Henry Harvey PARSONS

PARSONS, ROGERS, NOBLES

Posted By: Sharon R Becker (email)
Date: 6/18/2009 at 19:43:38

Mount Ayr Record-News
Mount Ayr, Ringgold County, Iowa
June 15, 1915

H. H. PARSONS PASSED AWAY FRIDAY MARCH 23

AFTER LONG ILLNESS. FUNERAL HELD YESTERDAY.

H. H. PARSONS, one of the best known and most highly respected citizens of Ringgold county, passed away Friday, March 23, at his home in northwest Mount Ayr after a long illness. The end, which had been expected for many weeks on account of his advanced age and prolonged illness, came peacefully and was . . . the passing into a deep sleep. The funeral was held yesterday afternoon at 2:30 from the United Presbyterian church, conducted by the pastor, Rev. Robert L. WELCH, and the body was laid to rest in Rose Hill cemetery. The funeral was largely attended by friends who came to pay their tribute of respect to one whose christian character had endeared him to all those who had known him during the many years of his residence in the county.

Henry Harvey PARSONS was born in Grant county, Indiana, on the 13th day of June 1842, and died in Mount Ayr, Iowa, March 23, 1917, aged seventy-four years, nine months and ten days. PARSONS came to Ringgold county as a young man in 1863 and on December 25, 1863, he enlisted in CO. G of 29th Iowa Infantry. He was formally mustered into the service on January 25, 1864. Within three months he was desperately wounded and left on the field as dead in an action at Jenkins Ferry, Ark. After lying on the field until his wound was infected he was picked up as a prisioner of war by the Confederates. For about ten months he was confined in the Southern Military prison, first at Camden, Arkansas, and then at Tyler, Texas. On the 27th day of February he was paroled at the mouth of the Red River in Louisaiana. Mr. PARSONS was mustered out of service at Davenport, Iowa, on May 23, 1865, into complete downfall of the confederacy having already occurred.

On January 25, 1866, Mr. PARSONS was married to Miss Burnetta ROGERS who died July 5, 1901. This marriage was blessed with five children--Ayle, Mrs. J. F. PARSONS of Elmwood, Neb., D. A. PARSONS of Price. Utah, Houston Bert, now deceased, Dr. I. R. PARSONS of Salt Lake City, Utah, and Miss Jennie PARSONS of St. Joseph, Mo.

After his marriage Mr. PARSONS lived upon a farm in Liberty township until 1875, when he was elected county recorder. Thereupon, he removed to Mount Ayr. He served as county recorder for three terms and then engaged in undertaking and in later years was a writer of fire insurance in pursuit of this last occupation he became a familiar figure throughout the entire county as he went from farm to farm writing and adjusting insurance.

On April 13, 1905, Mr. PARSONS was united in marriage to Mrs. Catherine NOBLES, who was tenderly cared for him during the prolonged period of his illness for since February, 1916. Mr. PARSONS has been in failing health, at times suffering greatly. All that medical aid and tender car could do was done to alleviate his disease. During his long sickness he was patient, cheerful and fully resigned to God's will. Nor did he forget . . . thoughtful and helpful to others in their sickness or need. In early life Mr. PARSONS made confession of his faith in Christ and united with the Methodist church maintaining his faithful and consistent fellowship. He transferred his membership to the United Presbyterian church.

Mr. PARSONS was a member of Ellis C. Miller Post of the Grand Army of the Republic and served as commander and in various other capacities. He was twice mayor of the city of Mount Ayr, and a Past Grand Master of the Mount Ayr Lodge 169 of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.

Mr. PARSONS is survived by a devoted wife, two daughters and two sons, five grand children and two great grandchildren, by one brother and other ralatives, who with his many friends mourn because of the separation, but not as those who have no hope. Mr. PARSONS was sincere in faith, a devoted husband, a kind father, a good neighbor. In public life his influence was always on the side of truth, justice and good order. In business he dealt fairly and openly with all men, never did he practice deceit or knowingly wrong any one, so that his life commended his faith and commanded the respect and esteem of all.

CARD OF THANKS

To the neighbors and firends we wish to express our thanks and profound gratitude for the many acts of kindness during the long sickness and on the occasion of the death and funeral of our husband and father, H. H. PARSONS. We also wish to thank the members of the G.A.R. and I.O.O.F. and others for the beautiful floral tributes.

Mrs. H. H. PARSONS