William R. Matlick, a pioneer resident of this county and the past ten years a resident of Rutledge, departed this life early Monday morning, Oct. 27, after a week of intense suffering of heart trouble which he bore with fortitude and patience. Mr. Matlick was born in this county, March 22, 1846, being at time of his death age 78 years, 7 months and 5 days. He was the son of Joseph and Rachel (Conner) Matlick and of a family of thirteen children all who have preceded him in death except two brothers John of Sandhill township and Joseph of Memphis, Missouri. Mr. Matlick was twice married. The first to Miss Eliza A. Davidson, of Davis County, Iowa, and to their home came three sons, two dying in infancy and the wife, March 15, 1878, leaving one son, Glen, who resides on the home farm. At Sandhill Missouri, Oct. 1, 1882 he was united in marriage to Miss Ellen E. White and this union was blessed with one son, Byrl. In early life our friend acknowledged Christ as his Savior, and although not a member of any denomination, his daily life was that of a Christian and the many acts of love and kindness to his fellow man bore this evidence more than words can express. February 17, 1864, Mr. Matlick answered his country's call and enlisted in Co. D 3rd regiment of Ia. Cavalry, for a term of three years under Capt. John R. Picklers, and followed his flag until August 1865 when he was honorably discharged at Atlanta Georgia. Being at that time 18 years of age. In the passing of 78 years, Mr. Matlick saw much of life and has always stood for what he thought was right and for the higher and nobler things. He was twice honored by his friends by being elected Judge of his county. In 1904 and again in 1906, and after coming to our town served as mayor until age and health forbade him taking an active part in public life. A life well spent and one to point with pride, for he had struggled against adversities and disadvantages but conquered them all and children and grandchildren the memory of a life well spent. He leaves to mourn his departure his faithful and loving wife, two sons, Glen and Byrl, and their companions, three granddaughters, two grandsons and two great granddaughters, a niece, Miss Esther White, who made her home with them and to whom he gave a father's care, two brothers and a number of nephews and nieces and a host of friends. The funeral services were held from the Bethel Methodist church conducted by Rev. E. H. Willey, pastor of the Christian church of Rutledge, assisted by Rev. Custer, and interment was made in the cemetery at that place. The esteem in which he was held was evidenced by the large concourse present, among which was an old comrade from Bloomfield, Iowa, Hon. Judge N. M. Pettingill, and others who had been associated with him in an official capacity.
-Memphis Reveille
Oct. 30, 1924, p.1

From his military record: Matlick, William R. Age 18. Residence Davis County, nativity Missouri. Enlisted Feb. 17, 1864. Mustered March 16, 1864. Promoted Eighth Corporal Nov. 11, 1864; Sixth Corporal June 18, 1865; Fifth Corporal July 15, 1865. Mustered out Aug. 9, 1865, Atlanta, Ga.