Dr. John D. Slayden was born in Dickson County, Tenn., June 16, 1843, a son of Hartwell and Jane (May) Slayden. The father was born in Virginia and came to this State at a very early age. He was engaged in the mercantile business, also in farming, and was considered a very successful man. His death occurred in the spring of 1845. The mother is a native of Tennessee, and is now living with her second husband, Rev. J. J. Piskett, in Dickson County. Our subject began work for himself at the age of seventeen, and after engaging in several different occupations, among which were superintending a cotton farm in Arkansas, and at the same time learning civil engineering; began the study of medicine and continued the same for about three months, when he enlisted in the Confederate Army, joining Company C, Eleventh Tennessee Regiment. During the war he was severely wounded in the wrist. On his return he again took up the study of medicine and entered the medical college at Nashville. After having taken one course there he studied for a year under a preceptor, when he entered the Jefferson Medical College at Philadelphia, where he graduated in March, 1869. After returning home he began practicing as partner with Dr. Daniels, on Yellow Creek, but only remained with him a short time. He then came to Cumberland Furnace, Dickson County, where he now has a lucrative practice. In the winter of 1874 and 1875 he attended the hospital course in the University of New Orleans, La. September 27, 1881, he was married to Augustine M. Russell, who was born May 17, 1862. They have one child, Adella, born July 19, 1882. Our subject is a member of the Masonic fraternity. He and wife are members of the Episcopal Church. Politically he is a Democrat.