Fenton M. Slaughter

Fenton Mercer Eurice Slaughter (January 10, 1826 – May 29, 1897) was an American soldier, pioneer, gold miner, mechanical engineer, farmer and politician. After serving in the Mexican-American War, he spent most of the rest of his life in California, where he became a successful farmer and politician.

Early life

Slaughter had Virginia ancestry going back to 1616. He was born in Charleston, Virginia (now West Virginia) to parents Robin Lewis Slaughter and the former Elizabeth Gillem. His father died in 1834 when he was eight years old, leaving his mother to raise 11 children. His mother moved the family to Callaway County, Missouri in 1835 and later settled in St. Louis. He worked on farms and attended common schools. He served an apprenticeship in mechanical engineering and later worked on steamboats operating between St. Louis and New Orleans. who was a member of a wealthy Californio family. His family home still stands, and is on the National Register of Historic Places. As a result of this land purchase he was able to "vastly increased his wealth and influence."

After his legislative service, Slaughter served as postmaster of Rincon, as a trustee on the local school board, and as a San Bernardino County Supervisor, initially appointed to the office after the death of his predecessor, and then elected to a new term by a large majority.

Personal life

He married Dolores Alvarado from the San Gabriel Valley in 1860, and they had nine children.