William Sla(y)back was my great-great grandfather on Avis’ side of the family. He was born October 5, 1833 to David Slayback and Catherine Bellis. Catherine died in 1837, perhaps from childbirth, but I don’t really know. She was only 27 years old at the time of her death. William’s father, David died October 12, 1846. So seven days after he turned 13, William was an orphan.
William was fortunate that his uncle, Levi Slayback lived nearby and was thus appointed guardian for William and both of his sisters, Mary Ann, who was 18 years old and Prudence who was ten. The 1850 census shows William living with his Uncle Levi and Aunt Dorcas in Sheffield Township, Tippecanoe County, Indiana. Mary Ann is married to Jacob Curtis and has a one year old son, Oliver. I couldn’t find Prudence in 1850, but in 1860 she was working as a seamstress and living with a family by the name of Leins in Lafayette, Tippecanoe County, Indiana.
On February 23, 1858, William married Laurinda Peter, in Clinton County, Indiana. They welcomed their first son, Albert Leonides on December 2, 1858. Their daughter, Mary Annah was born August 28, 1860. They were both born in Indiana. By the time Joseph Willett was born on August 24, 1862, they lived in Bloom City, Richland County, Wisconsin.
William was drafted into the Union Army on September 26, 1864. He served in the 16th Wisconsin Infantry, Company G, until he was mustered out June 5, 1865. I’m not sure at what point he actually joined his company in active duty. The regiment joined Sherman’s army on June 8, 1864. It took part in the following battles: Atlanta, GA, July 21, 1864, Jonesborough, GA, September 1, 1864, Lovejoy Station, GA, Septembe 2, 1864. Shermans’s Army began the “March to the Sea” on November 15, 1864 and entered Savannah, GA, on December 21, 1864. If family lore is correct, William was definitely part of Sherman’s March. By January of 1865, the Army of the Tennessee, began it’s campaign in the Carolinas and continued until the surrender of Johnston, April 26, 1865. The 16th Wisconsin participated in many minor engagements and also in the battle of Bentonville, NC, March 19-21, 1865. After Johnston’s surrender, they marched to Washington and participated in the Grand Review. The 16th Wisconsin was disbanded on August 1, 1865.
Gustavus Peter was born April 16, 1866. Carrie May was welcomed August 27, 1870. Both were born in Forrest, Richland County, Wisconsin.
I’m not sure how Laurinda managed to keep the farm going during the Civil War time that William was gone. I’m guessing she had help from their families that were in the area. After the war, William is listed as a farmer in 1870 and 1880. The 1890 census was burned so I have no information for that year. Laurinda passed away December 26, 1896. In 1900, William is living with Albert’s family but still helping on the farm. In 1910, he and his older sister, Mary Curtis are living together. William died March 2, 1912. He and Laurinda are buried in the Viola Cemetery.
I’m not sure when the picture below was taken, although clearly all the children are adults. The son in the middle, Joseph Willet reminds me a little bit of my brother, Craig.
Back Row: Mary Annah, Albert Leonides, Joseph Willet, Gustavus Peter, and Carrie May