Slater, Leonard A., Dr., b. 1835

Dr. Leonard A. Slater, son of John and Fluvanna P. Slater, was born in New Kent County, Virginia in 1835. He attended Lynchburg College where he graduated Valedictorian at the college's first commencement in 1856. He was married to Ellen H. Williams, daughter of Leroy and Susan Williams, in May 1866. They had seven children: Clarence H. (b.1867 d.1869), Leonard A. Jr. (b.1869), John L. (b.1871 d.1873), Lawrence W. (b.1873), William S. (b.1876), Mattie Lucile (b. 1879), and Ellen W. (b.1883).

At the outbreak of the Civil War Dr. Leonard A Slater enlisted in Company F, 3rd Virginia Calvary, Stewart's Division. In 1861 he was appointed assistant surgeon in the Confederate States Army. In 1862 he was appointed surgeon in 15th Virginia Calvary. In 1864 he was appointed surgeon of General Hospital at Columbia, South Carolina. Lastly he was appointed surgeon in charge of 2nd Division of General Hospital No. 10, State of North Carolina at Salisbury. Following the war he returned to New Kent County, Virginia to continue practicing medicine.

He served as school trustee of Cumberland District 1879-1884 and county physician to the almshouse in New Kent County 1878-1874. He also served as a member of Virginia Agricultural and Mechanical College's Board of Visitors from 1881-1885.

Leonard Slater resided at his family home, Slatersville, in New Kent County until his death in 1897.

Sources: Hardestys Historical and Geographical Encyclopedia, H.H. Hardesty 1884 and Ancestry.com

From the guide to the Leonard A. Slater Letter, 1862, (Special Collections, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Va.)