Originally from Northern Alberta, Mary Slyman wed in 1919. Being a trapper's daughter, her knowledge of pelts allowed her to work with her husband in their fur business. Many years were spent traveling the Mackenzie River dealing in furs. The couple arrived in Fort St. John in 1929 and established "Slyman's Store and Rooms" and began buying furs. The Slyman's then sold this business in 1934 and opened a store in Montney. In 1939, they settled in Murdale to form and trade in furs.

The Slymans returned to Fort St. John during the building of the Alaska Highway in the early 1940's. They purchased their original building from Ray Sandy and opened a store. Twelve rooms above this store were rented mainly to trappers. They later opened stores at Mile 147 and Mile 233. Their son Frank remembers that his mother "did the usual things pioneer women did, made moose hide mitts and other such articles, sewed and knit. She really knew furs and could hold her own in buying choice pelts." (from PIONEER PROFILES) Mary passed away in 1968.

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