GOODSPEED BIOGRAPHIES
Contributed by Charlene Holland
SAUNDERS S. SLOVER
Saunders S. Slover, now a prominent citizen of Scott County, Tenn. [sic: Arkansas], was born in Madison County, Ark., November 17, 1835, to Samuel and Emeline (Chote) Slover, the former a Tennesseean and the latter a native of South Carolina, their birth's occurring March 5, 1811, and September 28, l8l6, respectively. The mother is still living, her home being in Western Texas. They were married March 22, 1831, and during the very first settling of this country came here and located in Madison County, on Kings' River. The father was a very successful farmer, but was also the proprietor of a dry-goods establishment at Veal's Station, and at the time of his death, which occurred in Parker County, Tex., in 1873, he left a large estate and fortune to be divided among his family. He owned large tracts of valuable real estate in Texas, and was a practical businessman in all respects. When a young man he joined the Masonic order, and after his marriage built the Masonic Hall at Veal's Station, Tex., and donated it to the lodge. He was very prominent in Masonic circles, and was also an earnest member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, as is his widow. In the neighborhood in which he lived he was an arbitrator in disputes between his neighbors, and his advice and councils were earnestly listened to and usually followed with good results. He was one of the first settlers of Western Texas, and at one time suffered severe losses by having his cattle driven off and killed by Comanche Indiana. He and his neighbors were compelled to carry guns to church for protection. He was a life-long Democrat, and had three sons in the Confederate Army who fought bravely in many bloody combats. To himself and wife nine children were born, and of the three that are living the subject of this sketch is the eldest. He spent his school days in Madison County, Ark., but in 1848 went with his parents to Texas, where, during his youth and early manhood he experienced many of the hardships, dangers and privations of pioneer life. He made his home on his father's farm until twenty-two years of age, then worked for himself in Parker County, Tex., until 1867, when he and his family came back to Arkansas and located on a farm on Clear Fork of Fourche River, in Scott County, this farm being his present place of abode. He is the owner of 200 acres of fine land, and is one of the most practical and successful agriculturists of Blansett Township. He was married, in 1862, to Miss Nancy Catherine Wbisenhunt, daughter of John Whisenhunt, her birth occurring in Georgia, August 24, 1840. A family of twelve children have been born to them, all of whom are living save two: James W. (who died when twenty-two years of age), and Ira Seamon (who died when a child). Those living are James M., Thomas S., Flora A. M., Sarah F., Calvin W., Lillie S., Disa P., William T., Nancy J. and John S. Mr. Slover has been married twice, first when twenty years of age to Miss Mary Martin, of Texas. She was born May 20, 1835, and died in Scott County, Ark., having borne three children: Malinda Jane, John Samuel and William T., the last named having died at the age of two years. The present Mrs. Slover is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and politically he is a Democrat. He is a thoroughgoing citizen and is ever ready to aid good causes.