Melchior Slinghoff

"MELCHIOR SLINGHOFF, farmer, P. O. Red Land, was born September 29, 1838, in Hessen Cassel, Germany, son of Richard and Margaret (Rosenberger) Slinghoff (who died in Germany), the parents of three children: William, residing in Germany, Mary wife of Jacob Hupser, of Russell County, Kas., and Melchior. Our subject went to school in his native land until he was twelve years of age, when he was left an orphan, and was sent by an uncle to the United States, he and his sister coming over by themselves, and landing at Philadelphia, Penn., where Melchior worked one month and then came to this county, where he worked on a farm for a time and then learned the carpenter’s trade, which he followed for some time. In August, 1861, he enlisted in the Union Army, and served as a nine months’ volunteer. After that he obtained an honorable discharge, and shortly after went to Washington, D. C., where he worked at his trade for the Government, till the death of Abraham Lincoln, when he returned to this county, bought 150 acres of land and went to farming, in which he has been very successful. Melchior Slinghoff was married, October 13, 1865, to Miss Rebecca, daughter of Daniel Bonnetts and by her he has six children now living: Charles H., Emma E., Sarah J., Ellen M., Millie R. and Lillie M. Mr. and Mrs. Slinghoff are active members of the German Reformed Church, in which he was deacon for about eight years. Our subject is one of the representative citizens of this township, is a Democrat in politics and has filled minor township offices."