Notes

• Linked Census records first include all profiles in that category, followed by a 2nd link shows by household the listings for their census with neighbors.
• Drury Roberts and Rebecca Matlock cannot be his parents, they were 12 when he was born and married 5 years after. There is a potential that they are cousins of Matlocks. They did name a child John Matlock Roberts, but that is a different Matlock.
• See: Story written by Minnie Roberts about the Matlock Roberts family
• See: The history of Jo Daviess County - Absalom Roberts
• There is debate about him being called an infant in the court documents, but it is likely that they were referring him as being under the age of majority at 21 and could not own land. This was confirmed by the researcher famililar with that county and how they referred to people, https://genfiles.com/articles/legal-age/ also further supports this.
• Names can be seen under Mack, Mallock, Robertson
• 1870 census incorrectly lists Tennessee as his and Zelpha's birth^[1]
• It appears in the Smith county deeds that Matlock signed his own name, not with a mark, thus he likely could read and write supporting he came from a family that had the means to privilege him witih a basic education. in the 1810-1828 range.

Biography

This profile is part of the Dismal, Tennessee One Place Study.

The early years

Matlock is estimated to be born about 1811 in Cumberland County, Kentucky. His parents were William Roberts and a Unknown Matlock(DNA supported by Autosomnal and YDNA links and paper trail) and his stepmother(at least monther of Absalom) is believed to be Elizabeth Cox based on the biography written about Absalom, however the are questionable other statements. . Based on documentation Matlock's supported siblings were:

• Charles Roberts
• Joseph Roberts
• William Roberts Jr.
• Sally Sarah Roberts (1802-1877)
• Matlock Roberts (1808-1894)
• Ellijah/Elisha Roberts(1811-?)
• Absalom (Abraham) Roberts (1814-?)Elizabeth Cox

William Roberts is considered a sourced father due to the fact that records show that Matlock is from both Kentucky and the Cumberland area. From Cumberland County - we find the following referring to guardianship. DNA further supports several of the listed siblings in the court document for Sarah Sally Roberts Garrett and Absalom Roberts. There is both autsomnal DNA evidence supporting a Matlock mother related to Littleberry Matlock and YDNA as a James Roberts descendent is an almost exact YDNA match to the YDNA for Matlock and William Roberts is seen living with Zachariah Matlock in 1860 in the Jackson, Alabama area^[2].

Family documents from Matlock's granddaughter Minnie Roberts Rogers state that Mallie Roberts married a cousin Enoch Aboslum Roberts. Enoch is a son of William Roberts and this line is a YDNA match to Matlock's descendents

Court records referring to the family, and the suits against the estate of his father William Roberts are abstracted in the Cumberland County Circuit Court Records, Abstracted by Randolph N. Smith

p. 90 - July, 1829 Court Cyrus Walker appointed guardian of Matlock Roberts, Absalom (Abraham) Roberts & Ellijah/Elisha Roberts, 3 infants of William Roberts, dec.; F-281

Joseph & Charles Roberts - son of William Roberts are not in Ky.; F-282.

p. 91 October, 1829 Court

Robert Reid vs heirs of William Roberts; defend. Hiram Garrett resides & wife & William Roberts Jr. are not inhabitants of state; F-295.

p. 92 Abraham Speer vs heirs of William Roberts, dec.; def. Hiram Garrett resides & wife Sally, Joseph Roberts, Charles Roberts & William Roberts Jr. is, not inhab. of Ky.; F-323.

p. 95 - July, 1830 Court Cyrus Walker appointed guardian of Matlock Roberts, Ellijah/Elisha Roberts & Absalom (Abraham) Roberts, infant heirs of Will Roberts; F-377

p. 98 - October, 1830 Court Milton King appointed guardian for Matlock Roberts, Ellijah/Elisha Roberts, Absalom (Abraham) Roberts, infants of Wm. Roberts, deceased; F-440.

We find that Sally Sarah Garrett with Hiram Garrett resides in Jo Davies, Illinois, with brother Absalom (Abraham) Roberts. Absalom (Abraham) Roberts beginnings are recorded in The history of Jo Daviess County - Absalom Roberts, with all information/dates lining as above, with only possible mistatement is mothers maiden name, and failure to mention siblings other then William Roberts Jr..

Family Life

Matlock opted to marry Zilpha around 1826^[3], and likley in Kentucky as that is where Milton was born. Together they had at least 13 children, with a potential 14th seen on the 1840 census^[4] that is unknown.

• Milton Roberts(1827-1901)^[5][4]
• Matlock J Roberts(1830-1883)^[4][6]
• Unknown Male Roberts born between 1830-1835 not listed elsewhere, likely died prior to Matlock's death without heirs, as was not mentioned in Matlock's estate, but then Paschal was not mentioned and believed to have been living. Gap in Children's birth years also supports this
• Martha J Roberts(1835-1910)^[4][6]
• Annie Roberts(1835-1914)^[4]
• Sarah Roberts(1837-1917)^[4][6]
• Washington Roberts(1837-1924)^[7][4][6]
• Diannah Roberts(1842-?)^[6][8]
• Catherine Roberts(1842-?)^[6][8]
• Jane Jennie Roberts(1848-1915)^[6][8]
• Paschal Charlie Roberts(1845-1896)^[6][8]
• Amanda P Roberts(1854-1940)^[8]
• James Henry Roberts(1855-1905)^[8][1][9]

Through the years

In 1820^[10] This record accounts for the 9 family members plus 2 that I am not aware of, one would be a child who likely died and the other was a female that may have been a daughter or sister of either Elizabeth or William.

There is also the possibility that Sarah Sally and Hiram lived with the family in 1820. However, their first child is believed to have been born in 1819 and a girl, which does not match the census records.

Name William Roberts Home in 1820 Cumberland, Kentucky - Enumeration Date: August 7, 1820

In 1827 Matlock and Zilpha would have been in Kentucky based on Milton Roberts's birth date and location, there is a potential that Milton may have been born as late as 1829.

In 1830 they were in Lincoln, Tennessee, USA^[5]

Name Mallock Roberts(Matlock Roberts Home in 1830 Lincoln, Tennessee Page 203, Line 20

In 1836 they are in Cannon, Tennessee, United States. ^[11], they owned no land or slaves and only minimal taxes were required to be paid. He appears to still be there in 1838^[12], as he is mentioned as a neighbor in a land deed.

In 1840^[4] they were in District 3, Jackson, Tennessee

Name Mallock Robertson (Matlock Roberts) Home in 1840 (City, County, State) Jackson, Tennessee Line 21, Page 257 in Top right hand

In 1850 they are in North of Cumberland and East of Caney Fork Rivers, Smith, Tennessee. ^[6].

Name Matlock Roberts Home in 1850 (City, County, State) Smith, Tennessee household 150, family 150

In July 1850 it appears he completed a deed transaction with Rufus Perry, potentially for a crop of Tobacco^[13] For an consideration of fifty to me in and [?????} I Medlock Roberts of the county of & State of Tennessee have bargained and sold and [??????] to Rufus Perry my personal crop of Tobacco I [??] said Matlock Roberts bind myself to strip and [prise] and deliver the same in the bank of the Cumberland River to the most convienent landing on or [??} the 15th of March next given under my hand and seal this 26th Day of July 1860. Matlock Roberts

Later on the 6th December of 1851 he completed a deed transaction to Rufus Perry a crop of tobacco^[14] Real of Rufus Perry Fourty Dollars in cash for my entire crop of Tobaccom rasied on the farm where I know live this year supposed to be about three thousand pounds more or [?p] which I promise to strip [prise] & deliver in good order at the mouth of Hurricane creek on or before the 15th day of march next given under by hand and seal this 6th day of December 1851

Matlock Roberts.

In 1860 they were living in District 11, Wilson, Tennessee. ^[8].

Name Matlock Roberts Home in 1860 (City, County, State) 1860 Wilson County, Tennessee Dist 11 Household 784 Family742

In April of 1870, land was transferred to Zilpha from Jane Johnson in a sale for $350. It is assumed this is the land they were on in 1870 and 1880, and it is also likely to be in the Liberty area - potentially near Dismal.

In 1870 they were in District 2, DeKalb, Tennessee^[1], living next door to his Matlock and Zilphas daughter Janey Brown.

Name Mack (Matlock) Roberts Home in 1870 (City, County, State)District 2, DeKalb, Tennessee Household 42, Family 42

And in 1880 they were living in DeKalb, Tennessee Civil District 2 ^[9] they were living next door to sonJames Henry Roberts.

Name Matlock Roberts Home in 1880 (City, County, State)DeKalb, Tennessee Civil District 2 Household 55, Family 56

Death

Matlock is estimated to have died about 1890 and was buried on the family farm^[15][16]

Matlock Roberts Family Grave Internment Site

It appears he or family members were in communication with his brother Absalom, as news of Matlock's death did reach him in a timely manner and was big enough news to make it in the Galena, Jo Daviess County, Illinois.

In January of 1890 "Mr. Absalom Roberts, of Elizabeth, one of the oldest settlers of this county, has received news of the death of his only remaining brother in Tennessee, at the age of 79 years."^[17] This date matches the believed death date and age of Matlock in January of 1890. Coincidently it appears Absalom died shorlty after Matlock in January of 1890 as well.

Probate

We first find record of death by his probate on 6 Jan 1890 in DeKalb, Tennessee, USA. ^[18]

State of Tennessee - DeKalb County Tillman Jones , JJ Ford are bound to the State of Tennessee in the penalty of two hundred dollars.

Witness our hands and seals this 6th day of January A.D. 1890.

The Condition of this obligation is such, That whereas the above bound Tillman Jones has been appointed admin of the estate of Matlock Roberts deceased. Now if the said Tillman Jones shall well and truly, as such admin perform all the duties which are or may be required by law then this obligation shall be void, otherwise to remain in full force and virtue.''

Signed by Tillman Jones and others.

From DeKalb administrator settlements, but not noted until 1894 in Dekalb County, Tennesse. Settlement Book 1886-1907 p 51. ^[19]

pg 174. 27 Jan 1894. Tillman Jones , administrator of the estate of Matlock Roberts,. The balance of the estate in the hands of Jane Bane, wife of Jack Bane, one of the heirs of said decd who has already received a cow as her interest in the estate. The sum of $48.22 should be divided among eleven additional heirs:

Land Transactions

Deed of Land - Matlock Roberts

The land was located along with the Smith Fork Cree, which today falls along wehre Lower Helton Rd meets Batey Bluff Rd. https://maps.app.goo.gl/DAcnrt4BrT3YPGTDA

Very close to the land are the Mount Zion Church and Mount Zion Cemetery

Location of Land Owned by Matlock Roberts with Pin located where his burial location is believed to be

Matlock Roberts Image 9

After his death, the land would be wold to W.F. Malone

J.P. Lee to W.F. Malone

Whereas on the first day of January 1890 Tillman Jones and wife filed in the office of the clerk of the court of DeKalb county Tennessee a bill against Milton Roberts and ?? ?? for a sale of the land of Matlock Roberts and his wife who were joint owners of a 36 acre tract of Land lying in the 19th Civil District of DeKalb County, Tennessee bounded North by the lands of Jane ???, East by the Lands Sallie Bernett, South and West by the lands of ?? Paker ?? that ?? and Deft were the legal  ?? of saidMatlock Roberts and his wife and that sale for division was necessary.

And where as at the March Term of Said DeKalb County Court 1890 upon the bill, ??? of Guardian ?? ?? ?? Proof in the cause and Report of the clerk the court ?? that the land as described that the land as described be sold on one and ?? ?? time for ?? wrong the Complainants and Defendants and where as on the 5th day of April 1890 as directed by said decree of court at March Term K.K. Allen Clerk of said county  ?? did sell at public outcry on the ?? said tract of land to W.F. Malone as mentioned and

County Court Clerk to W.F. Malone 36 acres owned by Milton Roberts and his wife. Said parties are legal represetatives of Matlock Roberts and wife. 4 Mar 1892(Pp. 444-445 Deed Book T)^[20]

Research Notes

1. His daughter married Tillman Jones, not Tillman Joines(spelling variations allowed)

DNA

• We now have many DNA Matches between descendents of Sarah Sally Roberts, believed brother William Roberts Jr. (abt.1811-abt.1844) and Absalom (Abraham) Roberts to descendants of several lines of Matlock Roberts and Zilpha
• One example is a DNA match between MM a Grandchild of George Cottrall and RR of 30 CM across 2 segments, running down the match between Sarah Sally Roberts and her brother Matlock Roberts, and possibly also through Matlock's nephew William Carrol Roberts.
• YDNA matches to RR Roberts Male Descendent of William Carrol Roberts, likely nephew of Matlock Roberts. YDNA matches have been and estimated that furtheest distance William Carrol Roberts could be in Nephew/Uncle between Matlock and William
• YDNA match to J Roberts descendent of John Roberts, believed cousin or nephew of Matlock Roberts YDNA matches have been and estimated that furtheest distance John Roberts could be a 1st cousin to 1st cousin 1x removed between Matlock and John
• Many autsomnal matches in DNA to Elizabeth Mumbray, who married James Roberts first attempt at YDNA comparison for believed descendent of her son Cornelius Roberts Through William Roberts Showed no DNA match, but Autosomnal match. Possibility that from Elizabeth, but different husband, or potential adoption from a sister or very close female family member. More research being done.

Sources

1. ↑ ^{1.0 1.1 1.2} Year: 1870; Census Place: District 2, DeKalb, Tennessee; Roll: M593_1524; Page: 123B; Image: 35059; Family History Library Film: 553023 "United States Census, 1870", database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MD85-K25 : 29 May 2021), Mack Robberts, 1870.
2. ↑ Year: 1860; Census Place: Division 1, Jackson, Alabama; Roll: M653_11; Page: 410; Family History Library Film: 803011
3. ↑ calculated using the birth year of first child Milton
4. ↑ ^{4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 4.6 4.7} Year: 1840; Census Place: District 3, Jackson, Tennessee; Roll: 524; Page: 257; Family History Library Film: 0024545
5. ↑ ^{5.0 5.1} 1830; Census Place: Lincoln, Tennessee; Series: M19; Roll: 177; Page: 203; Family History Library Film: 0024535 Page 1830; Census Place: Lincoln, Tennessee; Series: M19; Roll: 177; Page: 203; Family History Library Film: 0024535 File
6. ↑ ^{6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 6.4 6.5 6.6 6.7 6.8} Year: 1850; Census Place: North of Cumberland and East of Caney Fork Rivers, Smith, Tennessee; Roll: M432_896; Page: 223A; Image: 334 Page Year: "United States Census, 1850," database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MCDZ-GGH : 23 December 2020), Matlock Roberts, Smith, Tennessee, United States; citing family , NARA microfilm publication (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.).
7. ↑ Washington's Death Certificate
8. ↑ ^{8.0 8.1 8.2 8.3 8.4 8.5 8.6} Year: 1860; Census Place: District 11, Wilson, Tennessee; Roll: M653_1280; Page: 343; Family History Library Film: 805280
9. ↑ ^{9.0 9.1} Year: 1880; Census Place: Liberty, DeKalb, Tennessee; Roll: 1252; Family History Film: 1255252; Page: 124C; Enumeration District: 027 "United States Census, 1880," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MD79-LH2 : 20 February 2021), Metlock Roberts, Liberty, De Kalb, Tennessee, United States; citing enumeration district ED 27, sheet 124C, NARA microfilm publication T9 (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.), FHL microfilm 1,255,252.
10. ↑ 1820 U S Census; Census Place: Cumberland, Kentucky; Page: 163; NARA Roll: M33_19; Image: 142
11. ↑ Tennessee, Early Tax List Records, 1783-1895
12. ↑ images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSKX-Q9PQ-5?view=explore), image 336 of ; .
13. ↑ Smith Count, Tennessee Deed Books N-U 1835-1852 Index Page 246 References Smith county Deed book T Page 597
14. ↑ Smith Count, Tennessee Deed Books N-U 1835-1852 Index Page 273 References Smith county Deed book U Page 315
15. ↑ Information and photos from Chase Bowles
16. ↑ Find A Grave: Memorial #185999082 Find a Grave, database and images (www.findagrave.com/memorial/185999082/matlock-roberts : accessed 25 June 2021), memorial page for Matlock Roberts (1810–1894), Find a Grave Memorial ID 185999082, citing Matlock Roberts Cemetery, DeKalb County, Tennessee, USA ; Maintained by Kristina Wheeler (contributor 49355154) .
17. ↑ Galena Daily Gazette, 7 January 1890 Page 3
18. ↑ Source: #S275 Probate Records, 1838-1969; Author: Tennessee. County Court (Dekalb County); Probate Place: DeKalb, Tennessee Page Probate Rec ords, 1838-1969; Author: Tennessee. County Court (Dekalb County); Probate Place: DeKalb, Tennessee File Format: jpg PHOTO Scrapbook: N
19. ↑ Probate Records, 1838-1969; Author: Tennessee. County Court (Dekalb County); Probate Place: DeKalb, Tennessee Page Probate Records, 1838-1969; Author: Tennessee. County Court (Dekalb County); Probate Place: DeKalb, Tennessee File
20. ↑ DEKALB COUNTY, TENNESSEE DEED BOOK Q-Z 1885-1900 Thomas E. Partlow, Print Year 1999, page 79

• Family Search profile for Matlock Roberts