Mary Jean Slack Sullivan's family Tree Notes:
James Brown Slack was educated in Washington County, Kentucky and at age 17 went to Bardstown and worked as a tanner until 1856. He moved to Elizabethtown, bought J.B. Hayden tannery and ran it until 1872. He spent eleven years on the board of trustees of Elizabethtown.

Father, William G Slack
Mother, Henrietta Wathen

His grandson is John Carter Montgomery

He is related to Henry Hudson, the Explorer, through his wife's Wathen side of the family, particularly Suzannah Anne Hudson Wathen.

James married Elvina Ann Winfield on August 26, 1847 at Bardstown, Nelson Co, KY.

We the undersigned, are jointly and severally held and firmly bound unto the Commonwealth of Kentucky in the sum of FIFTY POUNDS to be made and Levied of our respective Goods, Chattles, Lands, and Tenements, and for the use of the Commonwealth, upon the condition that there is no lawful cause to obstruct the marriage of James B. Slack and Elvinia Winfield

Given under our HANDS and SEALS this 26th day of August 1849.

WITMESS:
James Slack
R. Logan

The Biographical Encyclopædia of Kentucky of the Dead and Living Men of the Nineteenth Century:
SLACK, JAMES BROWN, was born May 14, 1825, in Washington County, Kentucky. His grandfather, William Slack, came to Kentucky as early as 1777, and settled in Harrod's Fort, Mercer County. William G. Slack, his father, was born at Harrod's Fort, now Harrodsburg, 1781, and died at the age of eighty-five. His mother is Miss Henrietta Wathen, of Virginia, whose family are among the early settlers of this state. The Wathens were Welsh, the Slacks Scotch, an, in this country, they have usually been farmers. The subject [of] this sketch was educated in the schools of Washington County, and, at the age of seventeen, left home and went to Bardstown, where he worked five years at the tanner's trade. He was then married, but continued to work, in various capacities, in the tannery, until 1856, when he moved to Elizabethtown, and bought the old tannery of J. B. Hayden. This he carried on, with great success, until 1872. This tannery had been in existence over fifty-six years, and was the last carried on in the county. In 1873, he took charge of the Showers House, of which he is still proprietor, and which he has carried on with success and great popularity. For seven years he has held the position of member of the Board of Trustees of Elizabethtown, to which he was first elected in 1858. In this body he has been very active in measures of greatest interest to the people of the town. Yet, generally, he has taken but a passing interest in public affairs, having sought no office of connection with any social organization. He is a man of uncommon versatility of character, with ability to turn every thing he touches to advantage, and adapt himself to any surrounding circumstances; a man of fine natural abilities, and most genial temperament, making himself agreeable to all with whom he comes in contact, and, therefore, stands deservedly high in the community. Mr. Slack was married, in 1847, at Bardstown, to Miss Elvina A. Winfield, whose family were among the early Catholic emigrants from Maryland, who became prominent in the affairs of Kentucky. They have seven living children, five boys and two girls; Ella being the wife of James Montgomery, Esq., a prominent lawyer of Elizabethtown; Robert one of the leading young lawyers of Owensboro, and other songs being business men of Elizabethtown.

Zachariah Riney, Abraham Lincon's first teacher, is the brother of James Brown Slack's grandmother, Henrietta Riney Wathen, daughter of Eleanor Maraman Riney, the grandmother of John Baptiste Riney. Zachariah's daughter Susan wrote about school days with Lincoln and his sister Sarah .

Lucile and Harvey Blackburn researched in the Louisville Public Library and found Slacks serving in the Union Army. There were two James, one John, Randolph, Thomas, and Samuel. More about Samuel later. It is possible that James Brown Slack could have been one of the two James Slacks listed as he was 36 years old at the beginning of the war and it is not likely that his sons served.It was Prisca O'Bryan Bonsteel and her niece Meme Nofsinger who told me where to find information about James Brown Slack, their grandfather and great-grand father. Meme's mother, Marie Henrietta, and Prisca were sisters. Their mother, Marietta Slack O'Bryan (Aunt Nett) was a sister of James Chandler and daughter of James Brown.

James Brown Slack is spoken of in Somers "History of Elizabethtown" as a man of force in the community. He was born in Washington County, Kentucky on May 14, 1825. He was a tanner by trade and came to Elizabethtown in 1856 from Bardstown. He bought an established tannery and due to good judgment and hard work accumulated a larger estate than he was willing to acknowledge. During the week he looked like a working man browned by sun and tan ooze. On Sunday he looked like a Russian ambassador going to church to hear Father Dizney. He had a well furnished house and a genteel, accomplished family. He was a member of the Board of Trustees responsible for the first street lighting in Elizabethtown. ("Haycroft's History of E'town, Kentucky," published by the Historical Society).

The children of James Brown Slack married Elvira Ann Winfield were:

Robert Winfield married Susan Lavely

Eleanor (Ella) married James Montgomery

John married Sally Dent

James Chandler married Hattie Murray

Middleton Hines
1. Betty McMurtry
2. Mary Wade

Augustine b. 9/16/1860 d. 2/2/1861

Marietta married Philip O'Bryan

Charles W. married Ella Payne

James Brown died in Elizabethtown on December 20, 1880 at the age of 56. (Hardin County Cemetary Records.)

Prisca told me that Elvira, her grandmother, lived with them in Louisville until her death. She also said her grandmother was a very proper woman who expected to be obeyed immeniately.

JANUARY 9, 1845 LETTER FROM ROBERT N. SLACK IN LOUISVILLE TO HIS BROTHER JAMES BROWN SLACK:

Dear Brother,
I begin this letter by telling you that it is the second one I have written you since I came here-I wrote to you I believe about the last of November by mail. I do not know whether you received it or not. It may be possible that the letter still remains in the Post Office. If so you need not take it out. I have nothing particular to communicate to you. We expected to see you here during Christmas but were disappointed-I would like for you to let me know the cause of your not coming-Write me in reply. Tell me when you were at MCK's and what was going on when you were there. I am becoming very tired of Louisville-The confinement is more than I have been accustomed too-It seems as if I had been jugged up here for twenty months. When in reality it has only been a little more than thnce. When I wrote you my health was very much impaionde, I suppose caused principally by my own imprudence. I had some two or three chills after I came here. It has however improved much recently. I therefore feel much better contented than I did at first. Not so well however and ought to be to receive instructions fast. The cause of this discontent is very apparent to me. It always was my intention to become a well qualified physician if when I look forward and in any scaisty resourses for doing so. It invariably casts a gloom over my better feelings. It is a fact that might say that I am now as well qualified as many who go forth imposing themselves upon the world. But this does not satisfy me. I desire to be superior to many and inferior too but a few. And how this is to be done god in his omniscience only knows for I do not. Such thoughts and feelings as these are very well calculated to retard ones progrefs in something for scientific thruths of my kind-although I am well aware of the ill effects arising therefrom-such glooms are irreversable with me. I could write page upon page on this subject but I think it will be better to discontinue it for the present as my sheet is fast winding to a close--I have stoped to read over what I have written and have a mind not to send it. But as it is to you [ ] but your criticisms upon my despondency-knowing that they will be confined to your own bosom-I hope by the next time I write to feel in a better mood and give u more lively turn too my letter. I shall be through Bardstown about the 23rd of Feb. on my way home. I want you to make it convenient to go on with me. I will let you know precisely when I will come that you may be ready. John and any-one will also the children their best respects and well wishes for their prosperity - in life. I now close, hoping you peace and contientment, prosperity and happiness -

Sincerely Your Brother
Robert N. Slack

P.S. Answer this if you you only write three lines R.N.S.

LETTER DATED JANUARY 21, 1845 FROM ROBERT N. SLACK IN LOUISVILLE TO HIS BROTHER JAMES:

Dear Brother,
I received yours with pleasure and gratification. ---- I beg to be excused for not noticing it's contents earlier, but for a number of reasons too tedious to mention I did not do it -- I have been quite unwell for several days with a bad cold, which has given me a severe cough and sore throat, which has just reached its acme. You advised me in your kind letter not to grieve and sorrow of my unhappy condition never to give up the ship. I do not know what time the unraveler of all mysteries may unfold to my view, but this much I do know that I will from this time be able to maintain myself -- independent of assistance provided I can once establish myself -- and provided I have my health. That though I am fearful will fail me. I doubt exceedingly whether my constitution will admit of practicing in this country -- cold it seems does not suit my health. I have not yet fully determined where I shall settle. You said something about your situation. I suppose that it is not very agreeable to you. At least I know very well that it would not be so with me - yet - however James yours is comparatively speaking a better condition than mine for several reasons, namely, I began a pursuit in life which requires some capital to get along with and I had none. Nor no resources whatever left me save what I made by gambling for which I would be ashamed now to acknowledge to any one save yourself - Thus far have I advanced with my professional learning without incurring any new debts. I have paid off a good many old debts without scarcely knowing how I have done. You are young yet and stout and have nearly acquired an excellent trade by which you can maintain yourself - gentely at least. I advise you to go on and acquire all you can. Also borrow some good Literary Books and read then attentively. I know when you have finished reading a Book what you have read and not through a work just to have to say you have read so and so. I feel the effects of that kind of reading too much myself -- now that I can not help reminding you of it. I hope the times will not be long before I shall be able to see you when I can say more to you on your condition and mine also. I have forbourne saying but very little to any of my friends in regard to this subject knowing that they were not able to better my situation therefore I bear it in silent melancholly. I think though with health to be able at no distant day to alleviate both of our conditions. I named something about the time when I should return I do not know exactly but will let you know that you can go on [ ] with me when I come thru. I should like to see you very much. I am quite unwell and shall close. Excuse my hasty and desultory way of writing for I cannot write tonight no how. Adieu

Your Kind Brother

Robert N. Slack, Jr.

P.S. Reply to this early. R.N.S.

LETTER FROM GALVESTON, TEXAS 1846 TO JAMES B. SLACK, BARDSTOWN, KENTUCKY - MAIL:

Dear Slack
After leaving New Orleans on Monday we pafied down the mepippe without any incident of interest taken place. On Tuesday morning about day break we entered the Gulf of Mexico on Wednesday about 15 minutes after eight we have in sight of Galveston harbour to arrive in port about 12 oclock. I am much pleased with the town, decidely better than I expected. I have formed great acquaintences among whom with Dr. Dickenson formerly of Virginia, who has been here for the last twelve months. I find him a very clever gentleman. he advises me to locate here & is of opinion that I would do well here. I shall leave there tomorrow for Houston from whence I shall strike off for my brothers from there I do not know where I shall go. I wish you to write to me at Galveston where I shall be again within 3 or 4 weeks. I wish I had more time to write. I am in a great hurry to conclude as the boat upon the beane leaves in about starting - my health is exceedingly good and I have enjoyed family indeed in fact I could not have had a more pleasant than I have had. I remain your sincere friend and well wisher in a hurry.

LETTER FROM WHARTON, TEXAS MAY 15, 1848 TO MR. JAMES B. SLACK, BARDSTOWN, KENTUCKY - MAIL:

J.B. Slack My Dear Bro -

I received yours duly and have deferred answering it for the arrest of suatt. I have settled here on the Colorado River lilica city five miles from the coast. I have been here nearly two weeks and have had three or four patients which I am about to treat each fully and satisfactorilly. There are two other physicians in town very able and talented young men - I believe I shall do well if I keep my own health which is extremely doubtful as there is much cause for disease that cannot be avoided by the practicioner of Medicine sirs. I am not very well contreated in myself yet through some improvement has taken place. I have my horse Brisca yet he is a five is dilth and as pay as a friendship. Locate my had driven had inslect. Doctor was in again to father give him regular also all num relations - Sevrots to "Doctors Ruckin and Overton," both a few days ago. Yours in great haste R.N. Slack

LETTER FROM WHARTON, TEXAS SEPT 12, 1848 TO MR. JAMES B. SLACK, BARDSTOWN, KENTUCKY:

Dear bro I have deferred answering your letters which came to hand some time weeks since partly through inflect and partly for the want of time. I was very pleased to hear of the birth of your son and sister's well being but more to hear that it bears its uncle's name showing that I yet live in the hearts of my dear relations. The duties devolving on yourself and wife are now increased four fold. And requires of you that a rigid and strict observance of those laws and rules best calculated by example and instructions to infuse into the mind of a son habits and principles which will in after years enable him so to steer the "boat of life as to bring it to a peaceful and tranquil anchorage, I had hoped to be able before this to speak with some decision as to my own calculations for the future; but cannot as I do not know whether I am settled here for any great length of time. My prospects are as flattering as the most langaims could wishes. I have done the best practice that has been done in this county in which I live. And have not as yet lost a single patient - But notwithstanding all this I am not satisfied. I have no engagements, no leaumes of amusement or pleasure. I am this little, I receive in flattering my vacsity at my liveging, I have been reading every day for the last three weeks untill today, although the old citizens say the season has been quite heathy. This is much laborous confirmation to the practice being my sides and usually from eight to twelve and fifteen miles; and you would scarcely believe it when I tell you that since I commenced I have not slept away from home but twice. Then I was called to a lady which detained me three days. I have made it a fixed rule, that whenever I get through prescribing to start home. Consequently, I have rode much in the night, through probably one of the darkest countrys I ever saw, I have purchased a huricane pony - that copis me eight miles an hour, over any lost of reach, and I surely ride in a slower pace thake a cope night or day - This is an enchantment or charm connection with my nocturnal rides that I could not feel in an older settled community. There the woods are infested by wolves, bear, wild cats, and panthers creating just chase - just enough to give a charm to the ride, but I don't think this kind of feeling will be very durable - - You may think that I am endangering or risking my health, but it improves under it. I have built one a baths houses on the bank of the river where I bathe almost every day. And I do assure you it is quite a Curary - I want health while I do live, but I can not how soon, nor in what shapes the green eyed monster, death may come. I shall not however foolishly hand myself into dangers. But if I die in the discharges of my duties, or in vindicating my name or honor, I can not, nor have not, any fear. You ask about our brothers. I went to see brothers Lou and remained at his house two weeks himself and family are well. I live about forty miles west of him. I wrote and received a letter from John. He's leading a soldiers life another northwestern frontier. He belongs to a company of renpons - He was quite well. I want to know if my birds are living and if sis renders them sufficient attention, as I rather suspect she divides it between her son and them, giving much the larger portions her son. Tell her, by no means to neglect them, as I wish to see them and have them sing for me if I should ever return. I must chide you about your manners of directing your letters. You must do better indeed and direct to Dr. R. N. Slack instead of Mr. This you will take gently from yours. best of Invins brothers R.N. Slack PS Give my love to sister E. Kip here and my nephew both a half-dozen times over and over again for me. Give my respects to all my friends - especially. Mr. Payers and Lady - R.N. Slack Friday, Sept 15, this has been the warmest day ever know in the county. Two deaths have occured in the county from heat today. RN

LETTER FROM GALVESTON, TEXAS SEPT 16, 1848 TO MR. JAMES B. SLACK, BARDSTOWN, KENTUCKY - MAIL:

Dr. Brothers & Sisters,

I arrived her on the 14 th instr from NO which place I left on the 12th, without much of interest transpiring only two our Lafes are apreable trip to this point, where I shall tarry a few days long in for the purposes of restoring myself and horses to perfect health as we are both rather way worn with our travel. I find this place much altered since last I was here; that is in a business point of view. There had been some little improvement made by building, but it is not as populous quite as then was. Still quite pleasant and agreeable, with a soft and sling breeze constantly blowing. My inclination is to move forward than ususal Hise. I have eat sheers peas, cabbage and Irish Potatoes, wiht a great variety of other vegetables belonging to this climate. I have rode out on the sea beach twice a day morning and evening, which is one of the most delightful rides or drives on earth as admted by [ ] and travellers who have visited this place, and at on a to be brief - and concise I do think at one of the pleasantest and most delightful spots on gods earth. Society, I suppose from appearances to be tolerably good above mediocrity. I have just returned from thew wharf, where I parted with three Kentucky friends. They took shipping hive for the western part of Texas. And the parting with them brings me to a sense of my great lonelisiegs - I feel which (writing this) if I could only suiance find famiuliar face, from old tiash Co that I could love it, dote on it and cherish it own more affections than is common after so short an absence. But it can not be, at least soo in and I must abide my fate, tho a very lonely and fuheaffy answer. The sounder of sweet in the crarcy just fallin on my ear from oven adjacing charishes accompianied by the soft and painivetones of the frsinace was is where I must hasten to drive away this growing melancholy. I shall enclose in this a note too Mrs. Payne which you will hand her immedicately. When I arrive in Houston I will write again expecting to hear from you soon direct to Houston Texas. I forwarded a pair of canary birds on to T.A Hebh from N. Orleans to sister Ella. Keep them with good care in memory of me. Do not neglect writting immediately upon the reception of this - Give me all, everything in which you know. I take an interest care not for your manner of writing, for you know to whom you write, as it will palliate and sooth some of my cares. I am your sincere and affectionate To brother ever J.B. Slack R. N. Slack

LETTER FROM HOUSTON TEXAS MARCH 11, 1849 TO MR. JAMES B. SLACK, BARDSTOWN, KENTUCKY - MAIL:

Dear Bro - As I am about leaving here for the new and distant west, I feel it a duty which I owe you and others of my Kentuckians to appraise them of my route, prospects, interest view hi Ky. I left Wharton on the 8th with for this place for the purpose of furnishing myself such entirely as could not be obtained in my town. I leave here on Tuesday next for my county. On the 20th of the month I leave there for San Antonio in route for California. This will be an immigration of two thousand inhabitants from this state to Cal the ensuing spring. We have a company of 12 or fifteen from my county numbering some of the worthiest, wealthiest and most reliable men in the county. We expect to rendevous at San Antonio. Then we meet officers and companies from San Anton. We travel with Major Gen. Morth's division to the Passi dels Noston, a distance of 500 miles, north there hope to establish a military post. We will then take almost a due west course to the head of the Gila which empty's into the over Colorado of Cal. thence to San Diego, thence to the "poldo diggendo. Our company will be fitted out with pack mules,Wagons, provisions, arms, the civilians not confident that the route will admit of carriage travel further than the Passo. We will go prepared with pack mules in the event of our having to leave the cassiapes on the way. It is supposed by Col. Lach Hays (who was less a few days since) that the casasans leaving San Antonio will be on a larger and grander seale then any that has even traveled the western plains, riviling in grandeur and magnificance the cavalcades of the east. Than will be between one and two thousand wagons with the same number of persons and three or four thousand horses and mules. We expect it will take us 15 weeks to reach the Pacific Coast. I will take with me a small stock of drugs clothing enough to serve me two years and a few books. The most of my books I shall be compelled to leave behind. I have three mules and my saddle horse. One of the mules I shall ride mostly either leading or allowing my horse to follow. Take my horse to ride in emergencies as we may expect to encounter some trouble on the way - He's one of the over See my Decan old mother and tell her though I write in a stylze of much trouble, not to fear for I know none even were blest with warmer friends than I have been. I may write her a few lines from San Antinio. R.N.S. Write to me and direct to San Francisco, California your letters will arrive by the time I get there. Tell my friends to write me there. RN.S.

LETTER FROM ROBERT N. SLACK TO HIS BROTHER JAMES FROM SHASTA CALIFORNIA DATED SEPTEMBER 15, 1852:

My Dear Brother, Either you or myself are much to be blamed in failing to correspond with each other// I do not know but it has been more from my neglect than anything else. However, be it as it may I now feel a welling up, heartfelt and true, for the first time since I left home to correspond regularly with my near relations and friends. You have been informed I suppose sometime since of my bad luck and misfortune in money matters. I had made every arrangement to return to Ky - last Dec. with the exception of some collections, with about $15,000.00 in cash when I sustained a small loss of about eight hundred dollars and in attempting to regain the amount I failed in each attempt, until, I became enraged, maddened and furious with the world, and finally wound up by spending the last dollars. Among my troubles the one that came nearest resulting most seriously grew out of a personal difficulty between a merchant by name of McAndle of this place and myself about a settlement, when he used insulting language and likewise made hostile demonstrations, towards me, I was unarmed at the time. He came soon after into the Hotel that I was boarding at (and the same that I had sold a short time previous) during my absence and abused me much, saying that he was then armed, and should continue to be prepared for either me or my friends. I prepared myself on the next morning determined to bring the affair to a close the first time we met on the street. During the evening he came walking up the st with two of his friends when he was passing and about opposite, I spoke to him, telling him that he was the man that wished to fight now draw and defend himself. He ran as soon as I spoke when a friend of mine caught my arm and prevented my shooting untill he had stoped and drawn his pistol. We then commenced firing at each other he running backwards all the while. I discharged four shots and him three one of mine wounding him slightly on the side. For this I of course was arrested and the matter had to go through several courts, and as a matter of course cost me much money and trouble -- I was at last being honorably acquitted -- I have also had considerable trouble with the damned abolitionist of this country on account of my southern partialliaties - I am however at present getting along very quietly with them as they have not interferred with me of late - And they had better not. As for myself, I am now engaged in the practice of my proffefsion in the valley below the town of Shasta about 15 miles. Myself and a young man by the name of Dainperfield from benperia are likewise keeping a Ranch, or rather as we say at home farming. I am doing very well at the practice making from $300 to 400 per month. This income with what we can make farming, raising claves, pigs and chickens, will I think in the course of a few months enable me to get out of debt and have me a small surplus -- In some of my letters home I spoke of going to Mexico this winter-- This I shall not do at least for one year for my engagements are now such as forbids such a move -- To speak candid and true I yet believe that I may return to Ky - in the course of one or two years at most. I am very desirous to be back once more in old Washington and spend sometime with my relations/ and friends if I have any there/ And see what time can effect in the space of half a day in years -- I know you all have a dull time enough counting your "picayunes and bits" - It certainly must be tiresome to live and get on in that old "one horse" country, where one sees nothing, does nothing, and almost knows nothing. But however I should not write thus, for I love Kentucky, yes god bless her and her institutions, her fathers and mothers - her sons and her daughters. They are so much superior to any other portion of our union in all that is generous, good and true that I can scarcely look back without having a thousand regrets at having left it -- But so it is, I have left, and if not to make myself happy, I hope I rendered some others so. James I still entertain the attachment that caused me to leave, Nor do I believe that, times what is said, to effect so much in extinguishing our affections, will, even accomplish her end with me. I know that not a day has passed with me since I last beheld her too enchanting form, that I have not thought and loved. Do not call this lusatnegs, though it may be soon. R.N. Slack In my next letter I hope to be able to send some money home for the benefit of Father and Ma. I can't tell how much but some at least. I have not received a hive from Kentucky for one year nor do I know that our parents are alive. I hope they are, that I may yet medum one of the most sacred duties we owe on earth in supplying their wants and contributing to their happiness while they live. Our family has been peculiarly unfortunate in many ways but this should not cause us to neglect or fail to fulfill our parts in contributing to our parents comfort. When you write give me a full and particular account of their situation and conditions - as well as all the balance of those in whom I am mostly interested. See all the different members of our family and tell them where I am, and what I am doing, also remember to them my sincere and heartfelt love for them, hoping that no new causes of strife and dissentians may ever arise but that harmony and love may ever reighn supreme before the final separations day arrives - There is something revolting to our natures to allow one simple feeling or sentiment of dislike or hatred to exist in the breast of those who are allied by blood and strong ties of affinity, that he who harbours them, adds not to his own happiness, but mans the sweetest pleasures on earth - I could write much more at length on this subject but will not at present. The emigrations is arriving daily from the plains. There has been a new route opened this season leading directly into this part of the states - Theres been about one hundred waggons arrived here, and there are quite a large number behind expectations soon. They all seem in good health and spirits - Their stock looks much better than any I have seen arriving before - Quite a large number of ladys have come - some single, but generally married with families of children. The mining populations are doing tolerable well, that is those who have been at it sometime, and understand the manner of laboring advantageoulsy with machinery. Farming is I think the safest and best business we have - Everything a man makes his command from thance to five hundred percent more than is docs in the old states. Barley 8 cts per lb wheat 12 - potatoes 12, cabage 15, turnips 15, carrots beets & ___ the same, Beef 25 to 30 cents per lb pork fresh 50, muttan 30, chickens $3/1.00 per day - eggs $3.00. You must excuse this writing for I have been interrupted several times - I now close with best wish for your health and prosperity. I am your devoted Bro- R N Slack My love to sister E. and the children R.N.S.

In 1856 James Brown Slack moved from Bardstown to Elizabethtown.

1880 CENSUS:
Household:
Name Relation Marital Status Gender Race Age Birthplace Occupation Father's Birthplace Mother's Birthplace
J. B. SLACK1 Self M Male W 55 KY Retail Grocer KY MD
Elvina A. SLACK2 Wife M Female W 54 MO Keeping House KY KY
Nettie SLACK3 Dau S Female W 14 KY KY MO
Mid. H. SLACK4 Son S Male W 23 KY KY MO
James SLACK5 Son M Male W 25 KY KY MO
Hattie C. SLACK6 Other M Female W 19 KY Boarder IRE KY
Charles W. SLACK7Other M Male W 22 KY Retail Grocer KY MO
Ella T. SLACK8 Other M Female W 17 KY Boarder KY KY
Sallie B. SLACK9 GDau S Female W 8M KY KY KY
Joseph WARREN10 Other Male W 19 KY Clerk In Store KY KY

JAMES BROWN SLACK'S GRANDSON (son of his son John):

The History of West Virginia, Old and New
Published 1923, The American Historical Society, Inc.,
Chicago and New York, Volume II,
pg. 268

Frank Parsons Slack, secretary and treasurer of the West Virginia & Kentucky Insurance Agency, with offices at 531 1/2 Ninth Street in the City of Huntington, is one of the prominent representatives of the general insurance business in this city and state. The company of which he is thus an executive is incorporated under the laws of both West Virginia and Kentucky, his father being vice president of the corporation and George I. Neal, of Huntington, being its president.

Mr. Slack was born at Elizabethtown, Hardin County, Kentucky, July 16, 1886, and is a son of John W. and Sallie (Dent) Slack, the former of whom was born at Bardstown, Kentucky, in November, 1851, and the latter at Louisville, that state, July 23, 1855, their marriage having been solemnized in that city, and their home being now maintained at Huntington, West Virginia. John W. Slack was reared and educated at Elizabethtown, Kentucky, where eventually he became successfully established in the mercantile business. In 1891 he removed to Owensboro, that state, where he was identified with the distillery business until 1896, when he engaged in the wholesale liquor trade in the City of Louisville. In 1902 he engaged in the general insurance business in the City of Cincinnati, Ohio, and in 1907 he established himself in the same line of business at Charleston, West Virginia, whence he removed to Huntington in 1914, he being now vice president of the West Virginia & Kentucky Insurance Agency.

He is a stalwart advocate of the principles of the republican party, and he and his wife are communicants of the Catholic Church. Of their three children the subject of this sketch is the youngest; Ella Grace is the wife of Paul T. Monarch, who is connect with the Jeffrey-DeWitt
Manufacturing company of Kenova, this state, their home being at Huntington. John D. is engaged in the general insurance business at Huntington.

In the public schools of Louisville Frank P. Slack continued his studies until he had completed the work of the sophomore year in the high school. At the age of fifteen years he became associated with his father's insurance business, which he represented through Southeastern Kentucky with residence at Pineville, that state. In 1913 he established his headquarters at Georgetown, South Carolina, where he remained two years, as representative of the same insurance agency throughout that state. Thereafter he passed one year in New York City, and on the 1st of January, 1916, he assumed his present dual office, that of secretary and treasurer of the West Virginia & Kentucky Insurance Agency, which under his vigorous and well directed directions and progressive policies has developed the largest exclusive payroll insurance business in the United States. The agency insures employees of coal companies in health and accident indemnity, the coal operators collecting the insurance fees from the payrolls of their corporations. Mr. Slack is a stockholder in the Consolidated Insurance Agency of Huntington, and also in the W. E. Deegan Realty Company of this city. He is a member of the Huntington Kiwanis Club, is a progressive and public-spirited citizen and is independent in politics, his support being given to men and measures meeting the approval of his judgment. He owns his attractive home property at 617 Trenton Place, Huntington.

November 29, 1914, recorded the marriage of Mr. Slack and Miss Elizabeth Ann Scobee, daughter of James W. Scobee, who is engaged in the wholesale lumber business at Winchester, Kentucky, his wife being deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Slack have a winsome little daughter, Sarah Hedrick, who was born May 10, 1917.

James Slack, grandfather of the subject of this review, was born at Slack's Landing, Pennsylvania, became a pioneer settler at Bardstown, Kentucky, and later owned and operated a tannery at Elizabethtown, that state, where he remained until his death. The family name of his wife was Scott, and she was a kinswoman of Gen. Winfield Scott, the doughty American warrior. John Dent, maternal grandfather of James P. Slack, passed the greater part of his life in the City of Louisville, Kentucky, where he was a leading merchant for many years and where he served during the Civil war as United States provost marshal.

Name: Frank P Slack
Residence: Louisville city, Jefferson, Kentucky
Birth date: Jul 1886
Birth place: Kentucky
Relationship to head-of-household: Son
Father name: John W Slack
Father birth place: Kentucky
Mother name: Sallie B Slack
Mother birth place: Kentucky
Race or color (expanded): White
Head-of-household name: John W Slack
Gender: Male
Marital status: Single
Enumeration district: 0062
Sheet number and letter: 8A
Household id: 125
Reference number: 17
GSU film number: 1240530
Image number: 00695
Collection: 1900 United States Census