JUDGE DENNIS JOSEPH SLAVIN.

Judge Dennis Joseph Slavin, learned in the law, his legal career recognized by continuous progress, has made an excellent record in the courts and as a jurist. He was born March 10, 1872, in Waterbury, being a representative of the family, in the third generation residents of this city. The Slavins are of Irish lineage. The grandfather and the father of Judge Slavin, both of whom bore the name of James, were born in Ireland. The latter came to the new world in 1853 and was followed by his parents in 1855. James Slavin, Sr., was at that time a man of fifty-seven years, his birth having occurred in Queens county, Ireland. in 1798, and throughout his remaining days, covering a decade and a half, lived retired. enjoying a well earned rest. He was a devout Catholic, faithful to all the duties of the church, and in that faith passed away at the age of seventy-two years. He had many attractive qualities, including a genial disposition and kindly manner, and in his new home he made friends of all with whom he came in contact. He wedded Mary Brennan, who was also born in Queens county, Ireland, and was seventy years of age when she passed away in Waterbury in 1871. Their children were Sarah, John, William, James, Mary, Margaret, Joseph and Dennis, all of whom have departed this life.

Of this family, James Slavin, Jr., was born at Balnakill. Queens county, Ireland, in 1832, and while still a youth became imbued with the desire to come to the new world. As won as he had attained his majority, he therefore, perfected his plan to leave Ireland and emigrate to the United States, where he arrived on the 13th of April, 1853. He at once established his home in Waterbury, where he took up the contracting business in connection with the firm of Rogers & Brother. He built up a good trade with that firm with which he was associated until his demise. Like his forbears he adhered to the faith of the Catholic church, which he ever loyally and generously supported. His political allegiance was given to the democratic party. In 1866 he was united in marriage to Miss Mary Duggan, who was born in Abbeyleigh, Queens county, Ireland, in 1847, a daughter of Dennis and Mary (Fitzpatrick) Duggan, who about 1847 crossed the Atlantic to the new world, the father becoming one of the pioneer workers in the East Mill Brass Works. He was sixty-five years of age when called to his final rest, while his wife, long surviving him, reached the advanced age of eighty~eight years. Their children were: Mary, Michael and Andrew, all deceased; Catherine; Julia; and John. The first named became the wife of James Slavin, Jr., and they were separated by death when on the 13th of April, 1893, the wife was called to the home beyond. The death of Mr. Slavin occurred at Waterbury. January 26, 1896. They were parents of eight children: Andrew, who died in Waterbury; Dennis J.; James, who passed away in Waterbury; John, a pressman of Waterbury; Michael F., who is filling the office of assistant registrar in Waterbury; Frances, a Sister of Charity now in Jersey City, New Jersey; Edward Joseph, physician and surgeon of New York city: and William, who is engaged in electrical engineering in the metropolis.

The eldest living son of the family, Judge Dennis Joseph Slavin, was a pupil in the public schools of Waterbury until he completed the high school course when a youth of but sixteen years. He had displayed special aptitude in his studies and he naturally turned to the "learned professions" in choosing his life work. Entering upon the study of law in the office and under the direction of the law firm of Burpee & Carmody he thus prepared for the bar and successfully passed the required examinations in 1901. Judge Slavin at once opened a law office in Waterbury and successfully practiced until 1911, when he was elected judge of the probate court. However, he had had some business experience in early manhood, for before his admission to the bar he had served as cashier of the American Pin company. He was also clerk of the common council of Waterbury until the office was discontinued. He filled the position of probate judge for two terms following the election of 1911, and in 1916 was again chosen to that position. He is splendidly equipped for the work and his rulings have been widely satisfactory. He is, moreover, a wise counselor and learned lawyer, who in bar practice is resourceful, while his reasoning is clear and convincing.

On the 26th of November, 1896, in Waterbury, Judge Slavin was united in marriage to Miss Mary Agnes Dwyer, a native of Hartford, Connecticut. and a daughter of John and Mary (Gorman) Dwyer. The latter died during the infancy of her little daughter but Mr. Dwyer is still a resident of Waterbury. Judge and Mrs. Slavin have become parents of five children: Helen Marie, who was born October 14, 1897, and was graduated in 1916 from Notre Dame Convent; James, born June 20, 1905; Edward Joseph, born December 23, 1907: Maureen, born February 14. 1909; and Frances Barbara, born July 20, 1914.

Judge Slavin votes with the democratic party and in religion as in politics holds to the faith of his fathers, being an active and influential member of the Church of the Sacred Heart, with which he has been identified since the organization of the parish. He is a fourth degree member of the Knights of Columbus and also belongs to the Holy Name Society. He has membership in the Independent Order of Foresters and the nature of his interests is further indicated in his connection with the Concordia Singing Society, the Ancient Order of Hibernians, the Sarsfield Club and the Vorwaerts. He is social by nature. genial in disposition, strong in purpose and nurturing in support of any cause which he espouses.

History of Waterbury and the Naugatuck Valley, Connecticut, Volume III
by W.J. Pape, S.J. Clarke Publishing Company, Chicago and New York, 1918.

(The same biographical sketch also appears in Encyclopedia of Connecticut Biography, American Historical Society, Inc., Boston, New York, and Chicago, 1917.