HISTORY OF PASCO COUNTY

Slaughter (Clay Sink)

Detail from a 1956 map

This page is under construction. Slaughter was a settlement in the extreme northeast corner of Pasco County; it no longer appears on most maps. It is sometimes called Clay Sink. Riverland is now located on the other side of the Hernando county line. This page was last revised on July 22, 2012.

A historical marker here reads:

Harrison and Martha Ann McKinney Slaughter acquired 120 acres in this area from Jesse Sumner May 20, 1862. The settlement that developed here was first called Slaughter after this pioneer family. Over time it became known as Clay Sink, after the clay sinkhole that is in the area. This cemetery was established on this hill of moss-draped oaks in 1873 when the Slaughters buried their infant daughter here. It is now maintained in perpetuity by the Clay Sink Cemetery Association Inc. On Feb. 19, 1897, the Clay Sink Missionary Baptist Church was organized with 21 members, with Elder G. A. Bryant, moderator. In 1904 a wood-framed building was erected on this site and served the congregation until the present pine building was constructed in 1956. The one-room Slaughter/Clay Sink school building was built in 1912 on Cobb Slough and moved in 1915 to this site that was donated by William Henry and Joanna Slaughter Boyett. It became the fellowship hall for the church in 1943 when the school closed due to consolidation. The teacher’s raised platform remained a part of the structure. Some of the early settlers who were charter members of the church were Slaughters, Sumners, Boyetts, Sapps, Robbins, McKinneys, Hardins, Mobleys, Gays, and Weeks. Descendants of these families still live in the area.

A picture taken at the dedication of the marker is here.

About 1838. Jesse Cary Sumner moves to Florida, according to the recollection of his grandson D. E. Sumner. (He is shown in Marion County in the 1850 census. J. C. Sumner died at his home in Hernando County on Feb. 12, 1871.)

May 20, 1862. Harrison Slaughter and his wife Martha Ann McKinney Slaughter acquire 120 acres from Jesse Sumner on May 20, 1862, according to the historic marker. Images of the grave markers of Harrison and Martha at Clay Sink Cemetery are here and here.

1877-78. Hernando County school records show a school at Tillis Hammock.

1879-80. Hernando County school records show a school at Tillis Hammock. The trustees are shown as H. Slaughter and C. W. Bryant. (C. W. Bryant is age 60 living in Slaughter in the 1910 census.)

1883-84. A list of Hernando County schools indicates that a school was established at Kalon on Oct. 1, 1882. The teacher was R. S. Pringle and the trustees were Steve Weeks, Harrison Slaughter, and J. E. Mills. A 1916 map shows the town of Kalon in Hernando County, very near the Pasco-Hernando county line.

Oct. 3, 1885. A deed shows that Harrison Slaughter transferred property in S24 T23 R22 to the Hernando County School Board.

Oct. 3, 1887. School board minutes have: “Mr. Harrison Slaughter appeared in behalf of the patrons of Riverland School No. 30 regarding the appointment as trustees for their School [illegible] H. Slaughter and Chas Bryant. Upon motion their petition was granted. The trustees of said school recommended Mr. S. R. A. Kemp to teach the School. Upon motion the formality of an examination was waived and Mr. Kemp was appointed to teach the school under a 2nd class certificate.” (The Florida Death Index shows S. R. A. Kemp died in Hernando County in 1904. A grave marker in Clay Sink Cemetery has S. R. A. Kemp.)

Aug. 8, 1889. C. R. Lyon is shown as the teacher at Riverland school, no. 30.

Sept. 4, 1893. M. S. Slaughter is appointed supervisor of Riverland School, no. 30.

Feb. 19, 1897. The Clay Sink Missionary Baptist Church is organized with 21 members, with Elder G. A. Bryant, moderator, according to the historic marker. According to the WPA history, the first settled pastor, 1897-1908, is Richard Calden.

Aug. 2, 1897. Mamie Weaver is assigned to teach at Riverland School, no. 30.

Aug. 1, 1898. Miss Sallie Gant is appointed to teach at Riverland School, no. 1.

July 1, 1901. Annie Powell is appointed the teacher at Riverland School, no. 1.

July 6, 1903. Miss Irene Cooper is appointed the teacher at Slaughter school, no. 1.

1904. A church is erected, according to the historic marker. According to the WPA history, the church was erected in 1900. Before the church was erected, services were held in the schoolhouse.

Aug. 1, 1904. Gertrude Osborne is appointed the teacher at Slaughter school, no. 1.

July 3, 1905. M. Hill is appointed the teacher at Slaughter.

July 5, 1909. Myrta Shores is appointed the teacher at Slaughter.

July 7-8, 1913. Bernadee McMullins is appointed the teacher at Slaughter.

1915-16. 19 pupils are enrolled in the Slaughter school. The teacher is Lester Mikell.

July 5, 1921. Prof. H. A. Hammer is appointed the teacher at Slaughter.

April 25, 1924. The Dade City Banner reported, “The public school closed here last Friday, the pupils giving a nice play in the afternoon. Quite a number of visitors were present and enjoyed the exercises. Miss Vern Wingate, our teacher and her niece, Miss Pauline Collier, left for their home Monday. All regret to see her leave, but are hoping she will return to take charge of the school next fall. Mrs. Mary Price passed away last Sunday at the home of Mr. and Mrs. T. O. Slaughter, at the age of 76 years. ... Mrs. Price resided in Dade City until after the death of her husband some years ago, since which time she has been making her home with her relatives.” (Date of article dateline)

July 18, 1924. The Dade City Banner reports, “Slaughter school started July 7. We hope it will be a great success, as we have a real good teacher, Mrs. Mosely of Kathleen.” School board minutes give her name as Mrs. R. S. Mosely.

Sept. 19, 1924. The Dade City Banner reports, “Rev. McDaniel of Lakeland preached an excellent sermon at the Baptist church of Slaughter Sunday. He was favored by a large congregation of interested listeners. There was also church Saturday afternoon and prayer services Sunday afternoon. ... Mrs. R. S. Moseley, our Slaughter school teacher, and daughter, who have been boarding at Mrs. J. E. Brown’s removed to Mr. Mills’ Friday, where they will reside in the future.”

July 24, 1925. The Dade City Banner reports, “Slaughter, July 21.—Quite a number of the folks of this place were present at church at Riverland which, in spite of the rain was enjoyed by everyone. Rev. Bishop of Webster will preach at the Baptist church here next Sunday. We wish all to be present.”

Sept. 22, 1925. The Dade City Banner reports, “Saturday a raid in the Slaughter neighborhood resulted in the capture of two stills, both small ones. No arrests were made in one instance, while Bob Johnson, colored, not only lost his lard can outfit and a gallon of shine, but was also lodged in jail.”

Feb. 19, 1926. The Dade City Banner reports, “Roy Slaughter, son of N. S. Slaughter, formerly of Slaughter but now a resident of Atlantic Beach, was buried in the cemetery at Slaughter on Wednesday morning. The deceased was a veteran of the World War who incurred tuberculosis while in the service and his death occurred at the United States Veterans’ Bureau hospital at Asheville, N. C., Feb. 12th, the government shipping his body here for interment. Besides serving in the World war he is said to have been a member of Pershing’s punitive expedition into Mexico during the border troubles caused by the Mexican Revolution. Besides his father, he is survived by two brothers, both World War veterans, and one still in the service as a lieutenant of aviation.”

Apr. 13, 1926. The Dade City Banner reports that W. J. Bryant of Lacoochee, pastor of the church at Slaughter, has announced his candidacy for the nomination as member of the legislature from Pasco county, subject to the Democratic primary of June 8.

May 21, 1926. The Dade City Banner reports that W. H. Boyett of Slaughter has announced his candidacy for county commission from District 1.

June 15, 1926. The Dade City Banner reports:

Slaughter cemetery picnic will be held June 24. Everybody invited to come with well filled baskets. Miss Dolores Revels has been spending some time with her grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. T. O. Slaughter. We are having some fine rains. The folks out here are still picking and selling some strawberries and have picked and canned quite a few blackberries. We are sure glad to know that our road is being put through from Richloam to Slaughter.

June 25, 1926. The Dade City Banner reports, “Last week the community met and cleaned up and beautified the cemetery, one of the prettiest and best kept up rural burying grounds in Pasco county. Located off to one side and until recently almost inaccessible for lack of roads, Slaughter has been somewhat out of the march of progress. It is one of the finest trucking sections of the county and from now on will come rapidly to the front.”

Aug. 10, 1926. The Dade City Banner reports, “The Slaughter neighborhood is right up to the Hernando county line, and a road has been graded to connect it with Richloam, the postoffice and shopping point of the settlement. This road is to be hard surfaced but under present conditions we prefer to travel the Pasco county road.”

June 14, 1927. The Dade City Banner reports:

W . H. Boyett appeared before the board and asked that any balance left from the $40,000 appropriated for the construction of the Seventh street extension road be used to improve the road between Lacoochee and Slaughter. He stated that under present conditions the people of Slaughter were practically cut off from the balance of the county, and that both Lacoochee and Dade City were losing the handling of their strawberries and other crops grown there on this account. Colonel Auvil, on being asked for his opinion, stated that any balance of this fund remaining could be used for this purpose, if desired. Chairman Thomas opposed, saying he would not favor any expenditures or bonds that would increase taxes until the people of the Pasadena section were taken care of. Secretary Rerick of the county chamber of commerce urged that this money be used for Slaughter, as road conditions in that section were worse than in any other part of the county. On motion of Commissioner Dowling, seconded by Commissioner Boyett, it was voted to use any balance left for the building of this road, Dowling and Boyett voting aye, Commissioner McCarthy no, and Commissioner Clark not voting, as his district is outside the Highlands district.

Aug. 2, 1927. The Dade City Banner reports that D. A. Bars was appointed the teacher at Slaughter, and that, while the term will begin for most schools in Aug. 29, exceptions were granted to Oak Hill, Slaughter, and Pasco, which will start on Aug. 1 in order that the term could be completed in time for the children to help in the gathering of the spring crops.

Sept. 13, 1927. The Dade City Banner reports that J. A. Barthle was awarded the contract to construct five miles of hard surfaced road connecting Lacoochee and Slaughter.

Jan. 10, 1928. The Dade City Banner reports, “W. A. Barr, of Slaughter, was in the city on Saturday and reported that the Brinson’s store at Richloam, the only business building in that community, and which also housed the post office, was burned last Tuesday night, both building and contents being a total loss. There was a small amount of insurance. The origin of the fire is not known, but it is thought by many that the fire was incendiary, and for the purpose of covering a robbery.”

Aug. 3, 1928. The Dade City Banner mentions Mrs. William Barr as the teacher in the Slaughter school.

July 2, 1928. D. C. Cripe is appointed the teacher at Slaughter.

July 1, 1929. H. A. Hammer is appointed the teacher at Slaughter.

Sept. 9, 1929. The Tampa Morning Tribune refers to “Clay Sink cemetery, near Lacoochee.”

Jan. 23, 1931. The Dade City Banner reports, “Slaughter, Jan. 22—The death of James Boyd came as a shock to this community Saturday morning at seven o’clock. He had only been sick a few hours. Mr. Boyd was 77 years of age, and was born and reared in Georgia, and came here about forty years ago and made his home in this community. He was a member of the Bay Lake church, and has many friends and relatives there.”

June 1, 1931. The school board votes to open the Slaughter school on July 6.

June 15, 1931. Mrs. A. N. McNeal is appointed conditionally as the teacher at Slaughter.

Oct. 9, 1931. The Dade City Banner reports, “Pasco Baptist Association will meet in its forty-second annual session at Clay Sink church in the Slaughter neighborhood, October 13 and 14.

Feb. 24, 1933. The Dade City Banner mentions teacher Miss Pauline Eiland at the Slaughter school.

Aug. 18, 1933. The Dade City Banner reports, “Funeral services for Marion Lanier, aged 59, of Bay Lake, who died at his home Wednesday morning, were held Wednesday afternoon at Clay Sink Baptist Church. He was born September 2, 1873, in Kissimmee, and has been a resident of Bay Lake for many years.”

Jan. 12, 1934. The Dade City Banner reports that federal funds would be used to build a new school building at Slaughter with provision that as much as possible be salvaged from the old building.

June 4, 1934. Mrs. Cora Kelley is appointed the teacher at Slaughter for the 1934-35 term.

June 3, 1935. Miss Gertrude Slaughter is appointed the teacher at Slaughter.

Aug. 23, 1935 The Dade City Banner reports that Miss Nealie Tucker is appointed the teacher at Slaughter.

Oct. 7, 1935. The school board decides that only the six primary grades would be taught at Slaughter, with the older students transported to Lacoochee.

June 4, 1936. The board votes that the Slaughter school would have the same opening date as the other schools. In April 1937 Slaughter was to operate as a strawberry school.

Sept. 8, 1936. Miss Noreen Tucker is appointed the teacher at Slaughter.

May 19, 1937. Mrs. Alice Atwater is appointed at Slaughter, district 1. She was reappointed on April 3, 1939.

Nov. 19, 1937. Juanita Marlene Boyd, age 2½, dies. She was a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Walter Boyd. She was buried in the Clay Sink cemetery.

Aug. 7, 1940. Jack A. Mobley, known as “Uncle Jack,” dies at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Henry Weeks of Slaughter. According to his obituary, he was born March 13, 1872, and spent his entire life in the Slaughter community. He was buried in the Clay Sink Cemetery.

Jan. 6, 1941. Slaughter patrons request the strawberry session be abolished, and the board approved the request.

Feb. 20, 1942. Thomas Owen Slaughter, age 71, dies at a hospital in Wildwood. According to his obituary, he was a native of Pasco County and at one time one of the most prominent farmers and citrus growers. He moved to Oxford about two years ago.

1943. The Slaughter school is closed.

Jan. 3, 1945. Mose Stephen Slaughter, 78, dies in a nursing home in San Antonio. According to his obituary, he was born Dec. 8, 1866, at Slaughter, and became a prominent farmer and stockman of Pasco County. For several year he has been living at Rerdell, near Slaughter, which was named for his father Harrison H. Slaughter. Funeral services were held at the Clay Sink Cemetery.

1947. The Dade City Banner refers to “Clay Sink settlement in Slaughter.”

Feb. 23, 2005. The St. Petersburg Times reports: “Pasco County commissioners voted Tuesday to add the Clay Sink Baptist Church, school building and cemetery to the county’s register of historic resources. The property is on 2 acres in the Withlacoochee State Forest near the Hernando County line. The school building, now a church fellowship hall, was built in 1912 and served as the county’s first voting precinct. The cemetery is a private graveyard, bearing the graves of about 500 people from the area’s pioneer families.”

2011. The St. Petersburg Times has: “Clay Sink has fewer than 100 residents in less than 20 homes. There’s a sawmill, the cemetery and a schoolhouse that closed in 1943. Now it’s a Sunday school room and fellowship hall.”

Clay Sink Baptist Church seen behind the cemetery sign

Among the Farmers of Slaughter (1923)

By C. B. TAYLOR

This article appeared in the Dade City Banner on April 20, 1923.

Situated in the northeast corner of Pasco county is the farming neighborhood of Slaughter, as it is officially known. The people living there call it “Clay Sink,” from a sink hole in the neighborhood. It is a flatwoods country, with cypress ponds interspersed here and there, and, at the present time is almost inaccessible in wet weather. While it is only fifteen miles from Dade City the best route to take is around by the new hard road past Lacoochee, across a corner of Hernando county and back into Pasco. A road is now being built from the bridge over the Withlacoochee on the river road that will afford direct communication between the two places. This road, which is a part of the Highlands District sand clay system will be graded high enough to permit travel in all kinds of weather and will do much to bring the people of the two sections together.

Truck and general farming form the main occupations of the settlers in this neighborhood. At one time it was one of the greatest strawberry growing sections of the state. This crop was dropped when the Plant City neighborhood was developed, on account of the inadequacy of shipping facilities. The branch of the Atlantic Coast Line running from Trilby to Sanford is the nearest railroad, and only furnishes one train each way, a day. This same lack of good service handicaps the growers now, but they ship out a good many crates of beans and cucumbers during the season. During the winter just passed hundreds of hampers of English peas were also shipped from here.

The soil of this section seems to be especially adapted for the growing of cucumbers. Unlike the Sumter county fields nearby, they seem to do as well in the fall as in the spring. Oddly enough, however, beans only do well here in the spring, while in the other neighborhoods mentioned they grow at both seasons of the year. The growers of Slaughter have never introduced the trough protection for their cukes used in other parts of the state. They are thinking seriously of doing so now, as the cold last February has caused their crops to be very late this year. In fact, they are just starting to ship beans and will not have any cukes on the market for another week, or more. They have no need of irrigation, as the soil seems to be drought proof. In fact, the heavy rains last fall drowned out a good many of their crops.

An effort has been made this year to revive the strawberry industry, once the leading one of this section. It has been only partially a success, owing to poor shipping facilities and the inability to reach the best markets. The yield was large and quality fine. With the completion of the good road, making it possible to quickly reach other shipping points, there is no doubt but what this will become one of the most profitable crops. This is recognized by the growers, many of whom are planning to increase their acreage.

At J. L. Wilson’s farm the writer saw some very good young corn growing. It was well advanced for its age and had a healthy color. His beans were full of young fruit and this week should see him make his first shipment. A good sized patch of strawberries were loaded with as fine flavored fruit as the writer ever tasted. They were simply going to waste, except as Mrs. Wilson was able to can, or otherwise preserve them. These strawberries were grown without fertilizer and have excellent testimony as to the fertility of the soil.

G. W. Fender is credited by his neighbors with being the “best farmer in the neighborhood.” This year, however, he says that he has lost his grip. His cukes and beans are looking fine, but are late and he has not yet made any shipments. He has a small patch of Irish, potatoes that are doing well. Corn, pindars, and other general farm crops are grown as well as truck. One odd thing impressed the writer when he visited this place. Some of his beans were growing in four foot rows and others in five. Both were planted at the same time. The ones in the five foot rows were twice as far advanced as those grown closer together.

J. D. Mobley is advancing in years and does not till a very large acreage. He has some of the best corn seen so far this season. It averages over five feet in height and was planted after the heavy frost last February. His cukes and other vegetables are coming on nicely and the same can be said for a good sized watermelon patch. A small seedling grove bore a heavy crop of fruit last winter and has set a good one this season.

W. H. Boyett has a fine crop of beans and cukes coming on. He also grows corn, velvet beans, peanuts and a full line of general farm stuff.

T. J. Morris is well ahead of the bean game and is shipping a good many hampers. His cukes are coming on and he has some fine looking corn.

T. O. Slaughter is in my opinion one of the best farmers in this vicinity. He has a habit of never planting one crop in a field. A row of corn or cane and one of beans, cukes or tomatoes is what the visitor finds in looking over his farm. In this way he says he is pretty sure to win out on one crop, if not on both. Last year on a tract of land 80 yards square he made 750 gallons of syrup and shipped 551 crates of cucumbers. This same rule is followed with all of his crops. It may cut down the cash returns to some extent, but as he says, “What’s the use of making so much money and having to spend it all at the store.”

Mr. Slaughter’s cukes seem to be somewhat ahead of his neighbors, and this week will probably see him making one or two small shipments. On the other hand, his beans are not as well advanced as some others. He has a fine field of tomatoes that are setting fruit and some well advanced watermelons.

P. O. Wiggins did well this past winter with English peas. He is following them with beans and cukes, like everyone else, and they will be quite profitable, provided the market holds up. Other places which were visited were the farms of Seby Boyd, J. A. Mobley, Willis Brown and F. J. Johnson. All had crops of corn, beans and cukes that were quite promising. At Mr. Johnson’s a good seedling grove was observed.

Young Folks Enjoy Candy Pull (1924)

Good Congregation Attend Church Services Saturday and Sunday

This article appeared in the Dade City Banner on Sept. 19, 1924.

Slaughter, September 9.—A jolly crowd gathered Saturday evening at the home of Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Boyett, while the young folks spent a pleasant time playing games, older folks cooked some delicious candy, which being done they had nice time pulling and later eating it, after which they all returned home, at a very late hour, having reported a very enjoyable time. Those enjoying Mr. and Mrs. Boyett’s hospitality were: Mr. and Mrs. J. M. Schrenck, Mrs. N. Boyd and little daughter, Marie, Mr. E. R. Luke and Frank Wilson, and Misses Linnie Boyett, Ida Mobley, Lillie Boyd, Corinne Jordan, Myrtle Kilpatrick, and Curtis Mobley, and Messrs. Nelson Boyd, James and Charley Johnson, Elbert, Ebbie, Merle and Sam Boyett and George Brown.

Rev. McDaniel of Lakeland preached an excellent sermon at the Baptist church of Slaughter Sunday. He was favored by a large congregation of interested listeners. There was also church Saturday afternoon and prayer services Sunday afternoon.

A jolly crowd of young folks accompanied by Mr. J. A. Mobley, gathered Friday afternoon at the Slaughter bathing place. While they were enjoying a pleasant time in the nice cool water, Mr. Mobley announced that it was time to go home. They all anxious for the time to come when they can go again and stay longer. Those attending were Misses Linnie Boyett, Ida and Eva Mobley, Louise and Viola Slaughter, Ruby Griffin and Ruth Brown, and Messrs. J. A. Mobley, Barney Brown, J. Layton and Floyd Boyett.

Mr. and Mrs. J. E. Brown and children, Lucile and Walter, and Mr. Gresham motored to Mr. Brown’s farm Friday afternoon.

George Brown and Effie Boyett were business visitors in Lakeland Saturday.

Among those who attended church out here Sunday were: Mr. and Mrs. J. M. Johnson and children, Mr. and Mrs. L. S. Brinson and children, and Miss Myrtle Selex and Clothilde Morris, and Mr. George Schrenck and Miss Dees.

Mr. W. H. Boyett was in Lacoochee Wednesday on business.

Mr. W. R. Jordan and son Ray were business visitors of Mr. and Mrs. H. Boyett Friday.

Mrs. R. S. Moseley and daughter, Virginia, spent the week-end with relatives and friends in Bartow and Kathleen.

Mrs. G. M. Boyett and little children were the guests of her sister, Mr. and Mrs. J. A. Mobley.

Barney Brown and Sam Boyett motored to Trilby Tuesday.

Mr. G. M. Boyett, J. L. Boyd, and Mr. J. A. Mobley were visitors Dade City Tuesday.

Mrs. R. S. Moseley, our Slaughter school teacher, and daughter, who have been boarding at Mrs. J. E. Brown’s removed to Mr. Mills’ Friday, where they will reside in the future.

Mr. C. A. Walker visited friends Sidney Sunday. Returning he brought with him his little daughter, Edith, who will spend a while with her father.

Mr. J. D. Mobley and nephew James motored to Lacoochee Wednesday.

Mr. G. C. Slaughter and Mrs. H. E. Revels of St. Catherine were guests of their parents, Mr. and Mrs. T. O. Slaughter, Thursday afternoon.

Mr. and Mrs. J. M. Schrenck, Miss Lillie Boyd and Mr. Charlie Johnson were the guests of Mr. and Mrs. W. Fender Sunday.

Doris Fender spent the day with her cousin, Frances Fender, Sunday.

Born to Mr. and Mrs. F. M. Harris Sunday, a fine baby girl.

Miss Louise Slaughter visited Misses Ida and Eva Mobley Sunday afternoon.

Mrs. Addie Patterson spent Sunday with Mr. and Mrs. W. C. Brown.

George Brown motored to Knight’s Station Monday, on business.

Mr. and Mrs. H. Robins and family who have been living here only a short time, moved to Socrum, last Saturday.

Mrs. J. L. Boyd and little son, Walter, spent Sunday afternoon with her daughter, Mrs. J. A. Mobley.

Messrs Herbert and Jake Parker were the guests of Mr. and Mrs. P. J. South Sunday.

Mr. G. C. Slaughter and Mr. and Mrs. H. E. Revels of St. Catherine were visitors at the home of their parents, Mr. and Mrs. T. O. Slaughter, Sunday, taking their mother and little nephew Gladyn back with them to spend a few days.

Mrs. Beck, Miss Lydia Slaughter and Mr. Jim Croft were visitors at the home of Mr. and Mrs. T. O. Slaughter Tuesday.

Mr. Gresham, who has been visiting his daughter, Mrs. J. E. Brown, and Mr. and Mrs. J. E. Brown and family motored to Ross Sunday to visit Mrs. Brown’s sister, Mrs. Chilson.

Virginia Moseley gave her schoolmates and a few friends a pleasant surprise Monday after school, at the school house, celebrating her 11th birthday. A table was prepared on which was placed a birthday cake, on which burned eleven candles. The cake was cut and enjoyed by all. Games were also enjoyed. All departed about five o’clock wishing someone would celebrate a birthday every day.

Mr. J. E. Brown motored to Groveland Monday.

Mr. George Weeks and family, who been living over at the Bevels’ place, moved to the Robins’ place.

“Back of Beyond” In Pasco County (1927)

GOOD ROADS AND DRAINAGE ALL THAT IS NEEDED TO CAUSE
SLAUGHTER TO BECOME BIG BERRY AND TRUCK CENTER

This article appeared in the Dade City Banner on Feb. 25, 1927.

Probably one of the least known sections of Pasco county is located in the extreme northeastern corner, and yet it is one of the most fertile, and potentially wealth producing parts of the state, occupied by a score or so of hard-working, industrious farmers, and producing large quantities of strawberries, cucumbers, beans, and other products that, owing to its peculiar location, and the fact that its own county government has done very little in the way of furnishing it with roads over which these products may be hauled to marketing or shipping points, is credited in the production and shipping records of the state as being produced in Hernando and Sumter counties.

“And why not,” said T. O. Slaughter, whose father‘s name is perpetuated in the name of the community, and himself a man of three-score years, and one of its leading farmers. “ We have always been the tail of any improvements. Hernando county has done more for us than our own county ever has, for a hard road has been built from Richloam, our nearest railroad station, post office and express office, almost to the county line (their money gave out before they could complete it), while all that Pasco county ever did was to grade a road to Dade City, which in its present condition is not usable, and built another grade to the hard road near Lacoochee, part of which is almost impassable in dry weather on account of the sand. When we want to go to Lacoochee and Dade City we find it most convenient to go through Hernando county by Richloam, through the “Dark Stretch,” now a most excellent piece of road most of the way. This takes us about five miles out of the way, but is better than trying to use the dirt road built by our own county for us.”

The sentiments expressed by Mr. Slaughter the writer found were held by nearly everyone with whom he talked on a recent visit to the Slaughter community. These people feel that they have not had fair treatment, and this feeling, together with the fact that their best routes of travel lead in other directions, is causing them to make the greater part of their contacts with the outside world in other counties than the one in which they live, vote and pay taxes. The day the writer visited them several hundred quarts of as fine strawberries were hauled by truck to Webster, in Sumter county, where they were packed in refrigerator crates and shipped direct to northern markets. “It’s more convenient to ship by Webster, but if we could get to Dade City as easily, we would take them there,” the writer was told.

At the present time all the berries going from Slaughter are being shipped by express, but they are proving such a profitable crop that there is talk of increasing the acreage and producing sufficient to make car load shipments possible next year. This, however, is largely dependent on improved road conditions, making it possible for them to use Lacoochee as their shipping point, Webster being too long a haul for such large amounts while Richloam is on a branch line, with fast refrigerator freight service lacking. The hard surfacing of about seven miles of asphalt, that is already graded, from the end of the hard road near Lacoochee, through Slaughter, to where the road to Richloam crosses the Hernando county line, would give this community every road facility needed, and is all that they ask.

One handicap with which these people are struggling is the fact that their lands are low, and in wet seasons subject to overflow. This, however, will probably be overcome in time. The movement to clean out the Withlacoochee river, which is being pushed by Congressman Drane, at the instance of the Dade City Kiwanis club, will make a start possible along the line of flood control, and this can then be worked out by the cleaning of the channels of a couple of creeks, and the digging of one or two drainage ditches.

Notwithstanding the handicaps with which the people of Slaughter have been contending, there is a surprising- amount of vegetables and small fruits produced and shipped out. On his recent trip through this neighborhood the writer saw many fields of Irish potatoes, beans, cucumbers, sweet corn and other toothsome dainties growing. It is one section where fall crops of beans and cucumbers as well as spring crops of these vegetables, do well. Besides strawberries, which will probably become one of the leading crops, and vegetables, staple farm products are grown in abundance. Corn, cow peas, sweet potatoes, cane, sorghum and other grains and forage crops are cultivated by nearly everyone. Many of the farms have good dairy cows for home use, and milk and butter of the finest quality are found in the homes. While hog raising is not carried on on a large scale, home needs are looked after, and some meat, lard and other products are marketed.

Slaughter, for the first time, put on a community exhibit at the Pasco county fair this year, and was given fourth prize. Many of their exhibits were taken to Tampa and used in the Pasco county exhibit at the South Florida Fair, and all of this has tended to build up a community pride. An incident told by W. H. Mills, one of the leading farmers, will illustrate Mr. Mills has a fine black walnut tree growing on his farm, walnuts being a rarity in this section. Some of the nuts from this tree were in the community exhibit and were prominently displayed at the South Florida Fair. Recently Mr. Mills received a letter containing a check for $1 and a request that he send the writer six nuts for seed. The letter, it may be said, was from New Port Richey.

Slaughter is one of the communities whose development means much to Pasco county. That it will come to the front is an assured fact, but the rapidity with which it does, and the benefit that its development will be to other communities of the county depends largely on the co-operation given it by the county as a whole in making it more accessible, and bringing it to the front from “back of beyond.”