Ernest Slavens

Ernest Slavens

BOYD, FRY, GOWIN, SLAVENS


Ernest Slavens, who devotes his time and energies to general agricultural pursuits with excellent results, is the owner of a well improved farm of one hundred and fifty-four acres on section 5, Madison township. His birth occurred in Nebraska in November, 1877, his parents being William and Adeline (Gowin) Slavens, both of whom are natives of Indiana. The father, a carpenter by trade, worked at that occupation in the Hoosier state for some years and subsequently went to Nebraska, where he remained for one year. On the expiration of that period he came to Iowa, locating near Colfax in Jasper county, where he cultivated rented land for a time.. Returning to Indiana, he operated a rented farm in that state for some time and then removed to Oklahoma, where he worked at the carpenter's trade for eight years. At the present time he is living retired in Waukee, Dallas county, Iowa, enjoying the fruits of his former toil in well earned ease.

Ernest Slavens was reared and educated in Indiana and when a youth of thirteen began working as a farm hand, being thus employed for twelve years. On the expiration of that period he removed to Adair county, Iowa, and started out as an agriculturist on his own account, cultivating a rented tract of land near Stuart for two years. Subsequently he came to Madison county and after cultivating a rented tract for four years purchased a farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Madison township, which he improved and operated for some years. Disposing of that property, he bought his present place of one hundred and fifty-four acres on section 5, Madison township, which he has operated continuously since and which is now a valuable and excellently improved farm. The success which has come to him well entitles him to recognition among the substantial and representative agriculturists of his community.

In November, 1901, Mr. Slavens was united in marriage to Miss Sadie Fry, a daughter of Benjamin F. and Martha (Boyd) Fry, who were natives of Indiana and Ohio respectively. They took up their abode among the pioneer settlers of Madison county, Iowa, and here the father carried on farming for some years. Subsequently he followed agricultural pursuits in Dallas county, this state, for a number of years but now makes his home with his children and is enjoying honorable retirement. His wife was called to her final rest in August, 1901. To Mr. and Mrs. Slavens has been born one child, Hazel, who is eleven years of age.

Mr. Slavens gives his political allegiance to the republican party, while his religious faith is that of the Friends church. He is a man of many excellent qualities of character, and his industry, integrity and ability have brought him a gratifying degree of prosperity.

Taken from the book, “The History of Madison County, Iowa, 1915,” by Herman Mueller.