John Slack.—Few men in Johnson County have lived to as ripe an old age as the gentleman whose name introduces this biographical sketch. Mr. Slack was born in Brown County, Ohio, on the 7th day of January, 1807. His father was Jacob Slack, a native of one of the eastern states, and an early pioneer of Kentucky, where many years ago he married Miss Delilah Downing. Shortly after their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Slack emigrated to Brown County, Ohio, where, for a number of years, Mr. Slack was engaged in farming. They had a family of fourteen children, seven of whom are living, six being residents of Indiana. John Slack was reared to manhood in his native county and state, and there in 1830 united his fortunes with Miss Susan Bowler, daughter of Wil1iam O. and Sarah (Hillman) Bowler, who has been a true and faithful wife and companion for a period of nearly sixty years. In the year 1833, Mr. Slack entered a tract of land in Johnson County, Ind., and a little later moved his family to the same, and began life as a pioneer in the woods of Hensley Township, the few settlements at that time being mere niches in the forest. He developed a good farm and became the owner of a large amount of land, much of which has been divided among his children. He is now one of the oldest residents of the county, and one of its most highly respected and honorable citizens. Of a family of ten children born to Mr. and Mrs. Slack, five are now living: Elizabeth H., Mary E., Susan A., Emeline and Carrie J. Mr. Slack cast his first presidential vote for Andrew Jackson, and has been a supporter of the democratic party ever since, though not a partisan in the sense of seeking office. He is now eighty-two years of age, in possession of all his mental faculties, and in the enjoyment of tolerable health. His companion has reached the ripe old age of eighty-one. They celebrated the fiftieth anniversary of their marriage in 1880, upon which occasion 169 friends and relatives were present to congratulate the aged couple. Mr. and Mrs. Slack have five children, thirty-one grandchildren and twenty-five great grandchildren living.

Transcribed by Cheryl Zufall Parker

Banta, D. D. History of Johnson County, Indiana. Chicago, IL: Brant & Fuller, 1888, page 716.