PARSONS, Darwin Austin

PARSONS, WILKINSON, WALLING, SHAFER, HOLWAY, DAYTON

Posted By: Nettie Mae
Date: 1/19/2003 at 00:50:41

Source: "The 1901 Biographical Record of Clinton Co., Iowa, Illustrated" published: Chicago : S. J. Clarke Pub. Co., 1901.

DARWIN AUSTIN PARSONS

Among the old and honored residents of Clinton is Darwin Austin Parsons, who is now living a retired life in the enjoyment of a rest which he has truly earned and richly deserves by reason of his industrious efforts of former years. He was born in West Haven, Vermont, March 17, 1827, a son of Austin and Jane (Wilkinson) Parsons, both of whom were of English descent. The father was born near Ticonderoga, New York, and died in that state at the age of forty-five years, leaving his family in limited circumstances. He was a laborer, and was employed in sawmills for a number of years. After his death the mother was cared for and supported by her sons, and with them came to Clinton, Iowa, in 1856, making her home here until she, too, , was called to her final rest. In the family were three children, namely: Darwin A., our subject; Richard D., a retired resident of Clinton, who was a soldier of the Civil was and received injuries in the battle of Fort Donelson, from which he has never recovered; and Sophia, who died unmarried in New York.

During his boyhood Mr. Parsons acquired only a very meager education in the district schools of New York. At the age of fourteen he commenced earning his own livelihood by working in the sawmill of his uncle, Chancy Lamb, at Bradford, Steuben county, New York, as a lathe boy at wages of twenty-five cents per day. The lumber from that mill was shipped to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and from the mill operated by Mr. Lamb at Big Flats, Chemung county, New York, the lumber was sent to Troy, that state. Our subject was employed at the latter mill for a time and Mr. Lamb received a gold watch for putting out the best lumber that went to Troy that year. As he grew older and became more accustomed to the business he was promoted gradually. In 1852 he went to Canada with Mr. Lamb and assisted in locating a mill in the timber. He was made general foreman of the plant, having entire charge when Mr. Lamb was absent at his home in New York, and he remained there until coming to Clinton, Iowa, in 1852, at which time the town was in its infancy. He has watched with interest the growth and development of the city, and has seen its numerous mills and manufacturing plants established.

When Mr. Lamb’s old mill at Clinton was destroyed by fire what was known as the brick mill was then erected and equipped with the latest machinery obtainable at that time. Mr. Parsons was then given the position of mill foreman and retained it until retired by Mr. Lamb prior to his death. This was in 1895. Soon after locating here he purchased property and erected a residence, and in 1889 bought his present residence, which he has since enlarged and improved with all modern conveniences, a pleasant home at 740 Camanche avenue.

Mr. Parsons was married in Steuben county, New York, January 15, 1850, to Miss Lucy Walling, who was born in that state in 1833, and received a good common school education there. She always enjoyed good health until a few years ago, but has since been an invalid. She accompanied her husband to Canada and has been to him a faithful companion and helpmeet on life’s journey. To them were born two children, but the younger, Ollie, who married John B. Shafer, died in Clinton at the age of twenty-one years. Sophia is the wife of B.F. Holway, a farmer of Missouri, and they have seven children, namely: Ollie has long made her home with our subject, and is a graduate of the public schools of Clinton. Lucy also lived with her grandfather and after graduating from the Clinton business College held a position in this city. She is now the wife of William Dayton, of Leeds, South Dakota, and they have one child. Franklin, a resident of Missouri, is married and has three children. Austin now lived in Colorado. Truman, Isie and Louis are all at home with their parents.

Since voting for Fremont in 1856, Mr. Parsons has always affiliated with the Republican party, but has never cared for political honors, although he served one term as a member of the city council. Both he and his wife are members of the Universalist church of Clinton, in which he served as deacon and trustee for many years. For many years he was one of the active and progressive business men of the city, as well as one of the most reliable and honored citizens, and now in his declining years is enjoying a well-earned rest, free from the cares and responsibilities of business life. As one of the pioneers and representative men of the community he is well worthy the high regard in which he is uniformly held, and is deserving of prominent mention in the history of his adopted county.