PARRIS/PARIS, William H.

PARRISPARIS, LEAR, BEAVERS

Posted By: Sharon R Becker (email)
Date: 1/19/2014 at 04:44:26

Biography ~ William H. Parris

"Biographical and Historical Record of
Ringgold and Decatur Counties, Iowa"
(Lewis Publishing Company (1887)), p. 679:

WILLIAM H. PARRIS, farmer and stock-raiser, resides on section 3, High Point Township, where he owns 240 acres of land. He was born in Marion County, Missouri, in 1840, the sixth son of JAMES M. and POLLY A. (LEAR) PARRIS, of Irish ancestry, who came to Decatur County in March, 1852, and settled in Center Township. The father was a merchant by occupation, and died in 1869, aged fifty-six years, and the mother in 1884, aged sixty-one. WILLIAM H. was reared on a farm, and in 1861, enlisted in Company L, Second Illinois Cavalry, and served four years. He was in the battles of Belmont, New Madrid, Island No. 10 and several other important engagements. He was mustered out at New Orleans. He was married in 1866, to MARIA BEAVERS, daughter of JOSEPH and CHRISTINA BEAVERS, natives of North Carolina. She was born in Highland County, Ohio, in 1844. Their children are - CORA C., MARY E., NANNIE and LINDA C. Mr. PARRIS has held the office of township trustee, assessor, and school director. He is a member of Post No. 251, G. A. R. Mr. PARRIS commenced life a poor man. All he had was one horse. He worked by the month three years, then purchased his present farm. His land is mostly devoted to raising grass; keeps some horses and hogs. His early educational advantages are somewhat limited, being mostly confined to the subscription schools.

Transcribed by Sara LeFleur, Decatur County Historical Society Museum, January of 2014

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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH ~ WILLIAM H. PARIS

Decatur County Journal
Leon, Decatur County, Iowa
June 6, 1890

MR. WILLIAM H. PARIS resides in section 30 of this township. He was born in Marion County, MO., in the year 1840 and emigrated from there to Decatur County in 1852. He first lived in Center Township. His father was proprietor of the first store in the place now known as High Point, but at that time it went by the name of PARIS. He closed out his store about the time the High Point Post Office was established, which was in 1859.

MR. PARIS enlisted in the late Civil War in 1861. He belonged to the Second Illinois Cavalry, Co. L, and served in that capacity four years. He was afterwards mustered out of service at New Orleans. He was in a number of skirmishes, also in the battle of Belmont and that of New Madrid Island No. 10. After he was discharged, he immediately returned home, and being without sufficient money to make any investment, he went to work, saved his money and in a short time he was able to pay for the piece of land. He built a log house thereon and made the best improvements that he could at that time.

The present day finds MR. PARIS the owner of a fine farm of 240 acres. The log house is now used to store away farm implements. His large magnificent dwelling that he now occupies was erected some few years
ago. He has a good barn for his horses and good shelter for his cattle and hogs. A fine, nice orchard stands near the house, consisting of different varieties of fruit trees which furnish more fruit than his family can use. His herd of livestock are all in fine condition. It consists of 12 head of horses, 50 head of hogs, known as the Chester Whites, and 46 head of cattle.

MR. PARIS is an honored member of Leon Post No. 251, G.A.R., also a member of the Decatur County Agricultural Society. His politics are that of a republican and he has been elected by that party to fill
different offices of trust in this township.

MR. and MRS. PARIS are citizens that are highly respected by their neighbors, both being of a kind and social disposition, and those who enter their home, whether they be rich or poor, receive the same attention and respect. Their family consists of five children, one son and four daughters, and they are all at home.

MR. PARIS and his family are fond of good reading matter. He furnishes them with plenty of books and papers; also the Decatur County Journal, of which he has been a subscriber ever since its first issue.

Copied by Nancee(McMurtrey)Seifert