Louis Philip Slingluff (1831 - 1912)
This is Judge Louis Philip Slingluff (seated). He was born March 15th, 1831, and died November 24th, 1912 at 81 years old.
On the back of this picture is written: “Grandfather Slingluff…. Uncle Tom Slingluff”. Uncle Tom Slingluff would have been Louis’ oldest living son at the time, Thomas Cromwell Slingluff 1862-1958. Thomas would have been 40 in 1902 the estimated date this picture was taken. Louis’ oldest son Isaac J Slingluff 1861-1890 had already died when this picture was taken. The gentleman standing in the back is likely Thomas. The gentleman sitting on the bench beside the house is likely Robert Lee Slingluff 1876-1931 Louis and Margaret’s youngest son. He would have been 26 in 1902.
The written description on the back of this picture refers to Thomas as Uncle Tom which indicates the writer (and possibly the person taking the picture) would be a niece or nephew of Thomas and would likely have been James W Beacham Jr or one of his sisters.
The young boy standing beside Louis is my great grandfather Philip Slingluff Beacham Sr. (3/17/1896 – 8/19/1996). Philip is Louis’ grandson (his daughter Nellie’s son). Based upon the age of Phillip who appears to be about 6 or 7, Louis would have been approximately 71 years old in this picture. The smaller child sitting beside Louis is most likely one of his granddaughters (Philip’s younger sister). Philip had only one sister born after him so the smaller child is likely his only younger sister Eurath E Beacham born 1900.
Louis died November 24, 1912 at his estate Avalon Farm in New Windsor Maryland the age of 81.
As of this writing (5/16/25 the original house of Avalon Farm still stands). It is located just outside New Windsor off Route 31 off Slingluff Lane.
Biography
Louis Philip Singluff
Born: March 15, 1831
Died: November 24, 1912
Buried: Pipe Creek Cemetery, New Windsor Maryland
Judge Louis Philip Slingluff was born March 15, 1831 at Avalon Farm in Carroll County New Windsor Maryland. At the time of his birth New Windsor was part of Frederick County.
Carroll County was not created until 1837 when he was six years old. Carroll County was created from parts of Frederick County and Baltimore County. The county was named after Charles Carroll who was a signer of the US Declaration of Independence.
Upon the death of his father, Louis came into possession of his father’s estate Avalon Farm by purchase from the heirs. Louis was educated at what was called Calvert College in New Windsor Maryland. For 6-7 years he served on the board of directors and board of trustees. Louis was a devoted farmer who was active in politics. He has been identified actively with the Democratic party since he became a voter. In 1872 at 41 years old, he was appointed by Governor William P. Whyte to fill the unexpired term of Judge Upton Roop as judge of the Orphans’ Court. Upon the expiration of that term, he was elected for a second term of four years.
Though not a member of any church, the judge is a liberal contributor to the support of all churches and benevolent institutions of his neighborhood.
Connection to my family tree: Louis is the father of Nellie Slingluff Beacham who was the mother of my great-grandfather Philip Slingluff Beacham Sr (1896 – 1996). Nellie married James Workman Beacham. They lived on their farm in Avondale (on Avondale Road). They are both buried at Westminster Cemetery, Carroll County Westminster Maryland.
Louis’ Family:
Wife 1: Ellen Slingluff of Canal Dover, Ohio.
Married October 18, 1855.
Ellen died September 8, 1856
Wife 2: Margaret Alverda Cromwell (daughter of Thomas & Catharine-Stouffer Cromwell)
Born: August 24, 1839 in Walkersville Frederick County Maryland
Married: March 19, 1861.
Children:
Isaac Jackson Slingluff: born Dec 17, 1861
Thomas Cromwell Slingluff: born Dec 21, 1862
Nellie Slingluff: born June 24, 1866
Catharine Cromwell Slingluff: born Dec 22, 1867
Robert Lee Slingluff: born Jan 14, 1877
Louis’ Mother & Father:
Father: Isaac Slingluff (Born Aug 5, 1807 / Died June 30, 1836)
Mother: Julianna (Englar) Slingluff
Louis’ father Isaac was born in Baltimore Maryland on August 5, 1807. Because Baltimore was threatened by the British in the war of 1812-1814, Jesse moved his family from the city and settled on what was known at the time as the “Avalon” farm in New Windsor. After moving his family to a safe area, Jesse then returned to Baltimore to give his services in defense of the city.
Avalon Farm occupied a large tract of land in New Windsor and the latter years of Isaac’s life was spent upon his estate until his death June 30, 1836. He and his wife Julianna are buried at Greenmount Cemetery in Baltimore Maryland.
Louis’ Paternal Grandmother & Grandfather:
Grandfather: Jesse Slingluff (1775 – 1836).
Grandmother: Elizabeth Deardorff (1775 – 1852)
(sometimes spelled Deardorff or Deardof)
Jesse Slingluff (grandfather) was born in Philadelphia Pennsylvania January 1st 1775.
The initial battles of the Revolutionary War would begin in just four months.
The American Revolutionary War actually began in 1775. Tension had been building for years. The official fighting began with the Battles of Lexington and Concord April 19, 1775.
Jesse Slingluff was one year old when the thirteen colonies declared their independence from the British Crown forming the Untied States of America. At that point we were at full war with Great Britain. A war that would last seven years and ended in 1782.
When Jesse was a boy, he moved to Baltimore Maryland. He started a grocery business running under the name of Bohn & Slingluff for many years. He married Elizabeth Deardorff of Adams County Pennsylvania (born in Lancaster County Pa). Together they had ten children.
Jesse hung himself in a carpenter shed at Avalon Farm.
He is buried at Greenmount Cemetery in Baltimore City Maryland.
Review historical documents about Avalon
Avalon
Here are documents for Avalon (Louis' home) located just outside New Windsor Maryland. Purchased by Louis' grandfather 1811-1812 to move his family from Baltimore City which was under threat by the British prior to the War of 1812.
Here are pictures of the house at Avalon Farm
