Parsons, Gillespie M. 1843-1914

PARSONS, BAKER, BURTIS, SHACKELFORD

Posted By: Linda Linn (email)
Date: 4/29/2012 at 14:46:14

Algona Courier, Algona, IA, Friday, 13 Nov 1914

DEATH OF G. M. PARSONS
Another of Kossuth's Pioneers Has Passed Through the Portals of Death.
On Thursday of last week Gillespie M. Parsons was called from this life after a long period of declining health. His death occurred at the home of his daughter in this city, Mrs. F. H. Shackelford, his life partner having passed away a few years ago. Since the death of his wife Mr. Parsons spent much of his time at the home of his son, W. A. Parsons, at Isabel, S. D., where he proved up on a homestead. His death resulted from the infirmities of increasing years, some of which were doubtless due to a severe wound he received as a soldier in the civil war.
Mr. Parsons was born in Michigan in 1843 and grew to young manhood at that place. He enlisted in the Union army soon after the outbreak of the civil war and served during the war. He returned to his Michigan home soon after the war and came to Kossuth county in 1866. He was married in 1868 to Miss Mary A. Baker, and the next year the young people settled on a farm in Irvington township, where they remained until increasing years compelled them to cease hard labor, when in 1900 they rented to farm and moved to Des Moines. They lived in that city a year, and then Mr. Parsons and his son, W. A., bought the Durant drug business in Algona and they came here to live. They sold the business in 1908, and W. A. went to S. D.
Eight children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Parsons. They are Rachel, now Mrs. F. H. Shackelford, W. A. of Isobel, Joseph N. of this city, Laura, now Mrs. M. A. Burtis of Irvington, John J. of St. Paul, David A. of Denver, and Ada W. of Algona. The funeral services were held Sunday at the home, conducted by Rev. Goddard of the Congregational church, and the remains were laid to rest in the Irvington cemetery, the services there being conducted by the Masonic lodge. Mr. Parsons was a good citizen and a good friend and neighbor, and his death is regretted by many friends who witness the fast passing of the pioneers.