- SAMUEL H. SLAYMAKER, deceased, was one of Rock County's honored
and respected
- citizens, who, when called from his busy life to his final
home, was mourned by all who knew him. He was born in York County,
Pa., in the month of August, 1830, and is descended from German
ancestry, who came to this country in 1720. His parents, Stephen
C. and Susan (REIGART) SLAYMAKER, were also natives of the Keystone
State, and the father was a prominent iron manufacturer of Pennsylvania.
- Samuel received his primary education in the common schools,
and being an apt student was soon
- so far advanced that at an unusually early age he entered
the university at Pittsburgh. Subsequently he took a course
at Franklin Academy at Lancaster, now called Marshall College,
where he completed his school-room studies. But though having
left school he continued to read and improve his mind, which
habit formed in early life continued with him until the end.
After completing his literary education, he entered a printing
office to learn the trade, and during his term of apprenticeship
gained a useful and valuable knowledge of the ways of the world.
- On the 5th day of March, 1856, the union of Mr. SLAYMAKER
and Miss Annie C. REIGART
- was celebrated in the city of Lancaster. The lady was born
in that town and is a daughter of E. C. REIGART, whose history
is given in connection with the sketch of A. E. REIGART. Immediately
after their marriage, the young couple, following the course
of human emigration which was steadily flowing to the West, came
to Rock County, and on section 28, Turtle Township, Mr. SLAYMAKER
purchased 260 acres of land, the foundation of the present beautiful
farm on which his widow now resides. When he took possession
of the land, it was but partially improved, but he immediately
began its cultivation and soon transformed it into one of the
finest farms in the county. He planted the magnificent shade
trees which now protect the home from the burning rays of the
summer sun, and under his direction the barns for the shelter
of his cattle, horses and large herds of sheep, were built.
The boundaries of the farm were extended until it comprised 400
acres, which have been improved and cultivated to a high degree.
Though his business interest were extensive, he yet found time
to devote to public matters. He was first in all that pertained
to the public welfare, encouraging others both by precept and
example and doing all in his power to advance public enterprises
and objects. Religiously, he was a member of the Episcopal Church,
and politically was an ardent supporter of the principles advocated
by the Republican party. For many years he served in official
positions, was chairman of the Township Board of Supervisors,
and was also a member of the County Board. He was also Vice-President
of the Second National Bank of Beloit. But at length death visited
his home and his life was ended. He died Dec. 12, 1882, and
the loss sustained by his loving wife was shared by the entire
community. One of the most valued citizens of Rock County had
been called to his final rest but his memory will long be enshrined
in the hearts of many friends left behind. Mrs. SLAYMAKER still
survives her husband and resides on the beautiful farm in Turtle
Township. She also is a member of the Episcopal church.
-
- Taken from "The Portrait and Biographical Album of
Rock County, Wis." (c)1889, p. 886.
-
- Courtesy of Carol
|