Husband George Byers Sloan 1
Born: 20 Feb 1809 - Franklin Twp, Armstrong Co, PA 1
Christened:
Died: 2 Nov 1882 2
Buried: - Slate Lick, Armstrong Co, PA
Father: David Sloan ( -Abt 1812) 1
Mother: Nancy Jack ( - ) 1 3
Marriage: 9 Dec 1830 1
Wife Mary Morrison 1
Born:
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
Father: William Morrison ( - ) 1
Mother: Martha Barnes ( - ) 1
Children
1 M Rev. David Harvey Sloan 4
Born:
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
2 F [Unk] Sloan
Born:
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
Spouse: Rev. J. H. Blackford ( - ) 2
3 F [Unk] Sloan
Born:
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
Spouse: J. F. Boyd ( - ) 2
4 F [Unk] Sloan
Born:
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
Spouse: B. S. Robinson ( - ) 2
5 F Mary Elizabeth Sloan 2
Born: Abt 1843
Christened:
Died: 7 Oct 1865 - Slate Lick, Armstrong Co, PA 2
Buried:
6 M John Boyd Sloan 2
Born: Abt 1847
Christened:
Died: 3 Dec 1861 - Kittanning, Armstrong Co, PA 2
Buried:
General Notes: Husband - George Byers Sloan
The death of his father occurring when he was but three years of age, he was left in the care of his mother, an amiable, industrious and pious woman. But their fortune was slender, and while yet a mere boy, George found himself mainly thrown upon his own resources. He had good health and a will to work, and accepting such employment as in that day was to be had (grubbing, chopping, reaping, etc.), he gained a livelihood and formed habits of industry and energy that characterized his whole after-life.
His formal education extended only to the common elements of an English course, and for this privilege he had to walk a distance of two or three miles, and pay his own way in a subscription school.
When about twenty years of age he spent a winter thrashing grain by hand, as the custom then was, in the barn of William Morrison, of Slate Lick, a circumstance materially affecting his whole after life, as it led to his marriage. In the wife of his choice, Mr. Sloan found a true helpmeet; when he wooed he had but himself to offer. But from the first she fully and cheerfully accepted his lot, and, blessed with good health, prudent in counsel, and untiring in energy, she contributed her full share to whatever of success he attained in life.
Upon his marriage he purchased and settled on the farm with which his whole after-life was identified, at Slate Lick, then in unbroken forest, with the exception of a few acres. Beginning without capital other than he had in his own faculties and endowments, yet he managed to meet his payments. Often he prosecuted the work of clearing his land into the night, lighted by the blazing fires, and cheered by the presence of his young wife, sitting, with knitting in hand, conveniently by. Their first house was a rude cabin of logs, so open that the twinkle of the stars could be seen through the chinks at night. But the material comforts of his home steadily increased. Prudent, he was yet progressive, and was ever among the first to avail himself of improvements and conveniences. He was one of the first to take a newspaper in his neighborhood. He owned almost the first machine for thrashing grain introduced into the neighborhood.
Aside from the ordinary pursuits of the farm he engaged to some extent in a variety of other business enterprises. In the general outcome he was fairly successful, not amassing great wealth, but having as the fruit of his honest industry an easy competence.
To a very large extent he enjoyed the confidence and respect of those who knew him. Often he was called to make peace and adjust differences between other people. In 1854 he was chosen to fill the office of county commissioner. In 1859 he was elected to the office of sheriff. He also served as one of the first jury commissioners under the new system. As sheriff, while true to the duties of his office, by his kindly manner and the allowance of all proper indulgence, he won from many the praise of being the friend of the poor and the unfortunate. He loved to encourage and help those whom he saw struggling, as he had done, to gain homes for themselves, not infrequently, as it turned out, obliging others to his own hurt.
Early in life he united with Slate Lick Presbyterian church, an active and consistent member of which he remained to the time of his death, with the exception of the three years spent in Kittanning while he held the office of sheriff, during which he was identified with the church in that place.
When quite a young man he adopted the principle of total abstinence from intoxicating liquors, at a time when few were found to take this position, generally regarded as radical. For more than fifty years he was a zealous advocate of the cause of temperance, and ever refused in any way to barter or compromise his principles.
In his own neighborhood he was the friend and promoter of the cause of education. A school of higher grade having been organized, and known as the "Slate Lick Classical Institute," in 1870, he erected at his own expense a building, and for several years gave to this school the free use of it.
In April, 1877, he was stricken by paralysis while yet seemingly in his usual vigorous health. He never was able to resume any of the activities of life. A portion of the time he was able to attend church, and to make visits to near-by places. He bore his protracted affliction with Christian patience and resignation. His golden wedding anniversary occurred December 9, 1880, and was duly observed, all his children and many friends gathering to extend their congratulations. He delighted in the grace of hospitality. His friends were always welcomed, and many a wayfarer sought the shelter of his cheerful home. In October, 1882, his illness took an unfavorable turn, and on the 2d day of November he peacefully passed away. [HAC 1883, 609]