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File contributed to the Fulton County ILGenWeb Project
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Source: The Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois and History of Fulton County
Munsell Publishing Co., Chicago, 1908

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The Biography of Alexander SLACK 

[Surnames: CROSS, GARSIDE, NEWTON, SLACK] 

SLACK, ALEXANDER (deceased) 

    
One of the oldest residents of Fulton County, where he spent about forty years in farming operations, was born in Lancaster, England, on April 21, 1822, a son of John and Anna (Garside) Slack, who were also natives of that country, and where they passed their lives. The occupation of the father was a mechanic. 
    
In boyhood, Alexander Slack attended the public schools for a short time in Lancashire, and at a very early age went to work in a factory, in which he was employed until he came to the United States in 1846. 
    
At first he located in Rhode Island, remaining there until 1849 when he made his way to Illinois and settled in Fulton County. The journey was accomplished by canal to Buffalo, NY, thence to Chicago by lake, and from Lasalle to Copperas Creek by river. For a few months he sojourned in Buckheart Twp., and in the fall of 1849 he established his home in Sect. 32, Farmington Twp. where he purchased 40 acres. His brother Nathaniel broke up and fenced the land, and Mr. Slack bought a log cabin of Dr. Newton, another early settler, which he moved to the tract, making other improvements thereon. 
    
He later bought an additional 40 acres to the south of the first, and engaged in general farming until 1885, when he withdrew from active pursuits. He marketed his grain at Copperas Creek, and hauled his logs to Lancaster. On retiring, he left the care of the farm to one of his sons, who is also the owner of 200 acres in that vicinity. 
    
In 1844 Mr. Slack married Hester Cross in his native country, which was also that of his wife. They had two children, William and Henry who are on the homestead property. 
    
The mother died May 5, 1895 and Mr. Slack died on Mar. 20, 1907. Mr. Slack supports the policies of the Democratic Party. For a number of years he served his township as School Director.