Highland recorder. (Monterey, Highland County, Va.) 1877-1972, 1905-02-24
Capt. John q. slaven
(From The Chan MON, Arcadia, FL

rich one. Last week we mourned
the death of two beautiful maidens
just entering into "a lovely woman
hood and today we weep beside the
grave OF one who had come to the
peaceful close Of long and well
spent life, that Of Capt } G Slaven,
who died at the Arcadia House on
last Friday of LA Grippe. Only a
few OF his friends in the immedl-
ate nelghborhood knew that he
was Ill and to those his death came
Unexpectedly as he was thought to
be nearly well, when he took a
fresh cold and relapse.
The pen of a ready writer and
much space at command could not
tell in volumes all that is worth re-
cording of the life of Captain Slav-
ell, for he was an unusual man. who
impressed every one who ever knew
him even slightly as that noblest
work of Gcd, "an honest man.
Not for gain, friendship, or any
other motive could he be induced
to Go or say anything he did not
believe was true or right.
He was loyal to his friends. lie
was Of quiet unassuming nature,
making onlv a few intimate friends
but never forgot those whenever a
kind word or other services were
needed. At the same time his
kindly. truthful nature made even
strangers trust him. We shall
never know another just like him
and grieve that his kind are so few
upon this old sin and sorrow laden
earth. Captain Slaven was born
in Virginia " years ago, but LETT
his home when quite young man,
never returning to see the old faces
and places until so years had pass.
ed. We are sure the brothers and
relatives there will treasure the
visit he paid them in Virginia two
years ago. He drifted to California
over fifty years ago and from there
went to Colorado, Arizona, and
other western states where he EN-
gagged in mining and the cattle
business. Thirteen years ago he
came to Arcadia and has lived here
continuously ever since, for the
last few years in the real estate
business. Rich in some parts OF
his career, he died with no proper
ty except some few thousands out
at interest which he held in
reserve lest old age and helplessness
should make him a burden. But
old age, when it came brought nc
helplessness and a short illness
made him no burden.
Captain Slaven was never marrl'
ed and at the largely attended fun
eral held at the Presbyterian church
on Sunday morning there was nc
one who was of kin to him, vel
there were sore hearts and tears
DIM med ewes Of those III the audi
ence who sincerely mourned a true
friend whom they will sadly miss
Rev Keigwin, his pastor, tor Capt
S!aven was a member of the Pres
bvterian church in Arcadia, preach
ed an impressive sermon and tn
remains were followed to the Area
dia Cemetery by large procession
l where all that was mortal was ten
: derby laid to rest.
The subject Of the above sketch
a son of William Slaven, was Dor
at Meadow Dale, there being on
other son, Morgan. The fathe
died when they were quite .youn
s and their mother, who was tit
son, became The wife of Henf
y Given. TO this union two boy
!
- we're born, James. and George. no
o supposed to be dead.
f Upon the death CT their mothe
y John and Morgan were taken ~
u reared to manhood by their unc'
:. the late Reuben Slaven. In I'll
" memorable year of 1919, these tV
d brothers, in company with Mess
lie Warwick Hull and Jacob Sheft
Of this county, left for Californ1
s The party sailed from BaItlmol
L rounded Cape Horn, and, for thr
10 months, were lost at sea, drIftll
ID belplesslv in small vessel. In
e. reached San Fra ncisco at the e.
y, Of six months. The next 30 yea
m Of Mr. Slayen's life were EVENT.
;! and would make all lnterestI
a. chapter.
ia His visit to the old home In IS
%, was a great satisfaction to the'ae
man, and his friends and klndl
ed regret that he did not live to Cal
ey out his expressed desirse to ret
err. e. N business life and end his d'
in his native hills.
Nv Nv Highland will never blush
W. own such a son. and can read W
to Just pride the tribute paid to Il
a;y by the pen of one who knew Il
he in the home of his adoption.
, 2 life and character should be an
spiration to young men. "ea
such as his cannot be computed.