"Wm. Y. Slack, Jr., was born in Chillicothe, July 28, 1860, and still claims his citizenship here. In 1877 he received, after a competitive examination, the appointment of cadet at the United States Naval Academy, Annapolis, Md. After a stay of three years at this institution he decided not to enter the naval service, having no desire for a life on the ocean wave after he learned what it meant, and so he resigned before graduating and returned home with a splendid record made at the Naval school for scholarship and general efficiency. Returning to Chillicothe he studied law, was admitted to the bar in 1882, and soon after was appointed justice of the peace, to which office he was afterward elected. In 1885 he was appointed postal clerk on the Wabash Railway which position he is now filling with marked ability." History of Livingston County from The History of Caldwell and Livingston Counties, Missouri, 1886

"William Y. Slack Gone From Earth -- Funeral this Afternoon. 'The wealth of Croesus or the prayers of millions are vain to turn aside the grim messenger.'

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The sad but not unexpected death of Will Slack occurred at 3:30 o'clock yesterday morning. Although relatives and friends were confident that the end was near, yet 'hope springs eternal in the human breast' and as a last resort it was determined to call in some of the best medical skill. During the night, his condition grew steadily worse and it was seen that no earthly power could fan into life the faint spark which remained and a telegram was dispatched to Dr. Gregory not to come.

At half past three o'clock, surrounded by his wife, mother, brother and relatives, the spirit of one of the most brilliant young men of the state fled to another world and nothing remained to the heartbroken group but the unresponsive form of the loved husband and son.

The deceased was born in the house where he died on North Washington Street on July 28, 1860. He has resided here all of his life. He was assistant clerk of mails in St. Louis during a portion of Cleveland's administration and in the last six months of democratic supremacy was superintendent of mails at Kansas City from which post he resigned upon the election of Harrison.

He was married about three years ago and leaves a wife and a baby son of 18 months. He was the son of noted Confederate General William Y. Slack who was mortally wounded during the great battle of Pea Ridge, on the site of which he was buried.

We join with the community in tendering sincere sympathy to the relatives. The funeral will occur from the residence at 2:30 o'clock this afternoon." Chillicothe Morning Constitution, January 25, 1890