From the Andover News, February 19, 1915.
Transcribed by Karen Meisenheimer.
DAVID SLOCUM
For several weeks word had come to the Andover Friends of David Slocum or “Uncle David” as he was familiarly called, that he had been failing gradually from a complication of diseases attendant upon his advanced years and finally it was announced that he had passed away at his home on Davis Hill at 10:07 o’clock Sunday evening Feb. 7.
Though a man of quiet habits Mr. Slocum was well and favorably known through his long period of residence near Andover during which his work as a carpenter took him into many home and families. His cheery temperament and cordial manner won a welcome for him everywhere he went. He was the sort of a man that one was glad to meet. Neighbors and friends held him in high esteem and a large circle of relatives named his name in deepest affection and respect.
Mr. Slocum was born at Newfields in Tompkins County, in June, 17, 1827. He was thus 87 years of age, 7 months and 21 days. The repeated occasion of the figure 7 is quite noticeable in his life. (Born June 17, 1827, died Feb. 7, 1915 at 10:07 p.m. Age 87 years, 7 months, and 21 days.) At the age of ten years he came to Andover to live and except for three years this town has been his home ever since. For 42 years he has lived on the place where he passed away. In 1846 he was married to Harriet Ann Whiteley. Of the children born to them two: Martha and Ora died in infancy, two others, Mrs. Alma Mead and Mrs. Ruby Peak, passed away in later life. Those that remain to share the burden of affliction are Mrs. L.L. Spencer, and Mrs. Laura Holbert, of Alfred Station; Mrs. Wm. Salpin, of Duke Center; Alonzo, Fred, Floyd and Bert Slocum, of Andover and Frank Slocum, of Whitesville. There are also many grandchildren and a sister-in-law, Mrs. Jane Slocum of Andover.
Mr. Slocum’s life work was that of a carpenter. He as also very fond of music and a very fine violinist himself. In his day he has made more than ten violins, the last one after he had passed his 87th birthday.
Mrs. Slocum died 21 years ago last May. Since that time he has kept his home at the same place on Davis Hill.
The funeral services were held on Wednesday, Feb. 10, from the residence of his son, Fred, where he died, Rev. F. M. Baker officiating. Selections in song were sung by the Methodist Quartette. Burial was in the Slocum cemetery on the hill near the house.