Robert Beverley Sloan was born in Columbia and raised in Virginia. He attended Virginia Polytechnic Institute, studying for electrical engineering and then the University of Virginia for law — graduating in 1904. He began the practice of law in Columbia in 1905 and continued to practice until his death. In 1907, he married Miss Miriam Earle Watrous of British Honduras.
Mr. Sloan was known as an expert in Real Estate, Banking and Insurance Law — his large practice was mainly in these areas. His outside interests were many and varied: Democratic Party, Public Library, Trinity Church and others. Young men and women came to him for encouragement and advice; he never failed them.
Mr. Sloan had great respect for the courts; and the judges knew they could rely on his every statement.
His guide in his professional life, as well as in his private life, were the principles of Christianity.