Alanson Slaughter

Alanson Slaughter, deceased, was born in 1818, upon the farm where his family still resides. He was a son of Joseph and Amelia (Booth) Slaughter, natives, respectively, of Ulster and Orange Counties, N.Y. His education was commenced in the schools near his father’s home, and subsequently supplemented by a course of study in the select schools of Goshen and Middletown. By inheritance he succeeded to the family homestead in the town of Wallkill, and there he spent his entire life, devoting his attention to agricultural pursuits. In his cozy and well appointed home he passed the sunset of life serenely, fortified against want, and untrammeled by the cares and anxieties that are attendant upon poverty.

In all matters pertaining to the prosperity of the town of Wallkill, Mr. Slaughter was deeply interested, and he was well informed concerning the current topics of the times. Realizing the value of a good education, he did all in his power to promote the interests of the common schools. In religion, too, he was deeply interested, and for eight years served as Elder of the Presbyterian Church of Scotchtown. He remained true and loyal to the doctrines of that denomination until his death. Upon his character for honesty and integrity a suspicion was never breathed. His life was open to the view of the citizens of the town, and not a stain could be found upon his record. He passed from the scenes of life December 26, 1883.

The lady who was Mr. Slaughter’s faithful helpmate in life, and who mourned him in death, bore the maiden name of Mary Ann Bailey, and is a daughter of Nathaniel and Jennet (White) Bailey, of the town of Wallkill. Her grandfather, Daniel Bailey, came from Long Island, and was the progenitor of this branch of the family in Orange County. The union of Mr. and Mrs. Slaughter, which was solemnized October 11, 1843, was blessed by the birth of three daughters, namely: Helen Jane, wife of George W. Ackerly, of the town of Montgomery; Jennet, who married Robert G. Young; and Miss Ann Amelia, who resides with her mother on the old homestead. Upon the farm is the noted Indian Spring. The water has very superior medicinal qualities, and is never failing in its supply. A number of Indian relics have been at times found near the spring, and some of these are still in possession of the family.

Since the death of Mr. Slaughter his wife and daughter have continued to reside in the house in which the husband and father so many years resided, but the farm is now leased to a tenant, who manages and superintends the same, furnishing a comfortable income to the owners. The buildings are neat and substantial, adapted to their varied uses. Within the home hospitality abounds, and visitors receive a cordial welcome.