PARSONS, John Rush

PARSONS, HICKENBOTTOM, MONSON, BUSH, LINN, MAXWELL, MCCORMICK, TRAVIS, ARCHIBALD, LINSTROM

Posted By: Administrator
Date: 2/3/2006 at 13:45:39

The Fairfield (Iowa) Daily Ledger, Monday, October 2, 1939.
CENTENNIAL EDITION, Section G, Page Three.

JOHN R. PARSONS BLAZED TRAIL FROM GLENDALE TO FAIRFIELD,
PRESENT ROUTE OF HIGHWAY 34.

With four yoke of oxen, pioneer spent two
days traversing seven miles.

(By Mrs. Jennie Prince)

John Rush Parsons was born November 22, 1806. His wife, Diana Parsons, was born June 12, 1811. After their marriage, the family home was established at Parsons, Tucker County, West Virginia. It was here that their five oldest children were born.

No record has been left telling why or what induced them to leave their native state and emigrate to a new one – Iowa. But nevertheless, in the spring of 1836 they loaded their belongings in a wagon with a yoke of six or eight head of oxen, no doubt with much trepidation at leaving other loved ones and home scenes.

Especially sad must have been the leave-taking of the mother, with her four little children, one, Robert E., being less than four months old. The eldest, Jerome, was but seven years of age. Death had already invaded the Parsons home, taking their little daughter, Caroline, five years old. Without doubt it was with sadness they left that little grave to look for a new home in the “far west,” as Iowa was then known.

They were accompanied here by Mr. Parsons’ brother, Robert, and wife, and boys, who settled on what is now the Perry Hickenbottom farm at Glendale. The families arrived here some time in 1837. When cold weather and winter came upon them, they stayed at Cairo, in southern Illinois…..They were almost two years in their journey here. Where is there a family of today which would think of starting on a two years’ journey, especially a mother with a baby and three other small children?

Just why they chose Parsonsville for their home has not been recorded. The territory at that time was all government land, and free for settling at $1.25 an acre. Grandfather Parsons staked his claim from near Glendale to where Harry Parsons now owns. He built a log cabin close to where Oscar Monson’s house now stands. This was all timber, and as Mr. Parsons had an eye to thrift, he no doubt thought that it would not be so cold there. He cleared the land and a few years later he built a log house a short distance west, now owned by Will Bush. That house is still in use as a kitchen, having been weather-boarded and ceiled. One would never know today of its origin, it is so nice and cozy. But nevertheless it is part of the Parsons homestead.

In the early ‘40s, when Fairfield was yet in her infancy, John R. Parsons took four yoke of oxen, which of course means eight head, attached them to a huge breaking plow, and thus “Blazed the Trail to Fairfield,” by plowing a continuous furrow. It has been said that oftentimes one couldn’t see the front yoke of oxen on account of the large amount of prairie grass, from six to eight feet tall. In all probability it took two days to make the trip, as slow as oxen move. That “Trail” today is U.S. Highway 34, or known as “the Burlington road.” Today as we go gliding over this pavement we ought to pay a tribute of respect to Mr. Parsons, as this road has seen but little change since he blazed it. It was straightened slightly when the railroad came through in 1856.

Those were boom days then. Mr. Parsons began building a brick house where Jim and Tressie Hawkins now live. At that time it was a regular mansion. He had the idea that Parsonsville would be a railroad station, as there were already some stores there, and the tavern which stood where Herb Linn now lives. But these hopes were never realized.

Wild game was plentiful, and it came in handy to take down the faithful rifle and bring down a wild turkey or some other wild game. The Indians were numerous, and were the only playmates which the Parsons children had for some time. Mr. Parsons was always friendly with the Indians, and they considered the Parsons family the best of friends, as neighbors were few and far between.

Their furniture was all home-made, as he was a handy man, and had the tools with which to make furniture. After the completion of his brick house he at once put out a large orchard. In the year of 1849, when the Maxwell and McCormick families arrived here from the east, kind-hearted Mrs. Parsons sent apples to both of their families many times. This was a real treat, a never-to-be-forgotten kindness. This orchard has the distinction of being one of the first bearing orchards in this county.

When the family came, Mr. Parsons had $1,000, all in gold. This he carried with him, or kept at the house. He was instrumental in building the Parsonsville church, as he furnished all the dimension lumber. With the assistance of the few neighbors that lived here then, all of whom were willing to donate work, the church was built for a small cost, and all had a place to go and worship. A little incident is recalled concerning the time when the church lacked only $100 of being paid for. Grandmother Parsons reached down in her large pocket in her dress, and brought forth the $100, saying “There, now that will clear our church of all debt.”

He also had a blacksmith shop on his farm, and the anvil which he used many times can be seen on the George Parsons farm. Grandfather Parsons bought one of the first mowers in the county, and when the agent came driving up with the “contraption” all boxed up, Mr. Parsons had six or eight men mowing hay with scythes on the land which lies east of the Parsonsville road. When the agent explained his errand – wanting to sell a mower, Mr. Parsons quickly replied, “I just haven’t got time, can’t you see, we’re busy making Hay!” But he was interested enough to ask the price, which was about $70. He said, “Boys, go get a team and we’ll try it out.” After he saw it work, without any further sales talk from the dealer, he said “I’ll buy it,” and therewith reached down in his home-made jeans and brought forth the money, while the scythes were all hanging on the stake-and-rider fence, where they remained. He always was a busy man, and expected all those around him to follow suit…..

His first great sorrow and loss was the death of his loved wife, which occurred August 28, 1876. He remained on the old homestead, with his son Jim and wife, until death claimed him six years later on December 28, 1882.

Mr. and Mrs. Parsons were the parents of thirteen children: Jerome Eugene, who left for the gold fields of California when but nineteen years of age; Lucy Ann, who married Jack Travis; Caroline, who died when but five years of age; Robert E.; Solomon; George and William both died when but a few hours old; Nancy, who lived but two days; Rebecca Ellen married Ben Archibald; Mary Jane, married Charlie Linstrom; and the youngest son, Jim, who remained on the old home farm for many years…..

History of Jefferson County, Iowa, pub. 1879, Chicago: Western Historical Company. Page 538, Buchanan Township
.
“John R. Parsons, farmer and dealer in stock, Sec. 25, P.O. Glendale; born in Randolph Co., W. Va., Dec. 22, 1806; came to Jefferson Co. in April 1837, and took possession of his land before it was surveyed…..Married Miss Diana Parsons Dec. 11, 1827; she was born in West Virginia, Randolph Co., June 22, 1811; died Aug. 28, 1876. Eight children: Lucie A. Travis; Eugene S.; Robert E.; Solomon; Rebecca Archibald; Baldwin; Mary J.; and John J..; -- one dead, James.”