Sarah Jane LOCKWOOD

Other Events and Attributes:

• Fact: Daughter of John and Elizabeth (Knapp) Lockwood
• Census: 1860, Living with husband in Waukesha, Waukesha Co., Wisconsin
• Census: 1880, Living with husband in Waukesha, Waukesha Co., Wisconsin
• Census: 1900, Living with son, Frederick, in Waukesha, Waukesha Co., Wisconsin

Notes:

Name:
THE WAUKESHA FREEMAN
Waukesha, Wisconsin, August 25, 1904

DEATHS

Mrs. Sarah J. Slawson

Mrs. Sarah jane Slawson, aged 90 years, one of the oldest persons in the county, one of the honored pioneers, and widow of Fred Slawson, Sr., died at her home on Broadway Thursday night. Up to a few weeks ago she was in good health, and with the exception of a slight deafness she retained her faculties fully up to her death.
Mrs. Slawson's maiden name was Lockwood and she was born in Orange County,New York, in 1814, the year of the battle of Waterloo. Her ancestors were English and settled at Boston in 1630. She married Mr. Slawson at Newburg, New York, in 1837 and with her husband and family came to Waukesha in 1848, the year Wisconsin was admitted into the union. the first home of the family was in a building on or near the spot where Dr. J.T. Wardrobe's residence on Wisconsin Avenue now stands. Mrs. Slawson planted many of the trees which now beautify that place. During the civil war, Mrs. Slawson was a active member of the local Soldiers' Aid society and was generally known for her kindness of heart and her generosity. All her life she was a great reader and even in her last years kept well informed on the current questions of the day. Mr. and Mrs. Slawson lived together sixty-four years. The former died in 1901. One son and one daughter survive ther parents, Fred M. Slawson of this city, deputy register of deeds, and Miss Augusta Slawson, who is a teacher in the Milwaukee schools. there are also four grand-children - Miss Nellie Slawson, Charles Slawson and Miss Bertha Curtis of this city and Fred Curtis of Milwaukee.
Funeral services were held at the residence on Broadway Saturday afternoon and were conducted by Rev. C.H. Williamson. Interment was in Prairie Home Cemetery.

Source: Joe Chester

Sarah married Frederick Fitch SLAWSON in 1837 in New Windsor, Orange, New York, USA. Frederick (son of Jonathan SLAUSON and Lucy GARDNER) was born on 9 Apr 1817 in New York, USA; died on 13 Jan 1901 in Waukesha, Wisconsin; was buried in Prairie Home Cemetery, Waukesha, Waukesha Co., Wisconsin. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Name:
WAUKESHA FREEMAN
Waukesha, Wisconsin, December 7, 1893, page 7

DEATHS

Mrs. Curtis, wife of Samuel G. Curtis, died at her home on Maple Avenue on Thursday, after a long illness, aged fifty five years. Funeral services were held at the house on Sunday, Rev. P.S. Everett officiating. Of her immediate family a daughter, Bertha, resident with her parents, and a son, Fred, whose home is at Manitee, Col., with Mr. Curtis, survive. Fred was sent for and was present at the funeral. Mrs. Curtis was the daughter of Frederick Slawson, one of our oldest residents. She was born in New York, but had lived here nearly all her life. She had a wide acquaintance and many friends and her death causes deep and general sorrow.

Source: Joe Chester

Sarah married Samuel G.CURTIS in 1858. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Census: 1870, Living in Milwaukee, Milwaukee Co., Wisconsin

Notes:

Name:
WAUKESHA FREEMAN
Waukesha, Wisconsin May 19, 1887, pg. 1

The Dead Soldiers

names of Soldiers of the Union Army, buried at Waukesha, so far as has been ascertained.

AT PRAIRIE HOME CEMETERY

Capt. C.B. Slawson 28

Source Given by Joe Chester

WAUKESHA FREEMAN
Waukesha, Wisconsin, August 21, 1879

DEATH OF CHAS. SLAWSON

A Bright Young Life Cut Short by Suicide.

On last Friday morning Waukesha was thrilled by the news that Mr. Charles Slawson, son of Mr. F. M. Slawson of this place, had committed suicide by shooting himself on a street of the city of St. Paul, where he was a resident, being foreman of the painting department in the railroad car shops. "Charley" was well known and highly esteemed by everybody here, and his death is deeply lamented by his friends at home. The body arrived at Waukesha on Saturday afternoon and the funeral took place on Sunday at his father's house, under conduct of Rev. C. W. Camp. We take the following account of the Coroner's inquest from the St. Paul "Pioneer Press" of last Saturday.

Yesterday's developments added nothing material to the very extended account of the "Pioneer Press" of the Slawson suicide, and what did develop only verified it at all points. Precisely at 10 a.m. Coroner Stein commenced the inquest at the house, 79 Mississippi street, where the deceased had resided. The cottage is very pleasingly and comfortably furnished, and betokens in all its surroundings, a pleasant home.

THE CORONER OPENED HIS COURT
in the front room by impaneling the following as jurors: H.B. Larson, O. Larson, Joseph Gehr, E.M. Raymond, Alexander Johnson, and W.H. Monk. In the center of the floor of the apartment stood an ice casket, with some simple flowers upon it, in which the mortal remains of the once cheerful and respected Charles B. Slawson were lying. The lid covering the face of the body was opened by the coroner that the jury might view it, and was then closed, there being no necessity for a more minute inspection. The countenance was remarkably placid, the somewhat handsome features being entirely unmarred by any distortion, while the fatal wound, being at the back of the head, was completely hidden from sight, so that there was no visible reminder of his untimely and unseemly taking off. The front room connected by folding doors with another to its rear, and the latter with one to its east, and from the last there proceeded during the whole time the inquest was being held, the irrepressible sobs and moans of the suddenly-widowed and anguish-stricken wife.

GUSTAVE JOHNSON
was the first witness sworn, and testified that shortly after 4 o'clock on Thursday afternoon he was at work on the premises of Mr. S.S. Eaton, on the south-east corner of Wacouta and Ninth streets, where he is employed. he saw the deceased come down Ninth street, turn up Wacouta street and sit down upon the steps of the First Baptist church, after which the witness ceased to observe him. in a very few minutes Johnson heard the report of the shot in the direction of the church, toward which the witness turned and saw the deceased rolling over upon his right side upon the steps, but Johnson neither saw the shot actually fired nor the pistol in the hands of Slawson, and there was no one standing near the latter. Johnson immediately ran to the spot, arriving simultaneously with the two others. The pistol was t the feet of the wounded man, who never spoke at that time.

DR. J. STEELE,
the next witness, said he was, on the day and hour indicated, reading at his window in his residence, 127 East Tenth street, which is about in the direct rear of the First Baptist church, when he heard the report of a fire-arm, and thought it must be some one discharging gun preparatory to chicken hunting the next day. he took no notice of the fact until he was summoned about two minutes after by a girl, who informed him that a man had shot himself on the church steps. Thither he immediately proceeded and found the deceased rolled over upon his right side upon the first step. Under one of his feet was a revolver, near which was his right hand, the arm being extended. The man was speechless and paid no attention to the physician's inquiries, and he never afterward rallied. The witness probed the wound to about the length of an ordinary pencil, but did not find the bullet, which had probably expended itself on the opposite side of the brain. The wound was straight and clean, and the witness, of course, was satisfied it had caused death. After giving a description of the revolver - exactly corresponding with that of yesterday's "Pioneer Press" - the witness produced the straw hat worn by the deceased. the brim was burnt on the under side near the part which would be over the right ear when on the head, and the inside edge and leather lining were pierced, evidently by the ball, as if the rim had been bent upward when the shot was fired.

MRS. SLAWSON WAS THEN LED IN
by her sister, Mrs. E. Sanford Blake, and took the witness chair. She is a good looking woman, even though her features yesterday betrayed extreme anguish, and her condition bordered upon the hysterical. Her well-rounded figure rises to a little over the medium stature, and her entire presence was prepossessing, apart from the interest attaching to her as the nearest to the dead central figure in the ice chest. Overcoming her choking sobs she said her husband's name was Charles B. Slawson - she spelt the name as here given - and that her own was Mary, and the following conversation ensued between her and the coroner, who acted with great delicacy and courtesy:

"Had you and your husband any trouble?"
"My husband and I never had any trouble," she wailed, rather than spoke, and then broke down into a passionate and uncontrollable fit of weeping and sobbing that was heartrending to hear and witness. She at length became calmer under the soothings of her sister.
"Do you know of any cause for the act?"
"Oh, no! I do not," she moaned, and sank back into her sister's embrace, and was again assuaged.
"Did he ever threaten to commit suicide?"
"Never - only once that looked like it. He used to be dreadfully troubled with neuralgia, and when he was suffering once, he said, "I feel such a pain in the spot that I feel as if I could put a hole through it.'"
Continuing, in answer to various inquiries, and in a more tranquil mood, she narrated that on Wednesday night he had been sleepless and restless from sickness, but he slept for four hours during Thursday, and arose feeling much refreshed and better. he had been troubled for some days with his feet, which had been much swollen, and as he pulled on his boots, he expressed his satisfaction at the swelling having abated. He left the house between two and three o'clock on thursday afternoon, with the intention as he said, of paying his monthly bills, he having received his pay on Wednesday. Mrs. Slawson was then supported out of the room, but never ceased her lamentations.

THE VERDICT
of the jury was speedily arrived at, and was as follows: "That the deceased came to his death by means of a pistol shot fired by his own hand on the 14th day of August, 1879, between the hours of 4 and 5 o'clock, p.m." This closed the coroner's inquest, but the representative of the "Pioneer Press" continued his, and with this intention, lingered in the room, after the coroner and his attendants had departed. Two ladies were in the house,

MRS. H.S. POMEROY AND MRS. E. SANFORD BLAKE,
who were willing participants in an interview. Mrs. Blake is, as above stated, a sister of Mrs. Slawson, and both were especially desirous of having it stated that there was no trouble in the Slawson household. Mr. and Mrs. Slawson were married thirteen years ago near Sparta, Wis., and their married life had been one of extreme happiness throughout that period. As an evidence of this it was averred that at one time, it was Mrs. Slawson's intention to have visited to the home of her parents in Wisconsin, but had foregone that pleasure most cheerfully on account of an attack of sickness prostrating her husband. Mrs. HS. Pomeroy - she was particular regarding the initials - had known then in Milwaukee before their marriage and was quite conclusive in her statements respecting the felicity in the Slawson family, of which she spoke as one having witnessed it since their arrival in St. Paul. "Mrs. Slawson," said she, "has trouble enough without mixing up slanders with it." Both agreed further in averring the only shadow that ever crossed the threshold was the occasional fits of intemperance to which Slawson was addicted. One trifling additional fact was obtained from the widow though Mrs. Blake. The deceased had "laid off" for two days previous to his payment on Wednesday.

BIOGRAPHICAL
The unfortunate Charles B. Slawson was a native of Orange County, New York, whence he removed with his parents, who survive him, to Waukesha, Wis. He continued his residence in that state until six years ago, when he came to St. Paul, having in 1866 married near Sparta, Wis. On his arrival here he immediately obtained employment in the then St. Paul & Pacific railroad shops as a painter, and served as a journeyman for one year. Being an adept at his business he was then promoted to the foremanship of the painting department, and retained that position to the day of his suicide. Whatever may have been his failings, he gained and held the universal esteem of all who knew him. He was quite an active politician, and wielded considerable influence, especially among his fellow workman in the car-shops. Although entertaining strong Republican convictions, he was independent enough to advocate and support the candidacy of men of opposite political views to his own when convinced of their integrity and fitness for official station. He was especially esteemed by the Druids, in which order he held high rank, being the district deputy grand arch of Marco Bonzaris grove, No. 10, of St. Paul. Mr. Slawson died poor, and left no will or other document for posthumous perusal. He was, however, insured for $1,000 in the Druids, and the only money he was known to possess at the time of his death was $15.85 in his pockets.
The deceased, before shooting himself, as traced yesterday by the reporter, seems to have left Hanft's barber shop by Broadway to Seventh street, passing west along the latter. he was noticed by Mr. Millham, newsdealer, 163 East Seventh street, going up that thoroughfare at an unusually rapid rate, and with his face slightly flushed. At the coroner of Sibley and Seventh he entered the store of J.G. Taylor, where he

BORROWED THE PISTOL
with which he shot himself. Mr. Taylor was not in at the time, but his clerk, A.M. Waite, was there. Slawson asked for the loan of a revolver, requesting the one he had borrowed some months ago, when as he then stated he was going on St. Anthony Hill and wanted it in case of an emergency. he was informed that pistol was at Mr. Taylor's house, but that Mrs. Taylor would give it to him. He objected to ask her for it as he was a stranger, and the clerk, knowing him well, and that he had borrowed the firearm before, loaded up the "Conqueror" revolver with five short, thirty-two calibre cartridges, although the pistol was adapted to long ones. Thus charged, the weapon was handed to Slawson, who evinced no excitement or intoxication. A few doors above, he visited J.F. Pannell's store, and paid there some borrowed money. Mr. Pannell though Slawson excited, or as if he was just getting over a spree and asked what was the matter, to which Slawson answered he had been unwell. Thence he went to Manning's, as detailed yesterday, and thence to the church steps and to his death.

THE OBSEQUIES
were in charge of the Druids, Mr. Charles C. Wilson, the secretary of the deceased's grove, having special personal superintendence of them. At seven o'clock in the evening of yesterday, quite a gathering assembled at the house, where Chaplain Robert Smith conducted a simply service of touching prayer. The body was enclosed in an elegant silver- mounted rosewood casket, which was decked with flowers. The Druids provided this handsome last tenement, as well as provided for the widow's transportation to Waukesha, Wis., and return, and that of the body to the same place. She was also advanced money from the same charitable source. In fact, though under the rules of the order they were only required to furnish $50 for funeral expenses, the Druids far exceeded, and simply did all things well. The following brethren of the association acted as pallbearers: W.P. Murray, C.M. Bell, james C. Morrison, Chas. N. Parker, Jr., E.P. Basford and R.J. Thomas. The body was conveyed to the depot of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul railroad and left on the 8:05 p.m. train for Waukesha, accompanied by the widow and a brother of the deceased, who had arrived by the noon train yesterday.

Source: Joe Chester

Charles married Mary PHILLIPS in 1865. Mary was born in abt. 1848. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Census: 1860, Living with parents in Waukesha, Waukesha Co., Wisconsin
• Census: 1900, Living with brother, Frederick, in Waukesha, Waukesha Co., Wisconsin

Notes:

Name:
WAUKESHA DAILY FREEMAN
Tuesday, October 30, 1923

IN MEMORIAL - ANNA A. SLAWSON

Brief notice was given Monday of the death of Miss Anna A. Slawson at the home of her neice, Mrs. E.R. Dickerson, in Hampton, Iowa. her death took place at noon on that day.

It becomes a duty at this time to note in fuller detail the passing of a pioneer of Waukesha whose life was one of real service; one worthy to be emulated and honored.

Miss Slawson was a native of Orange County, New York, and the date of her birth is given as of February 25, 1843, her parents being Mr. and Mrs. Frederick Slawson, who moved to Waukesha in 1847.

the family traveled via the Erie canal and the Great lakes, and even at the tender age of 4 years the journey westward with its new and strange scenes and experiences made a deep impression upon her mind. Of these, she in later years spoke most interestingly.

Her school days here evidently were filled with interest and pleasures and made lasting impressions since it is doubtful if in recent years there was any other person who could recall so vividly and entertainingly, the passing events of pioneer days and the incidents related to the pioneer citizens whose comings and goings made up the activities of Waukesha.

In relating these she gave much pleasure beside imparting much valuable information to her friends.

At the close of her school days here, Miss Slawson visited for a year or more in the home of her sister and husband, Mr. and Mrs. S.G. Curtis, in Jamestown, New York, and there she took up the duty of a teacher.

Returning to Waukesha subsequently she taught school in Waukesha and in the vicinity for more than a dozen years, thereafter becoming a teacher in Milwaukee.

Her services in the schools there covered a periond of forty-four years, after which she retired on pension, following a record as a teacher of fully fifty-eight years.

Thousands of pupils during this period received the benefit of her tutelage and it may be said with euqal truthfulness that many of these owed to her a lasting debt of gratitude.

Miss Slawson always indicated an intelligent and commendable interest in the affairs of this city and its people and aided in promoting those things that made for the community good.

She wrote with much facility and vividness of things historical and has contributed chapters of this nature that add materially to the annals of city and county. She was a lover of books, a wide reader, and wrote both poetry and prose with a facility and elegance that gave pleasure to many.

Miss Slawson leaves surviving her two nephews, Frederick Curtis and Charles A. Slawson, and two nieces, Mrs. Nellie Slawson Dickerson, and Miss Bertha Curtis, of California. Three brothers and a sister beside the parents preceded her in death, vix., Mrs. Frances Curtis, Charles, Eugene and Frederick M. Slawson.

The remains will be bought to Waukesha Wednesday noon and interment will be at Prairie Home cemetery Thursday. Services will be held at Caspar's funeral home, 204 Main Street, at 3 o'clock p.m.

Source given by: Joe Chester

Other Events and Attributes:

• Census: 1860, Living with parents in Waukesha, Waukesha Co., Wisconsin

Notes:

Name:
THE WAUKESHA (WI) FREEMAN
Sep 18, 1866, pg 3

DIED

At the residence of his parents, in this village, on the 15th inst., of Consumption, GEORGE EUGENE SLAWSON, age 21 years, 7 mos. and 11 days.

The funeral takes place from the residence of his parents, today (Tuesday), at 1 p.m.



Source: Joe Chester

WAUKESHA (WI) PLAINDEALER,
Oct 2, 1866, page 3

RESOLUTIONS OF THE GOOD TEMPLARS ON THE DEATH OF G.E. SLAWSON

Whereas, Our esteemed Brother George Eugene Slawson, a most worthy and much esteemed member of Hope Lodge No. 17 P.O. of Good Templars has been removed from us by death. it is fitting and due to the memory of our deceased Brother, that the Lodge of which he was a faithful member pass the following resolutions:
RESOLVED; That in the death of Brother Slawson, this Lodge and the community has sustained a great loss. His genial and warm heart always elicited not only respect but love and adoration from all who had the pleasure of his acquaintance. Charity with _?_ had no limitations. Hope was _?_ an anchor during his protracted illness; and your Faith permits us to believe that he was in possession of the celestial pass-word which is a Saviours Righteousness. Confiding in the promises of our celestial Grand Templar, may we not believe our Loss is his infinite gain.
RESOLVED; That the members of this Lodge wear our badge of mourning for thirty days.
RESOLVED; That the sympathies of the members of Hope Lodge are tendered to the afflicted Parents, Brothers and Sisters of our deceased Brother, and a copy of these resolutions be presented each of them.
RESOLVED; That the Editors of the Waukesha Plaindealer, Freeman, and the Wisconsin Chief, be respectfully requested to publish the same.

Dated at the Lodge Room of Hope Lodge Sept. 25th, 1866
(Committee to draft Resolutions)
Warner P. Elliott
William S. Hawkins
Ira Kimball
We hereby certify the foregoing preamble and resolutions were unanimously adopted by the members of Hope Lodge.

A. Tyler, W.O.T.
H.G. Keene, W.S.

Source: Joe Chester

Other Events and Attributes:

• Birth: 1 Jan 1850, Waukesha, Waukesha Co., Wisconsin
• Census: 1860, Living with parents in Waukesha, Waukesha Co., Wisconsin
• Census: 1880, Living with parents in Waukesha, Waukesha Co., Wisconsin
• Census: 1900, Living in Waukesha, Waukesha County, Wisconsin

Notes:

Name:
THE WAUKESHA FREEMAN
Waukesha, Wisconsin, June 4, 1914

MOTOR BIKE KILLS FRED M. SLAWSON

Register of Deeds Victim of Fast Driving Prevailing at the Five Points.

Consciousness Not regained.

Victim Struck Unawares by Charles Stubbs' Machine and Death Resulted Three Hours Later.

In full view of scores of persons who were passing the Five Points about 6 o'clock last Thursday evening Fred M. Slawson, register of deeds, was struck by a motorcycle going ten or twelve miles an hour, and injured so badly that he died three hours later.

Mr. Slawson was attempting to cross Broadway from the building formerly occupied by the Brehm clothing department to the Kimbll jewelry store. There were two livery automobiles standing against the curb, and he passed between them. As he emerged in the street the motorcycle, carrying Stubbs and Arthur Martin, bore down on him. The cycle was running in the car track and Stubbs said he tried to pull it out, but that the rails held it straight ahead.

CRASHED INTO VICTIM

In an instant the crash came. Mr. Slawson was knocked several feet along the pavement. The cycle overturned. When friends reached Mr. Slawson he was found to be unconscious. An examination by a physician showed that the victim had sustained two fractures of the leg, one of the arm and one of the skull.
Stubs was thrown to the pavement and fainfully bruised and his riding companion somewhat hurt.
As soon as the extent of the injuries to Mr. Slawson was comprehended aid was summoned and he was removed to his home, 108 Broadway. Every possible thing was done to bring him back to consciousness, but Mr. Slawson died at 9 o'clock. Without question he never comprehended what had happened nor suffered any physical pain. His daughter, Mrs. E.R. Dickerson, and many personal friends were gathered at the home when the end came.

MOTORCYCLE DRIVER ARRESTED

Young Stubbs was taken to the county jail. A charge of assault without regard for human life was lodged against him. Relatives appeared and furnished bond about 8 o'clock, before the death of Mr. Slawson occurred. he was brought into court Friday morning and the case was adjourned a week, pending inquiry by the coroner. No increase in bail nor change in charge was made.
Stubbs said he was riding at a moderate speed and did not see Mr. Slawson until he emerged from between the two cars. the motorcycle was then within a few feet of the spot where the collision took place.

RULE FOR INSERT
Mr. Slawson was 64 years of age. he had been connected with the office of the register of deeds for nineteen years. Two years ago he was elected register. He resided here all his life, excepting for about ten years when he was a resident of Fond du Lac. He was well known throughout the county, and respected and admired by a host of friends here in the city.
Surviving are Mrs. Earl Dickerson, a daughter; Charles , a son, and Miss Augusta A. Slawson a sister who teaches in the Milwaukee schools.

FUNERAL ON SUNDAY
the funeral for Mr. Slawson was held on Sunday at the Masonic Temple. The services there followed the ritual of the Knights Templar and the service at the grave was according to the Blue Lodge ritual. W.W. Perry of Milwaukee, secretary of the Masonic Grand Lodge, delivered the funeral sermon. Hundreds were present and viewed the remains which were exposed at the Temple.
The bearers were C.A. Haertel, E. J. Evans, John Rodgers, George B. Harris., H.E. Blair and A.S. Putney, Sr.

CARRIED ACCIDENT INSURANCE
It was learned this week that Mr. Slawson had carried an accident insurance policy for $5,000 in one of the companies handled by Chauncey Fraser, and the estate will benefit to that extent within a few days. the Policy was taken out in 1913. Mr. Slawson was also a member of fraternal insurance order in this city.

Source: Joe Chester

Frederick married Mary Grace MCCARTNEY on 22 May 1872 in Fond du Lac, Fond du Lac County, Wisconsin. Mary was born on 1 Jan 1852 in Wisconsin; died on 25 Nov 1910 in Waukesha, Waukesha, Wisconsin, USA; was buried in Prairie Home Cemetery, Waukesha, Waukesha Co., Wisconsin. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]