Matlack, J. B.

MATLACK

Posted By: Joyce Hickman (email)
Date: 4/4/2008 at 22:26:50

J. B. Matlack

(From the 1883 History of Pottawattamie County, Iowa, by J. H. Keatley, p.89, Crescent Twp.)
J. B. Matlack, farmer, P. O. Crescent City, was born in Union County, Ind., December 15, 1844; son of David H. Matlack, who was born in Pennsylvania April 21, 1819, was a harness-maker by trade, and died in 1880; he married Elizabeth Milward, who was born in Pennsylvania August 6, 1826, and died April 29, 1845. J. B. was one of seven children, five of who are still living. His mother having died when he was but a few months old, he was taken care of by his grandmother, who gave him a common school education, and afterward apprenticed him to learn saddlery and harness-making. When the rebelliion broke out, he enlisted at the age of seventeen, as a private, in the Fifteenth Indiana Battery, Capt. A. D. Harvey, and took part in many engagements; was a prisoner of war four months, and was mustered out June 30, 1865. Returning to his home in Marion County, Ind., he was married, February 9, 1867, to Martha J. Swaford, who was born in Marion County, Ind., August 16, 1851, daughter of Wesley and Catharine (Marts) Swaford, both of Wayne County, Ind. In 1868, Mr. Matlack came to Pottawattamie County, Iowa, where he has since resided, excepting three years' residence at Big Grove. Since his residence is in this township, he has engaged in farming and stock-raising. Mr. and Mrs. Matlack have four children - George A., Laura B., Willie A., and Pearl I. In politics, Mr. Matlack is a Republican, and has taken an active part in that party's actions, both local and otherwise; he has frequently been elected to office, and was a candidate for membership in the Board of Supervisors of Pottawattamie County in 1881, his successful competitor being S. G. Underwood.