Stories

SLAUGHTER

I learned to ride horses while my arm healed and worked for two old men that were Confederate Veterans.  One was married, the other single.  Their names were Joe and Bill Slaughter.  He had a son named Bill.  They raised horses and had a large ranch with a windmill to pump water.  We had 8 acres by theirs.  A pond about 2 acres inside their land and had every kind of snake, frogs, tadpoles, lizards, water lilies, and thick mats of moss.  I guess I was careful.  I never got bit but that never stopped me, Grace, or Bob from playing there.  Grace and Bob were gone one day and mom couldn't find them.  I was with the men haying.  She had me come and wade all over the pond to see if they were anywhere; and they were not.  We thought of a peach tree about 1/2 mile away, and there they were.  All covered with peach juice and happy as could be.

(J. J. Slaughter 51 yr., his wife A. M. 51 yr and son William are #234 in the 1885 Kansas state Census Collection.)  (J. B. Laws & family were #197 in the 1885 Kansas State Census Collection.)

Myma Sue Dever Slawson, born February 22, 1938, passed away on Thursday, June 18, 2009, after a brief illness.  A longtime resident of Johnson City, she spent the majority of her career as an English teacher at Science Hill High School. She once earned the prestigious honor of being Tennessee’s Teacher of the Year. She took great joy in her work and was affectionately known as “Mama Slaw” by countless former students. She lived life to the fullest, valuing relationships more than material wealth. She enjoyed art, literature and music.  She was tirelessly devoted to her family and leaves to cherish her memory, a brother, William Dever of PA; a daughter, Tracy Williamson of Peachtree City, GA; a son, Mark Slawson of Johnson City; grandsons, Derren Slawson, Alex Williamson, Matthew Slawson and Aaron Williamson; a granddaughter, Alyssa Slawson and a great-granddaughter, Sophie Slawson. A memorial service will be held on Sunday, June 21, 2009, at 4:00 PM at Covenant Presbyterian Church. The family will receive friends at the church from 2:00 – 4:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests that donations be made to Covenant Presbyterian Church, 603 Sunset Dr., Johnson City, TN 37604. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family and viewed online at www.tetrickfuneralhome.com or faxed to (423) 610-7177. Arrangements for the family are in the care of Tetrick Funeral Services, 3001 Peoples St., Johnson City, TN 37604. (423) 610-7171.