Shaver, F. A., Arthur P. Rose, R. F. Steele, and A. E. Adams, compilers. "An Illustrated History of Central Oregon." ("Embracing Wasco, Sherman, Gilliam, Wheeler, Crook, Lake, & Klamath Counties") Spokane, WA: Western Historical Publishing Co., 1905. p. 754. SAMUEL R. SLAYTON one of the venerable pioneers of Oregon and well acquainted with the various sections of the Pacific coast, is now living a retired life in Prineville, Oregon. He was born in Windsor county, Vermont, on August 27, 1830. Leland Slayton, his father, was also born in the same county and there remained until his death, being a farmer all his life. He was a very prominent man in religious matters, being at first a Universalist and then a member of the Adventist church. The original Slayton family came from England to America among the earliest colonists of Massachusetts. A little later they located in Vermont, being the first settlers in Woodstock. The father married Cassendana Ransom, who was also born in Woodstock. She came from a very prominent family of a distinguished martial record. Her brother, Truman B. Ransom, was president of the Norwich Military Academy in Vermont and later was a colonel in the Mexican War and was killed during the battle of Chapultepec. His son, Greenfield Ransom, was a brevet major general in the Civil War. Our subject began his education in his birthplace, then entered the Kimball Union Academy, New Hampshire, but before completing the course he decided to come west and accordingly journeyed across the plains in 1852 to Sacramento, California. A few weeks later he started for Linn county, Oregon, and there took a donation claim near the present city of Harrisburg. He made several trips to the mines in California, then he sold his donation claim and took another piece of land in what is now Douglas county, Oregon. He improved that well, taught school and did mining, and in 1863 sold out and came to Polk county, Oregon. In 1869 we find him in what is now Crook county, Prineville then being composed of one building. He located in the vicinity of Prineville and took some stock on shares. Notwithstanding his early labors, fortune had not smiled upon him and he started here with very little means. The constant and industrious efforts brought their due reward and he began to prosper and has become one of the wealthy and leading stock men of central Oregon. Recently Mr. Slayton retired from active life and simply attends to the oversight of his business from Prineville. In 1858 Mr. Slayton married Eliza J. Savery, who was born in Mississippi, the daughter of Seaborn and Massie Savery. The father died in Iowa. Mrs. Slayton, who died October 31, 1901, came across the plains in 1852 and settled in Douglas county, where she met and married the subject of this sketch. Mr. Slayton took part in the terrible Indian struggles and saw three months' service in the Rogue River War. The children born to our subject and his wife are Edgar T., a rancher in Crook county ; George S., a rancher in Cottonwood, Idaho ; Mrs. Virginia U'Ren and Mabel Engs. For many long years Mr. Slayton has labored here and has achieved a success of which any one would be proud. He is now enjoying the fruits of his labors surrounded by many admiring friends. He certainly is to be classed among the leading citizens of the county and has done well the extended labors which he has performed. ******************* Submitted to the Oregon Bios. Project in February 2009 by Diana Smith. Submitter has no additional information about the person(s) or family mentioned above.