Slaughter Family

Cow

Douglas Sonny Slaughter had a farm and raised dairy and beef cattle in Draper, VA. Being the one sibling who did not sing, Douglas Slaughter is known as “the whistler” because he would whistle while working on the farm. The other Slaughter siblings would help out on the farm, milking cows and churning butter.

"Jesus will fix it" Sheet Music

Juanita Slaughter was a hardworking mother, housekeeper, and midwife’s assistant. She taught all of her eight children the Bible and fundamental Christian values. Joseph Slaughter shared that “Momma was our spiritual inspiration, and she instilled in all eight of us to be Christians, and all eight of us became Christians because of her prayers. And she prayed for three of us through wars.” Like her children, Juanita sang the gospel at home. “Trouble in My Way” was one of the songs she sang to her children, the chorus containing the lyrics: “Jesus will fix it.”

Joseph Slaughter in the Army

Joseph Slaughter served in the US Army during the Vietnam War among the three hundred thousand African Americans who participated. While the war was a deeply divisive conflict at home, many African Americans volunteered for service and continued their service after the war.

Joseph Slaughter (courtesy of Joseph Slaughter)

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Travelin' Ten Photo

Travelin' Ten, 1987 (courtesy of the Virginia Chronicle)

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Stars of Faith

Formed on August 29, 1973, the Stars of Faith was a gospel singing group that traveled with the pastor of the First Baptist Church on Magazine Street. The group accompanied the pastor to churches within and outside Pulaski to impart the gospel through song. For the Slaughters, faith was the cornerstone of their lives and was deeply reflected in each of the children.

The Stars of Faith, 1985 (courtesy of the Virginia Chronicle)

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Juanita and James Albert Slaughter

James Albert Slaughter was born in 1904 to Peter and Lucy Slaughter. In 1930, he married Juanita, daughter of John and Chlora Stiger. The two had eight children: one daughter, Joyce Thompson, and seven sons, Perry, Richard, Nathaniel, Caldearry, Joseph, Douglas, and Peter. In 1947, Juanita Slaughter signed the lawsuit on behalf of four of her children: Richard, Nathaniel, Perry, and Joyce.

James Albert (left) and Juanita (right) (courtesy of Joseph Slaughter)

"Jesus will fix it"

Juanita Slaughter was a hardworking mother, housekeeper, and midwife’s assistant. She taught all of her eight children the Bible and fundamental Christian values. Joseph Slaughter shared that “Momma was our spiritual inspiration, and she instilled in all eight of us to be Christians, and all eight of us became Christians because of her prayers. And she prayed for three of us through wars.” Like her children, Juanita sang the gospel at home. “Trouble in My Way” was one of the songs she sang to her children, the chorus containing the lyrics: “Jesus will fix it.”

Travelin' Ten

Starting in 1976, The Travelin’ Ten of the First Baptist Church on Magazine Street spread the gospel through song. The all-men’s group sang “old-fashioned, hand-clapping, spirit-lifting, gospel music. Nathaniel and Richard Slaughter were two of the group’s remarkable ten voices. The group traveled far and wide to volunteer their voices for their love of the Lord in places such as West Virginia, North Carolina, Tennessee, Washington D.C., and others.

"Peace in the Valley" Sheet Music

“Peace in the Valley” is a gospel song written by Thomas Andrew Dorsey, the father of Black gospel music. Dorsey’s song became widely popular when performed by Red Foley and Elvis Presley. This song was highly requested for the Travelin’ Ten to perform at churches, nursing homes, and other places the gospel group traveled.

Joyce Slaughter

Joyce Carola Slaughter was born in 1939 to parents James and Juanita Slaughter, the family's only daughter. Joyce attended the Christiansburg Industrial Institute and graduated in 1960. Joyce attended Morristown Normal and Industrial College, a historically Black institution in Tennessee, where she studied elementary education.

Joyce Slaughter (courtesy of Joseph Slaughter)

"Slaughter"

The Slaughter family’s story demonstrates immense dedication to faith and duty. Their commitment to service is remarkable. Two brothers served in Korea, one in Vietnam, and three others served in the military outside of combat. The Slaughters’ devotion to their Christian faith is just as strong. Two became preachers, three served as deacons, two as trustees, and others spread the gospel through song. The Slaughter family’s enduring tie to faith and community reflects a legacy of strength, service, and unity.

Stars of Faith Sash

The members of the Stars of Faith wore robes accompanied by a sash with the letters ‘s’ ‘o’ and ‘f’ that stood for Stars of Faith. These sashes were draped around the robes' collars and made of silk.

Three Stars

Three of the eight children served in combat for the United States during wartime: Richard and Perry in the Korean War and Joseph in the Vietnam War. President Harry Truman instituted Executive Order 9981 at the start of the Korean War, which ordered the armed forces to desegregate. Throughout the war, troops integrated despite resistance.

Peter Slaughter

Peter Slaughter was born November 2, 1936, in Pulaski, VA Peter attended Christiansburg Industrial Institute and was a part of their football team, wearing the number thirty-five. Christiansburg Institute’s Golden Tigers had very prosperous extracurricular activities broadcast throughout the state. In 1956, the Christiansburg Institute football team won the Virginia Interscholastic Association Western Area Championship. The team was honored the following year for their hard work and dedication.

Peter Slaughter, 1955 (courtesy of Christiansburg Institute Museum & Archives)

Bowtie

The Travelin’ Ten was an old-fashioned gospel group. The men wore tuxedos with bow ties. This attire is not unlike the hallmark of barbershop quartet groups. The style of singing and harmonizing associated with contemporary barbershop music originates from African-American culture in the late 19th century and early 20th century. The Travelin’ Ten emulated this singing style, holding onto a nostalgic feel with an emphasis on gospel tunes.

Named Participant List

The text from the 1947 lawsuit transcript's plantiff list reads "Richard A. Slaughter, Nathaniel Slaughter, Perry Slaughter, Peter Slaughter and Joyce C. Slaughter, infants, by Juanita Slaughter, their mother and next friend."

Corbin et al. v. County School Board of Pulaski County, VA. et al. Plaintiff List (courtesy of the District Court of the United States for the Western District of Virginia Roanoke Division)

Slaughter Family Wedding Party

Slaughter Family Wedding Party, 1993 (courtesy of Joseph Slaughter)