Reuben C. Slagle was born in Polk countY, Missouri, November 5, 1834. His father, Abram, came to Missouri in 1831. His mother, Martha (Lunsford) Slagle, came to Missouri in 1832. and both settled in Polk county and were married December 24, 1833. Twelve children were given to them, of whom the subject of our sketch was the oldest. The schools of an early day were subscription schools, and the school house was a log cabin, with or without a floor, as it might happen. One log left out for a window. The teacher was supposed to be well versed in Pike's arithmetic, where the intricacies of pounds, shillings and pence were discussed. Brother Reuben was converted at a meeting conducted by Eld. Robt. Ross at Slagle. Four years after this, at the age of 31, he joined the church, and now in riper years he is convinced he inflicted a wrong upon himself and others by delaying his baptism, and would by this means advise all truly converted persons to be baptized immediately. Brother Reuben was married to Miss Elizabeth Jane Pike, July 9, 1856, who died without issue December 2, 1860. He was married a second time to Miss Sarah A. Mitchell, September 12, 1867. Three children were born to them, viz: Martha Jane, born April 25, 1869, died January 19, 1873; the second, Annie M., was born February 1, 1871; the third, Sarah E., was born January 24, 1876. Sarah Angeline, the wife, was born June 2, 1847. At the present time both are living and members of the church at Slagle. Their children are also members with them. The first wife, Elizabeth Jane, was born March 10, 1837. Brother Slagle has been clerk of the church for a number of years. He has been justice of the peace 18 years, and still holds the office. He is merchandising at Slagle in connection with brother J. P. Brock. He was elected judge of the county court of Polk county, Missouri, November 3, 1896. |
