Mrs. Minerva Slaughter’s tale is one that is buried under popular documents and frequently-used textbooks in Texas history. However, upon writing this blog post, I hope her little but significant story will once again shed light on the history of the Lone Star State (early-era photograph of an older Minerva Slaughter, c. 1880, J. Marvin Hunter’s Frontier Times Magazine).
Mrs. Minerva Slaughter was born in a small town in Alabama on October 3, 1817. It was her desire to study medicine during her early schooling, however her parents objected and insisted that she learn domestic studies–like many young ladies of the era, she was groomed to be an attractive and attentive bride and mother. On February 11, 1934, the young girl married Benjamin Slaughter, and five years later the couple moved to Caldwell County in Texas. Upon moving to the Texas frontier and observing the frequent fights between the Anglo settlers and the Natives, Slaughter realized the need of medical aid. As there were no doctors or hospital cabins in these countryside areas, Slaughter fitted herself to become a caretaker of the suffering. It was not long before the woman traveled to other places in the county during the night, rain, cold, or storm.
The scarcity of settlers and the perilous times (including the weather) prompted many to reside and stay in close quarters with their ethnic groups. For the rest of her life, Mrs. Slaughter braved all the perils and dangers of the Manifest Destiny Era, and traveled for miles around the state on horseback, tending to the wounded and advocating for changes in local hospitals. The knowledge of terrifying and brutal Natives and the rough travel along dirt paths did not shake the woman’s nerves. It was due to her efforts that many Christian charitable organizations–some are still functioning to this day–were dispensed by her hand. It is said that she continuously went on her way, doing what she could and remembering the Savior’s words: “They who give a cup of water to one of these of mine, shall not lose their reward.”
Surrounded by her six children and their partners, and one granddaughter, Mrs. Slaughter died in Taylor, Texas on May 24, 1895. She was 77 years old. Sequentially, she was given tribute by community members and buried in the old Frio Town Cemetery in Pearsall, Texas.
Mrs. Minerva Slaughter’s story illustrates the fact that ordinary Texans played a significant role in the history of this great state. Though her actions might seem small compared to those of Sam Houston and Stephen F. Austin, Mrs. Slaughter was a common woman who gave her time and efforts to those who were wounded in the community. Her compassion and service brought change to charitable organizations and hospital procedures in many Texas counties. This is why she should be named a pioneer mother and caretaker.
Cited Source: More information in J. Marvin Hunter’s Frontier Times Magazine (article on November 17, 2014).
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