My Genealogy Hound

ROBERT C. SLOAN, the present Clerk of Cass County, has been a resident of Michigan from his early childhood, and was for a score of years a successful merchant of Jones, this county. He has also occupied with fidelity the position of Postmaster for the past twenty years, with the exception of the period of Cleveland’s first administration. Mr. Sloan was born in the town of Junius, Seneca County, N. Y., May 7, 1842, and was but a child four years of age when he removed with his parents, Ralph and Olive (Puffer) Sloan, to St Joseph County, Mich. The father and mother had for some time previously made their home in the Empire State, but Ralph Sloan was a native of Massachusetts and was born in Springfield County. His paternal grandfather, Robert Sloan, in whose honor our Subject was named, was also a New-Englander by birth and from his infancy passed his useful life in the old Bay State. The maternal grandfather, Solomon Puffer, was reared and educated in the Empire State and within the boundaries of New York made a home for his family, settling permanently in the city of Oswego.

Our subject was reared upon the family homestead and attended the district schools of St. Joseph County, Mich. When twenty-four years of age he embarked in business for himself, handling dry goods in his home locality. Ambitious and energetic, he was successful and steadily year after year his business increased; since early in the ‘70s he has been mainly engaged in mercantile pursuits. For about a period of ten years he satisfactorily discharged the duties of Station Agent, and has passed a busy life, bringing him into contact and close acquaintance with the people of Cass County. Upon September 13, 1867, Mr. Sloan was united in marriage with Miss Eliza Bostock, of Mottville, Mich. Mrs. Sloan was the daughter of William and Sarah (Johnson) Bostock, both natives of the Queen’s dominions and born in England. The estimable wife of our subject died in 1893, leaving her family, husband and two children, to mourn her irreparable loss. The eldest daughter, Pearl E., is the wife of Charles Black, a prominent resident of Jones. Cora Belle is now Mrs. Charles B. Bowen.

Actively interested in both local and national issues, Mr. Sloan has held with fidelity various official positions of trust. As Township Treasurer of Newburg he managed the public fund with executive ability and excellent judgment and for a number of terms retained the responsible office. He has also been Justice of the Peace and impartially administered the law in strict accordance with the evidence presented. Thoroughly devoted to the best interests of his home locality, he has been a strong friend to educational advancement and was long the Treasurer of the School Board. In November, 1892, he was elected County Clerk by a handsome majority, which evidenced the confidence of his fellow-townsmen and the popularity of our subject. Mr. Sloan is a valued member of the Ancient Free & Accepted Masons and is connected with Vandalia Lodge No. 290; he also affiliates with the order at White Pigeon. A liberal-spirited man, ever ready to aid in all matters of public welfare, our subject has been an important factor in the social and business events of Cass County, and passing his life among the acquaintance of more than forty years enjoys the hearty best wishes of a host of sincere friends.