James Sloss facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
James Sloss
|
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Born |
James Withers Sloss
7 April 1820 |
| Died | 4 May 1890 (aged 70) |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Industrialist |
| Spouse(s) | Mary Bigger (1842- Her death) Martha "Mattie" Lundie(1872-1890; His death) |
| Children | 12 |
| Parent(s) | Joseph Sloss and Clarissa Wasson |
James Withers Sloss (born April 7, 1820 – died May 4, 1890) was an important businessman and leader who helped build the city of Birmingham, Alabama. He was a successful farmer and factory owner. He is best known for starting the famous Sloss Furnaces, which played a big part in making iron for the country.
Early Life and Big Ideas
James Sloss was born in Limestone County, Alabama on April 7, 1820. His family came from Scotch-Irish backgrounds. Even though he didn't go to school for very long, he was very smart and good with money. He started by buying a store in Athens, Alabama. By running his store and his farm well, he quickly became one of the richest people in Alabama.
During the American Civil War, he served as a colonel in the Confederate States Army. After the war, he became the president of a railroad company. This company ran trains between Nashville, Tennessee and Decatur, Alabama. James Sloss was a key person in helping Alabama grow its industries after the war. In 1871, he convinced the Louisville and Nashville Railroad to build a new train line. This line connected Birmingham and Decatur, which was a huge step for the region.
Building Birmingham's Industry
James Sloss knew that Birmingham had all the natural materials needed to make pig iron. Pig iron is a basic type of iron used to make steel and other metal products. These materials included iron ore, coke (a type of fuel), and limestone.
Sloss teamed up with other important figures like Henry F. DeBardeleben and James Aldrich. Together, they started the Pratt Coal and Coke Company. This company grew to be the biggest mining operation in the area. Today, parts of it are known as the Sloss Mines. Through this company, Sloss was the first to show that pig iron could be made in Birmingham using only materials found in Alabama.
Working with DeBardeleben again, Sloss started a furnace company in 1880. They began building the furnaces in 1881. The furnaces opened in 1882 and were first called the "City Furnaces." Today, they are famously known as Sloss Furnaces. James Sloss retired from his work in 1886. He also served as the president of the Birmingham water works, helping to provide clean water to the growing city.
James Sloss's Lasting Impact
James Sloss's work in bringing a railroad to Birmingham was incredibly important. It helped turn the new community into a busy and successful city. Because of the agreement Sloss made, the Louisville and Nashville Railroad invested a lot of money. They put $30 million into mines, steamships, and other industries in Alabama during the 1870s.
Sloss was so important to Birmingham's growth that in 1881, newspapers even suggested he should become the state Governor. They wrote about his excellent business skills, his smart mind, and his strong character. They believed he was a great leader for Alabama.
James Sloss passed away on May 4, 1890, at the age of 70. He is buried in Birmingham's Oak Hill Cemetery. His legacy lives on in the industrial heart of Birmingham.
