Albert Edward Slessor 1863-1911

SLESSOR, FINLAYSON, ROBINSON, BENSON, BEAN

Posted By: Merllene Andre Bendixen (email)
Date: 11/6/2014 at 23:39:33

Word was received here this morning that Rev. A.E. Slessor, of Forest City, formerly of Armstrong, died yesterday at his home with pneumonia. Rev. Slessor married Mrs. Finalayson, daughter of B.F. Robinson, of Armstrong. He was well known in the county and well liked. Rev. Slessor was a force for good and his death removes a good man. All join in sympathy. (Estherville Enterprise, Estherville, IA, February 1, 1911)

Armstrong - The entire community was saddened when the news reached Armstrong Tuesday of the death of Rev. A.E. Slessor at Forest City,after a short illness. Rev. Slessor was for a number of years pastor of the M.E. church here. About a year and a half ago he was married to Mrs. J.A. Finlayson, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. B.F. Robinson. The heartfelt sympathy of all is with Mrs. Slessor in her bereavement. Many from here would have attended the funeral if arrangements could have been made for special train service. (Estherville Enterprise, Estherville, IA, February 8, 1911)

Rev. Slessor Dead
Former Pastor of Armstrong Passed Away at Forest City Tuesday Afternoon
Word was received here yesterday of the death of Rev. A.E. Slessor, pastor of the Methodist church at Forest City, after a three days illness of pneumonia. Rev. Slessor is well known here having been pastor of the Methodist church here and at Armstrong for five years previous to his removal to Forest City. His sudden death is a shock to the whole community. Mr. Slessor was universally respected, not only as a minister of the gospel, but as a staunch friend and a Christian gentleman who numbered his friends by his acquaintances. During the last year of his pastorate here his friends were grieved to note that his health was not the best but recently he seemed to have entirely recovered. In September, 1909, he was married to Mrs. Grace Finlayson of Armstrong. She survives him. Shortly after his return here with is bride he was assigned to the pastorate of the M.E. church at Forest City. Mr. Slessor was owner of considerable land interests near Swea City and was here frequently to look after his property. Funeral service will be held at Forest City today at 3:30 p.m. Burial will take place at Rheinbeck. – Swea City Herald (Vindicator and Republican, Estherville, IA, February 8, 1911)

Reverand E.A. Slessor Is No More
Many indeed are the surprises that we receive as we journey down the path of life, but never more were we surprised and indeed was it a painful surprise when we learned last Tuesday afternoon that Rev. E.A. Slessor had departed this life. The sad news came as a shock to the entire community for the good man had been with us upon the streets and attending to his various duties up to virtually the time of his demise. Only the Saturday before was he shaking hands with friends upon the streets and spreading the gospel of sunshine as he journeyed. Last Sunday, however, he was missed from his customary place in the Methodist Episcopal pulpit, and it was reported that he was suffering from pneumonia but expected to be with us again ere another week had passed, but such is fate, it was not to be, and only two days later his soul was called to the arms of the Savior. His race had been run, his work well done, and he entered that home eternal in the skies.

Albert Edward Slessor was born on the Isle of Man, January 2nd, 1863, coming to this country with his parents in early childhood, about 1867, the family settling on a farm in Tama county this state in 1870. Mr. Slessor received his early education in the common schools, graduating from Western College, Toledo, Iowa, in June, 1888, and from Union Biblical Seminary of Dayton, Ohio, in May, 1891, since which time he has served the Methodist charges at the following places: Humboldt, Jewell, Aurelia, Radcliffe, Lake View, Armstrong and Forest City. For the past year and four months the good man has been among us and by his careful guidance the flock of the Master at this place has beenkept in the straight and narrow path.

The surviving members of his family are three brothers and two sisters, namely John Slessor who now resides in Colorado, James Slessor of Toledo, this state, V.A. Slessor of Reinbeck, Mrs. Benson of Gladbrook and Mrs. Bean of Davenport. Besides the above he leaves the good wife, to whom he was united in marriage in august, 1909.

Funeral services were conducted from the church Thursday afternoon, Rev. Robt. Smylie, district superintendent, officiating, and the remains were taken to Reinbeck for interment.

The heartfelt sympathy of the entire community goes out to the bereaved wife and loved ones in their hour of affliction. Rev. Slessor was a universal favorite of every man, women or child with whom he came in contact. His was indeed a Christian, life and he played the part of the good Samaritan always during his short career upon this sphere. May he rest in peace. Surely his good works shall live forever. Forest City Summit. (Aurelia Sentinel, Aurelia, IA, February 17, 1911)