A native son of the state, Albert Slack was born near El Monte, July 14, 1868, A son of William Slack, a well remembered pioneer of this district and one of its prominent citizens, whose history will be found elsewhere in this volume.
He was next to the youngest in a family of ten children, five of whom are now living. Reared on the paternal farm near El Monte, he received his education in the public schools of this place, after which, at the age of nineteen years, he engaged as a clerk in a general merchandise establishment here. In Monrovia, January 12, 1890, he was united in marriage with Miss Eva Irene Durfee, born on the homestead of her father, James Devine Durfee, who was one of the earliest pioneers of this section, locating here in 1859, and gradually rising to a position of influence in the San Gabriel Valley. More complete details concerning his career are given in his personal biography, which appears elsewhere in this volume. Immediately following their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Slack located on a farm near El Monte, upon which Mr. Slack engaged in general farming. Meeting with success in his efforts he, in 1902 purchased a tract of land, which was then a portion of the Old Allen property, located two and a half miles south of El Monte. Ten acres of this he first set out in walnuts, while twenty acres were rented for celery and general gardening purposes. Mr. slack developed and improved his place, which became recognized as one of the finest ranches in this section. In recent years the walnut trees, proving unprofitable, have been removed and the land leased out for truck farming. In addition to his farming enterprises. Mr. Slack was also interested in teaming and a wholesale dealer in hay, grain and wood.
To Mr. and Mrs. Slack were born four children: Howard Albert and Perry Durfee of Huntington Park, Marjorie Diantha, (Mrs. Guthrie) of Huntington Park, and James, also of Huntington Park. Politically M. Slack was a staunch Republican. In 1921 Mr. Slack discontinued his active ranch work and retired, purchasing a nice residence in Huntington Park where he and Mrs. Slack moved and resided until Mr. Slack’s death occurred in 1927. Mrs. Slack, moved and resided until Mr. Slack’s death occurred in 1927. Mrs. Slack, with her son Perry, still resides in their Huntington Park home at 6603 Rugby Avenue.
Source: C. D. Mayon, F. Brow, L. Stoddard, and C. Mudd; El Monte from the Pioneer Days. WPA Project No. N-5740, 1936. In record 19-187072. (California Historical Landmark No. 765: El Monte). On file at the SCCIC, CSU Fullerton.