William A. Slippy

SLIPPY, THOMAS, HATHAWAY, DAVIDSON, LEWIS, YOUNG, STEWART

Posted By: Tammy (email)
Date: 11/17/2011 at 14:47:00

WILLIAM A. SLIPPY is classed among the intelligent, keen and thoroughly wide-awake business men of Reinbeck and has contributed much to the material prosperity of Grundy County. Until 1892 he conducted one of the largest grocery houses in the place, and since disposing of his stock has spent some time in Osmond, Neb., where he was engaged quite extensively in the real-estate business. He was born in Preble County, Ohio, in 1852, and is the son of John F. and Evaline (Thomas) Slippy.

The paternal grandparents of our subject, Isaac and Elizabeth Slippy, were in early life farmers in Pennsylvania. Later they removed to Butler County, Ohio, where the grandfather was drowned in the Miami River. They reared a family of twelve children, of whom the father of our subject is the only member living. The latter was born in Pennsylvania December 25, 1820, and after receiving a fair education in the common schools, and when young in years, began to make his own way in the world. Removing to Ohio, he served an apprenticeship of five years at the painter’s trade, which he followed the greater part of his life, although during his later years he engaged in farming. He was a soldier in the Mexican War, in which he served five years, and during that time received several serious wounds.

The mother of our subject was likewise born in the Keystone State, and is the daughter of William and Susan (Hathaway) Thomas. She is of English descent, her ancestors having come to the United States with William Penn. They were Quakers in religion and made their home in the city of Philadelphia, where William Thomas carried on his trade of a gunsmith, making rifles used in the War of 1812. Mrs. Evaline Slippy was born July 4, 1824, and was married to the father of our subject Mary 12, 1851. In 1869 they came to this state and purchased a farm in Tama County, which they operated for a few years, but are now living retired in Clarion, Iowa. Mrs. Slippy is a devoted member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In politics the father of our subject is a stanch Republican.

W. A. Slippy received his early training in the common schools near his home, and when twenty years of age entered the Davenport Business College, being graduated from the commercial department in 1874. When completing his business training he located at Traer, where for three years he was employed by different firms as clerk. In August, 1877, he came to Reinbeck, when it was little more than a hamlet, and embarked in the grocery business. He formed a partnership with Arthur Davidson, who two years later sold his interest in the business to Mr. Lewis. They continued this for several years, when our subject purchased his partner’s share and conducted affairs alone for two years. Then he gave his father-in-law, B. D. Young, an interest in the grocery, but the firm style remained W. A. Slippy & Co. until 1892. Their stock, which at first comprised $1,600 worth of goods, was enlarged until it was valued at several thousand dollars, and included groceries, queensware and general merchandise.

October 25, 1877, Mr. Slippy and Minnie J., daughter of Bethuel D. and Mary E. (Stewart) Young, were united in marriage. To them have been born seven children, of whom the four living are Ralph B., J. Clifford, Hattie M. and Horace A. Mrs. Slippy is a devoted member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, with which denomination our subject is also connected, and in the congregation at Reinbeck holds the office of Trustee. In politics he is a Republican. In social matters he is a member of the Masonic order, being connected with Coin Lodge No. 394, and is also identified with Reinbeck Lodge No. 386, I. O. O. F.

Source:
Portrait and Biographical Record
of Jasper, Marshall and Grundy Counties, Iowa
1894