Parsons, Francis J. 1829-1899

PARSONS, NOBLE, GATES, BOOTH, REYNOLDS

Posted By: Marilyn Holmes (email)
Date: 11/8/2011 at 08:14:30

The Grinnell (IA) Herald

OBITUARY.

Mr. F.J. Parsons was born in Chesterfield, Massachusetts, Nov. 10, 1829 and died at his home in this city last Friday July 28, 1899.

Mr. Parsons came to Iowa in 1852 and lived near Big Rock on a farm. He early united with the Congregational Church and has been a consistent member of that church ever since. He has served his church in the capacity, Sunday school superintendent and deacon--always with energy and with his heart in the work. Mr. Parsons with his wife and youngest daughter moved to this city eight years ago, and he has shown himself an honorable upright, christian citizen, devoted to his family, to his church, a good neighbor, a faithful friend, loved by all. For a year he has been failing but has been able to get around. The last four months of his life he was unable to rest well, was constantly weary. This weariness increased and during the last month he got no rest whatever. Yet during it all he was always patient, cheerful and uncomplaining. During the last week he was unable to lie down but walked even on the day of his death. He was conscious to the last and suffered no severe pain--only weariness, and died from suffication. A cancerous tumor attended with a dropsical bloating was the cause of his death.

He leaves a *wife and six children to mourn their loss--Mrs. A.H. Gates, Wilmer, Arkansas; Mrs. E.M. Booth, Anthol, South Dakota; Mrs. J.L. Reynolds, Lyons; Mr. H.F. Parsons, Butler, Mo.; Mr. C.B. Parsons, Beatrice, Nebraska and Miss Grace Parsons of this city. Of these three daughters and one son were present at the funeral services. The funeral services were held at the house at 3 o'clock Sunday afternoon conducted by the Rev. J.B. Adams, and the remains were taken to Big Rock, his former home, yesterday, for interment beside the wife of his youth.

Transcriber Note: *Harriett R. Noble