John Marshall Slaton (December 25, 1866 – January 11, 1955) served two non-consecutive terms as the 60th governor of Georgia. His political career ended in 1915 after he commuted the death sentence of Atlanta factory boss Leo Frank, who had been convicted of the murder of a 13-year-old employee, Mary Phagan. Because of Slaton's law firm partnership with Frank's defense counsel, claims were made that Slaton's involvement represented a conflict of interest. Soon after Slaton's action, Frank was lynched. After Slaton's term as governor ended, he and his wife left the state for a decade. Slaton later served as president of the Georgia State Bar Association.
Early life Slaton was born on December 25, 1866, near Greenville in Meriwether County, Georgia to Nancy Jane Martin and William Franklin Slaton. His father was the Superintendent of Schools in Atlanta. He graduated from Boys High School in Atlanta in 1880.
Slaton received a Master of Arts degree with highest honors from the University of Georgia in 1886. He was a member of Chi Phi fraternity and the Phi Kappa Literary Society. He later studied law.
Personal life Slaton married Sarah Frances Grant on July 12, 1898. She was the daughter of Captain William D. Grant.
Career Slaton joined John T. Glenn and co-founded the law firm Glenn & Slaton. Slaton represented Fulton County in the Georgia House of Representatives from 1896 to 1909. He was the Speaker of the Georgia House from 1905 to 1909. He represented the 35th District of the Georgia Senate from 1909 to 1913. He also served as President of the senate from 1909 to 1911.
After Governor Hoke Smith was elected to the U.S. Senate in 1911, Slaton was appointed acting governor and served in that capacity from 1911 to 1912. Slaton was later elected to the governorship for a non-consecutive second term from 1913 to 1915.
In 1913 Slaton paroled Mose Houston, the convicted murderer of Delia Green, after serving but twelve years of his life sentence.
Leo Frank trial In 1915, Slaton commuted the sentence for Leo Frank from death to life imprisonment. "I can endure misconstruction, abuse and condemnation,... but I cannot stand the constant companionship, of an accusing conscience which would remind me that I, as governor of Georgia, failed to do what I thought to be right.... It means that I must live in obscurity the rest of my days, but I would rather be plowing in a field than to feel that I had that blood on my hands."
Because of the almost universal hostility toward Leo Frank among the general public in Georgia, Governor Slaton's decision to commute his death sentence was widely condemned as unethical, particularly due to his business interests with Leo Frank’s defense team. Public disapproval of Slaton persisted long afterwards. Sparing Frank's life had the effect of ending Slaton's political career, as he had himself predicted.
Some opined that Frank's commutation by Slaton constituted a conflict of interest, in light of Slaton having a law partner who served Frank's lead defense counsel.Leonard Dinnerstein, The Leo Frank Case, 1999, p. 124 Slaton's actions led to threats of mob violence against him, and the Georgia National Guard and local police provided him protection.The Outlook magazine, A Courageous Governor, June 30, 1915, pp. 492–493Catherine Cocks, Peter C. Holloran, Alan Lessoff, The A to Z of the Progressive Era, 2009, p. 153George C. Kohn, The New Encyclopedia of American Scandal, 2001, p.146
Fear of violence against him, and/or his wife, led them to leave Georgia, not to return for a decade., Kirby, Bill; (2010, May 15), "A lawyer you want on your side",The Augusta Chronicle
Later years After his political service, Slaton served as the President of the Georgia State Bar Association (1928–1929) and as a member of the General Council of the American Bar Association.Matthew Bernstein, Screening a Lynching: The Leo Frank Case on Film and Television, 2009, p. 143
In 1935, while addressing a state bar association, Slaton denounced a proposed federal child labor amendment, comparing it to “the extremist degrees of Bolshevism under Lenin” while also attacking what he described as “the advance of Communism and other isms, except Americanism, which invade college walls and student organizations.” Schenectady Gazette 25 Jan 1935
Death Slaton died in Atlanta on January 11, 1955, and was interred with his wife Sarah Frances Grant Slaton (1870–1945) in the Grant family mausoleum at Atlanta's Oakland Cemetery.Ren Davis, Helen Davis, Timothy J. Crimmins, Atlanta's Oakland Cemetery: An Illustrated History and Guide, 2012, p. 96Cathy Kaemmerlen, CDEQ6AEwAA#v=onepage&q=%22john%20m%20slaton%22%20oakland%20cemetery&f=false The Historic Oakland Cemetery, 2007, pp. 107–108
Legacy and awards In 1939, he received an honorary degree in Doctor of Laws from the University of Georgia and Oglethorpe University. He was given the Legion of Honour by the government of France given his interest in French.
In popular culture Slaton is depicted in the musical Parade, which tells the story of the Leo Frank trial and lynching. In act two, the show portrays Slaton's efforts to commute Frank's death penalty sentence. While some scenes are fictionalized—such as an encounter between Lucille Frank (Leo's wife) and Slaton at a party at the Governor's Mansion—the show accurately captures Slaton's work on the Frank case and the ramifications on his political career.
Slaton has also been depicted onscreen. An episode of the 1964 TV series Profiles in Courage dramatized Governor John M. Slaton's decision to commute Frank's sentence. The episode starred Walter Matthau as Governor Slaton. The 1988 TV miniseries The Murder of Mary Phagan was broadcast on NBC, starring Jack Lemmon as Gov. John Slaton.
Historical marker
On June 17, 2015, the Georgia Historical Society, the Atlanta History Center and the Jewish American Society for Historic Preservation dedicated a historic marker honoring Slaton at the Atlanta History Center. It was the first public honoring of Governor Slaton since his controversial commutation of Leo Frank's death sentence almost 100 years ago to the day.
Participating and in attendance were members of Georgia state and local governments, the judiciary, the Anti-Defamation League, Slaton family members, local and national historical societies and the public.
Georgia Supreme Court Justice David Nahmias said at the dedication:
"In the final blot that the case placed on the history of our state, a mob kidnapped Leo Frank, drove him to Marietta, and lynched him...It is altogether right that we still celebrate what Governor Slaton did, because we need to remember those who stood tall in defense of the rule of law, to inspire all of us who need to stand tall when the rule of law is again threatened, as it is in one way or another almost every day. We need to fight for equal justice under the law, even if we do not immediately prevail. Governor Slaton is, and should be, a particular inspiration to people like me—judges on the courts of Georgia and on the federal courts—the kind of judges who were unable to protect Leo Frank from the unjust ending that the mob demanded."
Letters of support for Governor Slaton were presented by Jerry Klinger, President of the Jewish American Society for Historic Preservation, from Georgia Governor Nathan Deal,To: The attendees of the Governor John Slaton Historical Marker Dedication Ceremony Greetings:
I am pleased to extend my warmest regards to the Georgia Historical Society, the Atlanta History Center, and the Jewish American Society for Historic Preservation as you host the dedication ceremony for Governor John Slaton’s historical marker. On behalf of the State of Georgia, it is a pleasure to be part of this historically signify cant event recognizing the late Governor Slaton. Please allow me to welcome today’s distinguished guests, relatives of Govern Slaton, and other attendees. Governor Slaton played a vital role in the State of Georgia, first as a member of the Georgia General Assembly and later as the state’s 60th governor. He demonstrated a continued commitment to the wellbeing of our state, nation, and his fellow citizens. I applaud those attending today’s reception for being a part of this event which celebrates his exceptional life of service and acknowledges his countless contributions to our great state. It is my hope that the memorialization of this marker will afford future generations the opportunity to now of and appreciate govern Slaton and his place in Georgia’s history.
I commend the various groups and individuals who had a hand in organizing this important event. Sandra and I send our best wishes for a successful and memorable ceremony. Sincerely, Nathan Deal U.S. Senator David Perdue,Mr. Jerry Klinger President, JASHP 16405 Equestrian Lane Rockville, Md. 20855 Dear Mr. Klinger It is with great privilege that I join you, the Georgia Historical Society, the Jewish American Society for Historic Preservation, and the Atlanta History Center in honoring the life and legacy of Governor John Marshall Slaton. As our state’s sixtieth governor, Slaton served as a model of unwavering principle. Governor Slaton’s conviction for his constitutional duty is a reminder of the solemn dedication by our public officials. His devotion to these principles, over public opinion and at known personal cost, demonstrated extraordinary courage and resolve that serves as an example to all. There is no better tribute to Governor Slaton than by honoring him this month, the 100th anniversary of his courageous decision, with this historical marker. May it serve as a reminder of his significant contributions to our state and inspire future generations to imitate his commitment to the rule of law and justice for all. Kindest regards, David A. Perdue U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson,Georgia Historical Society 260 14th Street, Northwest Suite A-148 Atlanta, Georgia 30318
Greetings, It is with great pleasure that I send my heartfelt thanks to the Georgia Historical Society, the Atlanta History Center, and the Jewish American Society for Historic Preservation for ensuring that Governor John Slaton’s courageous role in Georgia’s history is recognized with today’s historical marker dedication. I wish you well as you celebrate the placement of this marker.
I am proud and grateful that there are organizations such as yours that are dedicated to preserving our state’s history and honoring those leaders from whom future generations can learn. With my warmest personal regards,
Sincerely, Johnny Isakson and Congressman John Lewis.Dear Friends:
I write to congratulate you on the dedication of the new Georgia Historical Society marker honoring Governor John Slaton. Governor Slaton’s role in the Leo Frank case should be an inspiration to all Georgians.
Though it cost him his political career, Governor Slaton did the right thing by commuting Leo Frank’s sentence. He is one in a long line of Georgians who have stood against the forces of racial prejudice and mob violence. I am proud that he is being recognized today.
I hope many visitors to the Atlanta History Center will read this historic marker and learn the importance of courage in the face of discrimination.
Keep the faith,
John Lewis Member of Congress
The marker text reads: