Sloan - Mary Ristine
Source: Crawfordsville Review, Monday 1-3-1916
Mrs. Mary Frances SLOAN, 92, 815 W. Main Street who lived in this locality before Crawfordsville was named or Montgomery County mapped out died Sunday afternoon of infirmities of age. She was a woman of remarkable vitality and remained phsycially strong until recently. Mrs. Sloan was the daughter of Major Henry Ristine one of the founders of the city and the widow of the late Dr. Sloan one of the first physicians to locate here. Her mother's name was Nancy Ristine. In the Spring of 1823, Major Ristine was in this part of the wilderness doing military duty in supressing Indian trouble. It was while on this expedition his youngest daughter, Mrs. Sloan was born April 17, 1823. In October of that same year he moved his family from their home in Madison to this place. The journey was made in a large old wagon familiar to the pioneer days and was drawn by six horses over the routh trails. They located at what is now the Northeast corner of Market and Green Streets. At that place Mrs. Sloan's father built the first tavern in this city and later built the Ristine House on East Main Street which was for many years noted hostelery. He was the first representative of Montgomery County in the state legislature serving 3 terms. When 19 the deceased became the wife of Dr. John Sloan. He was one of the first physcians to locate here coming overland from New Jersey. Dr. and Mrs. Sloan first lived in a house familiar to the older residence. It was located on East Market in the Albright Garage Site. They later lived on West Main west of Walnut. Their home was the scene of many a gay social events, Mrs. Sloan being one of the leaders in social acitivity two generations ago. Early in life, she became a member of Center Presbyterian Church. She held membership there up to the time of death. For the past decade, she has seldom left the house because of her advanced age. Of recent years, she made her home with her daughter Mrs. Eudora Chamberlain. Mrs. Sloan was the mother of six children, 4 of whom are living: John S. Sloan of Miles City, Montana; Henry S. Sloan of Peoria, Ill; George S. of Indianapolis and Mrs. Chamberlain. Henry was formerly in the grocery business in this city. Her son John was here on a visit when she died. Two daughters, Mrs. Elizabeth Dabidge (sic) and Mrs. Frances Jones are deceased. Miss Agnes S. Chamberlain and Mrs. Charles McClamrock are granddaughters of Mrs. Sloan. Because of the serious illness of Mrs. Chamberlain the funeral will be private. The ceremony will be conducted at the home at 2 o'clock Tuesday Rev. Walter Johnston pastor of Center Church will have charge; interment will be in Oak Hill Cemetery.