The weekly intelligencer. [volume] (Lexington, Mo.) 1891-1901, 1894-07-14
NJ MONROE SLUSHER.
A Prominent Citizen OF Lafayette
County Drowned Last Saturday.

l Prominent Citizen OF Lafayette
County Drowned Last Saturday.
A courier brought the sad news to Lex
ngton, about one O'Clock last Saturday,
hat MIR. James Monroe Slusher, who
resided about six miles east of town, on
the old state road, had been drowned In a
pond on his farm. An INTELLIaENCER
in company with County Treas
urer billiard, left at C for the scene Of
the deplorable accident. The facts, as we
them, are about as follows:
Mr.. Slusher was engaged in making hay
on his farm, and had four negro men in
his employment. His IN, James, went
with him to the field in the morning, and
about II 80 O'Clock they stopped work for
On the way to the house, two of
the negroes and James, Jr., went into the
pond to take a bath, and Mr.. Slusher and
two Of the negroes sat on the bank,
watching those in the water. The pond
is about ten feet deep in the center, and
about fifty feet wide. James, who is
only about nine years old, could not swim
very well, and had not ventured into the
deep water. One Of the negroes was
swimming in the deepest place, and
James endeavored to cross the pond. This
he did, and got hold OF the negro around
the neck. His hold slipped, however,
and the negro, Ike Hays by name, turned
to save him. Mr.. Slusher, who, at this
time, was some distance from he pond,
saw that James was in danger. and
shouted: "Uncle George, save my boy"
Uncle George Robertson, an old family
negro, and a trusted servant, sprang into
the water, swan over to w1cre the boy
was, and was assisting Ike Hays in taking
him out. Mr.. Slusher, running as fast as
possible. jumped in the water at the
deepest place. He, however, managed to
get to where they were with the boy, but
in the excitement he went down. The
boy wal rescued by the combined efforts
of the four negroes. George Robertson. Ike
Hays, Frank Hayden and John Holmes.
The above are the facts as narrated to
the reporter by the negroes. They told
about the same story; all agreed upon
the principle points.
4uo RECBuIIiRSlOu II tuuS wiz aon
and the negroes were all excited, and that
In thes struggle Mr.. Slusher was drowned.
His watch stopped at 11:40. Immediately
Messrs. Jackson and Lee SIusher were
informed Of the sad affair, and they went
at once to the scene. The body, cold in
death, was rescued at 1880 O'Clock, by
the use Of drag hooks.
Tonuoa = D,onk lNs-n Hufna huf una
rescued. He was taken to the house, and,
after q few hours was about well. The
body of Mr.. Slushef wa taken home to
his wife. Many from this city and Dover
gathered with the neighbors to render
assistance.
The funeral o place at the residence
at three O'Clock Sunday afternoon, and in
the presence Of q large OF peo-
pie the body was laid to rest in the family
burying grounds. The sermon was
preached by Rev. Mr.. Phillips, of Dover,
The burial was conducted by the members
Of the Lexington Lodge, A. F. & A. NJ,
of which deceased was a member.
MI. Slusher was . native of this county
He was born November %, 1s49, and was
forty-four years, seven months and ten
days old at the time of his death. He
was the son Of Thomas and Minervs
Slusher, both OF whom have preceded hin
to the grave. He was q brother of Mrs
George Carr and Messrs. David A. and
w. c. Slusher, Of this county. who, with
q wife and two children, are left to mourn
him.
Mr.. Slusher had just returned to hi
home, after having spent several week.
at Kansas City, under eminent surgeons
For years his health was bad, but at tn,
time Of his death he was entirely well
and had taken q new lease on life.
His wedding took place in Orange Co.
Virginia, in November, 1873, his wifi
being Miss Birdie Payne, OF that state
Two children, Lizzie, a little girl o
twelve summers, and James, aged MIN
years, whom he died in attempting I,
save, are the fruits of the union.
Mr.. Slusher's life needs no encomiun
from our PEN. 1t was an example OF truth
integrity and industry, n Is worthy o
emulation. He was q member OF on,
Of our established families, every membe
of which Lafayette is justly proud. tt
everything that was noble and good
James Slusher's life was consecrated
His record was one, - near as man cal
make it, faultless and blotless. In hi
every action he displayed those higher
qualities Of manhood which honor ouI
common country. There wa no bombas
nor deceit about him. He had no desire {,
shine In any other light than just as hi
merits entitled him. He was a. honest a
the day Is long, and his word was as goo,
a. another mans bond. Plain, steady
honest, upright James Slusher has ruI
his earthly race, and to an all-powerfu
God we commend his soul.
Our sympathies are extended to hi
wife. children, brothers, sister, and to hi
large family Of relatives, than which tn
records OF no family hold q higher plac
In the esteem and low OF the citizens o
this county.