Merd Slone was born November 23, 1910.  He was the son of the late I.B. and Dallie Slone and was born and raised in Hindman, Kentucky.  He was educated in the public schools of Knott County. 

As a young man, Merd worked as a barber and cab driver before under taking a long and distinguished career of public service to the citizens of Knott County.  He served as Justice of he Peace from 1946 to 1950.  He was elected to the office of Knott County Sheriff in 1954, serving until 1958.  He served as an aide to U.S. Representative Carl D. Perkins in Washington for a time around 1960.  He had the   distinction of serving two separate terms as Knott County Judge during the years 1950 to 1954 and from 1966 to 1970.

Merd Slone is credited with using his elected office to bring about most of the major advancements in Knott County's system of rural county roads and bridges made during the post war era.  He was a tireless servant of his constituents, responding to their needs no matter what the hour.  He paid many visits to Frankfort and Washington, securing  state and federal funding and key political support for Knott County  projects, often at his own expense.

He was known as a man of great humor, wit and passion.  His campaign speeches and heated debates are fondly remembered by any who attended the political "speakins" of the 1950's and 1960's. At one political gathering when an opponent confronted him with a particularly embarrassing accusation, Merd was  as always, slow to respond.  Later, he often laughed and retold his parents' response to   
such personal attacks. Dallie was heard to ask I.B. "Old man, are you going to let them get by with saying that bout your son?"  I.B. shot back, "Dadburn, I'm waiting for them to tell a lie on him."

Merd cherished the mountaineer heritage and prized a small collection of handmade artifacts relating to the lifestyle.  He loved to trade guns and knives.  He always kept and cared for livestock and tended a large vegetable garden. His early plowing behind a favorite pony or small mile often began in his gum boots and raincoat, before the spring rains subsided.  he cold regularly be seen riding a saddle horse down Owens Branch and long Old Garner Road in the cool shade of summer evenings. A simple man of simple pleasures, Merd loved music and merriment and   cold rarely resisted the urge to dance in public at the sound of a fiddle or banjo.                                                                                                 

Merd Slone loved this people and this place. He left no great wealth or   earthly treasure. His legacy is a life of dedicated personal service to his neighbors and friends and the priceless memory of a unique personality in the hearts and minds of all who knew and loved him.

Corbett Mullins
May 18, 2003