Notes for: James ("Jim") Clinton Slaten
The following comes from https://genealogytrails.com/ill/saline/bios3.html. It tells us that Lora May was a student at Ewing College in Franklin County, IL as of 1887 when this was written.
James C. Slaten
James C. Slaten, farmer, was born a short distance from his present home April 15, 1842. His father, John J., a native of Kentucky, and a farmer, settled on the present homestead of our subject in 1836, and was soon married to Hannah M., daughter of Michael Roark, a pioneer of the county. Since 1880 he has lived in Harrisburg. The mother was born near the present home of our subject, and died at Harrisburg in August, 1885. Our subject, one of twelve children, reared on the farm with common school advantages, and has been chiefly a farmer and stock dealer. In July, 1861, he enlisted in the Third Illinois Cavalry, Col. E, A. Carr, serving three years, being at Pea Ridge, and lesser actions in Missouri, Champion Hill, Jackson and Vicksburg, then to New Orleans and upon the Red River expedition, and discharged at Springfield, Ill. April 15, 1876, he married Minerva J., daughter of Thomas Davis, and granddaughter of Stephen F. Mitchell, one of the earliest pioneers of Saline County. She was born near Harrisburg March 2, 1853. Their children are Minnie, Broughton, Custer and Logan C. Edgar S. and Lora May are his children by a former marriage. Edgar is managing his father's stock farm on the Ohio River, while Lora is at Ewing College, Franklin County. Our subject is a Republican, first voting for Lincoln. His wife is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Slaten owns 800 acres, 280 of which are in the home place. Stock dealing occupies his attention chiefly. [History of Gallatin, Saline, Hamilton, Franklin and Williamson counties, Illinois (1887) Transcribed by J M Kell]
All the following comes from https://www.wikitree.com/wiki/Slaten-84:
From History of Saline County, Illinois, page 659:
James Clinton Slaton, b. April 15, 1842. His father, John J. Slaton, a native of Kentucky, settled on the present homestead of our subject in 1836, married Hannah M., daughter of Michael Roark. James C. was one of twelve children. He enlisted July 1861 in the 3rd Illinois Cavalry, Col. E. A. Carr, served three years, was at Pea Ridge and lesser actions in Missouri, at Champion Hill, Jackson and Vicksburg, then New Orleans and on the Red River Expedition, was discharged at Springfield. James C. married Minerva J., daughter of Thomas Davis. Their children: Minnie, Broughton, Custer and Logan C. (Edgar S. and Lora May are his children by a former marriage.)
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He clearly favored the names Clinton and Custer in his family's records. Perhaps five children by Maggie (Bodine): J.B., Laura May, Edgar Sherman, Walter Custer, and Delura M. Slaten. Perhaps seven children by Minerva (Davis): Minnie, Idaho, Broughton, Logan C., James Custer, John Clinton, and Lula May Slaten. It is not clear how many or if any of these are stepchildren adopted by James C.
A large notebook of records in the possession of Elida Tirey implies that his first marriages ended in divorce, and show clearly that in about 1900, he married Mary C. Freeman and they had two children, Madeline and Freeman C. Slaten. Madeline married Jake Smith.
An Illinois newspaper article states that a fifteen-year-old newspaper contained an article about James C. Slaten, a wealthy farmer, who was convicted of the murder of Hugh Morris on May 13, 1890, and sentenced to 35 years in the penitentiary. There is no evidence that James C. Slaten was ever incarcerated. Belinda Rinehart says that family lore says he killed a man with a pitchfork over a woman but no mention was ever made of him serving any time for that.
TESTIMONIAL: March 5, 1900 - Harrisburg Ill, To whom it may concern, this is to certify that I have been personally acquainted with James C Slaten for more than 30 years. Mr Slaten was among the best farmers in this Saline County and also among the most extensive stock dealers in this county. I have always recognized in him a man of honor and and as far as I know was well respected in the community in which he resided he belonged to one of the oldest and best respected families in this County having a large train of relatives who are among our best citizens. Respectfuly yours, James H Pearce County Clerk
A similar testimonial from County Judge John D Thompson, ends with "hoping you will see fit to give him a trial."
The reasons for these and other letters is not fully explained, but seem to indicate that James C. Slaten was accused of a bigamy, possibly at the time of his soon-to-be third marriage. It is unknown if his first two wives had died, but there is anecdotal evidence that wife #2, Minerva Davis, left him. Letter from G A Bourland to Mr Slaten, March 6, 1900, says "I am glad to grant your request which is reasonable in vindication of your character, for as we all know you have never been married but twice and hundreds of your friends can verify that. [skip] I am surprised that any one can lie so big and make such extreme charges."
Between 1889 and 1900, he moved to Arkansas.
He died in Hot Springs, Garland County, Arkansas in 1909