Roberson Matlock, June 2, 1917 Red Land, Bossier Parish, LA

After an extended period of ill health and intense suffering, Mr. John Roger Matlock departed his earthly life to begin a life of perfect rest and joy, away from sorrow and suffering. Mr. Matlock was born in Mississippi, Nov. 14, 1845, and died at the home of his sister in Plain Dealing, May 30, 1917, thus his age was 71 years. His parents removed from Mississippi to Bossier Parish in 1849, and during nearly all of the intervening years he resided near Red Land. He had a wide acquaintance throughout this section, and many will cherish a lasting memory of his deeds of kindness and his wise counsels. Though his absence is keenly felt, yet the memory of his sweet and comforting life will be left as a monument and solace in all hearts. Five sons: Charles, John Jr., Grover, Straud, and Robert, Four daughters: Margaret, Ida, Arminta, & Alice, cherish the memory of their tender, loving father, while his widow is left to tread the way of life without his sweet companionable spirit at her side. Also he is missed by his large circle of 40 living Grandchildren, 2 Great Grandchildren, 3 brothers: Hartwell Marion, Asa, & Charles and 3 sisters: Martha, Callie & Laura, who mourn their loss. But we sorrow not as "those who have no hope" for, verily, we remember the words of Him who said, "Blessed are they that die in the Lord." We feel his assuring promise to return to earth again and receive us unto Himself. We know that in the realms of eternal life and joy we shall meet all who are hopeful and trustful in the Lord. "And there shall be no tears there, neither sorrow nor death." Dear bereaved ones, we point you to Him who can wipe away all tears. "Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be comforted." "Farewell, Father, Farewell Father; Thou hast loved long and well; How we miss thee, none can tell, God is with thee; All is well.