From Memorial and Genealogical Record of Dodge and Jefferson Counties, Wisconsin, 
publ. 1894 - Page 26-28
 
JUDGE A. SCOTT SLOAN.  He who wears the judicial ermine has a weighty 
responsibility resting upon his shoulders, and he must need be a man of keen 
discernment, a correct reader of the human character, must be thoroughly posted in legal 
matters, and must be able to present his views in a clear, concise and forcible manner to a 
jury.  These most necessary qualities are to be found in Judge A. Scott SLOAN, who is 
the present judge of the Thirteenth Circuit.  He is a product of Morrisville, Madison 
County, N.Y., and first saw the light of day June 12, 1820, a son of Andrew S. and 
Mehitable (CONKEY) SLOAN.  The father was an exceptionally well educated man, and 
in his early manhood had been a student in Williams College, Massachusetts.  He became 
a lawyer, in which profession he soon won distinction, and for some time held the office 
of judge.  He died when a comparatively young man.  After his death, his widow came 
West and died in Janesville, Wis.  Their union resulted in the birth of three sons; Jonathan 
D., who died at the age of nineteen years; I. C., who is a prominent attorney of Janesville, 
and A. Scott.  The latter was educated, first in the common schools and then in 
Morrisville Academy.  When about eighteen years of age he began the study of law, and 
in 1842 was admitted to practice in the Supreme Court, at Utica, N.Y.  He then served 
three years as clerk of the court, and also as registrar of deeds, and at the same time did 
some practicing.  He was married at Cazenovia, N.Y., January 19, 1841, to Miss 
Angeline M. DODGE, a native of Vermont, and a daughter of Rev. John R. DODGE, a 
Presbyterian minister.  In 1854 Judge SLOAN came to Wisconsin, located at Beaver 
Dam, and in the fall engaged in the practice of his profession with Henry W. LANDER, 
the firm becoming known as SLOAN & LANDER.  In 1857 Mr. SLOAN was chosen to 
represent Dodge County in the State Legislature, and when LARABEE resigned to enter 
Congress, Judge SLOAN was appointed circuit judge, and held the position ten months.  
In 1860 he was elected to Congress, and on March 4, 1861, he entered upon the duties of 
this office, and during those stirring times was a hearty Union supporter.  In 1864 he was 
appointed clerk of the United States Court at Milwaukee, but after about two years 
resigned.  In 1868 he was appointed to the county judgeship, was elected, and held the 
position for six years.  In the fall of 1873 he was elected attorney-general of the State, 
and after completing his term of four years he resumed the practice of law, continuing 
until 1881, when he was appointed circuit judge, and has held this position ever since.  
The Judge is a man of very superior natural endowments, strengthened and enriched by 
culture.  His mind is clear, concise and analytical and well posed; his style both in 
speaking and writing is smooth, forcible and convincing; and with rare powers of 
elucidation, the most abstruse and complicated subjects are handled with ease and grace, 
and made perceptible and plain to the most ordinary understanding.  Weight and power 
accompany his words and writings, and inspire respect and conviction.  His leading 
characteristics are extreme frankness, honesty of purpose, indomitable will and energy.  
Full of generosity and charity, he rarely suspects others of sordid or improper motives, 
and his criticisms, when provoked, are tempered with mildness and forbearance.  As a 
judge he knows not friend or foe, but with justice and impartiality administers the law; as 
a friend, he is faithful and true; as a lawyer, honest; as a politician, strong in the advocacy 
of principle, and as a man and citizen, his good name is above reproach.  He was a great 
admirer of Henry Clay, and the 'Mill Boy of the Slashes" received his first presidential 
vote.  He was a Republican until the time of Horace Greeley, since which time he has not 
been strictly identified with any party.  When he came to Dodge County he located about 
a mile and a half east of Beaver Dam, where he owns twenty acres of land, on which he 
raises all kinds of fine fruits.  January 19, 1891, he and his worthy wife celebrated their 
golden wedding, but he was called upon to mourn her death June 4, 1893.  She was a 
consistent member of the Presbyterian Church for many years, but during the latter part 
of her life was an Episcopalian.  To their union seven children were born: Francis W. was 
in the paymaster's department during the war, but was taken ill at Atlanta and died after 
reaching home; Florence is the wife of J. B. DURAND, of Lake Forest, Ill.., who is a 
sugar broker of Chicago; Henry Clay was educated in Beaver Dam and is a lawyer at 
West Superior; Seward is at home; Minette C. is the wife of Edward DEWEY, a 
prominent business man of Milwaukee; Ledyard Scott is an artist of much promise, is a 
graduate of Cooper Institute, but has been an invalid for some time, and Kathryn is at 
home.  Judge SLOAN has been in public life more than any other man in the county, has 
always added dignity to the offices he has filled, and has at all times discharged his duties 
with marked ability.  He was called to sit on the trial of sixty rioters in 1886, when Gov. 
Rusk had to order out the militia.
 
Submitted by:  Carol Holmbeck