William H. Matlock was born ca 1795 in Buncombe Co., NC. He married Ruth Rockhold, daughter Dawson (Dosen) Rockhold on April 17, 1817 in Carter County Tennessee. I have seen the record in Carter Co. marriage records. They have several children, then he deserts her and locates in Sparta, White Co., Tenn. He pretends to marry Susan Menefee in White Co., Tenn. and they have several children. In Susan's father will he mentions his son-in-law William Matlock. At some time Ruth Rockhold and William divorce, though I am still searching for proof of a divorce. He legally marries Susan about 1844/45 and Ruth marries Andrew Shell of the Watuga area of Carter Co., Tn. and Ruth and Andrew have children.

William was a wealthy slave trader and the house he built in White Co., Tennessee is still standing with the slave auction block in the front yard. His wealth attracts bushwackers during the Civil War who go to his place to torture the old man to gain it. His grandson,Dr. Elcana D. Williams (my great great grandfather) sees them head out to his grandfather's place and goes to the local troops for help and as the troops near the house a slave servant shouts out their approach and saves the old man the worst of the torture as the bushwackers escape but are caught and shot.

I believe William's father is a James Matlock who appeared on several juries in Buncombe Co., NC in the right time period. There is a Matlock family in nearby Burke Co., NC and I am trying to find out if they are related to William. This family is very well documented. I would appreciate any help on this family and if they link to my William.

There is record of a William Matlock who built the first house in Elizabethton, Carter Co., Tennessee and turned it into an ordinary. He obtained the building lot #39 for $10.00 and received it when these lots were dispersed by lottery. Part of this house is still in use today as part of another historic house in Elizabeton that starts with a "C" but I can't remember the full name. If any knows that this William who built this house and my William are one and the same, please contact me. Also there was an early business "Rockhold and Wray" which is probably connected to Ruth Rockhold's family,if anyone knows the history of this business please enlighten me. The Wrays are also related to me but change their name to Rhea when they come to White Co., Tennessee.

William is said to have died in Georgia. He is said to have lost all of his wealth. I do not know where William is buried and why he is suppose to have ended up in Georgia and White Co., Tn census records
shows that Susan Menefee stayed and died in White Co., Tn.
Myrtle Mandane Ennis