James Slater

    James Slater, deceased, was one of the early pioneers of Blackford County. He was born in Guernsey County, Ohio, where he was reared and married, his wife being Jane Kirkpatrick. In 1835 he came to Blackford County, and settled on section 34, Licking Township, his land at that time being in the dense forest. He became one of the prominent men of the township, and was one of its first justices, serving from 1837 till 1839.

    He assisted in clearing the timber from what is now the site of Hartford City, and lived to see there a thriving and prosperous town. He died July 20, 1877. Seven of his thirteen children are living -Reason, John, Thomas, Elizabeth, Maria, Anna and Henrietta.

Source: Biographical and Historical Record of Jay and Blackford Counties, Indiana by The Lewis Publishing Company, 1887.