GEORGE SLAUSON (1837 - 1882)

George Slauson, inherited much of his father’s (Daniel) fortune and continued his father’s successful lumber business, but he died relatively young; he was not yet 45. George and his wife, Emily Scribner (1837-1906) lived in "the handsomest house in Racine," according to a local newspaper. It had been built by Isaac and Elizabeth Taylor and once stood at 1024 South Main Street. In a barn behind it - which still stands at 1025 Wisconsin Avenue - the Rev. J. W. Carhart built a steam-driven "buggy" with George’s help. It was said by some to be the first of its kind, and it so frightened horses that it did earn Carhart the erroneous honor of being hailed as "the father of the automobile" at a Paris exhibition in 1908.

The Slauson family was one of the most important in the early history of Racine. Slauson Avenue was named for them, and the area of West Racine which was once a part of Daniel’s farm was nicknamed Slausondale. Daniel and Elizabeth are buried in Mound Cemetery along with George and Emily (his son and daughter-in-law). James (George’s brother) was probably buried in Ohio, where he moved after many long years as a resident of Racine.

Submitted by Deborah Crowell