Robert Slater

Biographical and Genealogical History of Morris County New Jersey. Illustrated. Vol. II., Lewis Publishing Company, New York and Chicago, 1899.

This well known citizen of Riverdale owns and occupies the old family homestead and mill property, one of the most beautiful and picturesque spots in Morris county, and one worthy the brush of the skilled artist. The water, the old mill, the green grass and magnificent trees form a view that cannot fail to charm, and it is at this desirable place that the SLATER family has resided for half a century.

The father of our subject, Joseph SLATER, was born in Oldham, England, December 29, 1804, and on leaving the mother country took up his residence in Bloomfield, New Jersey, whence he removed to Orange. He learned the trade of cloth-manufacturing while at Bloomfield, Essex county, New Jersey, and for some years conducted a successful business in that line at Orange. In 1849 he located at Pompton and engaged in the same pursuits until 1861, when he took up the fur-cutting business. He passed his declining days at his home on the banks of the Pequannock river, near Pompton.

Joseph SLATER married Miss Sarah MOOREHOUSE, and died September 1, 1871, when about sixty-five years of age, while his wife passed away January 27, 1873. She was born in Yorkshire, England, December 2, 1807. They had a family of four children:

Martha, wife of Henry D. SMITH, of Pompton,
Joseph, who is living in Newark;
Harriet, wife of William BAXTER, of Morris county; and
Robert, subject of this review.

In Orange, on the 14th of July, 1844, Robert SLATER entered upon his earthly pilgrimage. When he was a child of five years he came with his parents to his present home and in his youth learned the trade of manufacturing hatter's furs, under the direction of his father. He has since followed that pursuit, and for forty years has been connected with the old mill, whose antiquity makes it one of the landmarks in this section of the county; but repairs and improvements have kept it so in touch with the progressiveness of the times that it does not seem to belong to a past generation. The grounds and residence also indicate the same careful supervision, and the SLATER homestead is therefore one of the most attractive places in Morris county, the works of man adding to those of nature the touch of civilization and progress.

In December, 1864, was celebrated the marriage which united the destinies of Mr. SLATER and Miss Elizabeth FRANCISCO, who was born September 10, 1848, a daughter of P. S. and Elizabeth (FREDERICKS) FRANCISCO, the latter a daughter of P. H. FREDERICKS. Two sons came to the home of Mr. and Mrs. SLATER:

Otis R., born September 10, 1871; and
Ellis, born July 16,1873.

Both are interested with their father in the mill. Mr. SLATER is a safe, careful and conservative business man, in whose life few mistakes have occurred, and owing to his capable management his progress has been continuous and he has attained a financial independence which assures to himself and family all the comforts necessary to make the years of life pleasant. In his political views Mr. SLATER is a Republican and in religious belief is connected with the Reformed church, being an active member of the organization of that denomination in Pompton.

This biography was scanned and contributed by Catherine Smith DeMayo.

This page was last modified on: 01 January, 2014