John D. Slocum

The late John D. Slocum, who for more than twelve years discharged the duties of postmaster in Valley, was one of the pioneers of Stevens county. He was born in Jo Daviess county, Illinois, on the 14th of February, 1844, and was a son of George and Mary (Hurroon) Slocum, who were among the early settlers of Iowa. They are both deceased, the mother having passed away in 1876 and the father in 1901.

John D. Slocum was only a child when he accompanied his parents on their removal to Iowa, to whose public schools he was indebted for his education. When the call came for troops to go to the front in the early '60s he donned the blue, enlisting at Council Bluffs, Iowa, November 25, 1861, as a member of Company H, Fifteenth Iowa Infantry. After spending more than three years in the service he was mustered out at Louisville, Kentucky, July 24, 1865, following which he located in Council Bluffs, Iowa, and for two years thereafter served an apprenticeship at the painter's trade. He subsequently went to Fremont, Nebraska, where he followed his trade for five years, going from there to Lincoln and engaging in the same occupation for three years. At the expiration of that period he became a resident of Paola, Kansas, remaining there for eleven years, during which time he worked at his trade. His next removal was to Valley, but during the first two years of his residence in the state he spent the most of his time in Spokane, where he was employed. He was appointed postmaster soon after settling here and continued to be the incumbent of that office until June, 1910, when, owing to his rapidly failing health he was compelled to retire from active life. His condition did not improve but gradually grew worse and he passed away on the 27th of May, 1911.

At Council Bluffs, Iowa, on the 12th of January, 1868, Mr. Slocum was united in marriage to Miss Oliva A. Day, a daughter of Samuel and Jane Day, and unto them were born four children: Ida, who is now Mrs. B. Belknap; Ralph A., who married Elizabeth Craven: Blanche, the wife of F. Weatherwax; and Vernon A.

Mr. Slocum was always an ardent republican, giving his unqualified indorsement [sic] to the principles of that party for whose candidates he cast his ballot at every election. He always took an active interest in all political matters, particularly those pertaining to the municipality in which he resided. For many years he was a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, and while residing in Iowa he belonged to the Crocker Brigade. His position as postmaster in Valley brought him into relations with the entire community, among whose citizens he numbered many close friends to whom his death brought deep regret.

SOURCE: Nelson Wayne Durham, History Of The City Of Spokane And Spokane County, Washington, Volume 3, p. 551-2