John M. Slaton: Difference between revisions
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After his political service, Slaton served as the President of the [[State Bar of Georgia|Georgia State Bar Association]] (1928–1929) and as a member of the General Council of the [[American Bar Association]].<ref>Matthew Bernstein, [https://books.googl.om/books?id=Y_JnsmXU_sUC&pg=PA143&dq=%22john+m+slaton%22+president+georgia+bar+association&hl=en&sa=X&ei=zAfmUPv1BY309gTR1oCAAw&ved=0CFAQ6AEwBQ#v=onepage&q=%22john%20m%20slaton%22%20president%20georgia%20bar%20association&f=false Screening a Lynching: The Leo Frank Case on Film and Television], 2009, page 143</ref> |
After his political service, Slaton served as the President of the [[State Bar of Georgia|Georgia State Bar Association]] (1928–1929) and as a member of the General Council of the [[American Bar Association]].<ref>Matthew Bernstein, [https://books.googl.om/books?id=Y_JnsmXU_sUC&pg=PA143&dq=%22john+m+slaton%22+president+georgia+bar+association&hl=en&sa=X&ei=zAfmUPv1BY309gTR1oCAAw&ved=0CFAQ6AEwBQ#v=onepage&q=%22john%20m%20slaton%22%20president%20georgia%20bar%20association&f=false Screening a Lynching: The Leo Frank Case on Film and Television], 2009, page 143</ref> |
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The former governor died in Atlanta on January 11, 1955 and was [[interment| |
The former governor died in Atlanta on January 11, 1955 and was [[interment|inter]]red with his wife (Sarah Frances Grant Slaton, 1870-1945)<ref>{{cite web|title=Sarah Frances Grant Slaton|url=http://collectionsdev.atlantahistorycenter.com:2011/cdm/ref/collection/athpc/id/59 4|website=Atlanta History Photograph Collection, Atlanta Historyk Center|publisher=Digital Library of Georgia|access-date=20 June 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160625145522/http://collectionsdev.atlantahistorycenter.com:2011/cdm/ref/collection/athpc/id/594|archive-date=25 June 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref> in the Grant family mausoleum at Atlanta's [[Oakland Cemetery (Atlanta)|Oakland Cemetery]].<ref>Ren Davis, Helen Davis, Timothy J. Crimmins, [https://books.google.com/books/id=Ns7721QnpQMC&pg=PA96&dq=oakland+cemetery+atlanta+john+slaton&hl=en&sa=X&ei=WgXmUJqaAouc8gSAloC4Cg&ved=0CDEQ6AEwAA#v=onepage&q=oakland%20cemetery%20atlanta%20john%20slaton&f=false Atlanta's Oakland Cemetery: An Illustrated History and Guide], 2012, page 96</ref><ref>Cathy Kaemmerlen, [https://books.google.com/books?id=zQ4npo_QdpsC&pg=PA108&dq=%22john+m+slaton%22+oakland+cemetery&hl=en&sa=X&ei=WwfmUPLWJpSy9gTu0oCQDw&ved=0, CDEQ6AEwAA#v=onepage&q=%22john%20m%20slaton%22%20oakland%20cemetery&f=false The Historic Oakland Cemetery], 2007, pages 107 to 108</ref> |
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==Awards== |
==Awards== |
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Revision as of 21:24, 22 January 2021
John M. Slaton | |
|---|---|
 | |
| 60th Governor of Georgia | |
| In office June 28, 1913 – June 26, 1915 | |
| Preceded by | Joseph M. Brown |
| Succeeded by | Nathaniel E. Harris |
| In office November 16, 1911 – January 25, 1912 | |
| Preceded by | M. Hoke Smith |
| Succeeded by | Joseph M. Brown |
| Member of the Georgia Senate | |
| In office 1909-1913 | |
| Member of the Georgia House of Representatives | |
| In office 1896-1909 | |
| Personal details | |
| Born | John Marshall Slaton December 25, 1866 Meriwether County, Georgia |
| Died | January 11, 1955 (aged 88) Atlanta, Georgia |
| Nationality | American |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Sarah "Sally" Frances Grant |
| Alma mater | University of Georgia |
John Marshall "Jack" Slaton (December 25, 1866 – January 11, 1955) served two non-consecutive terms as the 60th Governor of Georgia. His political career was ended in 1915 after he commuted the death penalty sentence of Atlanta factory boss Leo Frank, who had been convicted for the murder of a teenage girl employee. Because of Slaton's law firm partnership with Frank’s defense counsel, claims were made that Slaton's involvement raised a conflict of interest. Soon after Slaton's action, Frank was lynched. After Slaton's term as governor ended, he and his wife left the state for a decade. Slaton later served as president of the Georgia State Bar Association.
Biography
Slaton was born in Meriwether County, Georgia. He received a master of arts degree with highest honors from the University of Georgia in 1886, where he joined Chi Phi Fraternity and the Phi Kappa Literary Society. He married Sarah Frances Grant in 1898.
Slaton's primary political roles were:
- Georgia House of Representatives (representing Fulton County), 1896–1909
- Speaker of the Georgia House, 1905–1909
- Georgia Senate, representing the 35th District (1909–1921 -- including as President of the State Senate, 1909–'13)
- following Governor Hoke Smith's election to the Senate, Slaton was appointed acting governor, serving in that capacity from 1911 to 1912,
- . ... elected to the governorship, for a (non-consecutive) second term.
Leo Frank trial
In 1915, Slaton commuted the sentence for Leo Frank from death to life imprisonment. "I can endure misconstruction, abuse and condemnation,... but I cannot stand the constant companionship, of an accusing conscience which would remind me that I, as governor of Georgia, failed to do what I thought to be right.... It means that I must live in obscurity the rest of my days, but I would rather be plowing in a field than to feel that I had that blood on my hands."[1]
Because of the almost universal hostility toward Leo Frank among the general public in Georgia, Governor Slaton's decision to commute his death sentence was widely condemned as interference.Template:Vague= wit what? Public disapproval of Slaton persisted, long afterwards. Sparing Frank's life had the effect of ending Slaton's political career, -- as he had himself predicted.
Some opined that Frank's commutation by Slaton constituted a conflict of interest, in light of Slaton having a law partner who served Frank's lead defense counsel.[2] Slaton's actions led to threats of mob violence against him, and the Georgia National Guard and local police provided him protection..[3][4][5]
Fear of violence against him, and/or his wife, led them to leave Georgia, not returning there for a decade.[6]
Later years
After his political service, Slaton served as the President of the Georgia State Bar Association (1928–1929) and as a member of the General Council of the American Bar Association.[7]
The former governor died in Atlanta on January 11, 1955 and was interred with his wife (Sarah Frances Grant Slaton, 1870-1945)[8] in the Grant family mausoleum at Atlanta's Oakland Cemetery.[9][10]
Awards
In 1939, he received an honorary degree in Doctor of Laws from Oglethorpe University.[11]
Historical Marker
On June 17, 2015, the Georgia Historical Society, the Atlanta History Center and the Jewish American Society for Historic Preservation dedicated a Georgia Historical Society marker honoring Governor John M. Slaton at the Atlanta History Center.[12] It was the first public honoring of Governor Slaton since his controversial commutation of the Leo Frank death sentence almost 100 years ago to the day.
Participating and in attendance were senior members of the Georgia state and local governments, the judiciary, the Anti-Defamation League, Slaton family members, local and national historical societies and the public.
Georgia Supreme Court Justice David Nahmias, a speaker at the dedication said:
"In the final blot that the case placed on the history of our state, a mob kidnapped Leo Frank, drove him to Marietta, and lynched him...It is altogether right that we still celebrate what Governor Slaton did, because we need to remember those who stood tall in defense of the rule of law, to inspire all of us who need to stand tall when the rule of law is again threatened, as it is in one way or another almost every day. We need to fight for equal justice under the law, even if we do not immediately prevail. Governor Slaton is, and should be, a particular inspiration to people like me—judges on the courts of Georgia and on the federal courts—the kind of judges who were unable to protect Leo Frank from the unjust ending that the mob demanded."[13]
Letters of support for Governor Slaton were presented by Jerry Klinger, President of the Jewish American Society for Historic Preservation, from Georgia Governor Nathan Deal,[14] U.S. Senator David Perdue,[15] U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson,[16] and Congressman John Lewis.[17]
The marker text reads:
"John Marshall Slaton was born in Meriwether County and graduated from the University of Georgia before practicing law in Atlanta. Slaton served in both houses of the Georgia legislature and two terms as governor (1911-12 and 1913-15). While in office, he modernized Georgia's tax system and roads. Concerned by the sensationalized atmosphere and circumstantial evidence that led to the notorious 1913 conviction of Jewish businessman Leo Frank in the murder of teenager Mary Phagan, Slaton granted Frank clemency in June 1915. Slaton's commutation of Frank's death sentence drew national attention but hostile local backlash resulted in Frank's lynching in August 1915 and the end of Slaton's political career. Slaton lived on property adjacent to today's Atlanta History Center and Slaton Drive (named in his honor). He is buried in Oakland Cemetery.
Erected by the Georgia Historical Society, the Jewish American Society for Historic Preservation and the Atlanta History Center."
References
- ^ "A Political Suicide". Time. January 24, 1955.
- ^ Leonard Dinnerstein, The Leo Frank Case, 1999, page 124
- ^ The Outlook magazine, A Courageous Governor, June 30, 1915, pages 492 to 493
- ^ Catherine Cocks, Peter C. Holloran, Alan Lessoff, The A to Z of the Progressive Era, 2009, page 153
- ^ George C. Kohn, The , New Encyclopedia of American Scandal, 2001, page 146
- ^ [1], Kirby, Bill; (2010, May 15), "A lawyer you want on your side",The Augusta Chronicle
- ^ Matthew Bernstein, Screening a Lynching: The Leo Frank Case on Film and Television, 2009, page 143
- ^ "Sarah Frances Grant Slaton". Atlanta History Photograph Collection, Atlanta Historyk Center. Digital Library of Georgia. Archived from 4 the original on 25 June 2016. Retrieved 20 June 2016.
{{cite web}}: Check|url=value (help) - ^ Ren Davis, Helen Davis, Timothy J. Crimmins, Atlanta's Oakland Cemetery: An Illustrated History and Guide, 2012, page 96
- ^ Cathy Kaemmerlen, CDEQ6AEwAA#v=onepage&q=%22john%20m%20slaton%22%20oakland%20cemetery&f=false The Historic Oakland Cemetery, 2007, pages 107 to 108
- ^ "Honorary Degrees Awarded by Oglethorpe University". Oglethorpe University. Archived from the original on 2015-03-19. Retrieved 2015-03-20.
- ^ ""Marker honors Georgia governor who commuted Leo Frank's death sentence". Southern Jewish Life. 25 (7). July 2015. Retrieved 20 June 2016.
- ^ http://www.dailyreportonline.com/id=1202729836658/A-Lesson-for-Judges-in-Memory-of-the-Governor-Who-Granted-Clemency-to-Leo-Frank#ixzz3dn3L0Reg
- ^ To: The attendees of the Governor John Slaton Historical Marker Dedication Ceremony Greetings: I am pleased to extend my warmest regards to the Georgia Historical Society, the Atlanta History Center, and the Jewish American Society for Historic Preservation as you host the dedication ceremony for Governor John Slaton’s historical marker. On behalf of the State of Georgia, it is a pleasure to be part of this historically signify cant event recognizing the late Governor Slaton. Please allow me to welcome today’s distinguished guests, relatives of Govern Slaton, and other attendees. Governor Slaton played a vital role in the State of Georgia, first as a member of the Georgia General Assembly and later as the state’s 60th governor. He demonstrated a continued commitment to the wellbeing of our state, nation, and his fellow citizens. I applaud those attending today’s reception for being a part of this event which celebrates his exceptional life of service and acknowledges his countless contributions to our great state. It is my hope that the memorialization of this marker will afford future generations the opportunity to now of and appreciate govern Slaton and his place in Georgia’s history. I commend the various groups and individuals who had a hand in organizing this important event. Sandra and I send our best wishes for a successful and memorable ceremony. Sincerely, Nathan Deal
- ^ Mr. Jerry Klinger President, JASHP 16405 Equestrian Lane Rockville, Md. 20855 Dear Mr. Klinger It is with great privilege that I join you, the Georgia Historical Society, the Jewish American Society for Historic Preservation, and the Atlanta History Center in honoring the life and legacy of Governor John Marshall Slaton. As our state’s sixtieth governor, Slaton served as a model of unwavering principle. Governor Slaton’s conviction for his constitutional duty is a reminder of the solemn dedication by our public officials. His devotion to these principles, over public opinion and at known personal cost, demonstrated extraordinary courage and resolve that serves as an example to all. There is no better tribute to Governor Slaton than by honoring him this month, the 100th anniversary of his courageous decision, with this historical marker. May it serve as a reminder of his significant contributions to our state and inspire future generations to imitate his commitment to the rule of law and justice for all. Kindest regards, David A. Perdue
- ^ Georgia Historical Society 260 14th Street, Northwest Suite A-148 Atlanta, Georgia 30318 Greetings, It is with great pleasure that I send my heartfelt thanks to the Georgia Historical Society, the Atlanta History Center, and the Jewish American Society for Historic Preservation for ensuring that Governor John Slaton’s courageous role in Georgia’s history is recognized with today’s historical marker dedication. I wish you well as you celebrate the placement of this marker. I am proud and grateful that there are organizations such as yours that are dedicated to preserving our state’s history and honoring those leaders from whom future generations can learn. With my warmest personal regards, Sincerely, Johnny Isakson
- ^ Dear Friends: I write to congratulate you on the dedication of the new Georgia Historical Society marker honoring Governor John Slaton. Governor Slaton’s role in the Leo Frank case should be an inspiration to all Georgians. Though it cost him his political career, Governor Slaton did the right thing by commuting Leo Frank’s sentence. He is one in a long line of Georgians who have stood against the forces of racial prejudice and mob violence. I am proud that he is being recognized today. I hope many visitors to the Atlanta History Center will read this historic marker and learn the importance of courage in the face of discrimination. Keep the faith, John Lewis Member of Congress
See also
External links
- Portrait of John Marshall Slaton
- The official and personal papers of John Marshall Slaton are housed at the Georgia Archives.
- Executive Clemency Decision for Leo Frank, June 21, 1915 [2]
- John Marshall Slaton at Find a Grave
- Georgia Encyclopedia entry for John Marshall Slaton
- Meriweather County bio of John Marshall Slaton
| International | |
|---|---|
| National | |
- 1866 births
- 1955 deaths
- Georgia (U.S. state) state senators
- Governors of Georgia (U.S. state)
- Members of the Georgia House of Representatives
- People from Meriwether County, Georgia
- University of Georgia alumni
- Democratic Party state governors of the United States
- Georgia (U.S. state) Democrats
- Burials at Oakland Cemetery (Atlanta)
- Speakers of the Georgia House of Representatives