CLASS OF 1840

Edmund Farwell Slafter, D.D., one of the oldest clergymen in the United States, and among the best known of the Episcopal clergy, died early Saturday morning, September 22, at Little Boar's Head, N. H., where he had passed his summers for forty years. Doctor Slafter was a native of Norwich, Vermont, where he was born, May 30, 1816. He was educated at Thetford Academy, Thetford, Vermont. From Thetford Academy he went to Dartmouth College, where he was graduated in 1840, receiving the degree of A.M. in 1865 and that of D.D. in 1890.

He had always kept up his interest in the College and frequently had given it valuable books, and had contributed one thousand dollars toward building Dartmouth Hall. By his will one thousand dollars was left to the College Library fund. He attended Andover Theological Seminary, and was for one year principal of Topsfield Academy. He later entered the ministry of the Episcopal church, and was rector of St. Peter's church, Cambridgeport, two years, and of St. John's church, Jamaica Plain, seven years, resigning in 1853 because of failing health. In 1857 he became financial agent of the American Bible society for the Episcopal church in the New England and middle states. He was also active in the affairs of the Massachusetts Bible society, and was largely instrumental in making it the efficient agent that it is.

He had been registrar of the diocese of Massachusetts for some forty years. He had been accustomed for many years to assist in the communion service at Trinity church, and appeared for the last time in that capacity in June, just before his departure for Little Boar's Head.

He had been always greatly interested in all matters pertaining to history and genealogy, and after many years spent in research and collection of material, published in 1869 a complete genealogy of the Slafter family. He was for many years corresponding secretary of the New England Historical Genealogical society and a members of the Massachusetts Historical society, and had published many discourses read before these and other bodies. He was also editor of several volumes published by the Prince society of which he had been president. He was honorary member of many historical societies in this country, and of the Royal Historical society of London and the Historical society of Paris.