Biography of

James William Slater,

Lieutenant, Company A

Lieutenant James William Slater was born at Beverly, Ohio on December 13, 1843. After being orphaned along with a brother and sister at the age of nine, he was raised by an uncle at Beverly. He enlisted in the 18th Ohio Volunteer Infantry at the age of 18. He spent the first three years as a Principal Musician in Company H. After his first enlistment was up, he re-enlisted in the 18th OVVI which was formed by the men wishing to remain in the army. He was promoted to 1st Sergeant on March 1, 1865. On May 27, 1865, he was transferred to Company A and promoted to 2nd Lieutenant. He was discharged Oct 9, 1865.

Returning to Beverly, he studied medicine two years and accepted a position as pharmacist at Parkersburg, WV. In 1870, he moved to Ironton where he remained in the Druggist business operating several successful ventures. In 1880, he married Miss Mary R. White of Cincinnati. He was also a member of the Dick Lambert Post, G.A.R, as well as a Knights Templar and member of the Masonic Lodge. He retired around the year 1909. His remaining 20 years of life saw him active in the community. He was considered to be a splendid citizen and a man of rugged moral character.

He died on October 20, 1929 and was buried in the Woodland Cemetery on October 21. On December 14, 1929, his body was disinterred and moved to the Greenlawn Cemetery Mausoleum where it remained until the mausoleum in Ironton was completed.

(Information obtained from a copy of the obituary printed in the Ironton Register, October 21, 1929, and the Roster of Ohio Troops in the Civil War.)