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Grattan Grange

C. M. Slayton, Farmer, Belding and Collector of Curiosities,

Probably the man that has helped build up and sustain the Grattan Grange the most for the past twenty-five years is Brother C. M. Slayton, having held the office of secretary for twenty years. He was born in Middlesex, Yates county, N. Y., Dec. 26, 1834, and came to Grattan in 1847 and owns a farm on the banks of Slayton Lake of 280 acres of choice land in a high state of cultivation, with as good farm buildings as can be found in western Michigan. In August, 1862, he bade good-by to wife and two small children and enlisted in the services of his country and served with distinction till July 15, 1865. In the Atlanta campaign he was scarcely out of the sound of firing for four months. In all of the three years that he fought for the old flag we all love so well, he was never excused from duty or did he sleep in a hospital. He kept a diary all the time he was in the service and wrote down the events each day as they occurred. Just at this time it is very interesting reading. Two of his brothers Asa W. and Charles W. were in the same company.

Mr. Slayton probably has the finest private collection of curiosities to be found in Michigan, and just at this time when every one is talking war It is worth any one's time to visit Mr. Slayton's museum, there you will see all kinds of guns, swords, pistols, shells, cannon balls, grape shot and accoutrements of all kinds, some of them over one hundred years old. Also a large collection of Indian relics of the mighty red man that has departed toward the setting sun. Relics from the extinct mound builders that are very curious indeed, a vast collection of minerals from every land, a large collection of shells and sea curiosities, old and rare coins. paper money and books, one being 253 years old. in all some 2,000 different articles. He has been collecting for over forty years till now it occupies two large rooms in the second story of the Slayton mansion that overlooks the lake, and a nice kept lawn surrounds his residence. Any one wishing to visit this collection will receive a warm reception for their time and a pleasant greeting from Mr. and Mrs. Slayton, who know just how to make it pleasant for any and every one visiting them.

G. A.. Grange Cor.