Abraham's Father?

The mystery that surrounds Abe concerns his parents. Who are they? An article in the "HILLSBORO DEMOCRAT", Wednesday Evening, Dec 10, 1873, entitled "Early Reminiscences from Illinois - Montgomery County and Its Early Settlers" Reminiscences by A. H. H. Roundtree (Hiram Roundtree) leads us to believe that Solomon Slayback, Jr was Abe's father. The article in its entirety was provided by Deanna Holm and can be found elsewhere on this website. An excerpt from the article follows. In and of itself, this article seems to be convincing proof of Abraham's father.

"... Solomon Slayback, after living on the West Fork for some years, re-moved we believe to Madison, and afterwards to St. Clair County, where he raised his family, and some two years ago he and his aged wife died at a very advanced age, (over eighty,) within eight days of each other in Collinsville, leaving six children, all grown, all married, and perhaps all have descendants. They were Abraham, Margaret, Mary, Susannah, Amanda and Julia. ..."

However, Solomon had a son named Abel who may have been called Abe. Mr. Roundtree could have mistakenly thought his name was Abraham. -OR- Mr. Roundtree simply confused the two names. This casts some doubt as to the validity of Abraham being the son of Solomon, Jr. Even though Abel died in 1872 in San Francisco, San Francisco Co., California, and the article was published in 1873, considering the times, Mr. Roundtree may not have been aware of that fact.

Furthermore, Abraham cannot be found in any census of Solomon's household, causing more uncertainty that Solomon is Abe's father. After examining the census data for Solomon and the land purchases made by Solomon, it appears less likely that Solomon is Abe's father; there is no substantial proof to back up the article. Abraham's great-great grandchildren are continuing to search for proof of Abraham's father. There is another theory as to who his father might be, and I'll go into that later. Let's review what we do know about Abe and his life.

I have a copy of Abraham's marriage bond. He married Mary Deer October 16, 1862, in Boone Co. KY. Mary was born September 27, 1848, in Boone Co., KY. Abe and Mary had 9 children.

I have included information from Abe's Pension File because through some of these documents we are provided a snapshot glimpse into his life. The testimony in the affidavits are the only source to-date that we have concerning Abe's personal life and circumstances. Sections of some documents are copied verbatim, others are a synopsis of the contents, and others that don't serve the purpose of this narrative are not included at all.

Abraham served in the Union Army during the Civil War. He appears on the Company Muster-in and Descriptive Roll dated Nov. 14, 1864. He enlisted Sept. 19, 1864 at Covington (Kenton Co.,) KY. At the time he was a farmer, 24 years old, and born in Butler Co., OH. Abe was not a tall man. He stood 5' 5", blue eyes, light hair and light complexion. He was in Company A, 55th KY Mounted Infantry.

The 55th KY Infantry was often referred to as the "bloody fifty-fifth" and is described in "A Compendium of the War of the Rebellion" by Frederick H. Dyer (Part 3) , found on the outside link of the internet listed below.

"Organized at Covington November, 1864. Attached to Military District of Kentucky, Dept. Ohio and Dept. of Kentucky, to September, 1865. Regiment mounted and assigned to duty in counties bordering on the Kentucky Central Railroad until December, 1864. Stoneman's Raid into Southwest Virginia December 10-29. Near Marion December 17-18. Saltsville December 20-21. Capture and destruction of salt works. Operating against guerrillas in counties west of the Kentucky Central Railroad and the Counties of Campbell, Bracken, Mason, Fleming, Nicholas, Harrison and Pendleton, east of the Kentucky Central Railroad until September, 1865. Mustered out September 19, 1865.

"Regiment lost during service 7 Enlisted men killed and mortally wounded and 2 Officers and 29 Enlisted men by disease. Total 38."

Abraham mustered out at the same Rank he mustered in, a Private. He appears on the Company Muster-out Roll, dated Sept 19, 1865. He mustered out at Louisville, (Jefferson Co.,) KY on Sept 19, 1865. Apparently he was able to make at least one visit home early in 1865, because my great grandmother, Ellen Slayback, was born December 21, 1865, at Petersburg, Boone Co., KY.

Both the 1870 and 1880 census indicate Abe and his family lived in Boone Co., KY. In 1870 they were in the Cavetton Precinct and had 4 children. His P.O. address was listed as Rising Sun Indiana, a Ky Box, and he was a farm hand. By 1880 they were living in Belleview Township and had their full compliment of 9 children. He was a Laborer and was unemployed for 2 months that year.

On February 2, 1889, Abraham filed a "Declaration For Invalid Army Pension" form with the Federal government. He stated he was a resident of near Burlington, Boone Co., KY, ...that he was Abraham Slayback, 48 years old, enlisted in the service of the United States at Covington, Kenton Co., KY on September 29, 1864, as a Private in Company A of the 55th Regiment of Kentucky Infantry Volunteers and was honorably discharged at Louisville, KY on September 29, 1865. While a member of Company A, 55th Regiment of KY Infantry Volunteers and in the line of his duty at Crab Orchard, KY, on or about the month of December 1864 "(1.) he contracted measles which resulted in disease of his lungs and bronchial trouble; that he was sent back from Crab Orchard, KY, to Camp Nelson to a Hospital for treatment for measles; that he was treated in said Hospital for several weeks, and subsequently returned to his Regiment and (2.) That at or near Mt. Sterling, KY, in the spring of 1865 while on what was called the "Mt. Sterling Raid" he contracted Rheumatism in his back, hips, shoulders and legs, which has been persistent and has greatly disabled him and is increasing in severity. That he was not treated in the Hospital for Rheumatism, but was treated therefor by the Regimental Surgeon of said Regt."

He claimed the pension based on disease of the lungs and bronchial trouble as the result of measles, and on Rheumatism, all contracted during his service.

He asked to be ordered to Lawrenceburg or Vevay, Ind. for examination. Since leaving the service he resided in Boone County, KY and his occupation was as a Laborer and Farm Hand. Prior to his service, "...he was a man of good, sound, physical health, being when enrolled a Laborer." That he is "now almost wholly disabled from obtaining his subsistence by manual labor by reason of his injuries above described, received in the service of the United States; and he therefore makes this declaration for the purpose of being placed on the invalid pension roll of the United States."

There is a General Affidavit taken in Ohio County, Indiana, by M. T. Williams, a Notary Public, on November 22nd, 1890. The witness in this affidavit is Abraham Anderson, age 63, a resident of Rising Sun. He stated he was a Stone Mason by occupation and formerly resided in Kentucky. Mr. Anderson continued that he had been "well and personally acquainted with Abraham Slayback since his enlistment in the 55th KY Volunteers in 1864. That he was a member of Co. A, 55th KY Volunteers. He enlisted in Sept.1864 and was discharged in Sept. 1865."

He further testified that "I personally know that while in said service and in the line of his duty, at or near Crab Orchard, Ky. on or about December 1864, claimant contracted the Measles and resulting Disease of Lungs and Bronchial trouble. I know that he was sent to a hospital at Camp Nelson, Ky. for treatment for said diseases. That after some little time he returned to the Regiment and that afterwards, about the Spring of 1865, he contracted the Rheumatism on what was called by some the "Mt. Sterling Raid" in Kentucky. He complained mostly of Back, Hips, Shoulders and Legs. I personally know that Claimant continued to suffer with and complain of said Disease of Lungs, Bronchial trouble and Rheumatism on up to his final discharge from said service in Sept. 1865."

He also declared that since Abe's discharge he had continued to visit him once a month each year from 1864 to the present, and from his observation of him, "I state that he has been continuously disabled with said Disease of Lungs, Bronchial trouble and Rheumatism, during all of said period, and in my best opinion and judgment he has been disabled for manual labor. ..."

There is a second affidavit and the affiant is Henan Dorman, aged 37, a resident of Maxville, Boone Co., KY and his address is P.O. Grant, Boone Co., KY. He says, "I am a farmer by occupation and reside in Boone County, KY, as stated. Since about 1872 I have lived on the same farm with the claimant and have seen and conversed with him almost daily. And I know that during all of said time he has been a constant sufferer with his Rheumatism and Disease of his Lungs and has had some Bronchial affection during all of said time. He had a severe cough and complained of pain in his breast and a tickling in his throat, and also complained of Rheumatism in his back, shoulders, hips and legs, and was frequently laid up unable to do any labor on account of said diseases and often had to quit work on account of the intense pain and suffering. In my opinion and judgment, based on my observation of claimant, hearing him complain, and knowledge of his acute attacks when he would be laid up with said diseases, I state that he has been disabled from the performance of manual labor during said period of 18 years past, at least 3/4 of his time on account of said diseases, and at the present time he is not able to perform even one fourth labor on account thereof.

"I testify from personal knowledge derived from said acquaintance as near neighbor and from working with claimant during the time stated."

On Feb 11, 1895, Abraham Slayback, requested special consideration of his claim. "I am now and for months past have been laid up and confined to my room helpless with said diseases, and am dependent upon charity for support of myself and family; the small amount of pension I receive under the 1890 act being entirely insufficient to provide for my necessities; I have a good and meritorious claim to pension, and believe the same to be fully established by competent and sufficient testimony.

"Owing to the critical condition in which I am in, and my poor and penniless condition, I respectfully ask that my claim be at once made SPECIAL, and be disposed of accordingly. I file evidence herewith in support of this request, and ask that the same be considered herewith.

"I have requested my attorney to prepare this request for me, I not being able to get to him; I cannot leave my room."

There is an affidavit supporting Abe's claim of failing health and his financial situation, given January 15, 1895, and the affiant was Wesley Underhill, age 46 and a resident of Burlington, Boone Co., KY. He testified that he was personally acquainted with Abe's condition for several years and knows him to have been entirely helpless and unable to wait upon himself and that his present condition is worse than it ever was. He further stated that Abe was suffering from rheumatism and its results and that most of the joints of his body are now twice or three times larger than natural. He also testified that he knew Abe to be entirely destitute and dependent on the charity of the public and urged immediate action on Abe's claim.

The final page in Abe's portion of the file is the "Pensioner Dropped" form dated February 25, 1896. This document simply reports that Abraham Slayback was dropped because of death, February 13, 1896, Burlington, KY. It also states he was last paid $8 to February 4, 1896. It is signed by the Pension Agent, George M. Adams.

Apparently Abe was eventually granted the pension. There are no papers stating that he was approved to receive pension benefits, nor when he began receiving payments. The last document, "Pensioner Dropped" form, indicates he had been receiving pension payments.

It seems from these documents that Abe was not a healthy man. During the War he was ill much of the year that he served. Once discharged, what work he did do, must have been difficult for him. As time passed, he seems to have developed crippling arthritis. Joints swollen that badly had to be terribly painful. He was 48 when he submitted his pension claim and only 55 when he died. Apparently he was totally helpless for sometime. Being destitute had to add to the suffering of Abe and Mary. Their life must have been very difficult. Abe is buried in Burlington I.O.O.F. Cemetery (International Order of Odd Fellows), SR 18 east of Burlington, Boone Co., KY.

Following Abe's death, Mary applied for Widow's Benefits on Abe's Pension. She filed a "Declaration for Widow's Pension" on April 23, 1896. Mary was age 48, and a resident of Boone Co., KY. The document begins with listing Abe's enlistment date, rank, Company and Regiment, that he was Honorably Discharged September 29, 1865, that he died February 13, 1896, at Boone Co., KY, and that he was never employed in the military or naval service other than his service in the War of the Rebellion (Civil War). The date and location of their marriage and the minister is listed. It states there are no children of the soldier now living under 16 years of age. She was asking that the pension her husband had been receiving now be paid to her. She provided copies of her and Abe's Marriage Bond, License and Marriage Certificate.

On August 8, 1898, Mary, now age 50, gave another affidavit concerning her claim for Widow's Pension. She declared the following: "I am the claimant above named. The only property of any kind owned by me or in which I have any pecuniary interest whatever, is a small lot of cheap household goods, worth not to exceed twenty five dollars. I have no bonds, stock, or investments of any kind whatever, nor interest therein. There is no person legally liable for my support. The only income of any kind whatever that I have is what little money and provisions I work for by hard daily labor as a domestic, cooking, washing, and ironing, and doing such like housework. In that way and that only I support myself and clothe myself. My P.O. address is Burlington, Boone Co., KY."

There are two affidavits in this file attesting to the fact that Mary and Abe were married, never divorced, that there was no prior marriage for either of them, that she is a widow with no property nor income and she supports herself by daily labor. Both of these affidavits are dated August 8, 1898.

One affiant, C. L. Crisler, states he was personally acquainted with Mary and has known her for more than 40 years; in fact he has known her ever since her early girlhood. He also knew Abe well and intimately for 40 years and more before his death. From such a close relationship with Mary and Abe he states he was able to verify that they had never been divorced, neither were previously married, that Mary had not remarried since Abe's death, that he would have known because of his acquaintance with her. He further stated that Mary had no means or property of any kind whatever, except a small lot of cheap household goods which was not worth more than $25. He stated she supported herself by her daily labor as a domestic. That there is no person legally liable for her support. The other affiant, G. E. Hughes, gave similar testimony verifying the facts in Mary's affidavit.

The next two affidavits have to do with verifying Abraham's death and date of death. They are both dated June 1, 1899. One affiant is W. F. McKim, 51 years old, a duly registered druggist with his place of business in Burlington, Boone Co., KY, and a post office address of Burlington, Boone Co., KY. He testified that he knew Abraham died in Boone Co., KY on February 13, 1896, that he was generally known in the community as Abe Slayback, and that there were no public records of deaths kept in Boone County.

The second affidavit testifying to Abe's death and date of death was by J. G. Furnish, M.D. He stated he was a regular practicing physician in Boone Co. KY, that his office address was Burlington, Boone Co., KY, that he was 45 years of age and that he was the attending physician of Abraham at the time of his death. That Abe died in Boone Co., KY on or about February 13, 1896, and that he was generally known in the community by the name of Abe Slayback, and that there were no public death records kept in the County.

The final document in Mary's file is also the "Pensioner Dropped" form, dated October 21, 1912. This document simply reports that Mary was dropped as a pensioner because of death, February 20, 1912, and that she was last paid $12 to Feb. 4, 1912.

Mary applied for Widow's Pension benefits two months after Abe's death. She was 48 years old at the time. We don't know how long it took for Mary to be approved to receive benefits. We can only hope she was not too long without that benefit to help supplement her meager income as a domestic, for however long she was able to work. She was 64 years old when she died. If she was unable to work for any length of time before her death, she would only have her Widow's Pension as income. There is no documentation as to her health and physical condition, nor how long she worked before she died.

Apparently Mary was approved to receive Widow's Pension benefits. As with Abe's file, there is no document stating she was approved nor when she began receiving benefits. In September 1899 they were still gathering information concerning her claim. The proof she was approved is the "Pensioner Dropped" form, indicating she had been receiving Widow's Pension payments.

Mary is buried in I.O.O.F. Cemetery with her husband. The Slayback plot at the Burlington I.O.O.F. Cemetery is number 207 and was purchased in Mary's name. It is 20' x 20', big enough for eight graves. Cousin Bob Shannon and the cemetery caretaker, James Smith, probed the graves and they think the plot might be full. The stone for Abe and Mary is a four-sided spire of about 5 feet in height. On one side the inscription for Abe and on the opposite side is the inscription for Mary.

In the 1820 census, before he married his second wife, Solomon would have been a widower with a small son. I have been unable to find Solomon in the 1820 census. He may very well have been living in a household in which he was not head. Since only the head of household was named in all census prior to 1850, we may never find Solomon and this son in the 1820 census, nor learn this son's name.

In the 1830 Preble Co., OH and the 1840 Madison Co., IL census of Solomon's household, there is a male in the age bracket to fit a child by Phoebe, born in January 1819. Solomon and his second wife, Elly House, did not marry until December of 1820. This male child in their household could not be by Elly. This supports the theory that Phoebe had a son born in January 1819.

By the time of the 1850 census, when all members of the household were listed by name, this son would have been 31 and in his own household. He probably married shortly after the 1840 census and returned to Ohio. He may have remained in Ohio, moved on or died. Since we have no name, it is nearly impossible to identify him.

For years we have been searching for documentation to prove Abe's father. It appears that concrete documentation may not exist. From what can be determined from examining the census and Solomon's land purchases, he was in Illinois before 1841. Any child of his born in 1841, in all probability, would not have been born in Butler Co., OH. These documented facts refute the "Early Settlers" article that Abraham was the son of Solomon Slayback, Jr.

There is no definitive proof for either of the two theories presented in this narrative. If anyone has any information concerning Abe and his parentage, please contact me. If anyone can disprove or add support to either of these two theories concerning Abraham's father, I am definitely interested in hearing from you. We cousins who have been researching and sharing data, would be extremely grateful for any documentation or leads as to who might be Abe's parents. There is probably someone out there who holds the piece of this puzzle that will solve the mystery of Abe's parents and enable us to correctly attach him to the Slayback family. At this time and after years of research, Abe's parents are still not proven!

Those present were: Bob Shannon; Mike and his wife; Chris Stambaugh and her husband; Chris' Dad and her Aunt Hennie; Chris' brother, sister and brother-in-law; two of Abe and Mary's g-g-g grandchildren, and me, Joyce M. Franz. (The names not included here are for privacy reasons.) We had a great time meeting and getting to know each other; putting real flesh and blood faces to our file names. Thirteen relatives, all direct descendants of Abraham and Mary; eager to meet and learn more about our common ancestors, Abe and Mary.

What I will remember most about that day are the faces and the hugs; the joy in meeting new-found cousins. And the special feeling that pervaded the gathering. I think we all felt it was something very special that took place that day.

After seeing the nice new Veteran's marker placed on Abe's grave I couldn't forget Mary. Later in September, I purchased a plain marble stone for Mary. Bob Shannon, his wife, and I met at the cemetery and he set Mary's stone also. Thanks again, Bob!

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Updated 10 Aug 2009
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