| Christian John Slingluff, now deceased, was for many years connected with the building interests of Burlington. He belonged to that class of citizens who, by upholding the material, intellectual, and moral status of a community, accomplished a great deal of good for the city. His career was ever honorable in business and reliable in all life's relations.
He was a son of John and Catherine (Leisure) Slingluff, being born in Norristown, Pa., Oct. 14, 1814. His parents were among the old American Quaker families of Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, his father having been of Scotch descent and his mother of Welsh descent. His father whose brothers were in the War of 1812, was married in Montgomery county, and had two children born there: Christian John, and William, who died aged nine years. After attending the city schools of his home place, Mr. Slingluff decided he would like to build houses, and at the age of seventeen was apprenticed as a bricklayer to a contractor in Norristown. In 1837 he went to Columbus, Ohio, where he worked as a journeyman for a year, and then settled in Wheeling, W. Va., where he carried on contracting for a number of years. It was in the latter place that Mr. Slingluff wooed and wed Miss Eliza Ann Hamilton, July 12, 1840, who was born in Steubenville, Ohio, July 14, 1819. Her parents, James and Elizabeth (Snyder) Hamilton, were both natives of Wheeling, W. Va., and were the parents of four children: John, deceased; Catherine, married Peter F. Reed, an artist, both dead; Elizabeth (Mrs. C. J. Slingluff); Theodore, deceased. Mrs. Hamilton had four brothers, and all participated in the War of 1812. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Slingluff eight children were born, of whom only three are living; John, a native of Wheeling, W. Va., who enlisted in the United States Infantry and served through the Civil War, is yardmaster's clerk at the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad, and lives at 522 Curran Street, Burlington, Iowa; James H, a native of Cincinnati, Ohio, died June 3, 1903, aged fifty-three years; Julius Foster, a conductor on the Burlington route, lives at 1016 South Tenth Street, Burlington; Charles T., a bricklayer, lives with his aged mother at 1820 Agency Street; Lillie, died aged nine years; Lucian was three years old, George six weeks, and Edward two years, when they passed away. Mr. Slingluff came to Burlington in 1855, and carried on contracting till he died. Among the residences standing as testimonials of his ability are: the residence of Theodore Foster on Seventh and High Streets; residence of E. P. Eastman, corner Eighth and Columbia Streets; residence of John M. Sherfey on High Street, and many others, as well as a number of stores. He was superintendent of brick work of the Iowa Division for the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad for a number of years, holding this position at the time of his death, which occurred May 3, 1891, at the age of seventy-seven years. Politically, Mr. Slingluff was originally a Whig, but later a Republican, though never seeking favors at the hands of his party. He was a consistent member of the Methodist church, as is also his widow. The latter, now eighty-six years of age, has many friends, who admire her for all the many good deeds she has done. She is spending the evening of her useful life with her son, patiently waiting the summons to come up higher.
Mr. Slingluff was a man of much enterprise, indomitable courage, and liberal views. He continually broadened his mind through extensive reading, observation, and experience. His reading touched on all the line of thought, so that he was a man well posted on the general issues of the day. His greatest pleasure was in his home with the companionship of his family. All who enjoyed his confidence found in him one who was ever loyal to the duties of comradeship and fellowship. |