The home journal. (Winchester, Tenn.) 1858-188?, 1873-07-24
john THOMAS SLATER, DECEASED,

JOHN THOMAS SLATER, DECEAsED.-
Our forms were ready for the press last
week when the person named brcathed
his last, and we were forced to mention
the solemn fact in very few words
Something more is due to the memory OF
the deceased, for he was Il prominent citi-
zen, and in his death our community has
sustained Il heavy loss. John Thomas
Slater was the youngest of three sons of
Rev. David Rice Slater, who came to this
county from the county of Montgomery
about the year 1896. At this time The
deceased was about thirteen years OF age.
This would make him near sixty years
old at the time of his death. In 1887 he
was elected Major of Militia, one ofhis OPP
pOnents in the election being Williamson
Oldham, who afterwards went to Texas
and represented that State in the Senate
Of the Confederate Congress. In those
days it was no small honor to be made an
officer in the Militia, and We have heard
that Major SLATER manifested unusual
pride in drilling his men and bearing
himself in Il manner to win their esteem.
In 1911 he was elected a Justice of the
Peace, in district No. /. tor Franklin
county, and on the 9TH OF February of
that year was qualified according to law,
This Office he was successfully elected to
with the exception OF one term) and held
it to che day of his death. His decisions
were generally sustained, and we think it
but justice to say that we never had II
more intelligent magistrate. His tirmness
Of character and his general knowledge Of
the law (hc obtained license several yeprs
ago. eminently fitted him for this po-
sition.
Sc much for his prominence in public
life. As IA private citizen he stood
above reproacll, and came as near
attending to his own business and not
meddling with the affairs of Others as any
man we ever knew. No one doubted his
honesty. While he was careful to demand
what was Justly due him, he was equally
earnest in paying what he owed, even to
the last cent. In fact, he made it rule to
pay as he went, and we believe we would
be safe in saying that the estate he leaves
behind him Is not in debt one single dol
lar outside of unavoidable expenses on
nccted with sickness and death. The cX-
ample he has given business men in this
respect shouldn't be lost, especially where
death would leave Il family of children
dependent on the uncertainties and delays
of litigation. 1t would seem as if he lad
been preparing I'LL his life for the sad but
certain time ofdeath. Herein his love and
care are manifested in 4 most substantial
manner for the five children left mother
less ten years ago, and who to-day must
deeply feel the loss of Il father who
seemed so Solicitous for their education
and worldly comfort. In all this John Il.
Slater was just whata parent should be,
aud being so, it would seem strange indeed
if death did not leave sad. abling hearts
behind. But underneath the green &C.
dars that mark the pleasant home Il Ia
theirs care has provided, they can reflect
upon the virtues of the lovcd-onc gone and
feel, it would seem to us, that his spirit
blessed them from above if they had re-
mcmbered the counsel he gave them
while on earth.