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Joseph Slocum was born in Warwick Township, Rhode Island, April 9, 1777, and consequently was only an infant in arms when he came to Wilkes-Barre with his parents in the Autumn of the same year. It was he who, when his sister Frances was captured by the Indians, was snatched up by his sister Mary and carried away to a place of safety.
He early learned the trade of a blacksmith, and before the year 1800 had opened a shop of his own on the west side of North Main Street near the present Jackson Street. In addition to carrying on this trade in an energetic and a successful manner, he engaged to some extent in farming.
In the year 1800 he was married at Wilkes-Barre to Sarah (born July 26, 1781), third child of Judge Jesse and Hannah (Welding) Fell and they took up their residence in a house owned by Mr. Slocum at the north-east corner of Union and Main Streets.
Early in 1803 Joseph Slocum was elected Captain of the "Wyoming Blues," and served in that capacity until 1808, at least.
In 1807, the year following the erection of the borough of Wilkes-Barre, Joseph Slocum was elected one of the two Assessors of the borough. In this same year he became one of the incorporators of the Wilkes-Barre Academy, and subsequently served as a member of its Board of Trustees from 1807 till 1838 —for twenty-five years of this time holding the office of Treasurer of the Academy. He was a member of the Town Council of the borough of Wilkes- Barre in 1818, 1819, 1829 and 1830.
Early in 1807 Mr. Slocum began the erection on the south side of Public Square of a brick residence three and a-half stories high, which was not only the first building of such a height, but was the first brick building, to be erected in north-eastern Pennsylvania. This building was completed in March or April, 1808, and to it Mr. Slocum and his family immediately removed from their North Main Street home. At the same time Mr. Slocum removed his blacksmithing business from North Main Street to a shop either in the rear, or at a short distance to the west, of his new residence.
In The Luzerne Federalist (Wilkes-Barre) of May 6, 1808, he published the following advertisement:
"To Rent—Two Dwelling Houses in the borough of Wilkes-Barre. One situated on the corner of Main and Union Streets, about 100 rods easterly from the Court House. The house is large, and appertaining to it are a good garden, well of water, smoke-house, stables, hog-house and corn-house. The other house is situated in Union Street, and is a convenient building for a small family. A well of excellent water, a good garden and a barn are on the premises. Possession will be given immediately.
The subscriber respectfully informs the Public that has removed from his old place to a new stand on the Public Square, within a few rods of the Court House, where he continues the Blacksmithing Business. His customers may depend upon having their work done with usual punctuality. A healthy, active lad, of fourteen or fifteen years of age will be taken as an apprentice to the above business. - Joseph Slocum
Mr. Slocum occupied his brick residence on Public Square till his death; then, for a number of years, it was occupied as a residence by his son-in-law, Lord Butler, and his family, after which the building was given over to business uses. Later it was remodeled, and continues to be used for shop and office purposes until its demolishment in April 1906, to make way for the present First National Bank building.
Joseph Slocum was appointed and commissioned by the Governor of Pennsylvania, April 28, 1851. one of the two Associate Judges of the Courts of Luzerne County. Some years prior to this he had given up his blacksmithing business, and was devoting his time to his farming and general business interests.
In 1854 a new township was erected out of Newport Township, Luzerne County, and was named Slocum Township in honor of Judge Joseph Slocum. Mrs. Sarah (Fell) Slocum died suddenly at her home in Wilkes-Barre February 25, 1823, and Judge Slocum died here September 27, 1855.
The children of Joseph and Sarah (Fell) Slocum were as follows:
(1) Hannah Fell, born April 16, 1802; married by the Rev. George Peck, D. D., November 25, 1824, to Ziba Bennett, formerly of Newtown, New York, but then of Wilkes-Barre; died February 5, 1865.
(2) Ruth Tripp, born December 5, 1804; married December 1, 1825, to William Sterling Ross of Wilkes-Barre: died June 28, 1882.
(3) Deborah, born August'6, 1806; married (1st) January 17, 1827, to Anning O. Chahoon, (2d) September 28, 1851, to Sharp D. Lewis; died January 19, 1878.
(4) Abi Welding, born June 22, 1808; married February 2, 1832, to Lord Butler, Jr.; died March 11, 1887.
(5) George Fell, born August 10, 1812; died March 19, 1856.
(6) Jonathan Joseph,born January 27, 1815; died February 25, 1860
(7) Mary, died in youth.
(8) Harriet Elizabeth, born June 26, 1819; married (1st) October 16, 1841, to Charles B. Drake, and (2nd) April 28, 1868 to Henry Lewis; died December 29, 1898. (Oscar Jewell Harvey)
May 11, 1801
Runaway from the subscriber on Sunday the 3rd inst., an indented apprentice boy, Abraham Scott, about 17 years of age, of a light complexion and short light hair and eyes: wore away a row frock and striped trowsers, and a wool hat almost new. All persons are forbid harboring or secreting said boy on penalty of the law; and any person who will return him to his master, shall have Five Dollar Reward, and all reasonable charges paid. Joseph Slocum, Wilkesbarre
October 13, 1804
The subscriber respectfully informs the Public that he has commenced the Tayloring business at the house of Joseph Slocum, at the upper part of the town, where gentlemen who may furnish him with their custom, may depend upon having their work done with neatness and dispatch. All kinds of Country produce as well as Cash will be received in payment. William Mitchell
September 17, 1810
The youngest child of Capt. Joseph Slocum, died in this Borough.
July 30, 1813
For Sale, An elegant Coach and Plated Harness. The Carriage is very superior in the excellence of its workmanship, and the neatness of its finishing. It is nearly new, and will be sold reasonable, for part cash and part trade. Apply to Joseph Slocum or Peter Gallagher, Wilkes-Barre.
February 28, 1823
Died - Suddenly in this town, on Tuesday last, Mrs. Sarah Slocum, wife of Joseph Slocum, in the 42nd year of her age. She was well and cheerful on Friday evening; and before eleven o'clock on Tuesday she was a corpse! She leave a husband and children.
November 26, 1824
Married - In this borough, last evening, by the Rev. Peck, Ziba Bennet, formerly of Newtown, N. Y., to Miss Hannah, daughter of Joseph Slocum, of this borough.
December 3, 1824
Pay Your Taxes. Wilkesbarre Township. Joseph Slocum, Collector for 1824.
December 2, 1825
Married - In this Borough, last evening, by Rev. Huntington, William S. Ross, to Miss Ruth, daughter of Joseph SLOCUM, Esq.
January 19, 1827
Married - In this Borough on Wednesday evening last, by Rev. Geo. Peck, Anning O. Chahoon, of Kingston, and Miss Deborah, daughter of Joseph Slocum, of this place.
November 30, 1831
The following gentlemen were elected Directors of the Wyoming Bank, on 21st inst., viz: Benjamin Dorrance, George M. Hollenback, Oristus Collins, Joseph Slocum, John L. Butler, William Hancock, James Wright, James Nesbitt Jr., Joseph Sinton, Orlando Porter, Cornelius Cortwright, Arnold Colt, Lewis Worrall. Benjamin Dorrance, re-elected President.
September 5, 1838
J. J. Slocum, Attorney at Law, Wilkesbarre.
November 28, 1838
New Cash Store – Next to J. L. Butler’s Steam Mill, Wilkesbarre, of E. W. Reynolds and G. F. Slocum.
December 5, 1838
To Contractors – Proposals will be received until the 25th inst, for draining Market street from the Market House to the river in the Borough of Wilkesbarre. J. J. Slocum, Secretary.
