The Slinkey Family Main Page

Born: November 3, 1842 in Adelaide, South Australia.

Married: October 13, 1868 in San Francisco, California, USA to Christina Dern by Justice Oscar T. Shuck.

Died: March 4, 1920 in San Francisco, California, USA.

John Slinkey was born in South Australia as Johann Emil Schlinke. His parents were part of a community of Germans who had left Europe in the late 1830s in search of more religious freedom. His father, Johann Daniel Schlinke, was a confectioner and well-known miller. His mother, Bertha (Teusler) Schlinke, died at just 30 years old when John was ten. His father remarried two years later and John seems to have been relatively close to the half-siblings that resulted from this marriage.

Here are the bits and pieces of information that tell us about John Slinkey's interesting life.

The 1850s

1857 - 1860
Johann Emil Schlinke attended St. Peter's College in South Australia, according to the college's archivist there. Emil seems to have left during the course of the year in 1860. (Letter from Robert Fisher, 2 December 2008.)

The 1860s

1862
My great-great grandfather may have been a pretty good cricket player in South Australia. I have found reference to a "J.E. Schlinke" near Adelaide who played for the West Norwood club. (Fifty Years' History of the Town of Kensington and Norwood, 1903, page 229, 230)

1864
May 21, 1864: “Adelaide Football Club—The members of the Adelaide Football Club had an auspicious day on Saturday, May 21, for the opening game of the season, the weather being delightfully fresh and invigorating. The attendance of members was tolerably large, and the number of spectators, including those whose gentle presence is always welcomed, was, on the whole, very fair. The captains—Messrs. H. D. Gouge and J. Schlinke—having tossed for choice of goals, the former gentleman lost, and notified the fact by giving the ball a robustious “kick off.” (South Australian Register, May 23, 1864, page 2.)

1865
December 15, 1865: J. E. Schlinke, who would be involved in fraternal and social organizations his whole life, often acting as secretary, attends the third anniversary dinner of St. Peter's Old Scholars' Association at the college in Adelaide, South Australia. His health is toasted as "their indefatigable secretary," and he plays the pianoforte as part of a duet. This is the earliest reference found so far of Slinkey's musical ability. (South Australian Register, Adelaide, South Australia, December 18, 1865, page 3, column 5.)

1866
March 17, 1866: A young John Emil Schlinke has his first recorded problems with the law, and decides to skip town, heck, skip the whole country:

"A Missing Defaulter—We understand that John Emil Schlinke, a young man of about twenty-three years of age, who has been for some time in the employment of Messrs. Francis Clark and Sons, and who is also well known to the cricketers of the colony, has absconded, leaving a considerable amount of debts behind him. Upon investigation of his accounts, it was found that he had embezzled three or four amounts which had passed into his hands during the preceding week, and Messrs. Clark and Sons immediately placed themselves in communication with Mr. Otto Berliner, formerly of the Victorian detective force, and now manager of the Private Enquiry Office in Melbourne. He succeeded in tracing the fugitive, and a warrant was yesterday issued for his apprehension; but before the needful authority could be forwarded he had sailed for San Francisco in the barque Anna, under the assumed name of Saunders." (Adelaide Observer, 17 March 1866, reprinted in the The Brisbane Courier, Saturday, March 31, 1866, page 6, column 7.)

June 1866: Schlinke may have arrived in San Francisco this month, according to some evidence from his 1868 trouble with the law.

September 15, 1866: Kate Maria Salcombe files birth registration for daughter Annie Sophia Schlinke (Salcombe), born September 15, 1866, and claims John Emil Schlinke as father. Nothing else has been found out about this daughter, but this pregnancy may have been an additional catalyst in sending J.E. Schlinke to San Francisco.

1867
May 8, 1867: An early morning fire destroys a number of buildings on San Francisco's Second Street between Market and Mission streets, including "a book and periodical store, kept by a German, who has recently arrived in this country. [...] The bookstore...was owned by a man named Schlinke, and was insured for $750 in the Home Mutual, which will about cover the loss." (Daily Evening Bulletin, May 8, 1867, page 3, column 3.)

September 7, 1867: Schlinke, J. E. listed in the San Francisco Daily Morning Call as owing $9.70 in delinquent taxes in San Francisco.

September 1867: Listed in Langley's San Francisco directory for 1867-1868 as "Schlinke, John E., news depot, 35 Second St. (and J.B. Cone & Co.) dwl. 52 Minna." Likely the listing was created before the May fire?

1868
Running from the law, becoming a father, and getting married... all in one action-packed year? Read more!

1869
December 1869: Listed in Langley's San Francisco directory for 1869-1870 as "Slinkey, John E. (Regan & Corbett), dwl 783 Market. Wife there as well: "Slinkey, C. Mrs, furnished rooms, 783 Market."

The 1870s

1870
I've searched the U.S. census up and down and all over in Ward 10 where 783 Market Street should be listed. Can't find my Slinkey family anywhere... On vacation in Australia? Elsewhere? Just plain missed by the census taker?

1871
April 1871: Listed in Langley's San Francisco directory for 1871 as "Slinkey, John E., real estate agent, dwl 783 Market; Slinkey JE, Mrs., furnished rooms, 783 Market."

August 11, 1871: J.E. Slinkey naturalized in San Francisco as a U.S. citizen in California's 15th district court. The original record seems not to exist, but this information has survived in indexes. Listed as living at 783 Market street.

1872
March 1872: Listed in Langley's San Francisco directory for 1872 as "Slinkey, J.E., furnished rooms, 783 Market St."

October 1, 1872: Great Register of San Francisco lists "Voting No.: 32648. Registered No.: 45253. Schlinke, John Emil. Age: 29. Nativity: Australia. Occupation: Lod'g House. Local Residence: 783 Market. Ward: 10. Naturalized: 8/11/71, Cal. 15th District. Date of Registration: 8/21/71."

1873
Either early in this year or late in 1872 Slinkey moves his business to Sacramento street and the "Overland House."

March 1873: Listed in Langley's San Francisco directory for 1873-1874 as "Slinkey, John E., proprietor Overland House, 531 and 533 Sacramento."

August 17, 1873: Slinkey places ad to sell 783 Market Street. "A Lodging-house of 30 rooms kept for nearly five years by the present proprietor, who sells only on account of having a larger house. The house is located on the best corner in this city, and has lately been thoroughly repaired; has a three years lease at a cheap rent; the house is always full and pays well; will sell the whole as it stands for $3,500 (cash only), or sell the lease; gas fixtures, hall and stair carpeting, almost new; window shades and cornices; price $900 [?]. Apply to J. E. Slinkey, Overland House, 531 and 533 Sacramento street; or on the premises, 783 Market street, corner Fourth, and 9 Fourth street.” (Advertisement, "Lodging-House for Sale," San Francisco Chronicle, August 17, 1873, page 4.)

September 27, 1873: Fire originates in Slinkey's lodging house at 783 Market Street, and does considerable damage to the block before it is extinguished. "The origin of the fire is somewhat of a mystery. One report is, that a drunken woman upset a stove in a room above the restaurant, and thus caused the blaze. Another has it that a coal-oil lamp caused the conflagration, and still another, that it started from the chimney of the Market-street restaurant. [...] The upper portion of this building was rented by J.E. Slinkey, proprietor of the Overland House, for a lodging house. It connected with the two upper floors of No. 9 Fourth street. Mr. Slinkey estimates his loss in the two buildings at $4,000. He was insured for $1,000 in the Hamburg & Bremen, $1,000 in the State Investment, and $500 in another company." (San Francisco Chronicle, September 28, 1873, page 8.)

September 28, 1873: Perhaps not coincidentally, the San Francisco Chronicle announces that "the building on the southeast corner of Sacramento and Leidesdorff streets, extending through to Halleck street and belonging to the French Savings Bank, is undergoing extensive alterations. It has been leased for a term of years by J. E. Slinkey, the proprietor of the 'Overland House,' who is getting it all newly furnished throughout and is going to conduct it as a branch of said house." Could the fire on Market Street have been arson? (San Francisco Chronicle, September 28, 1873, page 5.)

1874
April 1874: Listed in Langley's San Francisco directory for 1874 as "Slinkey, J. E., proprietor Overland House, 531 and 533 Sacramento, and branch of Overland House, 519 Sacramento."

July 23, 1874: "San Francisco, July 23. J.E. Slinkey was arrested to-night for grand larceny, and Edward Earell for assault on E. Reinhardt. Slinkey was released on bail." (Daily Nevada State Journal, Washoe County, Nevada. July 24, 1874, page 2, column 4.)

1875
Listed in Bishop's San Francisco directory (no month for publication date) as "Slinkey, J. E., proprietor, Overland House, 531 Sacramento, and Bon Ton Saloon, California Theatre Building, Bush nr. Kearney; residence Overland House."

1876
January 6, 1876: Mr. J. E. Slinkey reportedly purchases "large hotel [...] situated on a beautiful eminence overlooking the bay" in Sausalito from the Sausalito Land and Ferry Company. A gas machine has also been purchased to light the hotel. Called the Bon Ton, this is the earliest mention of what would become the El Monte Hotel, although since Slinkey runs into financial problems later that year, it seems that the Slinkeys have to wait to be the proprietors. (Daily Alta California, page 1, column 3.)

July 21, 1876: A large auction of all of J. E. Slinkey's holdings and properties to pay off creditors is advertised. Includes Overland House at 531 and 533 Sacramento with all its contents; a fifty-vara lot on Bush Street conveyed to him by J.W. Woodley, under the Moore Title; one-half interest in a quicksilver mine in Lake County; a one-tenth interest in a mining claim in the State of Durango, Mexico; an interest in a marble claim in Monterey County; all the furniture in the twenty-one room "Branch No. 2, Overland House" at 528 Sacramento Street; his one-half interest in the Bon Ton Saloon on Bush Street next to the California Theatre; and his right, title and interest in the Bon Ton Hotel in Saucelito (sic), including two horses, one buggy and harness and "one gas machine." Slinkey seems to have survived this pretty well, perhaps with financial help from his father in Australia? (Daily Alta California, page 3, column 4.)

1877
March 1877: Listed in Langley's San Francisco directory for 1877-1878 as "Slinkey, J. E., liquor saloon, 514 Bush, and manager, Overland House, 533 Sacramento."

1878
February 1878: Listed in Langley's San Francisco directory for 1878-1879 as "Slinkey, J. E. & Co. (Carl Lutz), proprietors Overland House, 533 Sacramento."

August 13, 1878: John Slinkey's father, Johann Daniel Schlinke, dies in Tanunda, South Australia.

August 17, 1878: Benicia Chronicle, Volume 1, No. 36, page 3, column 1: "Overland House - This centrally located establishment is situated on Sacramento street, near Montgomery, and is one of the most comfortable houses in the city. J. E. Slinkey, the proprietor, will be found to be one of the most congenial and accommodating landlords in the Bay City. Give him a call."

August 29, 1878: John Slinkey receives in his father's will (written August 1875) "...the sum of One Pound Sterling as a payment in full for all his just claims and demands to my real and personal estate he having already received an ample share during my life time..."

1879
Listed in San Francisco directory as "Slinkey, J. E., proprietor Overland House 531-533 Sacramento."

February 6, 1879: Leslie F. Blackburn (proprietor of a liquor saloon on Bush Street) and William Heney (a carpenter) are arrested on complaint of John H. Harney, former Deputy County Clerk, that they conspired to lose him his position by accusing him of blackmailing John E. Slinkey. The case centers on an attempt to remove evidence from County records of John Emil Schlinke's indictment of grand larceny (likely the 1868 affair). Heney had said that on December 26, 1876, Harney brought the record to the Overland House and received a note for $175 from Slinkey (named as Schlinke) who put the document in the stove. Both Harney and Slinkey deny everything. (San Francisco Examiner, February 7, 1879, page 3, column 4.)

February 12, 1879: Slinkey denies all charges in the Blackburn-Heney conspiracy case, testifying that on December 26, 1876 he hadn't been at the Overland House for five months, keeping a boarding house on Bush Street instead. When counsel for Blackburn corrects the date to December 26, 1875, Slinkey says he was in bed, having had his ear cut open on Christmas Day in 1875. ("The Indictment Conspiracy Case," San Francisco Examiner, Feburary 13, 1879, page 3, column 5.)

April 5, 1879: Slinkey's purchase of Cremorne Gardens in Martinez is mentioned in the San Francisco News Letter and California Advertiser, page 7. See the businesses page for complete text.

April 13, 1879: According to the San Francisco News Letter and California Advertiser, page 6, the Cremorne Gardens opens for business. See the businesses page for complete text.

The 1880s

1880
January 28, 1880: "Born to the wife of JE Slinkey (late of the Overland House), a daughter." (San Francisco Call, January 30, 1880. Since we never hear of this daughter again and she doesn't appear with the family in the census taken a few months later, we assume she dies in infancy.)

April 1880: Listed in Langley's San Francisco Directory as "Slinkey, John E., proprietor Overland House, 531 & 533 Sacramento, and Cremorne Gardens, Martinez. r. 533 Sacramento."

June 2, 1880: Enumerated in the 1880 U.S. Census in Martinez, Contra Costa County, California: "Slinkey, John, White, Male, 37 years old, Head, Married, Occupation: Has Picnic Grounds, Born in South Australia. Father born in Germany. Mother born in Germany." Listed with wife Christina, daughter "Lilian," brother Daniel, and boarders E.A. Evans (a music teacher), V. Pichler (another music teacher), Chas. Horner (a "Show Traveler"), and a 36-year-old Irish servant named only "Michael."

1881
April 29, 1881: The Morgan House in Martinez, where J.E. Slinkey leased the bar, burns to the ground. Luckily, Slinkey is insured again!

1882
May 1, 1882: Opening day of the "El Monte Hotel." The Slinkeys took over the old Clifton Hotel in Sausalito. According to the San Francisco News Letter and California Advertiser of April 29, 1882, page 19: "With his accustomed energy and sagacity, Mr. Slinkey has refurnished and renovated the entire establishment, sparing neither trouble nor expense in making it a first-class Summer resort." See the hotel page for details specific to the operations, advertising, events and renovations while the Slinkeys owned it.

1883
April 1883: Listed in Langley's San Francisco directory as "Slinkey, John Emil, 'El Monte' Saloon, SE cor Kearny & Pine and proprietor 'El Monte' Hotel, Saucelito, r. Saucelito." Brother-in-law John Dern is listed as the bartender at the saloon.

1885
February 12, 1885: Mentioned in a list of advertisers/supporters in the first issue of the Sausalito News: "J. E. Slinkey is the proprietor of that admirable hotel, the El Monte. It is second to no place of resort in the State from any standpoint, and is patronized by the highest circles. Mr. Slinkey is the boss rustler of Sausalito. He has done much for the town and to his efforts is due the fact the News is to-day in existence." Also listed as having a house under construction. (Sausalito News, February 12, 1885, page 3, column 2.)

February 19, 1885: "Mr. J. E. Slinkey is grading the frontage of the El Monte Hotel, and otherwise putting things in shape for the summer business. When he gets through, the institution will look as pretty as a new red coach." (Sausalito News, February 19, 1885, page 3, column 1.)

February 23, 1885: The Society of Old Friends hold a ball at Platt's Hall in San Francisco hosted by Secretary J. E. Slinkey. Plans to start a branch of the organization in Sausalito using the A.O.U.W. Hall are announced. (Sausalito News, February 26, 1885, page 3, column 2.)

February 26, 1885: J. E. Slinkey along with Postmaster John Schnell identified as "duly authorized agents to receive any monies that may be due" for Sausalito News subscribers. (Sausalito News, February 26, 1885, page 3, column 2.)

March 5, 1885: Mr. Slinkey orders material from J. S. Bellrude's new material company to build two more cottages on the El Monte Hotel grounds. (Sausalito News, March 5, 1885, page 3, column 2.)

March 19, 1885: Slinkey is building on the El Monte Hotel grounds a cottage on the bluff overlooking the bay for Captain G. W. Thomas and family. To be ready by April 1. (Sausalito News, March 19, 1885, page 3, column 1.)

March 26, 1885: Plans are being made for a “Bull’s Head Breakfast" to be held the next Sunday next in Read’s Pavilion adjoining the El Monte Hotel. Host will be Slinkey, Secretary of the Society of Old Friends. "The Breakfast will be presided over by Judge T. J. Bowers of San Rafael and Col. R. H. Taylor, F. F. Jones and Judge Robert Ferrall of San Francisco. Barney Galindo of Novato will be chef de cuisine.” There is also mention of a St. Patrick’s Day ball at Barney Galindo’s in Novato. Apparently Mr. Galindo was quite the restaurateur. (Sausalito News, March 26, 1885, page 3, column 2.)

April 1885: “Slinkey, John Emil, secretary society Old Friends, office SE cor Kearny and Pine, R. Saucelito.” (W. H. L. Corran, Langley’s San Francisco Directory for the year commencing April 1885, (San Francisco: Francis, Valentine & Company, 1885), pg. 1053.)

April 2, 1885: The Bull's Head Breakfast on March 29 is proclaimed a success: "A large attendance of the Society of Old Friends from San Francisco were present. Barney Galindo preserved his laurels as a bull’s head cook, and George Davis and Jim McCue with their white aprons as carvers. The host Col. Slinkey, Secretary of the order looked happy and was frequently toasted for his efficiency as such officer and particularly for the excellent manner in which the breakfast had been conducted.” (Sausalito News, April 2, 1885, page 2, column 3.)

April 18, 1885: Son Francis Slinkey dies at one year and seven months old.

April 30, 1885: One week after the announcement of son Frances Slinkey’s death and funeral, an editorial about “why no suitable spot has been formally set apart for a burial ground in Sausalito.” Where Sausalitans are buried at the time: Lone Mountain Cemetery in San Francisco mentioned, San Rafael cemeteries mentioned, and “temporary resting places on the hill slopes front Richardson’s bay back of the village.” [Trampled by cattle.] “This is not as it should be. It shows neither proper public spirit nor proper respect for the dead. Of the many beautiful slopes along Richardson’s bay, some one should be consecrated as a burial place. It is thought that this will be speedily done. A movement is on foot to carry out the idea. The Workmen’s Lodge of Sausalito have tendered a free use of their hall for a public meeting to discuss this matter next Saturday evening. It is hoped that every citizen of Sausalito will feel it his duty to attend the meeting, and to aid in carrying out the work.” (Sausalito News, April 30, 1885, page 2, column 1.)

May 2, 1885: Slinkey named chairman of citizens' committee to establish a Sausalito cemetery. At the meeting, held at the Workmen's Hall, Slinkey calls on the Sausalito Land and Ferry Company to explain their plans. Getting an unsatisfactory answer, he is appointed one of five representatives to meet with the company to discuss further. (Sausalito News, May 7, 1885, page 2, column 2.)

May 21, 1885: “The El Monte Hotel has received a new coat of white paint and looks as bright as a new dollar. Col. J. E. Slinkey the proprietor is ready now to accommodate all that come along.” (Sausalito News, May 21, 1885, page 3, column 1.)

May 28, 1885: “Col. J. E. Slinkey proprietor of the ‘El Monte’ will give a Social Hop to the guests of the Hotel on Saturday, June 6th.” (Sausalito News, May 28, 1885, page 3, column 1.)

June 4, 1885: J. E. Slinkey to be elected "financier" of Sausalito Lodge, No. 20, A.O.U.W. (Ancient Order of United Workmen) in late June 1885. (Sausalito News, June 4, 1885, page 3, column 2.)

June 6, 1885: The first of the El Monte Hotel monthly "hops" is a success with J. E. Slinkey, Mrs. Slinkey, and Miss Lillie Slinkey all in attendance. (Sausalito News, June 11, 1885, page 3, column 3.)

July 25, 1885: J. E. and Christina throw a birthday party for daughter Lilian, with dancing ending at midnight and dinner after. ("Society," Sausalito News, July 30, 1885, page 3, column 4.)

August 5, 1885: Acts as Master of Ceremonies at a party on the ship "Honolulu." Wife and daughter Lillie also attend; music and dancing lasted 'til midnight. (Sausalito News, August 6, 1885.)

August 9, 1885: A "Bulls-head breakfast" is hosted on the El Monte Hotel grounds by Slinkey under the auspices of the Society of True Friends. "[It] was in every particular one of the most jovial and successful social occasions ever held in Sausalito. A large canvas-covered 'salle a manager' had been put up adjoining the hotel, with canvas furnished by Captain Mallandaine of the ship Imberhorn, and in this three long rows of tables were set. At about 12 o'clock the steaming hot bulls head had been dug up and taken in charge by three carvers of the occasion, George Davis, A. Barbier and A. Meyer, and the waiter lost no time in serving the 130 members of the Society and invited friends who had taken their seats. A good bull-headed menu was before them Spanish-American bulls head and dressing, with bean side dishes of Sausalito lamb, chicken and hard-boiled eggs, French Claret two apiece and Japanese napkins. The order 'send back your plate empty for more' was cheerfully obeyed and it took several hours of good cheer and speech-making before the participants felt the spirit move them to leave their seats." (Sausalito News, August 13, 1885, page 3, column 3.)

August 29, 1885: J. E., Christina, Dan, and Lillie Slinkey host a "Domino Party" (masked ball) at the El Monte Hotel: "The initial domino party of Sausalito was held at the 'El Monte' Saturday evening. The dining room was cleared for the dance hall by a committee of arrangements, and the guests were given full possession of it and the parlor for their ball room, and by 9 o'clock the merry dance commenced. A large number of maskers participated and as many more were present as spectators and all equally enjoyed the evening's merriment. A splendid supper was served by Col. Slinkey at 11 o'clock at which time the masks had been removed, and after the pleasures of the festal board on with the dance again." (Sausalito News, September 3, 1885, page 3, column 2.)

The 1890s

1890
May 25, 1890: J. E. Slinkey's father-in-law, Heinrich Dern, aged 76, arrives "from Germany to spend the balance of his life with his family in Sausalito." (Sausalito News, May 30, 1890, page 2, column 4.)

June 7, 1890: Slinkey opens Sausalito Hall, a "place of amusement," on Water Street below the hill that the El Monte Hotel stands on in Sausalito. Daughter Lilian sings as part of the opening night festivities. (San Francisco Morning Call, June 9, 1890, page 6, column 1.)

1891
June 3, 1891: Slinkey participates as a director of a new incorporation, Live Stock Gazette, a publishing company, with capital stock of $50,000. Other directors are A. D. Ball, Ernest Heymans, and J. A. Crist. (San Francisco Chronicle, June 4, 1891, page 12.)

1893
January 19, 1893: J. E. Slinkey attends the Society of Old Friends annual banquet at the Occidental restaurant. (San Francisco Chronicle, January 20, 1893, page 10.)

February 10, 1893: Installation of Society of Old Friends officers banquet at Butler's Hall on Pine Street. J. E. Slinkey is, of course, reelected secretary. (San Francisco Morning Call, February 11, 1893, pg. 7, column 1.)

July 4, 1893: Great fire in Sausalito, perhaps caused by fireworks from the El Monte Hotel, burns a significant part of Water street, Slinkey's Sausalito Hotel, the offices of the Sausalito News, and the stairs to the El Monte Hotel. (San Francisco Chronicle, July 5, 1893, page 4.)

July 13, 1893: Slinkey is called as a witness to Contra Costa County in a suit filed against Ernest Heymans and the Live Stock Gazette over back rent owed to the Union Stock Yard. He has to return as a witness on September 4, 1893 as well. Apparently business started slow for the Gazette? (Case #2269 at Contra Costa Historical Society.)

August 19, 1893: Slinkey is appointed to a committee of the Society of Old Friends to get up a benefit for the California Midwinter International Exposition in Golden Gate Park. (San Francisco Chronicle, August 19, 1893, page 5, column 3.)

August 26, 1893: In a nasty campaign election to decide if Sausalito should incorporate as a town, Slinkey and the Sausalito News are slandered: "Circulars were distributed yesterday on the streets of Sausalito referring to a hotel man named Slinkey, and attacking his financial standing. It also has been said by the campaign liar that the News, a little paper published in the burg, would heavily tax the property holders, as it was estimated that the printing of ordinances, which must come with incorporation, would amount to $2,000 to start with." (San Francisco Chronicle, August 26, 1893, page 8.)

1895
March 7, 1895: J. E. Slinkey speaks as part of the Society of Old Friends annual banquet at the Commercial Hotel [corner of Kearny and today's Columbus Avenue]. Attendance is 125 people at dinner. ("Society of Old Friends," San Francisco Chronicle, March 8, 1895, page 9.)

July 27, 1895: J. E. Slinkey gets a glowing write-up of his thirty years of hotel work in the Bay Area in the San Francisco Hotel Gazette (reprinted in the Sausalito News): “The Hotel El Monte, Sausalito, has long been noted for the bull’s-head breakfasts given there by the society of Old Friends, of which association Proprietor J. E. Slinkey of the hotel is the organizer and secretary. These breakfasts are great affairs with the initiated, and it is considered a high honor to be invited to partake in one of them.

“The El Monte Hotel was formerly known as the Clifton House, and under that name was conducted by Mrs. H. G. Cole in 1880. Colonel Slinkey became proprietor of the Hotel on May 1, 1882, and changed its name to the present designation, under which is has attained enlarged fame and popularity. Colonel Slinkey was for many years proprietor of the Overland House, in its time one of the most popular stopping places in this city, and in 1881 conducted the Morgan House at Martinez. Since going to Sausalito Colonel Slinkey has been one of the most enterprising of its citizens. He owned the Sausalito News there for many years, made extensive improvements on the El Monte and its grounds, built the Hotel Sausalito (about 1890), and has either led or given a helping hand to every movement for the upbuilding of the place. He has been something more than the keeper of the leading hotel of the place; he has been its leading citizen." (Sausalito News, July 27, 1895, page 3, column 8.)

1896
August 9, 1896: Colonel J. E. Slinkey is arrested for renting Sausalito Hall as a pool room (gambling) to commission brokers Schwartz & Co. At the same time, he is named to the illumination committee for a grand Sausalito carnival being planned. (San Francisco Call, August 10, 1896, page 5, column 5.)

August 11, 1896: Slinkey promises to fight the charges against him: “I shall fight my case to the bitter end. I have engaged the services of two lawyers, T. J. Crowley and P. W. Reed. I rented my property simply to men who were running a legitimate commission business and who possessed licenses. I know that the advent of the pool-rooms here has been of vast benefit to the business portion of our town. They bring money here and enliven the town. The class who come here come for business only.”

He also asserts that all the money for the upcoming Sausalito carnival is "in sight," and that his El Monte Hotel will be ablaze with 300 lamps and "innumerable electric lights." (San Francisco Call, August 12, 1896, page 14, column 1.)

September 23, 1896: J. E. Slinkey files for bankruptcy in Superior Court in San Rafael. His petition shows 122 creditors with claims adding up to $47,000. His assets are property owned in Sausalito, which has a $30,000 mortgage. (San Francisco Chronicle, September 24, 1896, page 11.)

September 30, 1896: Could Colonel Slinkey have met Susan B. Anthony? She was scheduled to speak at a woman suffrage rally in "Slinkey's Hall" (Sausalito Hall?) at 8 o'clock, "after seeing the sights of the terraced town" of Sausalito. ("Woman Suffrage Work," San Francisco Call, September 30, 1896, page 5, column 6.)

October 11, 1896: J. E. Slinkey is on the committee of arrangements for Society of Old Friends clambake at Birds Point, Alameda today. ("Old Friends' Clambake," San Francisco Call, October 11, 1896, page 18.)

October 30, 1896: El Monte boarding house advertised in San Francisco at 501 Geary Street: "First Class; references; table board. J. E. Slinkey, manager." (San Francisco Call, October 30, 1896, page 13.)

November 22, 1896: “A musicale and social dance will be given on Thanksgiving eve by Mr. and Mrs. J. E. Slinkey at their hotel, 501 Geary street branch of the El Monte, Sausalito.” (San Francisco Call, November 22, 1896, page 19.)

November 30, 1896: Advertisement: "El Monte, 501 Geary St., cor. Taylor—2 fine sunny suites with board; table first-class; reference. J. E. Slinkey, Manager." (San Francisco Call, November 30, 1896, page 11.)

December 20, 1896: "A social hop will be given on New Year’s eve by Mr. and Mrs. J. E. Slinkey at the El Monte, 501 Geary street.” (San Francisco Call, December 20, 1896, page 20.)

1897
August 29, 1897: J. E. Slinkey is called out with Dr. F. F. Lord and Ernest Heyman as ringleaders in a division of the "Old Friends" into two, with Tom Sawyer leading the other faction. See the Society of Old Friends page for more.

1898
April 16, 1898: “A Model Apartment House. The ‘Sausalito,’ located at 110 Ellis street, is one of the best equipped lodging houses in the city. Under the management of Col. J. E. Slinkey, the well-known hotel Boniface of Marin County, the ‘Sausalito’ offers to the public every comfort of a well-equipped apartment house. A trial will convince the most skeptical that Col. Slinkey is the right man in the right place.—San Francisco Breeder and Sportsman.” (Sausalito News, April 16, 1898, page 3, column 3.)

April 27, 1898: “'Old Friends’—Regular meeting Wednesday Night, April 27, in Old Friends’ Hall, 14 Third st. All members hereby invited. By order of Judge J. A. Campbell, President. J. E. Slinkey, Secretary.” (San Francisco Call, April 26, 1898, page 14.)

May 4, 1898: “The Society of Old Friends will give its annual picnic and barbecue on Monday, May 30, in Wildwood Glen, Sausalito. This will be in celebration of the thirty-fourth anniversary of the organization of the society. The committee of arrangements, of which Ed L. Head is chairman and J. E. Slinkey secretary, has in hand the arranging of a programme of game for old and young.” ("Old Friends' Picnic," San Francisco Call, May 4, 1898, page 8.)

May 17, 1898: While planning the annual picnic and barbecue for the Society of Old Friends, the president, Judge James A. Campbell, has a stroke and dies playing cards in Slinkey's boarding house at 110 Ellis Street. (San Francisco Call, May 17, 1898, page 12, column 1.)

1899
January 18, 1899: J. E. Slinkey is accused by an anonymous letter writer that he poisoned Christina, leading to exhumation of her body to prove his innocence. See Christina Dern's page for complete story.

1900
February 4, 1900: “$200—HALF interest for sale in an established butcher shop; a bargain. Particulars from J. E. SLINKEY, 873 Market st.” (San Francisco Call, February 4, 1900, page 28.)

February 17, 1900: “Business Chances: $200—Half Interest for sale in an established butcher shop and sausage factory; cash trade. $850—Lodging House for sale of twelve rooms; near Taylor and Market sts. See J. E. Slinkey & Co., 877 Market st., corner Fifth, San Francisco, upstairs.” (Oakland Tribune, February 17, 1900, page 10, column 3.)

February 27, 1900: “PARTNER wanted with small capital in manufacturing business supplying the Government. Apply to J. E. SLINKEY & CO., 877 Market st.; entrance 1 Fifth.” (San Francisco Call, February 27, 1900, page 10.)

March 11, 1900: “$750—SALOON for sale, on O’Farrell st.; central corner; lease. Particulars from J. E. SLINKEY & CO., 877 Market, entrance 1 5th.” AND: “$650—LODGING-HOUSE of 15 rooms, on Ellis st.; all occupied; a bargain. Apply to J. E. SLINKEY & CO., 877 Market, entrance 1 5th.” (San Francisco Call, March 11, 1900, page 28.)

April 1, 1900: “For exchange—4 lots, 25x100; unencumbered; worth $800; will trade for any good business where a living can be made. Apply to J. E. SLINKEY & CO., Fifth and Market sts.” And: “Lady canvasser wanted; good wages guaranteed. Particulars from J. E. SLINKEY & CO., S. E. cor. Market and Fifth sts.” (San Francisco Call, April 1, 1900, page 28.)

April 10, 1900: “A BARGAIN—Centrally located saloon; must be sold immediately; good lease. Apply to J. E. SLINKEY & CO., 1 Fifth, cor. Market.” And: “PARTNER wanted for one of the best beer saloons; near Market st. Particulars from J. E. SLINKEY & CO., Market and Fifth.” (San Francisco Call, April 10, 1900, pg. 10.)

April 14, 1900: Having been evicted by the City of San Francisco from using the society's cemetery, where 130 Old Friends were already interred, the Society of Old Friends holds a masquerade ball at the B'nai B'rith Hall to raise funds for a new cemetery in San Mateo County. J. E. Slinkey serves on the committee of arrangements. ("Old Friends Make Merry As In The Days of Yore," San Francisco Call, April 15, 1900, pg. 36.)

April 18, 1900: "Partner wanted in a first-class printing office. See SLINKEY & CO., SE. cor. Market and Fifth streets.” (San Francisco Call, April 18, 1900, page 10.)

July 7, 1900: "The engagement is announced of Colonel J. E. Slinkey, late proprietor of the El Monte Hotel, Sausalito, and Mrs. J. C. Heitbahn of Chicago, Ill., who is at present on a visit to this coast." (San Francisco News Letter, July 7, 1900, page 18, column 2.)

1902
October 9, 1902: Wedding of "Col. J. E. Slinkey, formerly of San Francisco, now residing in Seattle" and Mrs. Hattie S. Heitbahn of Chicago by Rev. Herbert H. Gowen of Trinity Church in Seattle, Washington. Reception banquet at residence of A. S. Page. (The Seattle Sunday Times, October 12, 1902, page 31, column 5.)

1903
In Seattle, Washington directory for 1903, John E. Slinkey listed as president of Seattle Mercantile Club (4th Floor of Arcade Building) with his residence at 907 8th Avenue. (Polk's Seattle City Directory 1903, page 1059.) His old friend Harry Crowhurst serves as Vice-President of club.

September 11, 1903: Party at the Yacht Club House in West Seattle is under-attended because of inclement weather, but recent leasees Col. J.E. Slinkey and Cal H. Barkdull are mentioned as making it pleasant and agreeable for those who did come. (The Seattle Sunday Times, September 20, 1903, part VI, page 1 [?], column 4.)

October 9, 1903: Surprise one-year anniversary party thrown for Colonel and Mrs. J.E. Slinkey at the West Seattle Club house by some of their friends and neighbors. (The Seattle Sunday Times, October 11, 1903, page 6, column 3.)

1904
In Seattle, Washington directory for 1904, John E. Slinkey listed as secretary and treasurer of Slinkey, Crowhurst & Co. and proprietor with Harry Crowhurst of Olympic Athletic Club in West Seattle. Slinkey is listed as living on Railroad Avenue at the foot of Marshall in West Seattle. He is also listed as secretary of the Old Friends society in same location and the representative of the West Seattle News and Observer newspaper. (Polk's Seattle City Directory 1904, page 959.)

February 3, 1904: John Slinkey & Co. requested permission to use the town wharf of West Seattle at the foot of Maryland Street for a grand stand for aquatic sports. The request was referred to a committee. (Seattle Daily Times, February 3, 1904, page 7, column 2.)

May 4, 1904: “Messrs. Slinkey and Crowhurst withdrew their petition for a liquor license, as the council would not grant the petition.” (Seattle Daily Times, May 4, 1904, page 2, column 4.

July 8, 1904: "Because the complaint was faultily drawn, the charge of selling liquor without a license against J. E. Slinkey and Harry Crowhurst was dismissed in Justice Gordon’s court yesterday afternoon. The alleged offense was committed in West Seattle. Justice Gordon allowed the prosecuting attorney time to prepare a new complaint, and the two men were immediately rearrested. They will be tried July 19. The goods seized in the first raid made by Deputy Sheriff Livingstone have been ordered held.” (Seattle Daily Times, July 8, 1904, page 7, column 1.)

October 24, 1904: J. E. Slinkey starts a branch of the Society of Old Friends in Seattle: "At a meeting called at the Diller Hotel yesterday, preliminary steps were taken to organize a 'Society of Old Friends,' after the plan of the San Francisco organization perfected in 1864. F. Van Norman was appointed temporary chairman and J. E. Slinkey temporary secretary. S. S. Atwood, Dr. J. E. Tucker and J. E. Slinkey were appointed a commission to draft a constitution to be presented for adoption at a meeting to be held October 30—George M. Stewart was suggested for president of the society, and his name received the unanimous approval of those present. The object of the organization is to promote friendship and sociability, it being proposed to give picnics, excursions, barbecues and Bull’s Head breakfasts. The first public entertainment will be on New Year’s day.” (Seattle Daily Times, page 7, column 2.)

1905
January 1, 1905: "Mr. and Mrs. J. E. Slinkey left yesterday morning for San Francisco to spend the winter.” (Seattle Daily Times, page 4, column 5.)

May-June 1905: J. E. Slinkey and his wife go on a sea lion hunt with an old schoolmate from Australia, Captain James R. Mallet. See the Slinkey Businesses page for more.

October 1, 1905: "Mrs. Hattie Heitbahn Slinkey, wife of Colonel J. E. Slinkey, after spending four months with friends in Chicago and Milwaukee, has retired to San Francisco for the winter. The Slinkeys have taken apartments at the Rio Grande.” (San Francisco Chronicle, October 1, 1905, page 32, column 3.)

1906
January 6, 1906: “We understand ‘Colonel Slinkey' is again to make his residence in Sausalito. What he will do here we do not know.” (Sausalito News, January 6, 1906, page 3, column 1.)

August 24, 1906: Slinkey is listed as secretary of the United Ancient Order of Druids, Panhandle Grove No. 172 (August Sandberg was "Noble Archdruid" of the grove). A picnic with bulls head breakfast was planned for August 26, 1906, at the Ingleside Tavern. Slinkey's address, four months after the great earthquake and fire, is listed as 1072 Ellis Street. (San Francisco Call, August 21, 1906, pg. 10, column 1.)

December 22, 1906: Slinkey moves to the Oakland/Berkeley line in the East Bay, taking his business and fraternal organization with him. "One of the most conspicuous and convenient real estate offices in Oakland or Berkeley is that of the Real Estate Syndicate, located almost on the line separating Oakland from South Berkeley, or at the corner of Sixty-first and Adeline streets. [...] The manager of the Syndicate is Mr. J. E. Slinkey, an old-time hotel man, for twenty-five years conducting the well known and popular El Monte Hotel at Sausalito. Since the earthquake he has engaged in the Real Estate business, locating his office at the place shown in the above picture, where Oakland and Berkeley properties can be thoroughly and conveniently handled. Mr. Slinkey's wife, fearing a repetition of heavy earthquakes, left for the east immediately after the big earthquake, but returned a short time ago, when all fear had passed, and is now settled in North Oakland, where Mr. Slinkey has leased a nice flat for a term of years." Son Milton is listed as working with the company as a contractor and builder. (Oakland Tribune, December 22, 1906, page 67, column 1.)

1908
February 21, 1908: J. E. Slinkey surfaces in the mining town of Goldfield, Nevada: "The Insider. Slinkey Gathers Old Friends Again. From Goldfield I hear that Colonel J. E. Slinkey, onetime proprietor of Hotel El Monte when that hostelry existed in Sausalito, has bobbed up in the mining town, after seeking fortune in Seattle and other places. Slinkey is as genial as ever, writes my correspondent, and lost no time in getting together the Nevada members of the Old Friends, a society which still flourishes in San Francisco and of which Slinkey is still the secretary. Senator Morehouse, Judge Garoutte, Charles F. Capp, Eddie Walsh, Judge Nagle, William Chenowith and Hugh Collins are a few of the Old Friends in Goldfield.” (San Francisco Call, February 21 1908, page 6, column 6.)

August 17, 1908: Slinkey is secretary of a new club in Goldfield (Nevada): “New Goldfield Athletic Club. Second Regular Monthly Tournament. Free to all Members. Monday Night, August 17, ’08. A First-Class Entertainment. Members will please call on the secretary for complimentary tickets. All others must pay regular admission. J. E. Slinkey, Secretary. J. M. Evans, President.” (Goldfield Chronicle, August 17, 1908, page 4, column 6.)

1913
November 9, 1913: “Col. J. E. Slinkey, formerly owner of the News and secretary of the Old Friends Society, celebrated his 71st birthday at the studio of his daughter Madame Durini, in San Francisco, on Sunday last. The party concluded with an opera party at the Tivoli.” (Sausalito News, November 15, 1913, page 6, column 2.)

1914
February 18, 1914: Society of Old Friends holds its annual meeting and J. E. Slinkey is again elected secretary-treasurer. Plans are made for a 50th anniversary party of the society on May 15. (San Francisco Chronicle, February 22, 1914, page 32.)

1918
May 19, 1918: The Society of Old Friends celebrates its 54th anniversary with a stag party and ex-offio secretary "Colonel J. E. Slinkey" apparently hosts in the club rooms at 549 Turk Street [Likely a typo for 459 Turk, the hotel J. E. was managing.] (San Francisco Bulletin, May 4, 1918, page 2.)

1919
June 1, 1919: A history of the Society of Old Friends and Slinkey's role are recounted in a San Francisco Chronicle column. See the Old Friends page for more details.

June 15, 1919: A San Francisco Chronicle columnist remembers a running battle between a street preacher and a vocal cynic on Sacramento Street in the late 1870s. The cynic boarded with the Slinkeys: “‘Crisis’ lived at the Overland House, then run by the Slinkeys—Colonel J. E. Slinkey, now secretary of the Old Friends, his brothers and sister.” (Edward Morphy, "San Francisco Thoroughfares: Kearny Street, Part II," San Francisco Chronicle, June 15, 1919, page 32, column 5.)

1933
August 26, 1933: “Hugh McClusky, special compiler for our old-timers’ department, kicks through with another collection of names of men who once tramped the hills of southern Nevada. Look ‘em over: Major O’Keefe, Colonel Eddy, Colonel Slinkey..." (Nevada State Journal, August 26, 1933, page 1, column 1.)

---

Images concerning J. E. Slinkey:

---

Home | Contact Me